April 2019 BurdaStyle Magazine

Posted on by DoctorTDesigns

It feels so early, but the full preview of the April BurdaStyle Magazine is already up on the German site! My first impression of this issue was very meh, but I’m actually starting to find more to appreciate the longer I look at these designs. There’s lots to look at so let’s get started!

First off, props to Burda for including an older model, not just in a full feature of the magazine, but also on the cover! Granted, it’s a far cry from the total inclusivity that I think we would all like to see in the sewing community, but it is at least a start, and that’s something worth noting. Between this and the expanded sizes we are starting to see from Simplicity, it feels like things are moving in the right direction. I’m not saying everything is magically fixed and we are all good now, but I do think it’s worth pointing out because it is a step in the direction I think we all want things to go.

Now, on to the actual designs! First up, as is tradition, are the jackets:

When I first saw this I was a bit underwhelmed, but it is actually growing on me quite a bit! I love the relaxed fit and the cropped sleeve length for spring. It feels like the less flouncy version of Mimi G’s recent pattern release. This version feels like it would be better for the Dramatic/Natural end of the spectrum, whereas the Simplicity pattern feels like it would be more towards the Romantic/Gamine end. I don’t want to go too far into the Kibbe-ness on these general pattern review posts, but I do think it’s cool to be able to compare two releases of a similar pattern and objectively look at the lines to decide which one would probably work better for me. Anyway, long aside aside, I think this jacket is a really cute casual look for spring.

I’m not as excited by this puffy bomber-ish sort of jacket, though I do think it looks fun on the models, and I do think the cuff treatment is really interesting. I also love this idea of this being a good layering piece for the transitional seasons when the temperature variance is quite high throughout the day.

I love this! The cool lapel scarf closure thing is such a unique feature. And it is a great way to add a touch of softness to what is otherwise a very traditional tailored jacket.

Another fun jacket this month! I feel like it is hard to see with the wild print, but there is actually a lot of seaming and tailoring going on here. This could be a really cute and fun addition to a more formal spring work wardrobe, or it could be good to throw on with a pair of jeans for a fun but more causal night out.

Yet again my initial thought was “meh” but I’m actually really loving the longer version of this robe/jacket. I think I want to incorporate more layering pieces into my wardrobe, and this looks like a great simple pattern to experiment with.

There aren’t many dresses this month, but I really like the options we get:

I really like the twist waist detail on this dress! I wasn’t too excited by the skirt ruffles at first, but they are sort of growing on me. I also really like how simple the neckline is, and the overall silhouette. Definitely going on the wishlist.

Swoon! Gorgeous! I really love the large scale asymmetrical neckline, and how clean and fitted the rest of the dress is. So pretty!

My first thought was, ok, another shirtdress from Burda, but I do love the sleeve details. It really brings the level up a notch in terms of design features. And the styling is perfection.

I like this because I feel like shirt dresses are often very stiff and tailored, but this feels much softer and less precise. Personally, it’s more ruffle than I’d like to wear, but I do appreciate it as a slightly different option compared to the more traditional shirtdress.

We get a lot of tops this month, with some interesting options:

Again, the ruffles really aren’t my personal style, but I actually really like how these look on the models. I think there is just enough ruffle to be interesting, but not so much as to be totally overboard.

Ok, so, the back is kind of cool here. I would worry about how voluminous this shirt would be based on the line drawing, but it actually looks pretty great on the model, especially the orange version. Perhaps in a more draped fabric like a challis this would look really nice and not too stiff.

Cute. Not my personal taste, but cute. I like the cuff detail on the sleeve.

This is one of those designs where there isn’t much to say. It’s a boxy t-shirt. It looks cool if that is what you are going for, but, it’s pretty dull in general. Possibly interesting because it looks like it is meant for wovens, but, otherwise, pretty meh.

At first I really didn’t like this tunic top, but that back shot of the yellow version has convinced me – it is super cool and I really like it. Not as impressed with it being worn as a dress in the print, but the flowing, open back design is actually a pretty cool feature.

This top, I need it. Yes, it’s a basic t-shirt with a waist tie, but I really like that! Plus I have way too much striped fabric and I really like the way they’ve mixed the directions here.

We get a decent mix of bottoms this month, though nothing is really too spectacular here:

The hem detail is a nice feature here, as is the pocket stripes on the white version. We still aren’t covering our ankles though. That trend is not going to die any time soon.

Ah! I think this is a nice basic trouser pattern. It would be easy enough to have symmetric back pockets if so desired, and I like that they include two length variations for this pattern.

Not my favorite jumpsuit from Burda, but not the worst either. I do like the zip pockets in the trouser portion – very cool!

This is a nice A-line skirt. The pocket pouch is super detailed, which is actually really fun!

Lots of ruffles. I do think the model looks really cute in this skirt though, so I can’t really say anything against it. I do like the in-seam pockets – it feels like a nice, unexpected feature on this type of a skirt.

The Burda Plus options are pretty good this month:

Basic trousers are sort of boring, but also really functional. Love seeing this pattern in both a print and a solid – the model looks great in both!

Love this blazer! It very much reminds me of the sequin style from the December issue that came in the smaller size range. Really love the collar detail and the elongated, relaxed fit.

This dress has some really nice details, lots of fun topstitching, and could be an awesome candidate for color or print blocking.

Probably the least interesting of the Plus designs this month, but simple designs are good for using wild prints, so Burda get a bit of a pass on this one I guess.

I love the garment photos of this top. The cuffs and asymmetric collar are such cool details! I’m not as sold by the model photos – the blue top just looks like it is hanging all askew, and the print top makes it hard to see the details. I do like this top in theory though, so yay for design points?

The kids section has a nice mix of casual clothes this month:

The pants and t-shirt are probably the most interesting patterns this month, or maybe the romper. The jacket/vest with detachable sleeves is also an interesting concept, though not new at all.

And that’s it! It feels like there is a lot of decent stuff this month, though on first glance I wasn’t that impressed. It made it a little hard to choose the Best of BS for April, because I kept finding new patterns to appreciate, but in the end I’ve decided to give it to:

The asymmetric sheath dress! It was a close match between this dress and the scarf blazer, but in the end I decided to give it to the dress. I just think it has such a fantastic combination of classic design elements with enough of a tweak to the neckline to make it interesting and eye catching. It’s a beautiful dress!

The BWTF Award was also hard to pick out this month, because nothing was really terrible. So instead I went after most boring. This month the BWTF goes to:

Basic t-shirt top. Honestly, not a bad pattern. Just… not interesting. It doesn’t feel special or unique, so it gets the bottom spot for the month.

And that’s it! Another month of Burda in the books. On the whole, I’m surprised by how many of these patterns I really like. First glance through the announcement page had me a little disappointed, but the closer I looked at the detail and design lines, the more I really liked the options this month. The blazer and dresses are really quite fantastic patterns, but there are also lots of great casual looks as well. I feel like there is a nice balance between ruffly styles and more streamlined looks. I’m also excited that Burda has done a full feature with an older model. I don’t think it is the first time Burda has used this model (pretty sure she was in the February 2010 issue?), but I think she is fabulous and I want to wear all of her clothes. Hopefully we will be seeing a wider age range feature more prominently in the future, but for now I’m just excited that we get to see a wider age range in the fashions, and on the cover! What do you all think? Is this issue full of surprising styles that are making you want to sew? Or is it a bit of a dud? How do we feel about having an older model in the issue? Is it something we should be applauding, or too little, too late? Feel free to discuss it all in the comments!

45 thoughts on “April 2019 BurdaStyle Magazine”

  2. I really like some of these, unfortunately no one sells them in Canada anymore. 😦

    I too, like the tunic with the buttons up the back, I can see myself restyling a men’s shirt, using the front for the back etc. I will have to keep an eye open for a XL men’s shirt at the thrift store.

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    2. There’s supposed to be one or two companies distributing Burdastyle by subscription now that GC News is gone – there’s discussion about it on PR. Have not heard feedback if anyone has subscribed.

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    3. Yes these people are! I just got my first one through them
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  3. Burda has got style. It can’t be denied. The attention to details is what makes Burda so special. Loved your analysis of this issue and I agree that the more I look at it the more I like this issue. You can find English versions on ebay.co.uk and have them shipped to Canada.

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      2. Thank you for this tip! I just went to their site and ordered the April issue as though it costs a few dollars more to have it shipped to Australia than buying it here at a news agent it saves me the hassle of having to constantly be on the lookout for it and risk missing out altogether. I won’t do it every month but for this issue it’s worth it. Thanks again and thanks to Doctor T for your great review, as always.

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  4. Yay! A model sorta in my age bracket. It is ABOUT time! 🙂 You are right, there should be more inclusion of everyone of course, and I’m glad older models are beginning to be included too.

    For the patterns, this issue makes me very happy. I don’t like all the patterns but the ones I do like, I ♥! Like the very first jacket – totally my style – a throw-and-go jacket that does look like you got it at a dollar store. Stylish and comfy. Just like me. (kidding) The funny sleeve jacket put me off at first, but that would make a super-great sweater type jacket! The scarf-jacket also looked strange, but dontcha know, I kinda like it after really looking at it…

    The flowery jacket is one I MUST make. It looks hard, but I’d really like it in my closet…

    The jacket with the fringe also looks like something great for the summer, as a throw on at the beach or something.

    Not fond of the tops with v-neck in the back, but for the right people it could be nice… I love the A-line skirt, even if it might not be a Dramatic. Looking forward to this issue!

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    2. I so agree, I’m in that age bracket and have always loved Burda Style but the last 2 issues were not for me! I love lots in this issue and am certainly going to make at least 2! So good to see an older lady model and some fashions for the more mature who like to be in style.

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  5. I think the olive/yellow shirtdress is interesting because it appears to be made of a jersey rather than the usual woven. Looks fitted, but very drapey and comfortable at the same time.

    The tie-waist tee shirt is another example of the Burda effect. A simple pattern, but it looks fantastic because they used a lovely fabric, made sure it actually fit the model, and styled and photographed it well. I’m putting this and the Plus blazer on my “maybe” list.

    I’m not sure what to think about the “older model.” I guess the first thing to acknowledge is that this model is older than the average so that is some progress in some direction. To me, a size-16 60-year-old, she looks like a svelte woman in her 40s who happens to have white hair. But we have to start somewhere. The @sewover50 group staged a protest less than a month ago and got a response from Burda about their IG representation, but this is too soon for them to have changed their print representation. I’ll be interested to read what sewover50-ers have to say.

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    1. Agree! They photograph issues at least 6 months in advance, so this clearly isn’t a case of responding to market pressure. Also agree that the model looks fantastic and probably isn’t the sort of “ideal representation” the Sewover50s are going for, but it is at least something. I think it’s also worth noting that Burda’s in a sort of weird market space; yes they are selling a sewing/craft magazine but they are also on newsstands with major fashion magazines (at least, is what I’ve heard). So I can understand that they still select models who are a bit more “high fashion.” Again, not saying this issue gets a pass because of that, but I think we need to see the fashion industry shift to see the same changes happen regularly in the larger brand sewing magazines.

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      1. Here in Belgium, Burdastyle is available in the magazine rack in grocery stores, specifically grouped with other sewing/craft magazines. So maybe this is more of a European thing?

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  6. Like you I’ve just checked the Gernan website today and I was puzzled… not sure … But after a third look I just love many of these garments, perfect for my lifestyle! Great assortment of jackets, dresses and tops. Now, if I can receive it before the end of May… You reviews are still the best!

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  7. really enjoyed this, and the kibbe references popped an idea in my mind for a future occasional series: how different kibbe styles can tackle a trend or a classic item. for example: trench coats or jumpsuits.

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  8. I haven’t bought a Burda mag for months but I’ll definitely be hunting this one down. I love so many of the designs! As a 50-something woman I find it refreshing to see a more mature model used even if she is nothing like my 5′ 4″ frame ☺️

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  9. Ah love this issue! Thanks for the review. Perhaps it is only because I have been stuck inside for nearly six weeks with a broken ankle, but everything looks wonderful, even to dramatic classic me! I love the use of the older model and also that finally there are pants that aren’t skinnies or culottes. (Although I am still waiting for more full-length pants.) PS I might disagree with you on the jumpsuit (I think it might be the worst), although Burda has provided some doozies in the past. And I like jumpsuits!

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  10. I really love the shawl collar jacket and the twist waist dress! Frankly, I like everything that’s got a ruffle…girly girl here. And they actually have some boy clothes ! My 12 yr old loves these kinds of Ts and jogger pants. That alone might mean I have to hunt down a copy ( and the twist dress).
    It’s nice to have older models included. At 56 and after 7 kids I don’t look that svelte though. It seems that we have plus size models and older models but never the twain do meet. I guess that demographic is considered too dowdy. I want to be stylish no matter my size or age. Still it’s a step in the right direction!

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  11. I love reading your reviews on new patterns. I am especially interested in Burda Style. Do you know if there are any subscriptions available for English versions? I’d love to subscribe to this. Long ago I could pick up the magazines locally but that was long long ago.

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  12. I definitely love the plus blazer! It strikes me as soft-dramatic-ish, yeah, with the long line and lapel. Going on my favorites board.

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  13. I live in Australia and the best and cheapest way for me to buy Burda Style magazine is to order through my local newsagent. I pay $13.70 an issue. They text me when it is ready for collection. When I had an online subscription I was paying over $20 per issue. I love the variety and style of Burda. It is the best.

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  16. Very nice review. I think I like most of the jackets and dresses and the skirt – I rarely wear any of these things. None of the pants grabbed me. I liked the kids clothing, but don’t have anyone to sew those for at this time. I’m also aware of my shortcomings and I know if I sewed kids’ clothing, the kid would be grown out of it before I finished it. Ha! So this issue is a pass for me although I do like most of it. The striped top that you like, Burda just released an envelope pattern of that design or a very similar one. https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/patterns/women/tops–vests/burda-style-pattern-6324-misses-side-tie-top/

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  18. Great review! I am so impatient to receive this issue. While most of the tops do not appeal to me, I adore the dresses and want to make them all and am loving most of the jackets too. I really really want to make the asymmetric neckline dress for an easter wedding if I can get it in time.

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  19. I am really loving this issue; so many things I want to make. There is a strange typo on the cover of mine; they’re claiming it contains 225 patterns. They normally say something like 45 or 50 and I always think that’s a massive exaggeration – maybe if you counted all the craft stuff and every trivial variation you could get to 50. But 225 has got to be a mistake 🙂

    Isn’t April normally wedding month? Not sorry that we don’t have a wedding dress story though. I don’t have much need for formalwear. I’m intrigued by next month’s promised ‘eco couture’ story.

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  21. Ruffles are the big craze in Denmark, and seeing a lot of this comes from Germany, I would assume they got the same craze – with a few pearls thrown in now and then (as last issue’s eh.. what did you call it… boob curtains?).
    Thank you for the review – nice to know in advance what to look for ^^

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  22. Hi Doctor T. I agree with you about the older model – it’s great to see her on Burda. About the BWTF award: I was thinking….if the fabric had to be different, say, if you have a geometric panel or a Van Gogh or Klimt printed panel, or even a batik scarf print, it would look great.

    Overall, I have to say this issue is disappointing. I was in London a couple of weeks ago, and the major fashion shops have nothing like what Burda presented in this issue. I was surprised for example, by slightly wide, comfy trousers with tucks at the waist and with tapered legs – so elegant – almost every shop had them. I wish Burda gave us a similar style.

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  23. Pingback: A Year in Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 2019 – Doctor T Designs

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