While trends come and go, people will always be on the move. Luxury leather brand, MCM knew this and took the opportunity to make its timely debut during the budding travel culture of the ’70s. Since then, its been sure to stay true to its craft driven heritage. The brand’s latest collection, “Nomad” is a nod to it’s roots with a mindfulness for modern minimal aesthetic. Engineering and design are brought together when a uniquely synthesized weather proof/rip proof fabric meets soft, full grain leather trims and hand crafted polished brass hardware. “Nomad” features options in MCM’s signature “Cognac” colorway and a new all black addition with monochrome detailing and subtle branding. Each bag has been designed to be highly functional, yet versatile with its timeless shapes and silhouettes. Backed by a purpose for sporadic travels with style, the new collection perfectly suits the busy lifestyle of model and Haze and Glory brand owner, André Hamann. In a recent interview, he talks to us about Berlin and the lessons he’s learned on his ventures. Read our full interview with him below, and check out the collection here.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into modelling? What about your fashion brand?
I was working in an H&M in Vienna and a model scout “discovered” me. In the beginning I had to go to a lot of auditions until i finally got a job. After my first modelling job the spell was broken and more and more clients started booking me.
I was always into fashion. Two of my friends wanted to start a fashion brand and we all have the same clothing style. My partners from “Haze&Glory” are based in Bali so our look represents the “easy going” lifestyle.
What’s one of your essentials for travelling around?
I always bring a hat with me wherever I travel to.
What do you do before boarding? Get a cup of coffee, takeaway, magazine, book etc?
Before boarding I always listen to music. I especially love listening to the band Daughter – it calms me down before take off. If I don’t have a night flight, I also get a big cup of coffee. I am addicted to coffee, I should really drink less of it.
From all your travels as a model and a fashion brand owner, could you share some tips you’ve picked up along the way?
Before you leave your house or hotel room ALWAYS double check if you’ve packed your passport. I had to learn it the hard way and already missed two flights because I forgot mine.
Do you have any place in particular you’ve visited that really stands out in your mind?
Cape Town and Bali. I love the people there and the laid back atmosphere. Being by the ocean calms me down.
Can you share some of your favorite things to do in Berlin?
In the summertime I love just sitting by the “Paul-Lincke-Ufer” with friends. It is a nice area in Kreuzberg where the Spree river runs through the city. Whenever I have friends in town I take them to the Mauerpark on a Sunday. There is a nice flea market and karaoke in the park.
What are some secret places in Berlin you can share?
I like the Humboldthain Park in Wedding. There a lot of nice spots in there and it is not too crowded.
Aside from modelling and brand owner, are you looking to branch out and do something else one day?
I’ve played the guitar for years and just started a band called “Felan.” I would love to go on tour and travel around the world with my band.
Can you remember the first time you came across MCM’s iconic monogram?
A friend of mine was wearing a MCM backpack and I really liked it. That must be 4 years ago.
What aspects catch your attention most with this new collection?
I like the more low key pieces. For example my black MCM trolley. It is all black, but you can still see the MCM logo but it is not too obvious when you first see it. I find that very chic. The briefcase is just super handy. I take it to work with me everyday.
How would you look to incorporate a particular item into your everyday?
Well I like black, and I wear black most of the time. And grey. I look for quality, and if something fits well with the rest of my clothes.
What makes a product a “luxury” product in your eyes?
Usually the material or if it’s hand made. If you put hours into making it very perfect, it’s all in the little details that make something luxury. It takes hours to create an expensive bag, but most importantly it’s the quality of the material.
What do you look for when you’re figuring out if something was made with great craftsmanship?
If I’m looking for a bag, I have to make sure it’s very durable. It’s got to have good craftsmanship, to keep it from getting damaged on-the-go, because I travel quite a bit.
How important is heritage with brands in today’s day and age?
For me it’s not necessarily important how old the brand is, it matters more about the quality of it. The brand doesn’t have to be older than 200 years, or new to the market, just important that something fits into my style.
What do you consider aesthetically when you’re looking to incorporate something into your everyday life?
If I have to choose, I have to say I go for something more timeless and classic, so I can wear it as long as I want to.