HHV Portraits
Carhartt WIP
HHV Portraits is dedicated to the individuals who shape our community.
It’s a chance to meet, listen and capture the personalities that make up the HHV world beyond just music and products. For this new edition, we teamed up with Carhartt WIP and met six HHV community members: Karl, Tiana, Oli, Miftha, Giang, and Christian.
In a series of short conversations, we talked about personal influences, style beyond trends, the Carhartt WIP pieces they keep coming back to, as well as the music they’ve been listening to most lately. Here are their answers…
Karl:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
I’m Karl and I’m studying fashion design for my master’s degree in Berlin. Outside of my work, I’m shaped by movement, music, and consciously observing my surroundings, things that help me clear my head and develop new perspectives.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
Music is definitely one of the biggest influences on my style. Films and certain characters also inspire me, especially their attitude, aesthetics, and the way they move through space.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
The Brandon Pant is a companion I can always rely on. Whether I’m skating, climbing, or just heading to the Späti, it works in every situation, is durable, and above all extremely comfortable.
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
I find inspiration almost everywhere in my everyday life—in wall textures, a beautiful vintage bicycle, or the play of light and shadow. My best ideas often come while running, when I’m alone with my thoughts and my steps.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
At the moment I’ve rediscovered Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground. “Pale Blue Eyes” in particular has been on constant repeat for days.
Tiana:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
Hi, I’m Tiana, a creative director and photographer from Berlin. Outside of the camera, films have shaped me since childhood, especially timeless classics like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Paprika, or Girl, Interrupted.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
I’m not interested in micro-trends. I value longevity, good craftsmanship, and pieces that truly suit me.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
My current favorite is the OG Detroit Jacket. Timeless, durable, warm enough for sub-zero temperatures, and easy to combine. A piece that simply works.
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
I mainly find inspiration while traveling. New cities, architecture, art, and conversations with people strongly influence my creative work and myself.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
I’ve been listening nonstop to the new $uicideboy$ album THY WILL BE DONE.
Oli:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
Hi, I’m Oli, 29 years old, and I live in Berlin. I’m shaped by quite a lot, I get excited about all kinds of things. Most of all, I’d say music and photography. I constantly need something new or I get bored, so I’m always looking for different ways to express myself.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
I’d say mainly two countries: Italy and Japan. Two places where a lot of value is placed on timeless style and where people know how to dress well, unlike in Germany. Music has also shaped me a lot, especially hip-hop, ever since I can remember.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
The OG Detroit Jacket. The heavy cotton canvas makes the jacket very durable, no matter where you are, and the style is timeless, the perfect all-rounder jacket.
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
Mostly while going for walks. When my mind doesn’t have to work and I can just wander through the streets, free of thoughts, and observe people.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
Fakemink – Fever.
Miftha:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
I am a husband and a father. These roles give me direction, keep me grounded, and shape many of my decisions.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
Films are a central influence. Places and cultures shape me as well, especially their similarities, such as food and clothing. Both are immediate forms of expression that work without many words.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
In addition to my current Carhartt WIP Active Jacket, I own a vintage chore jacket from Malaysia that I found in a thrift store carrying goods from Japan. It has a unique graphic print from an old Japanese publication that no longer exists.
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
Function is more important to me than decoration. If something fulfills its purpose, it feels right to me. My style moves between workwear, military, and a few well-tailored pieces. I mainly find inspiration in people and brands that are consistent.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
Kehlani, A. R. Rahman from the 90s and The New Danger by Mos Def.
Giang:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
My name is Giang. My thinking and behavior in everyday life are defined by my people and my interests.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
Contemporary Japanese Americana.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
The Carhartt dog bed for Vaust (IG: vaust01).
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
My people inspire me, and I inspire my people.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Riviera Paradise (Live) //
The Durutti Column – In “D” //
Mark William Lewis – Pleasure Is Everything //
Maze feat. Frankie Beverly – We Are One
Christian:
Who are you and what shapes you outside of your work?
I’m Christian, I live in Berlin, and I’m a photographer. Outside of my work, there are many things that can influence me from time to time. First and foremost, though, I’m shaped by the few people who are part of my life, who understand me, and whom I can trust.
What influences play a role in your style? Music, people, places, or other inspirations.
Conversations with people are my absolute breeding ground and inspiration, this is where all of my personal work originates. Music also has a very strong influence on me. Since 2004, I’ve been playing reggae and dancehall with Arno Beck under the name “Soundvibration.” In that context, Jamaica plays a major role as a place. Through music and photography, I’ve generally been able to visit many places that have inspired me in different ways.
Which Carhartt WIP piece has been with you for a long time or is currently your favorite and why?
A Dungaree Fit denim from the early 2000s, made in Mexico. I bought the jeans in Paris a few years ago two friends convinced me to buy them. I had no idea what I was trying on, and I didn’t really care, because the quality was and still is the best denim I own. I’ve kept them ever since because I can wear them with everything I own.
Where do you find inspiration, and how does your environment influence the way you dress?
I try to stay true to myself as much as possible. I’ve basically dressed more or less the same since my late teenage years. Of course, there have been attempts here and there to try something different, but sooner or later I always return to it. Over time I’ve understood that and try to stick with it. I’ll probably never be completely free of impulse purchases that I later regret—those pieces usually end up unworn on Vinted after a few months.
What are you listening to on repeat right now?
The two sets we played with Soundvibration at U-Club in December.
