About April First
The name is defined by the boutique's opening day and the birthday of the founder Carolin Dunkel. The idea was to create an environment of retail which invites customers to explore a curated selection of fashion and interior which resembles more a gallery than a store.
After completing her master's degree, Carolin has already worked for renowned fashion and media companies in New York and Berlin. Not without reason, this was the aspiration to combine fashion and design at APRIL FIRST and to develop the entire concept of the boutique herself.
Since 2016, April First offers a remarkable hybrid of well known and upcoming brands from around the world such as Ulla Johnson, Alémais, Sea New York, Mansur Gavriel and many more combined with unique furnishing objects, beauty picks and fine jewelry.
About Carolin
April First is more than a store—it’s my visual language brought to life. Think of it as my personal closet, where I handpick the cherries just for you. Each piece is chosen to inspire joy, creativity, and individuality, blending boldness with timeless elegance.
The labels I select must fit seamlessly into my 'World,’ which is all about strong, distinctive looks. I don’t go for basics—you can find those anywhere. Instead, I focus on bold, standout pieces that can be effortlessly mixed and matched with your wardrobe.
I have an undeniable love for color. Black rarely finds a place in my wardrobe or my store because I believe there’s already plenty of black and white in the world. Instead, I gravitate toward vibrant hues and prints that bring energy and excitement to every collection. Every designer I feature is someone I have a personal connection with, making the curation deeply personal and meaningful.
My passion for fashion and design stems from my upbringing in a small countryside village. I spent much of my childhood with my grandmother, who taught me how to stitch, knit and create with my hands. My parents ran a restaurant, once an old farmhouse, which they transformed over the years into a cozy hotel and restaurant. Watching my father design and expand the space alongside my mother shaped my appreciation for creativity and transformation. To me, it will always be a fairytale home.
