Haute Brand Alert: Dorothee Schumacher Has Mastered The Art of Quiet Luxury

Photo Credit: Dorothee Schumacher

Dorothee Schumacher’s fashion brand began as an answer to one question: what does it mean to be a woman? To Schumacher, to be feminine was to be bold, to be here. In 1989 when she was starting her brand, the dress code was either/or. It was a power suit or a mini skirt. There seemed to be no room for opposing beauty standards. Or maybe there was?

Schumacher stepped in, filling the fashion space with a label that expressed rather than standardized. She was born in Dusseldorf, grew up in the German countryside, and initially started working at an Italian knitwear manufacturer. Her experience in fashion led her to start her own eponymous brand, beginning with a T-shirt collection. After just three years, Schumacher had expanded to knitwear, opening her first showroom in 1994 with Paris and Milan soon to follow.

Today, Schumacher is a mother to four children, operates 11 independent stores and pop-ups in cities all around the world, sells her collection in 46 countries worldwide through more than 600 doors, and ships online to 49 countries. She’s a force to be reckoned with, and her ultra-luxe yet classic pieces might just become your new wardrobe essentials. From the perfect leather jacket to the coziest cardigan you’ve ever felt, Dorothee Schumacher knows how to make quiet luxury feel personal. We got to know the founder and designer, and now you can, too.

Photo Credit: Dorothee Schumacher

Haute Living: What inspired you to start your brand?

Dorothee Schumacher: I have always been inspired by women who have a special charisma and radiate energy that you can feel. I wanted to create a brand that supports women in being authentic and presenting themselves with a consciously feminine touch. The idea was to create looks that are not costumes and do not serve a function but rather reflect personality and emphasize character instead of concealing it. It’s not just about clothing, but about women feeling more comfortable in my fashion and being perceived as individuals.

HL: Who are your clothes for?

DS: For women who enjoy being recognized at first glance. Because clothes say something, they communicate even before we speak. My garments are designed for all women who have the courage to show themselves as they are.

HL: How has the brand grown since its start in 1989?

DS: The brand has always evolved alongside women. Fashion not only reflects the spirit of the times, but it also anticipates it, and there have been huge strides forward over the years. Women today occupy different roles and positions; they think in new dimensions of balance between career, self-care, and the need to simply feel good. This change can be felt in fashion: it has become more body-conscious, more relaxed, but never arbitrary. Longevity plays a major role today – both in the quality and in the statement of a garment. What has not changed is our view of femininity: for us, femininity is a strength.

HL: Where do you see the brand in 5 years?

DS: I want our stores to feel even more like home – a place where you arrive, feel comfortable and are inspired. Basically, it’s about further enhancing what the brand stands for today: this feeling of belonging, style, and conscious femininity. Women who wear our fashion will continue to do so because they feel seen, understood and empowered in it.

HL: What is at the core of the brand?

DS: The celebration of femininity in all its facets.

HL: What is your favorite piece you’ve ever made?

DS: I don’t have a single favorite piece because every item that leaves our house is tried on, tested and worn by me. I have an emotional connection to each piece, and each one shows a different facet. Favorite pieces are created in the moment: when the dress and the situation come together, when the feeling and the look complement each other perfectly. And the next moment it can be something else again – that’s what I love about fashion.

Our Favorite Dorothee Schumacher Pieces

Sleek Statement Leather Jacket

Shop Now, $1,400

High-Rise Leather Flared Pants

Shop Now, $1,400

Tote Bag

Shop Now, $2,300

Cozy Attraction Coat

Shop Now, $1,650

Wool and Cashmere Jacket

Shop Now, $765

Emotional Essence Off-Shoulder Midi Dress

Shop Now, $675

Blooming Luxury Pullover

Shop Now, $1,670

Fluffy Statement Wool-Blend Miniskirt
<
Shop Now, $590

Subtle Shine Ankle Boot

Shop Now, $830
Blue Jeans Baby Pants

Shop Now, $640