AKTE WIEN

NEU NEU NEU NEU NEU

2010-02-25T19:28:00.000+01:00

Liebe Leute.

Folgt uns auf www.fashionsemmerl.com und notconform.blogspot.com. Wir berichten weiter über die neuesten Neuigkeiten aus Wien und der Welt. Mode, Kunst, Wien, Style und so weiter und so fort. Also fleissig lesen. Merci!

Fashionweek in Polaroids

2009-09-29T16:37:00.000+02:00

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LAST DAYS OF FASHIONWEEK STREETSTYLE

2009-09-29T11:24:00.000+02:00

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URBAN DAY @ THE MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK

2009-09-27T08:49:00.000+02:00

The fashion week is almost over. We had great shows, nice parties were stressed, had fun, meet new people and experienced a lot. But one thing was missing in this whole fashion circus - Urban fashion and lifestyle. A segment that boomed in the last years and has a huge following ship in Austria. Tatendrang brings this segment to the MQ Vienna Fashion Week. With their urban concept at the MQ their created a unique feeling. Tomorrow at the last day of the fashion week everything is under the motto urban. There will be shows and a program around it. In advance I had the chance to talk to two of the urban exhibitors- Stil Laden and besser- biken. http://www.besserbiken.at/

Besser bikern is an internet shop that will be re-launched soon and focus in customized bikes. In your world getting something special is really important to everyone. If you would like a bike from them you tell them what you want and they will put it together for you- no matter if you more interested in a classic bike with technique gadgetry or a mountain bike in a nice design. They working together with a stylish Gregor and you can chose between different designs. Hans- Georg, owner of the shop, says: "What is important to know is that we combine technique knowhow with the aspects of style. Being at the fashion week means reaching a new target audience. Your bikes start at around 1500 € and can go up to 7000 € depending on the technique specialities."

Stil- Laden is a skate shop and sneaker boutique that sells a huge variety of different brands, books, clothes, sneakers and everything that is related to the skater and urban lifestyle. Talking to Michael, the manager of the shop, he honestly told me that being at the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK did not bring them a lot of new customers. Fashion week visitors are more fashion than urban related. But on the 10th of Oct the Sneakerness will take place in the Alte Markthalle Wien. An event where all the big brands will show their shoes, there will be a trade market where collectors will present their collection and a lot more to expect. The grand final will be a Party in the Prate sauna. http://sneakerness.com/blog/

Today is the big urban show, so come and check it out!!!

x, a.

Streetstyle around the fashion tent

2009-09-27T06:29:00.000+02:00

DIETIX

2009-09-26T17:51:00.000+02:00

The catering behind the fashion week. The crew, backstage people, models, hair and make up artists, security: we all need something healthy to eat in order to have enough power for the whole day. So Dietix is indulging us with low-calorie meals. There are three different kinds of taste:

classical (the topseller chicken and pasta)

mediterrean (the favourite spaghetti toscana)

vegeterean (the prefered meal salmon with wildrice and pepper)

All of them are developed with the professional help of sport scientists and nutrionists. We should all eat five times a day. At least two warm meals and small snacks such as fruit, yoghurt or cereal during the day.

You eat Dietix´s healthy food six days a week and on sunday you get a break. Based on the experience of people, who eat those meals, the head of Dietix knows that most people also want to cook something on their own at least once a week. When you strictly eat after the plan you are able to loose 2kg a week.

Not only women are fans of Dietix, also men. Due to big demand they are going to start offering a catering service to business offices. Good, healthy and lightwheigt food keeps the busy manager and `office stallions´ alive.

If you want to know your body details and need advice concerning better nutrition grab 4-7 friends and ask for one of Dietix´s specialists and book an appointment.

Especially models need healthy food because they have fittings and 5 to 7 shows a day. And of course we all need the strength to be persistent and to `maybe baby´ rock out at the aftershow parties.

ON THE STREETS & IN FRONT OF THE FASHION TENT

2009-09-26T09:48:00.000+02:00

DEUXIEME JOUR- MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK

2009-09-26T04:25:00.000+02:00

Partyfeeling on Gina Drewes & Tiberius show

2009-09-25T10:34:00.000+02:00

Dreamy gina colors, woolen capes and crashy pink highligths mixed with hardcore tiberius leather dresses, highheeled overknee boots and great leather hotpants for the men fascinates the audience. And me.

my favourite look of the day:

pieces of the show

Marcos and Gina

People

2009-09-25T09:22:00.000+02:00

Yvan Rodic- the Facehunter

Sergej Benedetter- Make-up A rtist & Hair-Stylist

Kordula- Winner of the Model WG

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Ep_anoui by Eva Poleschinski

2009-09-25T09:11:00.000+02:00

Fantastic creepy world with a mix of feminine materials, `Zipfel-Dresses´, shimmering sequins, flimsy colors, smooth leather and white unsettling lenses.

´Use Somebody` . . . Streetstyle Wednesday the 24 of Sep

2009-09-25T08:36:00.000+02:00

I saw stylist Ale Elsbacher and thougt `Yes, this is matching!´. So a picture documets the pink

evening crash.

Austria´s Next Topmodel candidate Constanzia with the Facehunter.

Paris shoes from the unknown man behind them.

Somebody don´t like their iphone . . .

or it´s mobile phone art?

Impressions Day2

2009-09-25T07:38:00.000+02:00

BACKSTAGE AT THE FASHIONWEEK- DAY 2

2009-09-25T07:30:00.000+02:00

Day one of the MQ Vienna Fashion Week 2009 is over. Sooooo what happened? The first shows took place and I thought why not go backstage and check out the designers, models, hair, make-up and what else is going on. Arriving after sitting in the office for hours checking all the lists and stuff I expected hectic designers and stressed- out models after a long fitting day. But far from that! While talking to Eva (ep_anoui), Gina (Gina Drewes) and Marcos (Tiberius) I experienced the real backstage feeling: A few hours before the first show everyone was chilled and slowly started to get ready. I even had the chance to sit down and have a chat with Sergej Benedetter- head of the backstage hair and make-up team. It was really interesting getting a view on fashion from a hair and make-up artist who worked in that business for more that 17 years. He was really enthusiastic to explain me why this project is so great: "The MQ Vienna Fashion Week is a good platform for young and innovative designers. I think that Austria has a lot of potential to become a fashion city and to be accepted in the same way as Berlin is. Vienna is different and new. If you look on the streets you find lots of London inspired people. What I do not like are the big brands that dictate a style that everyone adapts. I sometimes buy clothes at Zara but I think Vienna needs more small boutiques."

Gina Drewes and Marcos (Tiberius)

Eva (ep_anoui) fixing her clothes

Talking about Make up and Hair styling Sergej told me that doing a fashion show is a lot of stress. Coordinating all the ideas of the different designers and finding a pathway is difficult. Usually the looks of the shows are similar with a few nuances added.( For example smoky eyes in black and for the next show smoky eyes in brown)For the MQ Vienna Fashion Week the hairs are done by Ultima Group and the Make up by Head Pro.

Kordula getting ready

I agreed with him as he explained to me the difference between Vienna and the rest of the world n the context of peoples relationship to beauty. "Vienna has no Make-up culture. The Austrian women do not like to put on make up. Their hair is more important for them. For me clothes, hair and make-up are directly linked together. You can stand out of the masses trough your clothes or hair and make up. Its what makes you different!"

some of Eva Poleschinski models

Half an hour before the kick-off Regina Szalay, head of the make-up team, was so kind to explain me how a make up team works at a fashion show. They arrive 2 to 3 hours before the show and are depending on the among of models between 8 and 10 people. I also had a chance to have a quick chat with Kordula- winner of the Model WG. I met her once before and have to say that she is a really nice and charming person. Ahhh I love being backstage at a fashion show. The vibe before the how starts is more than great. I hope the pix have captured that magic feeling a bit!

Later more!

x, a.

Somewhere over the rainbow- Streetstyle Opening Event

2009-09-24T00:53:00.000+02:00

BUILDING UP THE FASHIONWEEK & OPENING EVENT

2009-09-24T00:49:00.000+02:00

MODELS, MODELS, MODELS, ...

2009-09-23T10:44:00.000+02:00

Models need at place to stay. Lifestyle Living, official partner of the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK, was so kind to provide the girls with everything they need. Yesterday 5 of them moved into their new home.

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YOU'RE AT HOME BABY...

2009-09-23T09:41:00.000+02:00

Freitag, 14 Uhr, ORF Funkhaus Wien. Ich habe das Vergnügen Gerlinde Lang - FM4 Moderatorin, Bloggerin und Figur der österreichischen Modeszene – zum Interview zu treffen. Begonnen hat alles in Linz. Gesehen. Angesprochen. 2 Wochen nichts von ihr gehört. Herum gemailt. Antwort bekommen. Termin ausgemacht. Voila, geschafft!

Mary Oberfrank - Designerin des Labels Pitour und Mitbegründerin der MQ Vienna Fashion Week – begleitet mich. Gut, einfach mal wieder Mäuschen spielen und dann ein bissal über Mode plaudern. Eine nette Abwechslung zum stundenlangen Namen in Gästelisten tippen und sich mit irgendwelchen Leuten herumschlagen, die sich für zu wichtig halten. Welch ein Spaß!

Doch weit gefehlt. Nicht nur ich interviewe Gerlinde sondern auch sie mich. Über Bloggen, die Fashion Week und den Facehunter wird geredet. Jetzt 4 Tage nach meinem ersten Interview, würde ich es am liebsten noch mal machen. Einiges anders sagen, vielleicht ein bisschen länger überlegen. Naja, ist zu spät. Kann nicht mehr geändert werden. Wird schon passen.

Man muss sich das mal vorstellen. 19 Jahre alt, eigentlich nur als Zuhörer dabei und schon sitzt man vor einem Mikrofon und muss Fragen beantworten. Ein lustiges Gefühl... Wie auch immer, am Mittwoch zwischen 15 und 19 Uhr in Connected wird es gesendet werden. Ich im Radio, bizarre Vorstellung...

So, jetzt aber zum eigentlichen Thema dieses Artikels: Gerlinde Lang. Ich bin einmal durch Zufall auf ihr Profil auf FM4 gestoßen und bin seit dem eine regelmäßige Leserin ihrer Beiträge zum Thema Mode. Interessant geschrieben und mal was anderes zum in Österreich weit verbreiten Einheitsgatsch, der sich Modeexperten nennt.

Österreich als Modeland bzw. der Style der Österreicher bereitet Gerlinde, frühere Armyhosen Liebhaberin und Gürtel- sammel Abhängige, kopfzerbrechen. Also beginnen wir mit ihrem persönlichen Stil und wie sie zur Mode gekommen ist: „ Meine Leidensgeschichte begann in der Schule, als alle Marken getragen haben und meine Eltern, die nach dem Motto „Mode muss praktisch sein“ lebten, mir nie Labels gekauft haben. So habe ich mich auf Flohmärkten herumgetrieben und meine Schwäche zu meiner Stärke gemacht. Ich glaube nicht an den sogenannten "Signature Look". Heute trage ich was ich will, je nachdem wie ich mich fühle. Deshalb liebe ich es auch beim Radio zu arbeiten. Du kannst anziehen was du willst und dich nicht jeden Tag in ein Kostüm zwängen. Und ich bewundere Carine Roitfeld. Sie hat nämlich nie eine Handtasche. Handtaschen sind unpraktisch. Ich bin für die Gesellschaftsfähigmachung des Rucksacks - Da hat man die Hände frei und muss nicht immer auf die Handtasche schauen!“ (lacht)

Shoppen geht sie in großen Ketten, also auch bei Kostnix in der Zentnergasse (ein Laden, in welchem man Sachen tauschen kann), Peesan oder am Flohmarkt des Autokinos in Kagran. Und ganz wichtig: „Auch die Tussiläden nicht vergessen! Orsay, Pimpki oder VIP auf der Mariahilferstraße sind super.“ Doch eigentlich ist es ihr „scheiß egal“ wo man was kauft, denn „auf die Zusammenstellung kommt es an.“ Außerdem mag sie Mühlbauer. Altes Handwerk, aber trotzdem im Geist der Zeit! Anna Aichinger, Wendy&Jim, House of the very Island's und Marios Schwab sind Gerlindes liebste österreichische Designer und ihr ist wichtig Iris Strubegger zu erwähnen. „damit nicht immer alle glauben, Cordula Reyer ist das einzige ösi-model geblieben.“

Wo wir wieder bei Stil wären. Österreichischer Stil ist ein schwieriges Thema. Der Fakt, dass der erste H&M erst vor 15 Jahren in der SCS aufgemacht hat, beeinflusst natürlich den heutigen Stand der österreichischen Gesellschaft modemäßig gesehen. (15 Jahre sind eigentlich nichts, wenn man sichs genau überlegt!) Österreich hat immer wieder Style Bewegungen – man denke nur an Emos und Krocha (abgesehen von der eigenen Meinung in Bezug auf diese beiden Extreme) – Gerlinde ist die erste, die ich in den letzten Wochen getroffen habe, die das erwähnt. Ich hab ehrlich gesagt auch noch nie so direkt gedacht, obwohl diese beiden Gruppierungen Monate lang das Straßenbild Wiens prägten. Andererseits glaubt sie aber, dass es Leute mit eigenen Style in Österreich schwer haben, diesen auch zu Leben. Die Leute trauen sich zu wenig. Haben schon viele in den letzten Wochen gesagt, aber Gerlinde weitert ihre Ausführung noch ein bisschen aus: „ In Österreich lesen viele Leute Blogs, also man wenn man so auf der Straße geht, erkennt man sehr gut wer Blogs liest. Nicht jeder kann mal schnell nach London fliegen und sich dort inspirieren lassen! Blogs sind perfekt, um selbst im kleinsten Kaff informiert zu werden.

Auch den Bezug zur Tracht findet sie an den Haaren herbei gezogen: „Nicht einmal am Land tragen die Leute Tracht im alltäglichen Leben. Also finde ich auch nicht, dass man den österreichischen Stil mit Tracht in Verbindung bringen sollte. Österreichische Mode ist einerseits sehr konzeptionell. Viele Abgänger der Angewandten kann man nur in irgendwelchen Stores in Japan kaufen, in Österreich sind die Sachen nur schwer zu finden. Andererseits gibt es die „wir bedrucken T-Shirts und scheißen auf technische Mängel“ Fraktion. 2 Welten, die sich niemals verbinden lassen. Was ich überhaupt nicht ausstehen kann, sind die "hey, wir nähen ein Top aus drei verschiedenen Stoffen zusammen und das mit einer kontrastfarbigen Overlocknaht" Modemacher – wenn man sie so nennen kann - , die mir aber leider immer sofort in den Sinn kommen, wenn ich an österreichische Mode denke. Wenn man erfolgreich auf einem internationalem Level sein will, muss man Geld haben. Das fehlt aber bei den meisten und so versumpern viele vielversprechenden Designer und man hört nie etwas von ihnen.“

Zum Abschluss nach 2 Stunden über Mode philosophieren bekomme ich noch eine Führung durchs FM4 Studio. Wer wo sitzt, wo was aufgenommen wird und kann sogar kurz bei der Sendung dabei sein und zuhören, bevor es wieder an den Computer zum Listen tippen geht.

YOU CAN FIND INSPIRATION IN EVERYTHING

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SUPERATED

2009-09-23T08:20:00.000+02:00

Alex and I met up with Peter Holzinger and Christian Moser of SUPERATED (thanks for taking the time to sit down with us!), to chat about their new collection called "horizontal". They showed us a couple of their clothes (which are amazing by the way), I took a couple polaroids, and in the end we stayed for an hour and a half in the atelier, talking about the fashion business, Vienna and what it was like when the first H&M opened its doors in Austria... (Comment from Alex: We get our first present in this whole fashion week circus from them: A beautiful scarf! Thanks again ;))

AW: Which collection will you be showing at the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

PH: We will be showing SS 2010. It's called horizontal.

AW: What inspired you for this collection?

PH: The main inspiration was the horizontal line.

AW: What do you expect from the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

CM: First of all, we think it's great that there is a Vienna fashion week now. For our expectations - we'd like to raise the level of awareness for SUPERATED, and maybe gain more shops in Austria.

AW: Who wears SUPERATED?

PH: A man in an urban environment, who isn't afraid to differ from the classic men's clothes - somebody who doesn't think he always has to wear black, just because it's safe. (laughs, because he's dressed all black and adds: "That's fun too, of course, from time to time.")

We observe that men up to the age of 45 or 50, especially who have jobs in the creative industry, wear SUPERATED.

CM: Of course, our clothes aren't too cheap, but not because we want to be an elitist label, that's not at all what we want to be, but because we care very much about fair production and high quality materials, which makes the prizes soar.

AW: What's up with the name SUPERATED? How did you come up with that?

PH: Me and a friend started the label and SUPERATED is an anagram of our names. We also very much liked it though, because it's a word that's used in the english language, but you won't find it in a dictionary. We thought it would be good to use that as a starting point - a word that's essentially nonexistent.

AW: Could you imagine living and working in another country?

PH: No.

CM: No not really, I mean i have thought about living in another country when I was younger, but it never became more than just a thought.

AW: Is there an austrian style and does Austria have style?

PH: Yes, I think so. I think Austria has a very special way of handling design.

CM: If you look back at the last thirty years in Vienna, the viennese people have become a lot more open to new things. It's a lot more international, but I think that's the same in all the big cities of the world.

PH: The EU is also helping to connect the countries together, in terms of fashion.

CM: I remember when the first H&M opened in the SCS, 15 years ago. I was working at an advertising agency at that moment, and everyone was so excited about it. We would drive to the SCS, even though we'd usually avoid going there and it was great! You could buy t-shirts and basics that looked nice for very little money.

PH: And they were design.

Haveagreatday.

NON by KIM

2009-09-23T08:07:00.000+02:00

AW: Is art an integrated part of your everyday life?

N: No, design is an integrated part of my life; it is a way of viewing things. I could be that I all of the sudden notice a structure or a shape on the crowded morning train or fall in love with a colour when I watch a movie.

AW: How did you come so far?

N: Hard work and common sense, plus, having loads of fun while working. The work sprit should be light and easygoing. I do take things serious but in the end of the day it is only fashion, I keep this in the back of my head.

AW: What’s your philosophy of life?

N: 1 love everything you do and make life beautiful

2 personal growth and knowledge is important

3 respect nature

4 one person can create an avalanche

AW: What is your definition of beauty? Do you know something "absolutely" beautiful and something "absolutely" ugly?

N: I like the idea of wabi sabi, something which is an imperfect beauty and suggests a natural process.

When something is beautiful my throat starts to swell and if I see to many amazingly beautiful things I get a headache. When something is ugly it doesn’t bother me, I look away.

And then there is my favourite kind of beauty, something which is so ugly it starts becoming beautiful. This confuses and amazes me at the same time. It plays an important role in my design process.

AW: Whom do you admire and why?

N: I admire the people around me for different reasons. It could be that I admire their ability to create order in a world of chaos or the ability to stay calm at all times or handle numbers really well. I believe that everyone has a talent and I admire this.

AW: What will people remember the most, when you have faded away?

N: Definitely my crazy lively spirit and hopefully the creations I’ve set upon this planet.

AW: Who / What influenced you at the beginning of your creative work, who / what now?

N: I noticed that over time my inspiration has become more abstract. At first I really liked figurative stories. Now I go for abstraction, collect images and items to turn it into my own story. The concept with which I start a collection is a world on its own.

AW: What do you think about the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK?

N: I’ve visited the Vienna Fashion week about 5 years ago. I think it is a really good initiative to get the Austrians more acquainted with contemporary fashion.

AW: What is the "Austrian Style"?

N: I did my internship in Vienna at Wendy&Jim. They represent Austrian style to me. It is slow pace dry fashion with a hint of conceptual thinking.

25.09., 18.00- 18.30

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MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2009-09-22T15:02:00.000+02:00

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the most important programme this week

2009-09-22T08:41:00.000+02:00

Hey girls and boys, attention please: THE programme for this week.

read it, keep it and don´t forget to come.

greets I.v.S.

3 DAYS TO GO...

2009-09-21T14:58:00.000+02:00

I just stopped by at the MQ to get a camera and a microphone for the next days (Thanks again to Boris from styleaut.com for rescuing me) and saw some workers actually building up the tent. The final countdown has started! Gosh, how time flies!

During Fashion week we will update you on a daily base about what’s going on in and around the MQ. Well try to give you a good impression about that’s it like to run a Fashionweek and for what we all worked so hard for.

x, a.

Leonie Smelt

2009-09-21T14:44:00.000+02:00

Leonie Smelt is - next to Emma Bell – a MQ artist in resistant. Both girls live and work in the MQ and will present their clothes on Wednesday. I really love both Emmas and Leonies clothes and can not wait to see their new collection. In advance Leonie answered me some questions:

AW: Is art an integrated part of your everyday life?

L: Yes, I have been creating things since I was very young and my creative thinking process is active 24 hours a day. You could say that it is the other way around, I try to fit in my everyday life in my art world where I love to live in.

AW: How would you describe life?

L: Live life to the absolute fullest, and try enjoy it by making everyday a special one in big or in small things, for example having a great picnic party in the park with good friends on a sunny day instead of the lunch you have behind your desk on your daily lunch break. Or go out dancing in the rain instead of disliking rain, it can be quite refreshing. I think people should enjoy life more and shouldn’t be busy running, taking life to serious and complaining all the time.

AW: Why are you here?

L:I think what brought me here, is that my designs are not based on trends but more out of a fascination for form and material, and a love for architecture, illustration and graphic art what you can see in my designs. I think that’s what makes my work different and stand out from some other designers.

AW: How do you describe your fashion?
L: I don’t see myself as a fashion designer, more as all-round designer. I like all the different art forms and I think you can see those interests back in my work, like graphic lines or architectural folding around the body. It is mostly inspired from a fascination for industrial forms or from nature and then. And I always challenge myself to try other techniques or to make other materials, and like to think that everything is possible.

AW: Who / What influences you?

L: Is is now still the same as it was in the beginning, it is that I want to create a very tiny part of the world as I would like it to be, and I do that by creating things, and I start at doing it because I like doing it and when people around me intent to like it then that is very nice and a big benefit, but it is not my priority to begin with.

AW: Do you have any heroes, someone you admire?

L: I admire people who stand for something in life, or give some color to the world in any possible way, because they create great things or just because they give positive energy and walk around with a smile on their face or with some balloons in their hand J.

AW: What do you think about the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK?
L: I think it is a good initiative to start a fashion week here, I don’t know Vienna that well but the MQ were Emma and I are staying for the time we are here is one of the greatest cultural surroundings I ever been worldwide and has a great atmosphere for something like this. And I think in this time fashion design has become more important, because you can really show who you are or want to be by wearing something witch is typical you, and with the globalizing of the world, I think own identity will become more important. And I often think Fashion is underestimated as an art form, so it’s a good time for a fashion week.

AW: You just recently graduated and this is your first big show. How do you feel?

L: Everything is a big adventure for me. I hope for the organization and for myself that it will be something great and the first of many more fashion weeks to come.

AW: As a foreign designer: What do you think about the "Austrian Style"?

L: I don’t really know, I think the world is globalizing, and it is becoming easier to stay on top of all the new fashion and trends because of internet and more difficult to be very original. And many people here wear the same kind of trends, or H&M clothes as the wear in Holland. But I think the style here is more riche and classic, and people in Holland wear more colorful clothes, here I see more grey tones.

AW: Do you know something really beautiful?

L: Nature... I think there is nothing more beautiful than the colors of autumn leaves, a sky by sunset or a sky full of clouds which keep changing every second, I could watch them the whole day and never get bored of it! The absolute ugly one is more difficult because I think it is so personal, and you can always make something beautiful out of something ugly or see it as something funny! that’s the fun of being creative I think J but when I must say something than I would be very bright light’s because they make everything look ugly..

AW: What piece of clothing you will never be able to throw away?

L: A Spanish red flamingo dress witch my mother made for me when I was very little at Sinterklaas (Dutch holiday on the 5^th of December when children think that st Nicholas gives them presents in their shoes, which he throws in the chimney by night when walking with his horse on all the roofs in Holland) I was a big fan of Madonna in that time and the song isla bonita was my most favorite song in the world especially because of the beautiful red flamingo dress, and I was so happy when I got my own, and could be dancing around the house in my Madonna dress all day long.

Leonie Smelt 23.09.2009, 21: 00

x, a.

Elfenkleid

2009-09-21T13:59:00.000+02:00

While sipping our coffee (it was very early in the morning as we met Sandra Thaler - one half of Elfenkleid) for this interview) out of the most gorgeous mugs I have ever seen, we had the chance to learn a bit more about this amazing brand the philosophy behind it.

AW:Which Collection will you be showing at the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

E: We will be showing our Black Edition, which ist our first collection of red carpet dresses. They are all made-to-order and we sell them from our shop here.

AW: You also have a Prêt-à-Porter collection though...

E: Yes, we have been showing in Paris, Milan and Tokyo last year, but we are sort of focusing more on the couture line lately. We now make both evening dresses and wedding dresses.

We cut back a little on the Prêt-à-Porter, because in times like these, with the financial crisis, we try to shift our concept a little bit. Right now it's too risky to travel to Paris, Milan and Tokyo and to present the clothes there. It's very expensive and takes a lot of time.

AW: So you will not be showing in Paris this year?

E: No. We will concentrate more on Austria.

AW: Where do you get your inspiration from?

E: Pressure. (laughs) For me inspiration comes from movies, books, magazines, conversations – anything, really.

AW: Do you both draw the designs?

E: Yes, we both draw the designs and then decide which drawings we will actually use.

AW: How would you describe your customers?

E: Well, we have a very wide range of customers, but in general I’d say women from 30 upwards. I would say we make clothes for women who want to underline their character and don’t want to use clothes to hide behind them.

AW: Do you think Austria is a fashion country?

E: I think there's a lot going on in Austria in terms of fashion design. A lot of new, young fashion designers emerge and make a lot of new, young austrian clothes... Something's happening - you can feel it. You don’t really see that on the street though. Austrians still tend to dress very conservatively.

AW: What do you expect of the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

E: I want to present Elfenkleid on a national level and hopefully find new austrian customers.

AW: Do you think Vienna will possibly become as important as Paris, in terms of fashion?

E: Vienna is Vienna and will stay Vienna. There's no direct competition between Vienna and Paris or Milan. But I definitely think it's great that we now have the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK in Austria.

AW: Do you have any favourite designers?

E: No, not really. I mean, I appreciate designers who have a strong recognition value. Designers whose clothes are unmistakably theirs. For example Anne Demeulemeester or Karl Lagerfeld. It doesn’t matter whether or not I especially like what they’re doing, I appreciate that you immediately know it’s designed by them. After all, that’s what makes them successful. At big events like Paris, there is such an enormeous amount of designers and you really realize that only the ones who have "the whole package“ make it really big. You have to eventually have your own show to be accepted. Just being represented in the showrooms isn’t enough. Even if you are in a lot of magazines, that doesn’t mean your sales go up.

AW: How did you come up with the name „Elfenkleid“?

E: That was really the idea of a friend, who came up with that shortly after we graduated from school. We liked the name, because it stays in your head, and it sounds very romantic. But when you see the actual clothes you're surprised because it's not that romantic. "Feel modern yet romantic."

AW: What's your life motto?

E: Live in the moment.

AW: What's your biggest achievement so far?

E: Hm... I can't think of one particular achievement, all I know is that we can be proud about everything that has happened so far and there are big things in store for us. (smiles)

26.09., 20.00- 20.30 FASHIONZELT

haveagreatday

x, a.

WORT ZUM SONNTAG

2009-09-20T10:33:00.001+02:00

Schönen guten Tag, getreue Leserinnen und Leser!

Erlauben Sie mir, Sie noch ein letztes Mal mittels dieser Form der – zugegebenermaßen etwas einseitigen - Kommunikation zu molestieren.

Das letzte Mal schloss ich mit der Versprechung, Ihnen den von mir nur zum Teil vertretenen Standpunkt, Mode sei als Kunst zu verstehen, näher zu bringen; dieses sei im Folgenden versucht!

Natürlich ist es leicht, einen Begriff durch den anderen zu definieren, jedoch stößt man dabei binnen kürzester Zeit auf den logischen Denkprozess massiv störende Hindernisse: Will man beispielsweise den Satz „Mode ist Kunst“ als aufgeklärter Mensch hinterfragen, kommt man zu „Kunst ist Mode“, was wiederum natürlich grober Unfug ist.

Werte Leser, sollte ich Sie mir diesem kleinen geistigen Ausflug allzu sehr verwirrt haben, tut es mir natürlich aufrichtig leid und ich werde versuchen, diesen Umstand durch scharfe sowie hieb- und stichfeste Argumentation wettzumachen.

Worauf ich beim zuvor unternommenen Ausflug hinauswollte, war: will man einen Begriff durch einen Anderen erklären, bedarf es zuerst einer Erklärung desselben.

Die so leichtfertig gemachte Aussage führt uns also zu der Frage, die schon viele Maler in den Wahnsinn, Musiker in den Tod und Gelehrte zur schieren Verzweiflung getrieben hat: WAS IST KUNST?

Nun, geschätzte Damen und Herren, um die Sache etwas zu beschleunigen und unter der Bedingung, dass ich aufgrund der nun folgenden – und selbstverständlich nur meine eigene Meinung subjektiv widerspiegelnden – Aussage nicht meines Lebens beraubt werde, werde ich an dieser Stelle frisch und frei behaupten, dass Kunst – egal welcher Form – eine Form der menschlichen Ausdrucksweise an sich und damit nichts anderes als Projektion beziehungsweise Materialisierung und Konkretisierung von Gedanken – Denken genannt – ist.

Und somit trifft die Aussage, welche Mode als eine Form der Kunst bezeichnet, durchaus zu; ist Mode doch – banal ausgedrückt – die Materialisierung dessen, was jemand denkt.

Ich denke, also schaffe ich – Bilder, Literatur, Musik oder eben auch Mode.

Warum auch nicht?

Nun, werte Leser, ich könnte hier tausende Argumente dafür anführen, warum nicht: Beispielsweise deshalb, weil Kunst stets auch das potential hat, etwas am Denken und an der Einstellung der „Gesellschaft“ grundlegend zu verändern und neu zu gestalten.

Nun, Sie alle werden jetzt sicher einwerfen, dass ja Mode genauso „gestaltet“ und äußerlich verändert; aber welcher Krieg wurde durch Kleider beendet oder ausgelöst, welche Revolution wurde durch schicke Designerware zum Lebensinhalt einer ganzen Generation?

Möglicherweise wird Mode also bloß zur Kunst gemacht!

Möglicherweise ist der Vorgang, etwas, das so notwendig und überflüssig zugleich ist wie Kleidung, zu verkaufen und zu einer fast schon grotesk anmutenden Konsumreligion hochzustilisieren, „eine Kunst“!

Sollten Sie diesen Text bis hierher gelesen haben, gratuliere ich Ihnen, sollten sie zum selben Schluss gekommen sein wie dieser jemand, der gerade diese Buchstaben zu Worten und diese Worte zu Sätzen formt, nämlich, dass der Übergang zwischen Kunst und Un-Kunst ein fließender und deshalb kaum auszumachender ist, haben Sie mitgedacht, und wenn Sie sich fragen, warum man sich denn überhaupt solche Fragen stellen sollte, dann….verstehe ich Sie voll und ganz!

Auf Wiedersehen bzw. –lesen und die besten Wünsche

S.B.

Always where I need to be...

2009-09-20T10:32:00.000+02:00

Wednesday, 4:30 PM. Alex and I are sitting in the lobby of 5 stars hotel THE RING, waiting for our appointment with Mag. Céline Brigg, the very kind PR Manager of the new casual luxury hotel of Vienna. She soon arrives, and leads us to one of the three parts of the house (that was originally built as a residential building in the 1860's) which are protected as historic monuments - an old elevator. We go up several floors, while Céline tells us that the hotel was opened in november 2007. We soon enter one of the more spacious rooms (there are a total of 68 rooms, including the ring suite of 120 m²), in terms of colour it's theme is "Café au lait" - which means a lot of beige, brown and red. There are also rooms that have a green colouring, Céline explains. She then proudly shows us the stylish bathroom, equipped with Molton Brown products.

The Ring's target customers are musicians, designers, architects and other artists, as Céline explains to us. They try to be more laid back than the other luxury hotels on the Ring street. She said that they want people to feel comfortable wearing jeans inside a 5 star hotel.

While hearing about celebrities who already have resided here (Beyoncé, Anastacia, Kelly Clarkson, Ellen McPherson,...), we go up another floor to see the Spa area. It's located in the top floor from where you have a great view over the city. The fitness gear is top notch, and it sort of feels very intimate up here, because the Spa area is rather small. Céline then shows us the sauna from where you can look at the Karlskirche down below.

We take another elevator back down to the lobby and Céline explains that wood has a key role in the design of THE RING. Different kinds of woods in different shades of brown were used all over the hotel.

We now sit down in the bar, called DRINGS (the hotel also has it'S own restaurant called "At Eight") and talk about the hotel business, the press, celebrities and the cooperation with the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK. The most interesting design feature of the bar is definitely the front of the bar. Artist Markus Mooslechner created the patterns on the acrylic glass through mathematical formulas. This art installation changes 4 times a year, to keep the bar dynamic.

Thanks again to Céline for showing us around!

The details of your incompetence do not interest me...

2009-09-19T22:45:00.000+02:00

Watching movies like "The Devil Wears Prada“ and being curious about the start of „The September Issue“ (we all don’t know how long that will take) I was more than excited as Lorenz and I entered the rooms of Madonna - Austrian fashion and lifestyle magazine. Of course you cannot compare this magazine to Vogue or any other international magazine but even feeling a bit of editorial office air and seeing how a magazine is run was more than amazing.

Jasmin Schakfeh. Editor in the fashion department explained to us how a fashion magazine works and we just sat there eager to absorb every information we could get. Jasmin told us that Madonna is a customer orientated magazine and women often call and claim that they couldn’t find an item in the shop they just saw in the mag. Therefore having items that are both available and stylish, no matter if you enter your favourite high street branch in Vienna or Bludenz is the priority for a magazine like this. As a fashion editor you also have to be very flexible: working hours are very variable, last minute decisions have to be made and being on track - knowing what is in - is a key thing.

It was also very interesting to hear Jasmin's opinion about fashion in Austria. All the designers said that the Austrians are too shy and not outgoing enough, but Jasmin put it this way: ”I think that the Austrians are really classy. They know how to wear a suit or costume and add their own personality to it in small details, but are too afraid to show more individualism. Vienna is special. People are rather reserved and don't just blindly chase after every new trend. People love to see freaky fashion people maybe in a magazine like Vogue but do not want to buy clothes that are too different from what they are used to. That’s an important factor to consider while editing a magazine like Madonna.”

So what did we learn today at Madonna? Working at a fashion magazine is a 24/7 job that involves a lot of diversity, like going to parties, meeting interesting people or jetting around the world on the lookout for the newest trends. However, you also have to consider the long working hours, stress before the final editing and dealing with a lot of unfriendly people.

X, a.

Lay your head down...

2009-09-19T22:14:00.000+02:00

Mariahilferstraße

Kärnterstraße

Naschmarkt

Phil/ Gumpendorferstraße

x, a.

Models live in lifestyle...

2009-09-19T21:43:00.000+02:00

Models need a place to live, as everyone else does. So why not let them live in apartments instead of a normal hotel. Lifestyle Living manager Nina Einicher answered us some questions!

AW: Describe your company!

L: Lifestyle Living is Vienna’s top temporary and corporate housing provider. Ready-to-move-in apartments with all modern cons and stylish furnishings - that’s us! Fixtures include bed linen, dishes, pots and pans – basically, people just need to bring their toothbrush and suitcase and they’re ready to go. Plus, we can arrange for à la carte service packages.

AW: Who is your target audience?

L: Diverse people with a need for upmarket temporary housing: business travellers, job nomads and relocating employees, to name but a few. Our clientele is very international and ranges from personnel of large companies and diplomatic missions to touring artists.

AW: Why are you cooperating with the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

L: The Fashion Week is all about design and style which is also at the heart of Lifestyle Living. Several renowned architects have worked on the revitalisations of our apartment buildings ensuring state-of-the-art design solutions. Also the furnishings of the individual apartments are chosen to reflect a contemporary modern lifestyle. The Fashion Week is a perfect opportunity to introduce our portfolio of stylish apartments to people who appreciate a stylish living experience.

In addition to that, it’s a pleasure to be associated with a Vienna fashion event run to international standards.

AW: What do you expect?

L: We certainly hope to raise awareness of the Lifestyle Living brand. Making more people aware of our impressive apartment portfolio and spreading the word of the serviced apartment as an affordable alternative to the cramped hotel room for extended stays.

AW: Do you think Austria is a „fashion country“?

L: Austria is definitely not on the same level as Paris, Milan or London, but to my mind, Austrians have become more fashion conscious over the last decade – not only because of many international fashion stores have opened outlets in Austria, but also because of a growing interest in and success of many young Austrian fashion designers.

AW: Describe your style!

L: By and large I prefer an eclectic mix of high-street fashion and individual outfits from smaller boutiques: fashionable, not over the top, still functional. I do splash out on the occasional piece of designer clothing, though. My current favourites are Ed Hardy t-shirts and blouses from Burberry.

Lifestyle living- official partner of the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK

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About Elke Freytag...

2009-09-18T11:00:00.000+02:00

My fashion is...elegant and sophisticated. My goal is to bring more colour into urban life.

Beauty is... nature

Ugly is...the shabby parts of the city

From the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK I expect... more clients in Austria

I get inspired by... everything. The style of my collection is very consistent. The basic colours are black and white. To those I add splashes of bright colours.

I look up to...Karl Lagerfeld and Egon Schiele

Women, who are... standing in their lives, working, often doctors ...wear Elke Freytag.

Fashion is...Fashion. I do not see fashion as art. Garments are practical. Fashion is beautiful.

Designing is.. the same as constructing a house. A cutaway is basically the same thing as a plan for a house.

My goal is... to be remembered for my fashion and for what I've created.

Elke Freytag, 23.09.2009

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EMMA BELL

2009-09-17T17:25:00.000+02:00

AW: Is art an integrated part of your everyday life?

E: Yes! Everyday! I am lucky that I get to work full time in the industry and that my days are spent doing what I love most in life. I also like that with the fashion industry it is so intertwined with other creative industries from art, music, photography so its great that I get to cross over into other genres and get a greater perspective. I think also art creeps into your life in other ways, from what you wear, to what you read, how you perceive your surroundings.

AW: How do you describe your fashion?

E: Fun, colourful, considered, humourous, experimental and challenging.

AW: How did you come so far?

E: I decided very early in life that this was 100% what I wanted to do. I have learnt that hard work and total dedication is the key to success. I put a huge value on education and experience and my time at university and participating in internships was an amazing stepping stone for me in learning about the industry. Following working within the industry once I had graduated I decided to take the risk and set up my business on my own which was the best decision that I have ever made. It is so important that you create opportunities for yourself, things aren‘t just handed on a plate to you, so you have to work incredibley hard to generate endeavours that are going to help progress your career. I have spent the past few years dedicating myself to a vast range of projects and I think this is what helps me understand the industry and how to focus on my goals.

AW: Who / What influenced you at the beginning of your creative work, who / what now?

E: When I was young my Grandma was really into fashion and dress making, so I used to play around on her sewing machine….and I guess just over the years I was always more geared towards the arts as that was what made me happy. Now I would say everyday life is what influences me most…I like to be able to translate things that inspire me on a daily basis into my work.

AW: Whats your philosophy of life?

E: Happiness is the most important thing to me. If youre not happy…then make yourself happy. Im a big believer in making your own destiny so I don’t really have time for time-wasters of people that do not help themselves.

AW: What is your definition of beauty? Do you know something "absolutely" beautiful and something "absolutely" ugly?

E: I think that definitions of what is ugly/beautiful/whatever is totally individual to the person. I like that people have totally different perspectives on things and I like people that are confident in their opinions.

AW: Whom do you admire and why?

E:I really admire my peers in that I find it so incredibley inspiring that so many of my friends, competitors and fellow creatives have such a strong creative vision and a knowing confidence in their design aesthetic and dreams.

AW: What will people remember the most, when you have faded away?

E: Is that a nice way of saying when Im dead?! I hope that people remember me for my work and for my achievements in life from my career to personal endeavours.

AW: What piece of clothing you will never be able to throw away?

E: I still have the first ever piece that I designed, pattern cut and made for a school project. It is hideous! Multi coloured batik and bad stitching but it has a lot of sentimental value and marks an important moment for me! So I will forever have that sitting in my wardrobe.

AW: Would you describe yourself as vain?

E: Definatley not. Not at all. I find egotistical personalities and arrogance an unpleasant trait in a person. I think this industry gives a lot of opportunity for people to forget about gratitude and become too self absorbed so I think it‘s incredibly important to keep your feet on the ground. From day one of my carreer I have always maintained that it is about my work and not about me. I want to create an experience and to generate a big spectacular and razzamataz, so I think to then represent it with a person is a bit of an anti-climax. This is why I never take a bow after a show and rarely have pictures of myself to accompany interviews etc, as I was to be recognised for my work as that‘s what it‘s all about.

AW: Can you laugh about yourself?

E: Yes, all the time. My design signature is very precise in that it intergrates humour, colour and a wide scope for people to create opinions. I‘m all about optimism and postitive thinking, and I like that I don’t work in a critical or self-conscious way. I appreciate that some of the work I create, for example half naked people wearing plastic gingerbread men etc does have an element of fun and humour, so I like that I can express myself in such a way. I like that I can balance between presenting a defined and considered concept and creating something that makes people smile.

AW:What do you think about the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK?

E: I think it‘s awesome that Vienna is providing an international showcase for designers. Other major cities do it, so it‘s great that Vienna now also has that platform. I think it‘s amazing that there are so many designers involved in Fashion Week here and I think it’s a really innovating avenue for Austria to be embarking on and I think it will really highlight how much talent and creative opportunity that there is here in Vienna. I think the press drive has been incredible and that it‘s set to be a very exciting week with a lot of great presentations and a real stepping stone for fashion in this area of Europe.

AW: What do you expect?

E: In some ways it is like venturing into the great unknown as this is a new initiative but I expect that as it is a new project that it will generate a LOT of press and really put Vienna on the map as a fashion capital. The MQ is fantastic in that is houses so much creative talent from fashion to art to technology so I think it is a very logical and intelligent base for such a showcase. Having shown at London Fashion Week previously I think the major difference is that Vienna Fashion Week is also geared towards the general public as well as the media so I think that’s great in creating a greater understanding and a wider audience.

AW: What is the "Austrian Style"?

E: I havent quite figured that out yet! I get some weird comments and a lot of staring if I walk around wearing something that‘s not so conservative, but I guess I get that anywhere in the world anyway!

I think Austria is much like any other city in that there‘s a broad cross section style wise…I‘ve seen some pretty awesome looks as well as some everyday casual styles, so It‘s pretty much the same as London, Paris or Timbuktu in that everyone has their own identity!

Oh but, I have learnt that people don‘t appreciate ladders in your tights here!!! That seems to be quite a talking point, especially by the guys dressed up as Mozart!

website: www.emma-bell.com

myspace: www.myspace.com/dollydressup

blog: www.emma-bell.blogspot.com

x, a.

Mangelware

2009-09-17T10:42:00.000+02:00

Last Monday, Alex and I got to meet up with Sandra Schmidt of Mangelware, in her flat/atelier near Taborstraße. She was born in Germany and did her studies in Halle, but is living and working in Vienna since 2006. After climbing up what seemed like a thousand stairs, she welcomed us in her atelier in the top floor of a residential building from where we could look over the surrounding rooftops. On a white sofa in between clothes, sewing machines and more clothes, we started talking to the very likeable designer.

AW:How did the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK come to your attention?

M: Well, there is really no way of not knowing about it if you're a fashion designer in Vienna.

AW: What do you expect of the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

M: It's a great opportunity for me, because I have never shown anywhere in autumn, so I will also be represented in the showroom. I hope to find prospective austrian buyers.

AW: What will you be showing at the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

M: For the show, I'll be showing Summer 2010.

AW: What inspired you for your Summer 2010 Collection?

M: It's called Wakey Wakey! It's a very relaxes, sort of laid back collection, with colors ranging from greys to light blues and also yellow accents.

AW: Who would you say is your target audience?

M: I realized that a lot of people who work in a creative job wear my clothes. They really understand my fashion. I'd say people from 20 upwards wear Mangelware.

AW: How did you come to live and work in Vienna?

M: That sort of happened accidentally, because I received a scholarship at the Museumsquartier in 2006, and have consequently been living and working in Vienna since 2006. I was thinking about going to London or Berlin, but Vienna was a great choice, since it's a little bit easier here to start a label than it is in London for example.

AW: Do you think Vienna can compete on a level like Paris or Milan?

M: I don't think Austria will be equal to France one day, in terms of fashion. But that's not a bad thing. I think it'll be sort of like the Netherlands or Belgium, you know? Something special.

AW: What do you think about the Austrian style, if there is such a thing?

M: Well... I think what's popular here is very conceptual fashion. There's a variety of things from recycling, over Haute Couture to Avant Garde.

But obviously you don't see that on the streets. Austrians aren't too keen on experimenting, which might have something to do with Austria being a very wealthy country. People don't have to look for things on flea markets and piece things together. Some do, but that's more like a hobby, they don't HAVE to.

AW: How did you come up with the name Mangelware?

M: That was actually the name of a project I did back when I studied. We would make clothes out of the so called "Mangeltücher". People liked the name, so I kept it. I knew that at least for some time it would be a small label - in a niche, sort of, so I thought that was a fitting name. Sometimes people misunderstand it for "Mängelware", but I like that. It sort of makes it more personal, because every item of clothing is not exactly the same. (Those that are made in mass production are, of course, exactly the same, but those which incorporate handmade details, aren't)

AW: Do you have any favourite designers?

M: I like Nicolas Ghesquière of Balenciaga, but also Yohji Yamamoto and Junya Watanabe.

AW: What is beauty for you?

M: Well, first of all beauty is very subjective. I think beauty has a lot to do with the context in which it stands. I don't know if beauty really exists out of context.

AW: Do you know something absolutely beautiful?

M: People. If you get to talk to people, you sometimes start to realize how beautiful they are. The way they talk, the way they move, their body - if it's all in the right balance. That's extremely interesting to me.

Magelware at the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK

26.09., 21.00- 21.30

Gitta Saxx & Callisti

2009-09-16T11:38:00.000+02:00

I herewith declare a new cooperation in the Vienna Fashion scene between Gitta Saxx and Martina Müller- chef designer of Callisti. How great the clothes and the Playmate of the Century and Beauty & Lifestyle Expert fit together I realized as I found myself in Martina Müllers showroom as part of a fitting between those two. Both are sexy and very feminine. The clothes- which are made to bring out every women’s female side, no matter you are wearing a size 34 or a size 40- as well as former Dancing star Gitta Saxx, who describes her style as glamorous hippy style. While talking to them I also realized that there have very similar personalities. They both like the nature (Martina has a little garden where she grows her own tomatoes and Gitta always gets her energy back while walking through the wood), are convinced that Vienna will become a fashion city soon and have the same idea about beauty. For them beauty is individual and personal and cant be described with words.

I love Gittas Budda necklace

Lets wait and see how this goes on, maybe well see Gitta at the Callisti show next week? We can only wait and see…

www.callisti.at

24.09., 18.00- 18.30

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Fashion is...

2009-09-15T16:00:00.000+02:00

Martina Müller for Callisti

Eva Poleschinski

Sandra Schmidt for Mangelware

Gitta Saxx

x, a.

STYLISHKIDSINRIOT- Interview with Stefan Urschler

2009-09-15T13:24:00.000+02:00

Stylish Kids in Riot- an internet platform about fashion/ lifestyle/ parties/ music and art. Founder Stefan Urschler was so kind to answer me some questions about fashion and blogging in Austria:

AW: Describe stylishkidsinriot!

S: stylishkidsinriot.com is for those who want to look beyond the table and be ahead.

AW:When did you start the page?

S:September 2007, which mean 2 years ago. But we´ve started out at stylishkidsinriot.blogspot.com. It was just me and Leah Conolly from Florida. Since then, many things happened and more will come soon.

AW: How did you come so far?

S: Hard Work & endless Passion

AW: Whats your philosophy of life?

S: Hard Work & endless Passion

AW:Do you think Austria is a „Bloggers Country“?

S: It depends if you mean only Fashion or all sorts of Blogging. Because we have loads of blogger, but most of them are more into other things than fashion. But we are not like the UK or Sweden. Otherwise, Germany isn´t a Blogger Country too.

AW: What are you favorite blogs?

S: I don’t have favorites but daily reads like Businessofashion.net or Style Bubble. Ponystep.com is also a great source and Fashion156.com

AW:How would you describe your style?

S: I love the British indie rock style since 10 years. Black & White is my favorite combination. Waistcoats are great, skinny ties, silk scarves and winkle picker shoes (which I want to have soon). Tight Suits are great and so on. Topman is my favorite Store but flea markets are also great to find those kinds of things. And I really want to have a 19th Century Suit.

AW: And the "Austrian Style"?

S: Do you mean the Public Style? Is there a typical one? Because if there is one, I think it is a dull one. But if you mean the designer, then there is no typical Style. Most of them try to do something different, but it´s a hard

way and a huge competition worldwide.

AW: What piece of clothing you will never be able to throw away?

S: My skinny ties;)

AW: Do you use fashion to hide or to express yourself?

S: Definitely to express myself.

AW: Is Austria a „fashion country“?

S: No, I wouldn´t say that Austria is a Fashion Country. But things changed over the last couple of years in a good way. It´s a bit like in the Music Industry which is still trying to find a new way and new stars.

Fashion in Austria is connected with our Universities and Schools. Designer like Marios Schwab, Petar Petrov, Anna Aichinger, Wendy & Jim or Peter Pilotto and more, are important for the International

reputation. But we do need more than this to become a Fashion Country. And I only see Fashion in Vienna at the moment and some pieces in Graz. But the rest of our Country is far away from Style. We are not Sweden;)

AW:Do you believe that Austria can play on an international level?

S:That is what our Fashion Industry have in common with the Music Industry. Both of them just started to set a new course. So it will take at least 10 years before we have a chance to play on an international level.

AW:What do you think about the MQ VIENNA FASHIONWEEK?

S: It is a good initiative. I´m looking forward to it, and hope that things running well. I do not expect a lot for this year because it is just the beginning and it is really hard to establish a Fashion Week on the International Area. But it could be rise over the next years. And it really depends how they can position the whole event over the years.

AW: Do you have a favorite designer?

S: Hedi Slimanes Dior Homme is still great. But a bit out of date, I know;) As for the more actual ones, I´m into Gareth Pugh and Neil Young.

http://www.stylishkidsinriot.com/

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EP_ANOUI

2009-09-15T11:43:00.000+02:00

It was sunny and warm outside when Alex and I got off the U4 at Rossauer Lände to meet up with very charming EVA POLESCHINSKI, designer of ep_anoui, at her flat/atelier. Eva let us in and soon we were talking about piles of waste, New York and Vivienne Westwood. Thanks again to Eva for taking the time to meet us:)

AW: What do you expect from the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

EP: Well, I expect exposure of my clothes, which is great! Plus I get to do the first show, which is amazing! I can't wait.

AW: Tell us something about the collection you'll be showing at the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK!

EP: I'll be showing SS2010. This collection was inspired by the way people use up natural resources in a very irresponsible way and in particular by a big pile of waste.

AW: Where do you get your inspiration from?

EP: All my collections are inspired by nature and social politic themes, even though people might not always see that right away.

AW: How would you describe the woman who wears ep_anoui?

EP: She is a self confident, extroverted and unique woman, I'd say.

AW: Do you think Austria is a fashion country?

EP: I think Austria definitely has a great tradition in fashion and a lot of potential. But I try to also sell my clothes in Eastern Europe. I work a lot with sequins and that's something the eastern european women like.

AW: Do you think Austria or the Austrian people have style?

EP: Well, I'd say there generally is an Austrian style, but Austrians tend to need a long time to adjust to fashion trends or to embrace certain styles. A lot of times people just lack the courage to wear whatever they feel like wearing. I think nobody has to justify why they are wearing what they are wearing.

AW: Do you dress for yourself or for others?

EP: I wear what I want to wear. You know sometimes you have to wear clothes that fit the occasion, for example when I am at events where I do my networking, but in general I wear what I want to wear and don't give a s**t. (smiles)

AW: Do you have an item of clothing that has a very special value to you?

EP: Yes, I have this vintage neckless I bought in a vintage shop in New York and I love it! Recently someone broke into my apartment, but thank god they didn't steal it.

AW: Would you rather be rich or famous?

EP: It's not really me who I want to become famous... My dress should become famous, not me.

AW: Do you know something absolutely beautiful?

EP: No, because something absolutely beautiful is boring to me. Something absolutely ugly is definitely more interesting that something absolutely beautiful.

AW: Are you inspired by a certain designer?

EP: I don't want to be inspired by a certain designer, because it influences your work unconsciously and prevents you from doing something unique. But a designer I love is definitely Vivienne Westwood. She is amazing.

AW: Who is helping you more - friends or critics?

EP: Well, I think good friends are also critics.

AW: Do you have a life motto?

EP: "Von nix kommt nix!"

(Nothing great comes easy)

haveagreatday

Weil in Linz beginnts....

2009-09-15T11:35:00.000+02:00

My alarm woke me up at 6 am. I looked out of my window. Rain. Pouring rain. Great. My first trip as a blogger and it’s raining. I’m going to Linz - European Capital of Culture 2009. Normally I do not mind rain. I actually love it. Walking in the rain and feeling every drop on my head - it's amazing. But not on that particular day. Not when you have something to do. A mission. I put on some more or less (more less than more, to be honest) rain resistant clothes and made my way to Linz to check out the city all my friends hate and find boring.

I heard about the Ars Electronia in Linz on FM4. So I thought: “Why not? Go to Linz and let a linzer Designer show you the hotspots of the city.” No sooner said than done. Christina - designer of the label MASI - agreed to show the city to Isabelle and me. Where to shop, what to see, where to eat. After that we'd check out the exhibitions.

At Masis Atelie

After we arrived at Masi's atelier and a short chat about Linz and fashion we braved the rain and went for a walk trough the city. Our first spot was the shop “KLEIDER MACHEN LEUTE” - a cool shop that sells brands like Hummel, Junl de luxe or Superdry. (Mozartstraße 19/ www.kleidermachenleute.at) We had the chance to meet the owner Anita, who also is the founder of the Linz Labyrinth.

What is Linz famous for? The Linzer tarte! The industry! The ars electronica! But not as a hotspot to go shopping. That should change with the Linz Labyrinth - a city guide for Linz. You get tips where to shop, drink, eat, sleep, party and relax. The book was published last week and you can get it for free in all the cooperating shops and tourist information centres. (www.linzlabyrinth.at)

The OK

Kleider machen Leute

Isabelle and I got curious and even though it was raining like hell, we wandered from one shop to the other and were really impressed. Young labels, cool clothes, the right mix of everything. We especially liked the shops Peacock (Hauptplatz 29 www.myspace.com/peacockshop) and Vintage and more (Promenade 3 / www.firstclass-secondhand.co.at). For a city that is decried as boring and industrial Linz has a lot to offer. By chance we met Lukas Fliszar graphic designer of the LINZ Labyrinth. A very charming and creative person.

Lukas

Vintage& more

Peacock

After that Christina showed us the OK (due to my slight disposition to pronounce words in a strange way and read names in a wrong way I always said okay, even though you pronounce it O.K.). It’s a place where the linzer artsy youth gets together. They offer a lot of different things. A cinema, a museum and a few bars and restaurants. We had a wonderful lunch in a restaurant called “DAS GELBE KROKODIL” (OK Platz 1 www.krokodil.at ) . I had Arabic chicken with couscous and olives and Isabelle had chickpeas with rice. The pieces are okay, the portions huge and the staff really friendly. Invigorated we made our way to the museum.

Das gelbe Krokodil

Höhenrausch @OK

Höhenrausch is the name of the current exhibition of the OK. An exhibition on the rooftops of Linz. You wander from one roof to the other and see different art installations. Even though the huge ferris wheel on one of the roofs was closed because of the rain we were impressed by the work the artists did. For example the short movie "Respect the dead" by Pierre Bismuth. As soon as the first actor dies the movie ends abruptly. You sit on the top of a parking garage; cars are driving around and see this film. Gripping! There are a lot of really good installations. Go there and check it out - the exhibition is opened until the end of October, so plenty of time to make a short trip to Linz. (http://www.ok-centrum.at/ )

Taxi drive through Jerusalem

We also experienced the project 80+1 - eine Weltreise. It’s a virtual journey to 20 countries of the world. We took a taxi and drove trough Jerusalem (http://www.taxilinkproject.com ), took pictures and sent them to Thimphu/Bhutan – the happiest place on earth, shook hands with someone who was 2 km away from us and played tug of war against a virtual enemy.

Promoting the Fashionweek

Our pix send to Thimphu/Bhutan

Shaking hands...

So to sum it up: Go to Linz, because in Linz beginnt's :)

x, a.

Tom Rebl

2009-09-14T09:48:00.000+02:00

AW: Is art an integrated part of your everyday life?
T: Yes. Although I do not consider my design work art, the origins of an artist and designer are very similar. The only difference is, that I, as a designer, have to consider a certain commercial component in my work. Whereas an artist enjoys the freedom to follow his artistic believes without compromises.

AW: Can you laugh about yourself?

T: Oh, for sure. Otherwise it would be a very sad life. If you laugh about others, you have to be able to laugh about yourself first.

AW: Would you describe yourself as vain?

T: The expression “vain” has always got a negative connotation to it. I guess it is more precise to say “I am aware of myself” and “I am taking care of myself”. If it is that what you mean by vain, then – yes - I am vain.

AW: How did you come so far?

T: Passion, dedication and a bit of talent. My work comes from the heart. I love what I am doing. And that is my key to success.

AW: What´s your philosophy of life?

T: Shake your bits to the hits!

AW: What is your definition of beauty? Do you know something "absolutely" beautiful and something "absolutely" ugly?

T: Beauty in fashion is something that comes from the inside. Even a bin bag could look beautiful on someone, if the person wears it with grace and style.

Actually very beautiful are the snowcapped Austrian Alps on a sunny day in April. What I find rather ugly is the remodelled Fiat 500. There is no need to redesign something, which is already beautiful!

AW: Whom do you admire and why?

T: Freddie Mercury for his drama and incredible lust for life. (Freddie actually spent a great part of his life in Munich, where my origin is. And some of my older friends there still tell the crazy stories about him.)

David Bowie aka Ziggy Stardust for the creation of his alter ego…They are both geniuses, not only musically but also their style influenced and still influences generations.

AW: What will people remember the most, when you have faded away?

T: I hope some highlights to remember will be still coming in the future. But - in a very modest way – I would be happy, if I will be remembered as a genuine person and friend.

AW: What piece of clothing you will never be able to throw away?

T: My three favorite t-shirts. They are already very old and torn. Some of them even changed their colour several times by having been mistreated in the washing machine. But I love the stories they tell...

AW: How do you describe your fashion?

T: Twisted and fun...

AW: Who / What influenced you at the beginning of your creative work, who / what now?

T: A constant inspiration from the beginning on is surrealism. “Shocking Radiance“, the subtitle of the label TOM REBL, cites Elsa Schiaparelli’s fragrance from the 1920s, which were defined by surrealism. Surrealism concentrates on the subconscious and regards the world of dreams as the source of creativity, which reflects the philosophy of my work.

The word „surrealism“ means literally „above or beyond realism“. I want to escape the basic roles of the garment like functionality and pure adornment. It should function as the extension of the owner’s personality or emotions.

AW: What do you think about the MQ VIENNA FASHION WEEK?

T: It´s still a bit early stages. But if I would not be curious, I would not be showing.

AW: What do you expect?

T:My main focus of publicity is usually on Milan, where I show during the men´s Milan Fashion Week. So by showing in a different country, I expect to reach a new audience and finally a big aftershow-party.

AW:What is the "Austrian Style"?

T: Well, there is a lot of Heidi and very classic tailoring when it comes to fashion. But I love the luxury ski resorts and Austrian food – very stylish.

x, a.

WORT ZUM SONNTAG

2009-09-13T10:03:00.000+02:00

Wieder einmal neigt sich eine Woche Ihrem unausweichlichen Ende zu und damit ist es wohl wieder einmal Zeit, ein vor Sarkasmus, Satire und Ironie triefendes Stückchen Text zu veröffentlichen.

Nun, liebe Leser, was gibt es noch zu betrachten und zu beleuchten?

Neben dem Versuch einer Definition sowie einer genaueren Betrachtung der Vermarktung von allem – und jedem – rund um „Mode“ in der anschließenden Woche ist es nun wohl an der Zeit, einen – wohlgemerkt laienhaft getrübten – Blick in die Zukunft zu werfen und darüber nachzudenken, wohin das Modebusiness denn in Zeiten immer höherer Arbeitslosenzahlen und immer niedriger Löhne gehen wird!

Für mich scheint diese Frage auf den ersten Blick leicht zu beantworten zu sein: Solange der Mensch es versteht, sich und andere zu betrügen, hat auch alles, was mit den so geflügelten Begriffen „Trend“, „Style“ und „Look“ zu tun hat – um nur einige wenige zu nennen – mit an Sicherheit grenzender Wahrscheinlichkeit nie ein Problem damit, weiterzubestehen.

Mundus vult decipi ergo decipiatur - für all jene unter Ihnen, geschätzte Damen und Herren, die nie etwas wie humanistische Bildung genießen durften – und deshalb vermutlich dem Kapitalismus anheim gefallen sind – bedeutet dieser Satz so viel wie: Man sollte andere Leute nur für so unintelligent halten, wie es der eigenen Un-Intelligenz entspricht.

Ist man also felsenfest von der absurden Idee überzeugt, wertloser Stoff – selbstverständlich äußerst günstig von Kinderhand produziert – ließe sich in Kombination mit diversen Marken – „Labels“ genannt; warum auch immer – an reiche und von der Allgemeinheit als klug und seriös eingestufte Menschen für Preise, die durchaus als horrend zu bezeichnen sind, verkaufen, so… liegt man vollkommen richtig!

Die Welt will betrogen werden, - und warum sollte sich das aus wirtschaftlichen oder gesellschaftlichen Gründen ändern, noch dazu wo ja ohnehin immer „die anderen“ davon betroffen sind – also soll sie betrogen werden!

Nun, meine Damen und Herren, wie gesagt ist es auf den ersten Blick ein leichtes, über die zukünftige Entwicklung von „Mode“ zu sprechen – aber wie gesagt nur auf den ersten Blick.

Denn ist es so, dass Mode überhaupt eine Zukunft hat; oder eine Vergangenheit?

Es ist doch nicht so, dass eine in irgendeiner Form der breiten als „Allgemeinheit“ bezeichneten Masse bekannte Entwicklung stattgefunden hat. Oder wurden etwa die Felle unserer ältesten Vorfahren in einem regelmäßigen Prozess über die Zwischenstufen von Leder – also quasi Fell ohne Haare – und Stoff – gewebtes Fell ohne Haut – zu T-Shirts und Mäntel entwickelt?

Nun, meiner Meinung nach ist dem nicht so; Mode die zweckmäßig zu sein hat, also die bereits erwähnten Felle ebenso wie Rüstungen beziehungsweise deren Weiterentwicklungen (Taucheranzug, Raumanzug, Businessanzug) werden eben aufgrund ihrer Zweckmäßigkeit entwickelt während bei dem, was man ganz allgemein unter „Mode“ versteht, keine durchgehende Entwicklung zu erkennen ist und deshalb auch keine aufgrund der Beobachtung der Vergangenheit getroffenen Aussagen über die Zukunft gemacht werden können.

Mode erfindet sich also selbst immer wieder neu - was ja in gewisser Weise ein Merkmal der Kunst ist!

Wollen wir es vorerst bei dieser Aussage belassen, liebe Leser? Vielleicht wünschen Sie ja, sich nächste Woche genauer mit dieser Tatsache – Mode als Kunst – genauer auseinanderzusetzen.

Nun bleibt mir an dieser Stelle nur mehr übrig, mich bis nächste Woche zu verabschieden – was ich hiermit tue: Leben Sie wohl!

Stefan Baranek

Neulich im Kanal...

2009-09-12T13:14:00.000+02:00

WUK

mija t. rosa

2009-09-12T12:34:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I went to the show of mija t. rosa. Julia Creep presented her AW 09 collection. Actually it was more a performance than a normal catwalk show. The models striked differnt poses under the motto "a woman under the influence"- that is also a movie by John Cassavetes. The collection consists of chunky knitted dresses, wellies and oversized coats.

I was joined by Maria from Stylekingdom, Michaela from Cooloutfit, Michaela from tschilp and Viki from MissViki.

You can buy the collection at glanz&gloria in Vienna as well as at Pell Mell in Graz.

x, a.