Culture Archives | Galia Brener

Galia Brener
May 23, 2017
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Premiere of the 33rd Brüder Grimm Musical – A Night Full of Politics, Fashion and Entertainment!

Premiere of the 33rd Brüder Grimm Musical – A Night Full of Politics, Fashion and Entertainment! https://www.galiabrener.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/IMG_2478.jpg 1699 2048 Galia Brener Galia Brener https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93df0625fa48660aad1c99698d5d7757?s=96&r=g May 23, 2017 May 23, 2017

An evening full of entertainment, politics and culture! 🎭🎪 Mr. Volker Bouffier, Mr. Tarek Al-Wazir, Guns N’ Roses and the G-Bag At the premiere of the 33rd Brüder Grimm musical “Vom Fischer und Seiner Frau” in Hanau. Thank you dear Frank Kuhlmann, Jörg Müller and the Metropress Agency for the lovely invitation! ❤️ #premiere #brüdergrimm #hessen #gbag #fashiondesigner #galiainaction #galiabrener #secretpocketsociety

Galia Brener
March 31, 2017
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3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel Kronberg

3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel Kronberg https://www.galiabrener.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cover.jpg 1536 2048 Galia Brener Galia Brener https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93df0625fa48660aad1c99698d5d7757?s=96&r=g March 31, 2017 March 31, 2017

Last week was a very delicious one indeed! Being a foodie since I could chew as a child, I have always looked forward to any and all meals of the day. I used to run around the kitchen, annoying my Mama with thousand questions about what we will eat, what is she cooking, how is she cooking and when will the food be finally ready. Unlike many other children who simply wanted to eat quickly and go outside to play, I rather stayed at home to eat slowly, taking my time to taste and savor my food.

Needless to say, when my invitation arrived for the 3rd Gourmetsalon at the Schlosshotel, I was ecstatic! Not only is this one of the most beautiful hotels in this region, it is full of heritage, history, elegance and style. Keeping this in mind, I immediately started sorting out my dresses and preparing the ones that are not too tight around the waist – looking for the perfect one that I can eat in all night, in large quantities and nobody would notice! The magic dress that allows me to eat and eat and eat and not explode at the seam. Otherwise known as: a dream come true.

As we arrived at the Schlosshotel in Kronberg, there was a beautiful red carpet laid out for the guests and the excitement could be felt from miles away. Franz Zimmermann, the hotel director, greeted everyone personally at the entrance and gave us a warm welcome. Upon entering the lobby, we were given two cold flutes of champagne to enjoy. Across the lobby is a romantic Romeo and Juliet style balcony, where a band was playing and entertaining the curious guests. After most of the gusts had arrived, Mr. Zimmermann gave a speech and presented all of the Michelin starred chefs. I was incredibly impressed by the names that I heard. This evening we had a privilege to enjoy the creation of Philipp Stein, Marcello Fabbri, Alexander Hohlwein, Hans Horberth, Satoshi Fuji, Jörg Lawerenz, Cedric Schwitzer, Ronny Siewert, Christian Weber and Gerhard Wieser.

After the wonderful presentation of the chefs, it was finally time to eat! I could see how excited and hungry everyone was, and almost immediately the guests were gone and spread out into the various areas of the hotel. The cool thing about this event is that it takes place in all of the lovely areas and rooms of the Schlosshotel, including the large kitchen itself. I’m a huge fan of their kitchen, because it’s one of the nicest ones I’ve seen in a hotel so far. It boasts high traditional European ceilings and state of the art equipment. Of course being the little carnivore that I am, I directly made my way to the juicy steak and spent a while there, appreciating the perfectly prepared meat.

While in the kitchen, I met Gerhard Wieser, a two started Michelin chef, and had an interesting chat with him. Mr. Wieser told me that he is inspired by nature. He comes from Südtirol and grew up with the Italian, farming and Mediterranean culture. His mother was a cook and he learned the magic of perfect food from her. We had a lot to talk about, considering that we both love food so much! Gerhard Wieser is also a best selling author, having sold over 1.5 million books called, “So kocht Südtirol”. For tonight, Mr. Wieser prepared delicious tortellini with chicken, Parmesan and black truffle. Having an amazing Michelin chef, a famous author and lots of steak in front of me, I was compelled to ask him a curious question: what his opinion about the vegan lifestyle is. Mr. Wieser said that being vegan is like a fashion trend: it comes and it will go.

After eating all the steak and seafood that I can fill into half of my dress, it was time to fill the other half with the tasty delights in the other rooms. On my way out of the kitchen, I discovered the hidden Laurent-Perrier champagne bar perfectly balanced with fresh oysters. I was very happy to stay in this area for a while longer, enjoying the amazing Maldon oysters, delicious champagne, meeting new foodies and sharing our funny food stories.

Next stop for me was the red salon, which is my favorite room in the Schlosshotel. It’s warm, sensual, cozy and very romantic! There was a band playing all my favorite songs, which made the delectable goose liver cube in combination with rhubarb, salted caramel and Prinz von Hessen wine taste even better. What a spectacular explosion for the taste buds! I was very impressed by the depth of the various flavors intertwining into each other. I was curious to see more. Next were the restaurant, green and blue salon, which displayed more incredible temptations, including sushi, sashimi, fish, amazing dried meats, Norwegian scallops, pork belly, seafood, red shrimp, more steaks, desserts, pastries, pralines, fresh breads, delicious and rare wines, cheeses, chocolates and everything else that the heart, soul and body desire!

Slowly the second half of my dress was starting to become a bit tight. With a huge and satisfied smile on my face, I bid farewell to everyone, congratulated Mr. Zimmermann on a very successful event, looked back at the steak longingly, wishing I had more place in my stomach. It was time to leave the beautiful Schlosshotel Kronberg and make my way back to my favorite little cosmopolitan city with a big attitude. It was a wonderful evening full of Michelin stars, culture, wine, delicacies, exotic flavours, handsome chefs, music, champagne, surprises and delicious fun. I will definitely be back for more!

Galia Brener
October 27, 2015
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Dominicana Moda – Fashion Week – Day 4 with Jean Paul Gaultier!

Dominicana Moda – Fashion Week – Day 4 with Jean Paul Gaultier! https://www.galiabrener.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IMG_5478.jpg 1170 762 Galia Brener Galia Brener https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93df0625fa48660aad1c99698d5d7757?s=96&r=g October 27, 2015 December 23, 2018

Today was the first day that I woke up full of energy and élan. Either the jet lag was finally fading away, or my body subconsciously knew that tonight was the big night! Jean Paul Gaultier – my idol – was showing his collection. I have been waiting for this day for over half a year now. I even woke up one hour before my alarm, which is very untypical for me, because I love to get my sleep whenever I can. But today was a very special day. I jumped out of the warm and cozy bed, tried my new Colgate whitening tooth paste to upkeep my bleached teeth, ate some fat-killing passion fruit and started my day.

I could tell that there were already many people at the hotel because the wifi became excruciatingly nonexistent. But being the high-tech survivor nerd that I am, I discovered one little secret place in the hotel, where the wifi works as fast as the speed of light. I went to hide in my little wifi time machine and uploaded some photos and articles for you. Then I met the team at the restaurant – of course they chose the table directly beside Jean Paul Gaultier’s male models! In order to calm down and not freak out with excitement the entire day, I had to jump into the huge pool and swim many laps. I spotted a man peculiarly similar looking to Richard Branson on a lounge chair beside me. Could it have been him? It might have been in a different lifetime, if he wasn’t loaded with a double belly! I laughed to myself and continued writing with frenzy on my laptop. I realized that working at the pool in the Caribbean weather was not such a bad way to get some work done.

The tick tock of the clock reminded me that the time was pushing closer to the event. We were very lucky because we were allowed to be at the Garden Tent with Jean Paul Gaultier, while he was rehearsing with the models. We knew what the show and music would be like before everyone else did. I ran up from the pool, took a nice long relaxing shower, made my wavy hair straight, put on my favorite makeup (Peter Thomas Roth CC cream and Mac highlighter for that flawless glowing look, light smokey eyes and pink juicy lips), threw on my favorite black and white dress with my Byblos pumps, grabbed my front row ticket and made my way out. I met Jens and Nina and we went inside the tent, where Mr. Gaultier was already in full swing – chatting, laughing, dancing, organizing and guiding the models. He’s a man of visions and action, and hence likes to do many of the duties by himself. There was one funny moment where Mr. Gaultier stopped the show and told the models to kiss. He said this is such a funny and cute way. (See the video on my YouTube channel).

I have to mention here how amazingly down to earth, warm, sincere, funny and kind Mr. Gaultier is! Usually designers like to keep their show a mystery and are not happy with many people hanging around before the show and especially not directly around the runway during rehearsals. He waned to have us around him, and didn’t mind at all when we asked a hundred questions and made a thousand photos. He was very patient with everyone. I respect that so much about him. He was so cool, calm and collected – and this an hour before the highly anticipated show! Bravo Mr. Gaultier, another great reason why you are my fashion idol! Jens got a chance to have a nice interview with him, and I ran around being the curious monkey that I am – gathering information, images and memories of this wonderful experience. The press people made a circle around JPG and everyone wanted to have a piece of him. I sat at the front row, admiring the atmosphere. I was in fashion heaven! It was funny because I kept running Jens’s videos with my loud excited comments beside him. Thankfully my chatter is not to be heard on the video they showed on the VOX Prominent show – a famous German TV show about celebrities. Needless to say, I look like a cartoon CIA agent, hanging beside Mr. Gaultier on the video. Don’t ask! ;-) (Video on my YouTube Channel).

Out of fun for my love and relationship column, I asked Mr. Gaultier if he believes in true love. His exact answer was, “I believe only in love. Even real, or not real, or not true and true, I don’t care. Love is the most important thing!” He was laughing while answering my question and that me laugh back. I was very happy to know that the magnetic and bright man still believes in love! (See this video also on my YouTube channel). The time was running and it was dangerously close to the beginning of the show. Mr. Gaultier gave me a wink and quickly left backstage. I took my fabulous seat at the front row and waited for the guests to arrive. It was great to see what everyone was wearing in Santo Domingo to such a glamorous event. Miss France was one of the models at the show and even the Dominican Republic president’s wife was there – sitting a few seats away from me. The women were all dolled up and chic to the bone! The men were proud to accompany them. It was like a scene from a Gatsby party. Then suddenly the lights went out and a traditional Scottish bagpipe sound mixed with an electronic beat shook the tent. I didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as the first model came out, I was ecstatic to see that it was the famous JPG wild style that I love so much! The only way for me to describe the collection is: “A classy and posh French underground fashion gang meeting up in a dark corridor and making their way to the Mad Hatter’s New Year’s Eve Tea with Absinthe Party!” If you have no clue what I mean by this sentence, please take a look at the photos of the collection below. I loved every single piece! My favorite one was the stripped long dress at the very end of the show, with a large black rounded apron in the front, and a huge black bow in the back. I would even wear that wild dress to my wedding – so creative, unusual, sexy, feminine and unforgettable! Once again, Jean Paul Gaultier managed to lift me off my feet and fly me away to his imaginary land of couture magic. At the end of the show, he came out dancing onto the runway and got a standing ovation. Everyone in the room was standing for him and he rightfully deserved every single clap!

After the show, we went backstage to congratulate Mr. Gaultier. We chatted a bit and then allowed him to take a breath of fresh air after his exciting day. We went to the after-party, where the VIP guests couldn’t stop talking about the incredible show. Everyone had the same opinion: this collection was a brilliant masterpiece. I agreed! The music was hypnotizing and the champagne was flowing. I felt like a little girl high on too much sugar. It was such a huge honor for me to be a part of this exciting event. I didn’t know what, where, when or why, but all I knew is that I haven’t been this happy in years! It was a big jump forward for me and my blog. I felt that this was the wonderful next step in the ladder of my career. The Dominicana Moda was over with a big bang! This was definitely my favorite show of the entire fashion week. JPG knows how to entertain the people and keep everyone on their toes. I made my way back to the room, prepared my tired self for bed and jumped in between the crisp sheets. With a satisfied and joyous feeling, I closed my eyes, let my mind drift back to the thrilling events of the day and fell asleep with a soft smile on my lips.

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The Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Show

Galia Brener
October 23, 2015
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Dominicana Moda 2015 Fashion Week – Day 2

Dominicana Moda 2015 Fashion Week – Day 2 https://www.galiabrener.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Dominicana-Moda-Day-2.jpg 1200 400 Galia Brener Galia Brener https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93df0625fa48660aad1c99698d5d7757?s=96&r=g October 23, 2015 December 23, 2018

After having a delicious and carb-free breakfast, I put on my bright red dress, favorites bbi Ibiza espadrilles, lucky Chanel bag and made my way to meet the team at reception. On my way out, I noted how beautiful and elegant the swimming pool area looks at the Occidental Hotel, so I made a note to myself to spend a bit of time there before the fashion shows tomorrow. A little swimming and wellness time is necessary for the mind, body, soul and creativity. Taking care of my health is important especially during long international trips and events.

We jumped into our tour car and set off to see the beautiful Santo Domingo. Our guide told us that the population here is 3 million people and it’s quite a cosmopolitan city. The driver indulged us with a nice drive along the open sea. Not only was it mesmerizing, but it was also like vitamin C to my brain and eyes. Right across the water was a promenade lined with 5-star hotels hosting casinos and merengue bars.

We stopped at Santo Domingo’s old town, build around 1502. We were shown the beautiful Alcazar – which was Columbus’s family palace. We also saw the Plaza De Espana, Calle Las Damas, restaurant boulevard, various cathedrals and churches. A group of school children walked by, smiled and waved at us. Our guide told us that the best thing about his country are the people! They are warm, friendly and caring. He said that they live by a very important rule: when they leave the house, they leave their problems at home. When going out, life is fabulous, fun and easy. This way they live longer and have more peace at heart. I really like this philosophy of life and will try to do the same. After visiting tradition Dominican fashion stores and the biggest cigar humidor I have ever seen, it was time to eat something delicious at the Travesias by Chef Tita – and then get ready for the press conference with Jean Paul Gaultier. But what does one wear to meet the master of fashion himself?!

We arrived at the hotel 5 minutes before the press conference, so you can imagine how stressful it was. I just had enough time to run upstairs, change into my jungle silk Lavant dress, throw on my gold/brown Jimmy Choos and fasten my vintage Moschino key belt around my waist. There was no time to wash my face or even apply makeup. Oh well, I’d have to meet the master au naturel. I rushed to the hotel ballroom and took the place directly in front of the stage. As soon as I heard people screaming and talking loud with excitement, I knew that he had arrived! Jean Paul Gaultier made an extremely good and down-to-Earth impression on me. He was honest and answered all of the questions in a funny and sincere way. It was amazing to see my fashion idol live in person directly in front of me!

I asked him what he finds special about this event and he said the beautiful Dominican people and the amazing vibe. Everyone is so happy here. He said that the vibrant colors here are very inspirational to him. He also spoke of his charity work with the hospitals and helping fight racism. We chatted a bit and made a few cute photos. Then my absolute highlife of the day happened. I asked Mr. Gaultier to autograph my phone cover and he said, “With pleasure, but I have a better idea Galia!” Then in the middle of the stage with all of the people swarming around us, he took the time and drew a nice sketch for me directly on my phone cover! I was so overwhelmed by his gesture and patience. He saw in my eyes that it made me so happy, and to top it off, he gave me a hug and said, “Enchanté Galia!”, I felt like a star-struck teenager. Jens Prewo was interviewing Mr. Gaultier for RTL Exklusiv – a popular German celebrity TV show – and after that he interviewed me as well about my opinion of the event, JPG and the entire atmosphere. I haven’t been this excited in years!

Again we had a few minutes to run upstairs and change – new show, new outfit! Next up was the long-awaited Camila show. I have heard a lot of good things about her. And true to everything that I’ve been told, the collection was very feminine, with lots of silk and flowing long designs. The main inspiration was the Samurai-like kimono cut. I was highly impressed by Camila’s ability to make this look incredibly soft and feminine, yet at the same time, strong and expressive! It felt like being in the middle of a girl-only martial arts movie-dream, with the actresses walking down the runway, exposing their inner femme fatale strength to the world. Next up was the Jusef Sánchez show. This was unique because the show started with a DJ scratching live directly on the runway – so you can imagine the sheet energy and vibe in the Garden Tent! Sánchez’s creations were rock-chic-inspired with bright color pieces mixed up with my favorite black and white look. We saw long designs made of feather-light silk material, flowing so lightly that would make any ocean wave green with envy! My absolute favorite thing was his mix of a pant leg, short leg and half skirt all in one piece of clothing! I know, sounds crazy, but look at the photos below. This is definitely something I would wear to the Ibiza openings next spring 2016 – especially the white outfit! It’s unlike anything that I have seen before and definitely not something anyone would forget seeing you in. I wouldn’t wear it to the Vienna Opera Ball, but definitely on a special occasion where I would want to make a stylish, unique and unforgettable impression… dare to be bold!

The clock struck midnight and like magic, my biological rhythm was reminding me that I have a very intimate date with my pillow upstairs. Today was probably one of the coolest days of my life. So many unforgettable and happy emotions! Now it was time disappear into the night and reappear again tomorrow – fresh and ready for the next adventurous day on our Dominican escapade!

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Santo Domingo old city

Jean Paul Gaultier

Fashion shows

Galia Brener
May 30, 2015
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Tbilisi Fashion Week 2015 – Part 1

Tbilisi Fashion Week 2015 – Part 1 https://www.galiabrener.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Tbilisi_TV.jpg 1200 400 Galia Brener Galia Brener https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/93df0625fa48660aad1c99698d5d7757?s=96&r=g May 30, 2015 December 23, 2018

Last month, I was delighted to get an email from a beautiful friend of mine, Keti Bochorishvili, who is the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. She told me that Tbilisi was having a fashion week and wanted me to be part of it. I was very honored to get such a lovely invitation and of course I agreed without hesitation! I was really excited because I heard so many positive things about the Georgian culture, food and traditions. What I was also really looking forward to was seeing the fashion style designed and worn there.

My flight was very pleasant and I got a chance to taste my first Georgian meal. I knew right away that I would love their food! (I will write a separate article about my cultural experience). Upon landing, I was greeted by a woman with sensual curves and shiny long black hair. I noticed right away that the Georgian women are very warm, friendly and beautiful. She brought me to my driver and they took me to the hotel, directly in the center of Tbilisi. I checked in and made my way straight to the spa. I wanted to relax after my long flight and look fresh and beautiful for the first day of the Tbilisi fashion week! I was pleasantly surprised to see that the hotel was stocked with Aromatherapy Associates – one of my favorite beauty brands. I love their lip balm because it heals my extremely dry lips within 2 days! I put on my favorite red bikini, jumped into the pool and did a few laps. After relaxing to the point of no return, I went early to bed, excited like a little girl before the first day of school.

I was greeted by the beautiful Natia Jguburia, who is the general manager of the Tbilisi Fashion Week. Together with the Georgian National Tourism Administration, they made it possible for me to be there and see their lovely country. Natia and I got along very well and bonded quite quickly. Along with her came Elene Rakviashvili, a stunning Georgian artist, who was to be our tour guide for the entire week. Elene and I also got on very well, and had many moments of fun, joy and laughter throughout the week. We were a small group of bloggers and photographers, including Daria Shapovalova – creative director of Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days and Gianni Pucci – photographer for Vogue Italia.

The first stop was the press conference at the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the public and the gorgeous Tako Chkheidze – who is the founder of the Tbilisi Fashion Week (TFW). The board members spoke a bit about the event, then we introduced ourselves and gave some TV interviews. After the conference ended, the countdown started and it was only a few hours away from the opening of the TFW. We went back to change at the hotel, and I opted to be completely clad in black. For the first evening, I chose an a-line black mini dress covered with sequence, which I got at my friend – Yulia Mettier’s Dress Affairs boutique in Frankfurt. I topped it off with my favorite black Versace leather jacket. I combined the look with combat-style boots with a 12cm heel from Jimmy Choo and my favorite Chanel Ombre Minaudiere bag in black and white. Those who know me, know my love for the black rock-chic look. My fashion rule is simple and easy: black when it’s cold, colors when it’s warm.

The venue of the TFW was very cool! It was a mall building still in construction directly at the Rose Revolution Square. We arrived a bit earlier and explored the location. There was a big hall attached, which exhibited some design pieces of upcoming and well-know exiting Georgian designers. I especially fell in love with the leather cuff with a 3D molded face on it from Chubika – a very creative designer that also produces funky hats without the top part. (Photo of cuff is below the article). Slowly the people were gathering, and the excitement was growing. I was pleased to see that many people were wearing black, not just myself. I later found out that the color black is very beloved for clothing in Georgia.

In the foyer, there were many interesting types. One could see that the Georgian people had a very good fashion sense and many unique outfits were to be seen. I was permanently looking from left to right, like a cat keeping track of a tennis match. The women were very feminine and were not afraid to express that. I really liked the bold styles and impressions! It felt like the foyer was getting smaller and smaller, and the crowd was getting larger and louder by the second. Everyone was ready to start off the fashion week. It was time! Natia took my hand, and we followed Tako upstairs to the runway. We were seated at the front row and given gift bags full of makeup to remind us of this fabulous evening.

The rest of the people came upstairs and found their places. Before the show started, they were playing “Crazy” by Ornette – a song that I fell in love with in Ibiza a few years ago. The moment felt right and I knew that it would be an unforgettable week. The lights suddenly dimmed, the bass dropped, my heart started beating faster, and two Matériel models walked slowly out. It was like a scene from the Matrix. The first word that came out of my mouth was a loud: “Wow!…..”

To be continued…