Thank you #rheinmaintv, Chany Dakota and Sandra Lorenz for the lovely interview! ❤️
I was very excited and flattered to get a call from the PUBLIC RELATIONS PARTNERS a few months ago. They invited me to be part of the jury for the Frankfurt Style Award and that was a huge honor for me! It took months and months of preparation and finally the big day had arrived. On Friday September 23rd, the Gala took place at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt. I woke up this day like a child on Christmas, eager to unpack my presents!
My day started at 10am, when all the jury members gathered together to pick out the 11 winners for the final FRANK award. My dear friend Albrecht Ollendiek, also the genius couturier who designed my gown, picked me up from home and we made our way to the old opera building in the heart of Frankfurt. As we arrived, the preparations were in full swing and we were shown to our seats. A few places to our left, sat the wonderful Dominique Deroche, representative of the Foundation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, the stonewashed jeans master himself, Mr. François Girbaud, along with René Lang and others! I was very thrilled to be a part of this elite fashion jury, knowing all of their amazing achievements.
We were lucky to get a glimpse of the top 60 designs before the big show. We took our sweet and necessary time to choose the 11 winners. After all, there were so many beautiful designs, therefore it was really tough to chose the Crème de la crème. After the selection process, I got a chance to meet Mr. Girbaud and tell him about my jeans obsession in the 90s. I remember my friends spending their last pennies on François Girbaud’s cool creations. They are everlasting and will always be in style. We chatted a bit, took some photos and ate a lovely lunch together.
The elegant Mrs. Sevgi Schäfer, owner of the Famous Face Academy was also part of the jury. She took me backstage and told her team take care of me and give me dramatic and unforgettable makeup, and so they did! I got a beautiful composition of smoky-blue eyes and nude lips, with an elegant vintage hairstyle. The excitement was building up and there were only a few hours left before the gala event that evening! After the fabulous and fun afternoon at the Alte Oper, I made my way home to rest for a few hours before the action started! I closed my eyes for a bit, drifting off to a land far away. I actually dreamt of the gala before it even started.
As the doorbell rang, I opened my eyes and Albrecht was there. He dressed me in his amazing baroque creation and we were ready to walk on the red carpet. When we arrived, the press was already there. Many cameras were flashing all around the Alte Oper, eager to capture the celebs and models arriving. We made our way into the building and were greeted with a cold glass of champagne. The lovely team from the PUBLIC RELATIONS PARTNERS was already there, making the guests feel welcomed and happy. It was lovely to see so many new and familiar faces. There were guests from all over the world at this fabulous event.
The show bell rang and we were ushered into the large hall. Albrecht and I sat directly beside the stage, together with the other jury members. We were all anticipating the show. The lights dimmed and the presentation began, moderated by Anke Seeling. The partner country for this year was China, so we got a chance to experience some amazing Chinese performers and the new collection of the famous designer Duncan Liu.
The time came to announce the winners! All the models walked out for each of the three categories, so that the audience could see the entire selection and fashion shows, directed by Tyrown Vincent. Each winner was announced and called onto the stage. They received many presents, such as a scholarship to the Haute Future Fashion Academy Milano, trips to Paris, Dubai, Shanghai, exclusive bags by Coco Bont, cash prizes and more! However, the most important prize was reserved for the first place winners of each category, who received the exclusive FRANK®-THE TROPHY! I was very excited to present the Public Choice Award this year. (The complete list of winners is included at the bottom of the article).
After the fashion shows were over, we met with the press again for photos and had a lovely dinner in the glamorous opera building. Antenne Frankfurt build a cool DJ Stage on the second floor and people were starting to hit the dance floor. The champagne was flowing and the mood was perfect for a big night out. I was still very excited from the eventful and happy day. It was a very lovely and successful evening for the Frankfurt Style Award this year. We stayed and danced the night away. Many people were talking about this event for days after!
Thank you dear PUBLIC RELATIONS PARTNERS and especially Hannemie Stitz-Krämer, Gloria Kretzer and Gabriele Wehle and the rest of the team for having me on your jury this year. It was a real honor for me!
More photos can be seen here: http://frankfurtstyleaward.com/
The winners are:
Alexander Tverdovski, “Mikro-Kosmos” (FAHMODA Akademie für Mode und Design, Hannover/Germany
1st place: Karina Reiner, “Take Frida out of Kim” (Modeschule Brigitte Kehrer, Mannheim/Germany)
2nd place: Daniel Nawi, “My Pink Room” (Shenkar College, Ramat Gan/Israel)
3rd place: Regina Lukito, “Silent Mask” (Raffles Design Institute, Singapur)
1st place: Raili Auraskari, “Brod N Rude” (Kymenlaakso University, Kuovola/Finland)
2nd place: Simone La Bella, “Invite” (NABA, Mailand/Italien)
3rd place: Martha Hieronymi, “Consume” (FAHMODA Akademie für Mode und Design, Hannover/Deutschland)
1st place: Mona Homm, “Metanoia – Changing one`s Mind” (FAHMODA Akademie für Mode und Design, Hanover/Germany)
2nd place: Anna Schmid, “Geographical Harmony” (Modeschule Brigitte Kehrer, Stuttgart/Deutschland)
3rd place: Leoni Dittert, “Striped Revolution” (Frankfurter Schule für Bekleidung und Mode, Frankfurt/Deutschland)
Daniel Nawi, “My Pink Room” (Shenkar College, Ramat Gan/Israel)
Day 1
It’s that lovely time of the year again to take out the Dirndl and Lederhosen! Like the years before, I was wearing a new custom made dirndl, designed by my friend Shanty Sutadji of Shanty Couture. Last week I had the pleasure to attend the opening event of the Frankfurter Oktoberfest, and let me tell you, it was fabulous! Watch out Munich, you have some serious competition here in Frankfurt. Not only can we do skyscrapers and apple wine, but we can also do one hell of a wild and fun Oktoberfest!
I was very excited because I had two evenings of Oktoberfest openings back to back. First came Thursday night, as we made our way into the huge tent to Box Nr. 4 – where all the hot celeb action was happening! Frank Kuhlmann of Kuhlmann Beauty Consulting was already there with his beautiful girlfriend Nina, greeting us with his bright, open and friendly smile. He organized this evening for us, along with Kai Mann. We were seated next to Liliana Matthäus – the face of the Frankfurter Oktoberfest for 2016, along with some lovely ladies from the German Bachelor TV show. I was astounded to see how much press was at our box, TV cameras and flashes going off every few seconds. After a while of “meet and greet” with the people, a sudden big bang came from the stage, the lights dimmed and the show started.
Introductions were made and the first drop of beer was tasted for the Anstich! The Oktoberfest has officially started! I couldn’t help but notice the happy people running around everywhere, the Hendl being brought out with a savory flavor, along with the traditional Weißwurst, sweet mustard, Brezel by the kilos, plus tons and tons of Maß beer! For those who don’t drink beer – like me – there is also wine, prosecco and delicious champagne available. With every passing hour, the guests were getting happier and wilder. The first couples have started dancing on the tables already. At that minute, I knew it shall be a night to remember!
I was happy to see some friends there, whom I haven’t seen in a while. It was lovely to catch up and talk a bit about life. Later on I had a chance to meet the lovely Chany Dakota, who took my interview for the Rheinmaintv television channel (See video below). The band was rocking it on the stage, singing all of the best and beloved Oktoberfest songs. I have to admit that as a Canadian, I don’t know all of the songs, but I love dancing to them, because they put me in a wonderful mood! The hours were running away from me and slowly I realized that it was time to go home. Tomorrow was Day Nr. 2, and I had to be fit and fabulous for the evening. I bid my friends, the Hausmann family and all the lovely new people I met farewell, and made my way out into the romantic warm Frankfurt evening.
Day 2
Tonight was the opening of the Oktoberfest at the beautiful Kempinski hotel in Frankfurt. My friend Shanty Sutadji invited us to see her glamorous new Dirndl collection. When we arrived, we were greeted with drinks and many familiar faces. Shanty was running around, making sure her models were perfectly prepared for tonight’s show. As expected, all the ladies arrived wearing Shanty’s glamorous 2016 collection, included me.
Shanty was born in Indonesia, and what I love most about her style is the combination of Asian and European fashion influences. Her Dirndls are not typical traditional ones, but rather a fancy creation that combines both cultural elements. She always includes lots of lace, silk and unique flower arrangements on her designs. Last night I was wearing my pink dirndl and tonight I was wearing the lovely green one she made especially to match my eye color. Shanty has a passion for details, which I admire very much, being a perfectionist as well.
We were served our delectable meats and wines and the men had maß beer. The food was absolutely delicious and I couldn’t get enough. Finally the anticipated time came for the fashion show and everyone around us was excited to see what shall be presented. The lights grew dimmer and the music came on. One after the other, the beautiful models came out, strutting their way between the guests, showing off Shanty’s glamorous creations.
The ladies were definitely turning their heads to look at the colorful Dirndls being shown. The materials and patterns were magnificent, and one was better than the other. It was very hard to choose my favorite one, because all of them were so unique and gorgeous. They are all custom made and there are never two which are the same! I was feeling very happy in my new forest green Dirndl. The fashion show was a big success and there was lots of dancing and singing afterwards. Shanty and the guests were all very happy with the positive reactions.
I felt very satisfied after my two eventful and cheerful Oktoberfest evenings. It was slowly time to make my way back to my favorite little city with a big attitude. Stepping out of the taxi, I looked at the skyline and realized again for the 100th time, how truly lucky I was to live here and now.
www.frankfurter-oktoberfest.de
Frankfurt is becoming cooler and more chic each day! I’m extremely happy to see that the fashion industry is making its way to us, wanting to grace our city with beautiful creations. Last week I was invited to the opening of the Front Row Society concept store, and let me tell you, it was fabulous!
The amazing event was organized by Manuel Gies, owner of the STRATEGIES agency. He’s known in our lovely city for his other projects with Hugos Frankfurt, Jaguar Land Rover, Maserati and now, Front Row Society. He told me that he loves what he does because it’s his passion since 2009.
My friends picked me up at 7pm and we walked to the opening. I wore my favorite transparent Llobycats skull maxi dress and topped it off with a black peace necklace and my highest heels. As we approached the red carpet, we were greeted by Florian Ellsaesser, founder of the Front Row Society. Mr. Ellsaesser was quite charming and gave me a personal tour of his lovely concept store. He explained why his vision was so important to him, and I agreed about the uniqueness of his idea – merging fashion and art into one entity!
Front Row Society was founded in Berlin in 2011. It is a fashion brand with a contemporary aesthetic that combines sophisticated designs with subtle details. Each collection is developed in collaboration with a community of artists from all over the world. Each Front Row Society piece is a sophisticated translation of an artwork or technique into a beautiful, wearable garment made of high quality materials. Simplicity is paramount in Front Row Society’s collections; inspiring stories come to life in minimal designs that create a unique yet effortless style.
I think that this is a brilliant idea, because for example, with the limited edition Santiago Taccetti collection, nothing looks the same! Mr. Taccetti works his art masterpieces into the leather itself, making it a true one-of-a-kind piece. It’s great having something in your closet that nobody else has. Even if your best friend buys the same bag as you, yours will be different because it contains a different element of the artist’s work. This mirrors the theory of nature, where nothing is ever exactly identical. What a super cool concept!
Since I’m in a major backpack phase now, I had to get my hands on the beautiful black Laura bag – big enough for my daily carrying needs and also for traveling. I especially love the gold metal handle at the top, the small geometric-shaped slits on the leather and fine metallic elements throughout the bag!
Of course Frankfurters expect nothing less than a glamorous red carpet event, and that is exactly what we got at the opening last week. Arriving fashionably late at the Neue Rothofstraße, I was very pleased to see the “who’s who” of our city – celebs, fashion divas, famous singers, politicians, actors and producers, finance moguls, designers, and the list goes on and on. At the entrance, we were greeted by a lovely lady who placed a white satin ribbon around our wrist and ushered us into the large and very beautiful concept store. Everything, from top to bottom, was ultra modern. This is what I call chic-minimalism at its finest! Being the accessories lover that I am, I ran straight for the bags and scarves and loved what I saw!
The people were walking around the store, curious to touch this and that, enticed by the fine works of art and unique fashion pieces. I noticed how happy Mr. Ellsaesser was with the turnout of the opening event, and that made me happy as well, seeing how the Berliners were appreciating our fashion sense.
My friends and I were delighted to be there together, sipping sparkling wine, talking fashion and enjoying this fabulous evening. After a few hours, I noticed that it was getting late and I had to run to the next party, because in a few hours I was celebrating into my birthday. I bid the lovely concept store and it’s brilliant creators farewell. My heart skipped a beat, knowing how glamorous our city was becoming. This gave me a feeling of honor and pride, knowing that I was a part of the Frankfurt fashion revolution! Thank you Front Row Society for enriching us with your presence here. We welcome you with open arms – to our small cosmopolitan city with a big attitude.
https://frontrowsociety.com/boutique
Photos by: Nikita Kulikov
This year the traditional and beloved Journal Frankfurt Summer Fest was taking place “on” a very special location. I haven’t been there since summer 2012 and was definitely thrilled to be back there again!
My good friend Jens Prewo picked me up from home, smiling as I came down in my extravagant long red dress. My motto has always been the same, “Better overdressed than underdressed.” The sun was shining and I was in very good spirits. I was happy to see colleagues that I have I haven’t seen in a while and meet new people from our city.
As we arrived at the Nizza restaurant, we saw the MS Catwalk boat docked directly at the main riverside, floating gracefully in her grandeur. Looking at the boat from ashore, a few memories rushed into my mind. Memories that are very special to me, and ones that I will never forget. Many guests have already arrived and the upper deck was filled with excited people and loud music. The party was in full swing.
Jens and I made our way onto the boat, our happiness rising with every step towards the top. The upper deck was filled with delights. A handsome young man offered us a sparkling wine, and the Journal crew was wearing sailor hats, which created the perfect mood for a perfect party! I was not the only one that made an effort with my outfit. Many people were dressed beautifully – men in sharp suits and ladies in elegant dressed.
As the boat started to sail, the energy was multiplying like electricity on the deck. The talk and laughter of the guests became louder and the music was beating harder. I looked up at our beautiful skyline and knew that I was home. This thought made me very happy.
I saw many people I knew and also met some new ones, such as the Journal business partners, some local celebrities, politicians, and the list goes on and on. It seemed like everyone had a shiny glass in their hand and a big smile on their face – definitely the sign of a very successful event!
After a while, we walked down to a deck below us and were welcomed by a delicious smell. Of course we followed the tantalizing aroma were greeted by a lovely chef, eager and happy to tell us about his delectable creations. I tried all the different dishes and was very impressed. From exotic fish, to various meats, fresh vegetables, artistic looking desserts and more! It was a fest for the taste buds and a very lovely experience for a gourmet like myself. Jens and I shared our table with new people that we just met, and were happy to talk about Italy, wines, pasta, cheese and… someone’s rice balls.
When the dinner was over, we made a little tour around the beautiful MS Catwalk, which is designed by Porsche. The lowest deck has an LED bar, with a big dance floor and a DJ area set up across. This is a perfect place to dance and have fun, even if it gets a bit chilly outside.
Back at the upper deck, the music was making the boat vibrate, and the feeling of floating smoothly on the main was unforgettable. Many photos were taken, which I am sure will be seen in the Journal Frankfurt magazine very soon. After the hours melted away, the boat was docked again. Nobody wanted to leave because the evening was so fabulous!
Eventually I left the sophisticated MS Catwalk, smiling to myself about how much has changed in my life since I was last on it. I walked towards the Nizza steps, and looked back at the water and the happy people dancing on the upper deck. Instantly I knew that everything is ok. Everything is happening as it should. Life has a way of working out for the best and fate always does her work – what’s meant to be will always happen. I walked up the stairs with an easy and light heart.
Thank you Journal Frankfurt for this wonderful evening!
http://www.journal-frankfurt.de/journal_kolumne/Yes-No-Maybe-85.html
Last Friday closed with a flourish Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, the most important fashion event in Germany and one of its social and media most prestigious events; the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic in Germany, His Excellency Rafael Calventi, with his wife Madame Maybe de Calventi, and the Minister Counselor of the Embassy, Mr. Cesar Herrera, made an official visit to the Fashion Week.
Mrs. Petra Cruz Deyerling, Director in Europe of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and promoter of this initiative, received the delegation and showed them the event during the visit, which toured the venue to see firsthand how it has carried out the tourism promotion campaign of the Dominican Republic at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. The official visit attracted a high interest from the accredited media at the event, and finished with the attendance to the front row of the Cushnie Et Ochs fashion show.
Dominican Republic has positioned its image with almost 100 of prominent guests who have prescribed the island as the destination that “Has It All and Is In Fashion”. Including artists such as the singers Victoria Swarovski, Marla Blumenblatt, Kriemhild Siegel or Keye Katcher, actors Heino Ferch, Lilli Hollunder, Christine Neubauer, Gerit Kling, Katja Burkard, Ursula Karven, Mirja Du Mont or Anne-Sophie Briest, TV moderators Alexandra Maurer, Annabelle Mandeng, Jana Ina Zarella, Cathy Hummels, Tanja Bülter or Anastasia Zampounidis, the former player of the German National Team of football Arne Friedrich, the footaball player Andis Shala, basketball player Lucca Staiger, Thomas Hayo, art director, or designers Ewa Herzog, Wataru Tominaga, Eva Lutz, Sportalm, Laurèl, Odeur or Johny Dar, promoter of the project Jeans for Refugees, along with other recognized faces of the German social scene.
During the celebration of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, the Dominican Republic has set a promotional space, the Dominican Republic Lounge, where took place several activities.
To celebrate its participation in the event, the Dominican Republic has launched on social networks a contest to win a luxury trip for two to the tropical paradise member of Leading Hotels of The World, CASA de CAMPO Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic, recognized as one of the best resorts in the world. The contest received the participation of around 1,000 guests, and the prize includes accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as unlimited drinks for a week at the resort.
During the event, Ms. Petra Cruz has explained how Dominican Republic has used fashion and trends as thread of this campaign, noting that in addition to beautiful beaches, turquoise sea, has a wide range of activities to propose to its visitors, many of them linked to the world of fashion; one of them is the catwalk “Dominicana Moda”, launched in 2006 by the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic. He also reminded that Oscar de la Renta, a native of the Dominican Republic, is one of its ambassadors recognized worldwide, and the landscapes of the Dominican Republic usually serve as natural set for photo shoots for international fashion publications.
This promotional campaign has communicated to the event visitors the values of the Dominican Republic, such as the warmth of its climate and the hospitality of its people, their extraordinary nature, fascinating history and rich culture.
We are proud of the success of the Dominican Republic as the exclusive destination of Mercedes-Benz fashion week Berlin 2016!
#DominicanRepatMBFWB16 #MBFWB #DominikanischeRepublik
A little bit of good luck for the Eintracht Frankfurt! We want you to stay in the first league, where you belong! Thanks Enrico and Christian for the awesome article :-)
Nur die #SGE! ❤ #aufjetzt #eintracht #eintrachfrankfurt #fnp #galiabrener #GaliaInAction
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