IN CONVERSATION WITH LAURA ABLA

interview by JANA LETONJA

German model, content creator and podcast host Laura Abla has become one of the standout style figures of the 2026 World Cup, not on the pitch, but in the stands. Currently travelling back to Europe following Spain’s big win, Laura continues to support long-time partner Dani Olmo, while becoming one of the tournament’s most closely watched dressers thanks to her thoughtful mix of vintage pieces and sharp tailoring. Beyond that, Laura has built a career defined by authenticity, balancing campaigns for leading luxury houses with candid conversations about confidence, identity, and self-image. As co-host of one of Germany’s most popular podcasts and a regular on the international fashion circuit, she represents a new generation of multifaceted creators shaping culture both online and offline.

The World Cup has unexpectedly turned you into one of the tournament’s most talked-about style figures. How has this experience felt from your perspective?

I honestly came to the World Cup to support my partner. I just wanted to feel like the best version of myself while cheering him on, and I guess dressing up is never a bad idea. Seeing so many people suddenly take such an interest in my outfits has been a little surreal, but also so much fun. I genuinely love fashion and putting fun looks together with my stylist, so if people enjoy following along as much as I enjoy wearing them, it's a total win-win.

Your match-day looks feel effortless but intentional. What inspires the way you dress for football occasions?

Match days always feel really special, so I like my outfits to reflect that excitement. But it's also very important to me that you can tell exactly who I'm there for, because supporting my partner will always come first. Also, I have so much fun experimenting with different styles and trying new things. It has become a part of my match-day experience, finding a look that feels like a version of me and adds to the excitement of the day.

Vintage fashion plays a big role in your wardrobe. What draws you to vintage, and what makes a piece worth collecting?

For me, vintage pieces always feel a little more special because they come with a story. I love that there is so much to discover from unique silhouettes and beautiful tailoring to interesting fabrics and details you don’t always find in new pieces.

You’ve built your platform by being open about confidence and self-image. Why was honesty important to you from the beginning?

From the very beginning, I’ve always wanted to have fun and not take everything too seriously. I truly believe the best moments come when you feel comfortable being fully yourself. I wanted to create a community where we could have fun together long-term, and I think that only works when you’re showing up as the person you really are.

What does confidence mean to you today, and has that definition changed over the years?

To me, confidence is being fully yourself and not overthinking every little thing. Although that doesn’t mean I’m not an overthinker anymore. I think confidence is something I’ve grown into over the years. It’s less about being perfect and more about trusting yourself.

Social media often rewards perfection. How do you stay authentic while working in such a visual industry?

I just accepted that I’m probably not the most perfectly curated person out there and honestly, I’m okay with that. At this point, I’ve decided to just embrace it. I stopped trying to be something I’m not, and I think that’s actually what makes it work.

You’ve worked with both luxury fashion houses and global lifestyle brands. What makes a collaboration feel meaningful?

I think what makes collaborations meaningful to me is the trust behind them. I’ve never tried to create a perfectly curated version of myself, so I really appreciate when luxury houses and global brands trust me to bring their world to my community in my own way. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

Your podcast has become hugely successful. What have those conversations taught you about yourself?

I think it taught me that real people are actually listening and maybe also that I don’t have to share quite everything. I’m still working on that one.

What topics do you think young women want to hear discussed more openly today?

I think we should talk more openly about the moments that don’t look perfect. There is so much pressure to have the perfect image, the perfect plan, and the perfect timing, but nobody actually has everything figured out. I think being honest about the fails, the doubts, and the unexpected turns makes people feel less alone and reminds us that we’re all allowed to do things our own way.

What role does fashion play in expressing who you are beyond trends?

For me, fashion has always been a way to express different sides of my personality. I love that an outfit can reflect your mood, your energy, or even a phase you’re going through. It’s about having fun, experimenting, and wearing things that feel like you in that moment. And if that means being a different version of yourself every day, I think that’s totally fine.

Looking ahead, are there creative fields—film, design, publishing, entrepreneurship—you’d love to explore?

I’ve always been someone who gets excited about trying new things, so I definitely see myself exploring different creative fields in the future. I mean, the pop star dream is still alive. I also think entrepreneurship is really fascinating, but right now I’m focused on building on the things I’m already doing and seeing where they take me. I think the most important thing for me is to follow what genuinely excites me, because that’s usually where the best ideas come from.