Born and raised in Germany, Marcel Floruss decided to leave the country to start a career in fashion. After attending FIT in New York City, he dedicated all of his time to his blog, One Dapper Street, which quickly grew into one of the most influential personal style sites in menswear.

CF: Where are you from, and how has it impacted your take on fashion? 

MF: I was born and raised in Stuttgart, Germany, a medium-sized city in the South. I don’t know how much my geographical location really impacted my fashion. I think I wore a lot of things people wouldn’t approve of, but my mom always told me (or at the very least) allowed me to express myself, and ultimately, I think that’s what got me where I am today.

CF: How did you discover your love for style? 

MF: I like to say that fashion is my armor. It taught me self-confidence when I had none, and it allowed me to communicate with others before even saying a word. 

CF: How did you take your online platform from hobby to career? 

MF: Frankly, I had a business-mindset from the very beginning. To me, an untainted passion and an occupation aren’t mutually exclusive, I think that’s one of the biggest misconceptions a majority of people still hold. 

CF: What is something that would surprise us to learn about you? 

MF: I dance ballet. And hip hop. And I was in a musical. I guess those are three fun facts, but really it’s just one.

CF: What is your motto?

MF: Leave everything and everyone better than you found them.

CF: What is your favorite must have item for Fall/Winter 2015/16? 

MF: Anything and everything with shearling. 

CF: Describe your personal style in 3 words?

MF: Never the same.

CF: Which pair of #catboots were your favorite to style, and why? 

MF: My favorite are the Newfound Boots. They’re a perfectly classic yet modern style, ultra versatile, and simply a great pair of boots to have for the season!