WHY DÜSSELDORF – PABLO STEINGASS
As CFO and COO of LFDY, Pablo Steingass is contributing to an impressive success story: in addition to five German locations, the trendy streetwear label, which started in a backyard in Flingern in 2013, now also has stores in Amsterdam, London and Paris. Pablo studied international business in Spain and Scotland, among other places, worked in New York and is fluent in four languages. The 42-year-old, who lives with his family in Flingern, appreciates not only Düsseldorf's cosmopolitan nature as he explains in this VIVID interview.
Pablo Steingass is CFO and COO of the streetwear label LFDY. In recognition of its business achievements and significant social commitment to the city, LFDY was recently presented with the Düsseldorf Fashion Business Award 2026.
What makes Düsseldorf special?
It strikes a good balance between economic solidity and cultural openness. Despite its size, the city has a very international feel, without seeming loud or artificial. It provides a stable environment for businesses and attracts many well-educated young people, with numerous startups launching their businesses here in recent years. At the same time, Düsseldorf is a hub for creativity, subculture and new ideas.
Düsseldorf in three words
Cosmopolitan. Creative. Authentic.
Düsseldorf is a good location for a streetwear label because...
Business acumen and a subcultural mindset come together here quite naturally. The city has a strong infrastructure with short distances, and tends to facilitate things rather than create obstacles. I appreciate the down-to-earth nature of the people, even if this is sometimes perceived differently from the outside. And growth from Düsseldorf is possible without losing who you are or having to explain or hide yourself on the international stage.
Düsseldorf is culturally exciting for me because...
...it quietly but constantly inspires me with its diverse offerings. I enjoy visiting exhibitions, concerts and sporting events, for example, and I love the city's international foodie scene. Despite these many possibilities, you are not constantly bombarded with unwanted hustle and bustle. You have to actively search for what interests you. But you always find something.
Here in Düsseldorf, I feel happy
When I spend time with my wife and children, for example in the Grafenberg Forest or at the Zoopark. Or simply when I see the Rhine. I also love it when I spontaneously meet friends or acquaintances, because in Düsseldorf, you can always bump into people by chance.
Here in Düsseldorf, I find inspiration
I find it very inspiring to rediscover the world, especially Düsseldorf, through the eyes of my children. It's the everyday situations that inspire me more than big events: conversations with family, friends, business partners, employees and young talents. I am also inspired by projects that give something back to the city and the community beyond mere business purposes. I'm also inspired by urban places like the many small shops and galleries on Ackerstraße or the Media Harbour with its special atmosphere. •
Words: Tom Corrinth
Picture: Privat