First Impressions: Auf Augenhoehe

To say I am excited for this blog post would be quite the understatement. I’ve said many, many times that the purpose of Always Looking Up was to advocate for accessible and adaptive fashion for people with dwarfism. Most (key word MOST) brands do not design with little people in mind. But, as I continued on this journey, I stumbled across a brand that proves on a daily basis that designing for little people is possible. That brand is AUF AUGENHOEHE.

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On their website, their mission statement states: Ensuring equal access and diversity – AUF AUGENHOEHE is an ambassador for a new fashion industry. After talking to her cousin Funda, who is a little person, brand founder Sema Gedik decided the fashion industry needed to change, to create a fashion label for little people. Since 2013 she has been researching, continually talking to the community, building her team, and, in 2017, officially launched the brand.

Upon learning of Auf Augenhoehe and seeing their clothes, I knew I had to try them out for myself. After browsing their website, scrolling through adorable graphic Tee’s, stylish and trendy pants, blazers, jumpsuits, and dresses, I was in awe. Never have I ever seen models like me wearing clothes designed for people like me. I quickly realized their sizing is very different from what I’m used to, so I reached out to them on Instagram, sent them my measurements, and they quickly replied with what size would fit best. Their sizes range from 1-XS to 3-XL and are based on height, bust and hip measurements. Once I knew my sizes, I immediately placed my order and the waiting game began.

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Last week, when I saw a package on my doorstep wrapped in Auf Augenhoehe packing tape there was some jumping up and down, squealing, and confused looks in my direction from my dog Lucky. I quickly unboxed everything and started trying everything on.

First up was their ISAR Treggings in Bordeaux. I love, love, love jeggings because I always found them to be the most flattering and comfortable on my body (also, anything without a zipper is an automatic plus). Compared to boot cut or even skinny jeans, jeggings (on me) usually don’t have to be tapered to hug the leg (I say usually because there are exceptions). I slipped them on and could not believe how perfectly they fit. There was an elasticity to the fabric that allowed it to hug my legs without constricting them. Plus, there was enough stretch in the waistband where I did not feel they were too tight nor was there a gap between the back of the pants and my lower back. Without needing to be hemmed, they are the ideal length to be worth with any shoe. I can say with absolute certainty that these pants will quickly become a staple in my wardrobe.

The second item I purchased was their KYLL Jumpsuit, also in Bordeaux. This jumpsuit was simple in design with a front zipper, sleeveless, and a cinched waist. It is made in the same fabric as the pants, so I was not surprised at how comfortable and form fitting it is. I loved the ease of having the zipper in the front and, like the treggings, they are the perfect length without needing to be hemmed. I cannot wait to see how many ways I can style the jumpsuit for the office, Sunday brunch, or a night out in New York City (stay tuned for that blog post).

In summary, my first impressions of Auf Augenhoehe is that I’m in love. I am already placing an order for the Treggings and Jumpsuit in all the colors. You can tell that Sema and her team really thought of the little person body in every design, crafting garments that fit and flatter a body type that other brands avoid. Moreover, these are not kids' clothes. Their clothing are adult, professional, classic and trendy. Auf Augenhoehe proves that clothing designed for little people can be fashionable, functional, and accessible.