Interesting mix with all ups and downs.
Maya Lu (Berlin)
Maya Lu is a Berlin-based stylist, born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Her cultural heritage and experiences influence her modern, sophisticated, and bold way to understand Fashion. In combining an interconnected world with a dreamy yet clear approach, contemporary but playful parts are recognized parts of her aesthetic.
Can you tell me about living and working in Berlin, what do you enjoy the most? What makes it special?
I have been living in Berlin since 2018. What I love about the city is that I don’t get bored here. There’s always something interesting happening and always new stuff comes up.
Even if you know everything in your Kiez, there is still so much more to explore in the rest of the city. As a creative artist, I feel like the “stage” is open for everyone.
Berlin is full of creative, energetic, powerful people from all over the world. There’s a lively exchange of cultures and ideas that constantly creates something very unique.
Berlin is full of creative, energetic, powerful people from all over the world. There’s a lively exchange of cultures and ideas that constantly creates something very unique.
What inspires you about Berlin?
Definitely the people. Here in Berlin, most people are very expressive, direct, unapologetic and sometimes rude, which I find very charming and authentic. I am not saying that it is always a positive thing, it can be quite disturbing sometimes but that’s how cities are.
Definitely the people. Here in Berlin, most people are very expressive, direct, unapologetic and sometimes rude, which I find very charming and authentic. I am not saying that it is always a positive thing, it can be quite disturbing sometimes but that’s how cities are.
Do you have a favourite part of the city or neighbourhood?
It might not come as a surprise but the answer is definitely Neukölln! My first experience was eleven years ago, when I walked along Sonnenallee, a famous street with a certain hectic and chaotic vibe.
It was and still is hard to imagine that you are in Germany, a very interesting mix with all its ups and downs. Nowadays, Neukölln is still a creative hub but highly affected by gentrification on the one hand and poverty ridden on the other.
What has been your favourite project to date?
We did a 10 years’ anniversary editorial shooting for Schön Magazine in the Swiss alps. The landscape, the mountains – the nature was quite dreamy and overwhelming. It was a long ride down there but it was worth it, I enjoyed every second of the shooting.
How did you get into styling and how do you think your work has evolved?
Fashion, design and styling are my core interests since I was child. I started styling for my own label and had a lot of fun doing that. To put forth a new character, a new side to the piece you thought you knew has brought me lot of new ideas and surprises.
From the beginning, I wanted to create something recognizable and to convey my curiosity into my work, I hope I have reached that goal, that my works are recognizable and unique.