Cats & Dogs: An Interview with Ricarda Schernus
What did you do before you started blogging?
I studied. When I finished school I had basically already started the blog. I started before blogging was a big thing, with a private music blog in 2002 and had like four readers, who were always commenting which was quite nice. I went to concerts and wrote about it.
Why did you get into fashion blogging in particular?
How did you learn to sew?
My mum taught me. It’s something I’ve always done. I still sew when I can. I have a big coat I have been working on for about a year, I’d love to finish that! I would love to do more and maybe with my new job I will have more time.
So you are about to start an exciting new job. What’s the name of the agency you will be working with in Hamburg?
It’s called Powerkeks. It’s a boutique agency. They have about 20 people working in Hamburge and a couple more in Munich. So they do work all over Germany. But they are not in Berlin so I will move to Hamburg. I love them, they are great. I have been working with them for quite some time. They do a mix of advertising and PR work. It’s a mix between kinds of catalogue brands and high fashion brands. It’s pretty nice because they help some more old fashioned brands to find a younger audience and develop a new concept.
Will you continue your blog in Hamburg?
Definitely. And the agency is actually encouraging me to. I will be working with a lot of bloggers and blogger events and campaigns.
That will be a big change from your current job teaching. How did Powerkeks find you?
I’ve been teaching for three, almost four years. At some point last year the agency and I started working on some projects together. It’s very weird how these things work out. I think it’s the key to always stay open to opportunities that present themselves.
What are some of the coolest things that have happened because of your blog?
I have done some amazing things. I went to Paris with some other bloggers. We met Ellie Goulding for a private gig. She was really nice and spent time with us. I met all these cool French bloggers I’ve been a fan of. I went to London a few times for different brands and to Barcelona where I met some Formula One drivers who were there with Pepe Jeans. It wasn’t exactly my area of expertise but it was a nice trip. I love travelling and it’s great to get sponsored trips.
Do you try to get to the fashion weeks around Europe?
I do. I went to London twice. I stayed there for half a year actually. When I went to London last time I got to meet a lot of great people from different agencies etc.
And you’ll be in Berlin for Fashion Week?
Yes, I’ll be doing some stuff. I have a little plan but I’m not sure if I will make it to everything. We will have a project with 7 for All Mankind, where Jessie from We the People will come from London and we’ll walk about Berlin so I can show her around. She is a big street style blogger. We’ll also go to the Rihanna concert together which is again one of these things I’m open to.
What is the main focus of your blog?
Personal style and trying to find ways to show people how to combine big brands with small brands, as well as local brands. Putting everything together in a soup. I used to have a lot more vintage clothes but it’s hard to find in Berlin. We often have these events and photoshoots with Karin from Common Vintage. I love it. Last time I just fell in love with a red sequin dress so I bought it the next week. I like to mix vintage with modern.
Your blog photos are amazing, who do you use as your photographer?
My boyfriend. He hates it! He’s not a professional photographer. He is writing his doctorate thesis in film theory. He’s a nerd. He loves films! He has taken my photos since I moved to Berlin. Before that my sister took them for me, when we lived in Hannover. Luckily my sister now lives in Hamburg so I will have a photographer there when I move. I’m not sure she’s too keen to take them again either!
So will your boyfriend move with you to Hamburg?
No he has to stay in Berlin for one more year to finish his thesis. He could move but he has a tough schedule and has to finish in February after writing for five years. He’s been teaching at the same time at the University. He was also doing a big project with multiple Universities in Europe. We met in a town near Hannover five years ago when we were both working there.
So he’s basically been writing his thesis the whole time you’ve known him. What will life be like after he finishes?
I have no idea. I guess he’s going to be super happy. I don’t even think about it. I just hope he makes it. Otherwise they will throw him out!
What are your future plans for your blog?
I hope I can keep it up as I have been. I will see how my new job is. I want to keep going with my blog and keep it moving and changing and make sure I’m always happy with it. I think I want to put more music back into the blog and some local things. I’m sure I will discover a lot of new things in Hamburg.
Are you looking forward to your work with Social Media Week Berlin in September?
Yes! I really hope it goes well. It’s a nice concept. We will find out more soon.
Do you Instagram?
I really like some of the pictures on Instagram. I just got the new update and I don’t like the new video option. I want to go back to the old version. I use Instagram for my blog. I like to share my blog post pictures and some stuff I do. I don’t post too much but I’ll be Instagramming during Fashion Week.
What are you wearing for the photos today?
I have some friends here, they make t-shirts, tops and bags they print themselves in limited edition. The label is Saint Noir. They sell online. My bag is by Proenza Schouler and the rest is mostly Zara. I got the necklace from a friend for my birthday.
And one last question, how do you always get your hair to look so good?
My hairbrush. It’s amazing. But trust me, it’s always bad in the rain!