By Liesa Maria Lettau
Micayla, you are the model for our Spring/Summer Collection 2019, and first I'd like to thank you for the great job. I met you at a party and eventually asked you to model for me. I think you had no experience at all. How was it for you?
Thank you so much Liz for having me as your model for the new collection. You and your crew were superb – each bringing a warm and fun energy to the set!
Actually, I did some modelling in the past. In High School I modelled for Ike and Tash as a part of their ’Street Team’ and that is where I first gained the confidence and got the exposure to being in front of the camera. I have so much love and admiration for the work they do!
But besides that, I hadn’t modelled since moving to Berlin, so this was a really refreshing experience. I would totally be up for modelling more often!
You are from Seattle, US, and came to Berlin for your Masters Program. Why did you choose Berlin and how do you like it so far?
Yup, that’s right I’m studying Political Economy of European Integration (which is a mouthful to even say let alone comprehend ha!). I moved to Berlin summer of 2017 for a two month internship. And although my visa was ending I wasn’t prepared to leave. I think a certain type of person is attached to Berlin, and I just so happen to be one of those. I mean, Berlin is this multifaceted anomaly. It’s a space where the most contrasting creatures can live homogeneously, where you can be as expressive or as tamed as you please. I love Seattle, without a doubt, but I sort of found my niche in the absurdity of Berlin. Here I can freely pursue my own creative outlets, live a bit unorthodox and do it with this diverse network of cool and provoking humans. That’s pretty special to me.
You told me that you are in crafting, too. You make chokers and harnesses, partly upcycled. Do you plan to go a bit further with that and start a brand, if you have the time and chance to do it? I would love to see more of your stuff!
Oh god, I’d love to actually. It originally started because I liked to design the pieces I wear for partying, the more exuberant, dramatic stuff. But what I have been working on lately has been more for everyday wear – just from scraps I find around my flat or on the street. Like I really want a Bedazzler, one of those which I had as a kid. I have been obsessing over rhinestones and trashy jewels lately.
If I had the time I would definitely do it more often, but with my studies I can’t produce the quantity I want at the rate I’d like, but as things progress I will for sure share with you.
What are your plans for the summer?
This summer I have a holiday to Kiev planned with some friends, and one with my partner to North America. Other than that, I’m desperate to be back in nature, and dance outside under the sun to rid myself of this gloomy winter weather! I have a few festivals in mind for that.
You are “Part Time Vegan” and Vegetarian. Can you tell me more about how you came to this decision, and your philosophy behind it?
Growing up I had a best friend who was Buddhist and would go vegetarian for Lunar New Year. One year she invited me to join her, and so I did. That was 12 years ago and I am still a vegetarian to date. I continue this lifestyle because of the level of consciousness it has brought me. The relationship I have formed to food, and to the environment was completely shaped by my vegetarianism, which later evolved into becoming a vegan. I love knowing where my food is sourced, what the impact my consumption is having on the world, and in what ways I can make less of a carbon footprint, which in that gesture, makes more of an impact. After moving to the land of delicious bread and cheese, I decided to drop strict veganism and try something a bit more moderate. So, now I start each month with 7 days of vegan living, and the remaining 3 weeks I am purely vegetarian. I have learned over the years that I need to listen to my body and what it is asking for, and if my temple is saying it wants Künefe from Imren Grill, I eat it.
What’s your favourite Lettau l|. Art Fashion photo or outfit? What do you like about it? What did you feel modeling it and what did you want to get across?
I vibe with the Lettau l|. cyberpunk look so much. I like this aggressive and edgy vibe, but still need something that is suiting to my more quirky personality and I feel this was exactly it. My favourite look to model was the APEX tongue body in vertical coloured stripes (Rainbow). I loved the high cut on the sides, it was fitting me in all the right places and made me feel really fucking edgy and hot. I think any individual who chooses this piece can say the same because the material was like a second layer to your own skin.
Paula Nietner was the photographer. How was it to work with her?
Firstly, I love this chicks aesthetic. Not only can she produce stunning work, she also has this ora about her that made it really inviting to work with her. In my moments of feeling a bit lost or complacent she did great at directing me and then really encouraging what was working. She had such an effortless attitude, I’d totally be up for future endeavours with her.
What would be the best occasion for a Lettau l|. Body and how would you style it?
I think it all comes down to how a person styles it, because I’ve worn my red Lettau l|. latex top underneath a blazer and wore that to uni. A body is multifunctional, in that you can wear it as such, to a festival, or a party, or just chilling with friends in the park. And then for occasions when you need a few more layers you can easily put on a pair of trousers and a jacket over top. They’re the most functional pieces honestly.
Photos: Paula Nietner
Hair and Make-Up: Elisa Sankowski
Assistence: Sheerin Koch