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Chris Puttins
Vibrant metropolises such as New York and Los Angeles stimulate Chris Puttins’ creativity, but the photographer was born in Berlin — a city whose contrasts continue to inspire him to this day. The pop culture of the early 2000s played a formative role in his development as an artist, shaping his unique visual language. With his minimalist but unmistakable style, Chris has staged actress Jeanne Goursaud and the current Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collection for us, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
MERCI
We are all just limited by bravery and creativity.
Alex Huber
Alex Huber, the stylist extraordinaire, once dressed none other than Pamela Anderson. He has also found outfits for Lena Gercke and Helene Fischer that best express their personalities. For our shoot with Louis Vuitton, he brought his creative vision to life on actress Jeanne Goursaud. With his keen eye for trends, it’s no surprise that magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Glamour – and us of course – are eager to collaborate.
Jaan-Eric Fischer
Jaan-Eric’s passion for photography was triggered by nature, as he grew up on the picturesque coast of northern Germany. However, he was soon drawn to New York, where his focus was increasingly on fashion. It was only logical that the fashion metropolis of Paris was next on the agenda. Now the photographer divides his time between London, Cape Town and Hamburg, which ensures that his portfolio remains as varied and surprising as his creative visions.
Ulrike Kache
The editorial “By the Sea” awakens a craving for the ocean in us. Stylist Ulrike Kache has that anyway, as she lives in Hamburg, surrounded by water. However, she didn’t go to the North Sea for the shoot, but to the tidal pools on the coast between Muizenberg and Kalkbay in Cape Town – a place Ulrike visits several times a year. Water flows through her life like a red thread: when she’s not working on a styling concept, Ulrike spends her time sailing.
No duty is more urgent than returning thanks.
Michael Rechsteiner
Good things take time. That’s why it took around 20 years for Michael to move beyond freelance writing for FACES and become a permanent member of our editorial team. Now he’s been on board for over a year and we consider ourselves lucky to have his enviable writing talent all to ourselves – and to hear the eager click of the keyboard every day. The result is not only exciting stories and interviews, but also the very best puns.
Josefine Zürcher
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The Beauty Report is in the eye of Josefine Zürcher. Our editor put together all the upcoming makeup trends for this issue. But beauty only goes skin deep, that’s why Josefine was also leading our Fashion Report, tracking all our favorite looks for this spring and summer season. You also don’t want to miss her interview with Austin Augie, a fellow photographer and creative chronicler of life.
Bianca Ugas
Our head of graphic design is a woman of many talents: Bianca not only creates one stunning layout after the other and keeps the calmest attitude even during the most chaotic times, she also snags the best second-hand pieces, both online and offline. The hours of browsing pay off: We don’t know if we’re more jealous of her designer bag collection or her extravagant nails, which, as a true creative, she does herself of course.
He is the man in Milan: Florian Ribisch, our art director and the brains behind our layout. Florian has been rowing our ship from the very beginning, which is 24 years ago now. In the meantime, our art director has had children (four) and lost his hair (more), but hasn’t lost an ounce of his genius. He’s still all about print, reads to his kids from paper and not from a tablet and listens to music from a record player instead of a speaker.
Florian Ribisch
The Round Crossbody Bag
Swiss Design, Italian Craftsmanship
Statement Leather Pieces and Clothing
YVY Store and Studio Dufourstrasse 31 8008 Zurich
yvy.ch @yvyleather
THE FACES
Text: Michael Rechsteiner
“NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU.”
LARA VIOLETTA
PRINTCESS
Sure, the costs of paper might be a bit high currently – we’re speaking from experience here. But glossy magazines remain the finest form of content creation. With Violet Papers Lara Violetta has launched her own print product –and also designed a bag to present the issues with true style. To date the German designer has influenced social media trends with her makeup looks, turning heads in the fashion scene of Paris, now her adopted home. We welcome this new publisher to the industry with open arms. How about a coffee on Rue de Belleville?
The future of print has never looked better.
Has the finger on Hollywood’s pulse.
WALTON GOGGINS
SUN GOD
The future of Walton Goggins is so bright that he’s launched his own collection of sunglasses with Google Glass. These goggles admittedly look like eyewear sported when shouting at kids on the ski slopes because they cut you up. But we’ll turn a blind eye here, as the actor has a snowy white vest when it comes to choosing projects. The man with Hollywood’s biggest teeth is enduring a dreadfully nice vacation in the third series of “The White Lotus” – compulsory viewing, and not just for people with vacation phobia.
She doesn’t just show her claws through her lyrics.
DOECHII
MISS BITE
Having an acceptance speech ready before winning at an awards ceremony just in case so you don’t end up stammering “Thanks… Mom?” speaks of careful preparation. But writing an entire song that’s released immediately after your win and taking a victory lap round the competition? Next level flex. But Doechii can get away with it. After taking Best Rap Album with “Alligator Bites Never Heal” at the Grammys, she dropped the track “Nosebleeds” and proved who’s the new uncontested high priestess of the genre.
MINA LE
CRITICAL MISS
“The Great Gatsby” begins with the sentence: “In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice to watch more of Mina Le on YouTube.” Or something along those lines. It’s been some time since we last read it. But we just can’t click on Mina Le’s video essays fast enough. Her style makes the Roaring Twenties spit and hiss again a century later. And with her topics of fashion, popular culture and consumption, no guest would have been more fascinating at Jay Gatsby’s parties alongside his tower of shrimp cocktail glasses.
A portrait that’s fit to hang in a castle.
CALUM HARPER
BACKSTAGE PASS
A magician never reveals his tricks. Or a chef his recipes. Otherwise the magic disappears in a puff of smoke. And our appetite with it. But looking behind the scenes is sometimes more exciting than what’s happening on stage – or in Calum Harper’s case: on the runway. This English guy partly became a top model for Gucci and Karl Lagerfeld due to the entertaining depiction of his crazy everyday life on TikTok. But as soon as he’s in front of a professional photographer, there’s no more fooling about, and Calum shows off his cheekbones like an eagle spreading its wings.
This creative mind is never short of bright ideas.
GYUHAN LEE
LIGHTING UP OUR LIFE
Poor design can’t fight its way out of a paper bag. Except with paper bags from Gyuhan Lee. The designer from South Korea uses old To-Go paper bags from McDonald’s to create exclusive lampshades and partition screens. He doesn’t just produce stylish home accessories, but also pop art-like works that illuminate the gulf between Far Eastern tradition and Western commerce. Gucci already invited this talented young designer to exhibit at one of its events. And we’re now asking ourselves whether, in his hands, our ketchup-bedaubed serviettes might be fit for a gallery.
WAR & LOVE
Her camera finds butterflies sheltering under the rubble. For six years chaos has ruled over Lebanon, the home country of Myriam Boulos. Protests and revolution, repeatedly crushed with violence and destruction. Amidst the fog of uncertainty, the flash of this young photographer shines a light on the daily life of her fellow human beings. She finds undaunted pride among the ruins and fire. But also the tenderness of queer love. As a participant of the Joop Swart Masterclass, Myriam has now reached the upper echelons of photojournalism.
MYRIAM BOULOS
She presses the shutter when others look away.
SATOSHI KUWATA
EAST MEETS VEST
A square of paper offers endless possibilities. In our hands it almost always results in paper airplanes, but masters of origami coax sophisticated constructions out of it. For Japanese designer Satoshi Kuwata, the art of paper folding is the starting point for his creations. The winner of the LVMH Prize combines the minimalist elegance of his home country with European couture. At this year’s Pitti Uomo Fair his label Setchu made its runway debut. And, unlike our paper planes, this collection is heading for the stars.
The maestro of Origami Couture.
JADE
DAME GIRL
Pop has four letters: JADE. The singer won the Best Pop Act category at the BRIT Awards, beating Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, among others. But it was her live performance of the song Angel Of My Dreams that was even more talked about that evening. On stage, it looked as if Shakespeare had written a drama about music casting shows. The former member of girl group Little Mix is finally a big deal. And if JADE’s rise continues at this rate, she will be knighted by King Charles by autumn.
Has her competitors in her pocket.
OMAR APOLLO
GOD OF WOW
A true multi-talent: Omar Apollo causes a stir naked in the film Queer before Daniel Craig makes out with him. At the Oscars, Omar Apollo caused a stir dressed in a Valentino outfit before the press crowned him the best styled man of the evening. But you can also see the Mexican’s gift for yourself with your eyes closed. Because the almost twometre tall singer is actually the next big thing in R&B and Latin pop. Or as we call his music: Can someone please open the window, it’s so hot in here!
net, no rim: the style of Omar.
THE HYPE “MO MONEY MO PROBLEMS.”
Text: Josefine Zürcher
FASHION
Trend
SPOT ON
The more unbearable the world situation, the more playful fashion becomes. We just plucked this rule out of the air. But there’s undoubtedly something in it, as it’s been a long time since the Spring-Summer collections on the runways showed so many polka dots. These cute spots of color are anyhow timeless. And because they haven’t really been seen for a while, shopping for clothes and accessories sprinkled with these stylish dots becomes an even greater pleasure.
Say who you are without having to speak.
It-Piece
KNEE DEEP
“When you walked around the house wearing my sky blue Lacoste and your knee socks”, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner once sang to his lover, who doesn’t seem to reciprocate his feelings at all. The song not only makes the frustrating complexity of love somehow attractive, but also an item of clothing that unjustly has a bad reputation. Knee socks are finally cool (again).
We Love
LEGENDS
What a trio! Legend 1: Debbie Harry, icon of the fashion and music scene. Legend 2: The Blondie Bag from Gucci. Legend 3: Nan Goldin, an insightful photographer who doesn’t shy back from life,
creating magic behind the camera. This extraordinary combination resulted in a campaign whose images both music fans and fashionistas would love to put on their walls at home. gucci.com
been around for 250 years. Sufficient time to reinvent themselves more than once. Anyone who still thinks Birkenstock stands for dusty hippie sandals or frumpy orthopedic shoes has some catching up to do. Subcultures claimed the cult footwear for their own from the start. But it hit the mainstream long ago. Through collaborations, e.g. with Berlin brand 032c, groaning with glitter and adorning the feet of stars like Gigi Hadid or Miley Cyrus, these mules have managed to
factor ever higher – and without losing their identity. This is celebrated in “The Book of Birkenstock” on almost 700 pages. Over 1'000 images illustrate the history of the brand –everything is included, from the traditional craft of shoemaking to unprecedented glimpses into the archives. A must for the coffee table of every Birkenstock super fan.
“The Book of Birkenstock”, Steidl Verlag, approx. 75.—, steidl.de
Unfuck the World
DO GOOD, LOOK GOOD
Less is more – to all intents and purposes we agree with this motto whatever the situation. But perhaps not entirely. When it comes to fashion, this doesn’t quite measure up. There are simply too many beautiful things we’d like to have in our closet. Well, brands like Thinking Mu show us how the principle can be reconciled with a love of fashion. At this Spanish label sustainability takes center stage. Organic fibers without pesticides instead of synthetic materials and where possible, no waste are the order of the day. The star among materials? Hemp. Manufacturing with this fiber uses 95 percent less water than with cotton. The plant hemp itself absorbs four times more CO2 than trees. And clothes made from it don’t just look good, but also feel great on the skin. A win-win-win situation.
thinkingmu.com
Favourite
COLOUR ME UP
Anyone who hasn’t lapped up the third season of “Emily in Paris” is lying. Or simply doesn’t like frothy, fashion-conscious entertainment. Especially observant eyes may have noticed the brightly colored jewelry from NeverNoT, which has taken the spotlight more than once. Emily isn’t the only person to adorn herself with these colorful creations. Kylie and Kendall Jenner are also self-confessed fans. It goes without saying that we too are now captivated by the statement pieces. nevernot.co.uk
BEAUTY
Makeup Trend
DECISIONS
Decisions are difficult. They’re the basis for what we’re currently doing and where we are now. What seemed like trivial decisions taken by our previous selves have brought us friendship, love or even sorrow. Before all this blows our mind and we sign up for a course in philosophy, let’s get to the point: If you can’t decide on a lipliner or haven’t yet found the right shade, just take two different ones!
Makeup is the art. Beauty is the spirit.
Favourite
PENCIL BOX
Anyone who, as a child, was fond of drawing no doubt regularly had one of these huge, multilayer pencil boxes on their wish list. By no means a cheap gift, taking a lot of persua-
sion if you were to get one: Yes, 100 different colors are needed to discover your artistic potential. We’ve now fallen prey to the dream of colored pencils again. But this time we don’t need
any paper – the canvas is our own face. These multicolor lip and eye pencils from Hermès can be assembled in sets of four or twelve as wished. And as with kids’ coloring pencils: Creativity
knows no bounds here. Hermès, “Trait d’Hermès”, box with pencils for eyes and lips: Compose your own set, 4 pencils approx. 220.—, 12 pencils approx. 660.—, hermes.com
Hair Trend
CLEAR THE STAGE!
If our carefully applied makeup – created with the help of countless tutorials – is to come into its own, hair must be relegated to a supporting role for the time being: Fixed in place behind with plenty of gel. The slicked-back look will undoubtedly attract almost as much attention as any elaborate makeup.
Collaboration
SWIRL
When bold Italian design meets timeless French elegance... The result of the collaboration between Guerlain and Pucci is makeup products that you not only want to use every day, but also collect in various varieties and display in your bathroom. guerlain.com, pucci.com
We Love
CLEAN GIRL
Minimalist makeup looks on the runways of Coperni and OffWhite and for magazines like Vogue, Pop and Another: Makeup artist Fara Homidis bubbles so fiercely with ideas that it was only a question of time before she came up with her own line of cosmetics. It includes everything that makes this beauty expert so popular: a clutch of clean, innovative products –vegan and not tested on animals – with top priority going to texture, quality and aesthetics. With lip products, a contour set and brushes, there is everything for a natural yet stunning look. And in photographer Zoë Ghertner Fara Homidi has found a woman after her own heart regarding creativity – someone who can turn her visions into visual images –while also providing us with ample inspiration. farahomidi.com
Airports are a world unto their own, where anything goes when it comes to outfits. Wandering around in your pajamas in search of snacks and duty-free bargains? No problem. But we also want to look stylish before flying overseas. Louis Vuitton shares our opinion, as can be seen from the new Flight Mode collection. From cases and bags to comfy sweaters and jogging trousers, it includes everything required for a relaxed day of traveling in style. louisvuitton.com
Follow your heart right to the airport.
“I am Parisian. I don’t love the French.”
Carine Roitfeld
Book
INSIDERS ONLY
Journalist and author Alphonse Karr once said, “The true Parisian doesn’t like Paris but could never live anywhere else”. This was the motto adopted for the 368-page publication “Paris by Paris” to illustrate the city of love: Real instead of
romanticized as in popular culture. Unusual images and key dates from history feature a Paris for everyone who is looking for more than just the Eiffel Tower. Ariel Wizman, Harold Cobert, “Paris by Paris”, Assouline, approx. 250.—, assouline.com
EQUIPPED
A traditional British outerwear label and a colorful Japanese sneaker brand have teamed up. The result is a capsule collection from Barbour and Flower Mountain, with their footwear and jackets combining the best of both worlds: classic design meets modern pops of color. barbour.com
RESCUE SAFARI
In 2022, there were only around 6,500 black rhinos in Africa. And in 2023, 499 of them fell victim to poachers. Anyone who, like us, sees red when reading these figures can now combine a vacation
with wildlife conservation. Instead of going on safari – or even worse, stroking sedated wild animals in the wild – why not take part in a rescue mission at the andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve? Here
you’ll accompany rangers and veterinary teams for a week in KwaZuluNatal province on the east coast of South Africa, on the lookout for rhinos to protect from poachers. andBeyond.com
We Love COZY ON THE GO
Let’s normalize taking a blanket from home with us everywhere. It’s not as strange as it sounds. The
travel blankets from Voited are specially designed for this. They keep you warm after
surfing in the chilly ocean, serve as a picnic blanket in the forest or can be rolled up into a pillow for
a power nap – all while looking super fashionable. voited.eu
WATCHES & JEWELLERY
New Collection
CRUSHING
Before Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel became a style icon – even before founding her own fashion house – she found inspiration at the stable. Madame Chanel was so fascinated by the quilted pattern on the horse blankets of her lover Etienne Balsan and the jackets of his stable lads that she used them later on in her own fashion creations. The “Coco Crush” jewellery line designed in 2015 likewise featured the nowiconic quilted motif. The range has now undergone a makeover: Thanks to a new pavé setting technique, the diagonal lines of the pattern are illuminated by diamonds. chanel.com
There are little gems all around us.
“I don’t wear diamond necklaces.”
A$AP Rocky
Nice to Have
FLEURS ÉTERNELLES
A quick session of blue-sky thinking for spring resulted in the following jottings: picnic in the park, flowers and endless sunshine. The jotted notes were then transformed into a jewellery collection with luxurious
gems such as diamonds, rubies and sapphires, craftsman’s precision and talent for design. Of course not by us, but a doyenne. With the “Milly Dentelle” collection from Dior, Victoire de Castellane has created
pieces that are as delicate as they are colorful –pieces you won’t want to just wear in spring, but in every season. And a flower or two has naturally also found its way into the design. dior.com
New Edition
ENTIRELY AUTOMATIC
In the Chinese calendar the snake is the animal celebrated in 2025, but for Bulgari this is the case every year. The Year of the Snake seemed like a good time to make the iconic Serpenti watch even more iconic than before. Namely by equipping it with the “Lady Solotempo BVS100”
caliber, a completely new automatic movement that was developed in-house. A fitting step, with the scaly reptile symbolizing the cyclical rhythm of the universe and perpetual renewal – a reflection of the eternal cycle of automatic self-winding movement. bulgari.com
Favourite
GEM
Nostalgia is always good. That’s why the new collection from Pomellato is called “Memorie d’Archivio” – Memories from the Archive. It is a reinterpretation of two popular series from 1996 and 1997. The “Mora” collection, named after the Italian word for blackberry, pays tribute to the abundance of nature, evoking the shape and shade of this succulent berry. “Mosaico” on the other hand drew inspiration from the timeless art of mosaic. Every ring is a miniature mosaic thanks to a composition of cabochon-cut gemstones. pomellato.com
No matter how much bling is already dangling from your wrist: There is always room for this fine piece.
We Love
MULTITALENT
Acting, writing, sketching, modeling, making music – Lou Doillon isn’t just the daughter of the legendary Jane Birkin, but has herself so much to offer that we are almost a bit envious. It goes without saying that she is the perfect face of Cartier’s multifaceted “Baignoire”, a watch that can also hold its own as a piece of jewellery. Speaking of versatility, the “Baignoire” is available in four new versions. Be it the mini, diamondstudded bezel or extralarge dimensions: Everyone will find a new favorite here. cartier.com
LIVING&DESIGN
There is always room for improvement.
We Love
PLAYGROUND
Opposites attract. In the case of Vetsak and Aspesi, this has resulted in a sofa that’s top of our wish list. For once Vetsak has got away from neutral shades of beige and corduroy. The ultracomfy shape of the sofa has remained. Fashion house Aspesi supplied upcycled nylon and vibrant colors. The result: A twoseater you won’t want to leave once you’ve sat down. A more extreme version of the partnership made its debut at the Milan Furniture Fair last year. The toneddown sofa in shades of green has now finally gone on sale for the home. Besides the couch, blankets are also available, alongside the cutest piece from the entire collaboration: a cushion in the shape of a colorful teddy bear. vetsak.com, aspesi.com
Nice to Have
PASTELS
Unfortunately, we can’t just all throw out our cooker and replace it with a new, more colorful model. But if you’re in the middle of upgrading your home or thinking about a new kitchen, before you do anything else, take a look at what La Cornue has to offer. The “Albertine
90” model is available in a sweet baby blue or pink. Amateur chefs will wax lyrical over the innovative technology: A multifunction oven and either five gas burners or an induction cooktop guarantee fine dining at home. For aesthetes who’d rather have food delivery and so al-
ways keep their kitchen clean, the beautiful pastel shades and gold accents are reason enough to opt for a cooker from this traditional French brand.
La Cornue, CornuFé Albertine 90, approx. 8,000.—, lacornue.com
Collaboration
PLAYFUL
It’s not enough for glassware manufacturer Ichendorf Milano to produce attractive glasses and carafes: Its products need to have life and creativity in them. In the latest collection created with jewelry label Aliita, drinkers are confronted with a cute ghost, rabbit, robot or even a house while draining their glass. No one else could blend elegant design with the playfulness of childhood so smoothly. aliita.com
Bursts of Colour
NEWS-TALGIC
For the multidisciplinary designer Tekla Evelina Severin, commonly known as Teklan, all her ideas center around color. The textiles she has designed for Radici are like an explosion of pattern. Anyone pining for the 1960s but simultaneously
seeking a modern home will find the very thing with a carpet from the Newstalgia collection. Fancy a hit of dopamine? Then be daring and combine colorful furniture with these multicolor floor coverings! radicicarpet.it
“There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for.”
Milton Glaser
CHEERS
You don’t have to drink champagne from a glass. Rules are there to be broken. The champagne goblet from porcelain manufactory Fürstenberg doesn’t have to be just
used for drinking. With its colorful design inspired by pop art and interior in 24-carat gold, it will also make a perfect decorative object in your kitchen or lounge. And if
you really don’t care about the rules, you can drink tea out of it. Sieger by Fürstenberg, “Sip of Gold”, champagne goblet, approx. 175.—, fuerstenberg-porzellan.com
Blouse by SUMMUM. Trousers by MARIE-LOUISE MUELLER.
Rings by SASKIA DIEZ.
Earcuff by SASKIA DIEZ.
Dress
Bracelet by PANDORA.
Jacket by MARIE-LOUISE MUELLER. Earring by MUSSELS AND MUSCLES.
Earrings by MUSSELS AND MUSCLES.
Dress by BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN. Earrings by MUSSELS AND MUSCLES.
Top by ARKET. Skirt by GESTUZ. Earrings by MUSSELS AND MUSCLES.
Dress by EDITED. Earrings by CHAINGANG.
PLAYFUL
Germanier bagged the hearts of the Paris fashion world long ago.
When Kevin Germanier turns his designs into couture, plastic becomes a work of art. Working under the Germanier label in Paris, the fashion designer produces the most spectacular upcycling objects since the Eiffel Tower was fashioned out of a heap of iron. He has also been appointed by LVMH as Creative Director for the newly launched collection The Prélude. Anyone who has his hands so full better keeps track of time by looking at their wrist. As the new Brand Ambassador to watchmaker Omega, Kevin Germanier is doing this with special flair. In our interview, he revealed to us what’s important to him in a watch, what inspired him in his childhood, and how he wants to shake up the fashion industry.
Text: Michael Rechsteiner
Photos: Germanier, Omega
With a child’s imagination paper turns into butterflies and wooden blocks become skyscrapers. When we’re kids, we make big things out of stuff lying around. The world, any world, then lies at our feet, and if we aren’t careful, we’ll step barefoot on a piece of Lego that we’ll some day use to make a spaceship. This playful approach is everpresent in the creations of Kevin Germanier. Born in the Swiss canton of Valais, he first studied at the Haute école d’art et de design in Geneva before successfully applying to Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London when he was 20. There, he was already mostly using materials left over from other projects for his designs. But it was on the other side of the world that Kevin discovered what was to become the signature of his work – elevating treasure before it got buried.
During a stay in Hong Kong, the young designer saw how a shopkeeper planned to shovel unsold glass beads into the ground instead of disposing of them properly. Kevin talked the man into giving him what he saw as rubbish and featured the colorful stones prominently in his first collection. Since then the name Germanier has stood for kaleidoscopic garments and accessories. His upcycling of rejected goods – often with hands-on help from his own family – is one of the ways that can be used to combat the growing craze for fast-fashion. This has now also met with interest from the mighty fashion houses and has the potential to bring about lasting change in the industry.
In the interview the designer nonetheless keeps his feet firmly on the ground – with a dash of self-irony here: “We hope to bring about a bit of change in the world through upcycling. But it’s not like we’re finding a cure for cancer.” In contrast to his own collections, Kevin Germanier is, as always, dressed in black from head to toe – and doesn’t let our interview distract him from his work. A charming multitasker who achieves great things from what other people leave lying around.
FACES: A trademark of your design is brightly colored beads. As kids, we used them to make our own accessories. What was your creative output as a child like? What inspired you?
Kevin Germanier: Oh, wow. That’s a good question. My main inspiration was the women in my life, like my sister. The way they dressed. I thought to myself: Oh, how
interesting. She combined this pattern with those colors. I was also greatly inspired by video games. When you play them, you often have to create a Character. The first step in a video game is to decide whether you’re going to be a man or woman, an elf or a witch. What kind of gear to wear. With a game like “The Sims” you have to come up with a character, and that was always my favorite part. Creating a character, the hero of the story.
F: When did you realize that fashion and styling aren’t just clothes, but an expression of your own personality?
KG: As Lady Gaga would perhaps say: I was born this way. There’s a photo of me on the beach in Rimini. I’m maybe three years old and had made myself a wig out of seaweed. I’ve always been like that. I’ve been very lucky, as I knew early on what I wanted. And I’m very happy with it.
F: You’ve meanwhile found your creative home in Paris and are highly successful there. What characteristics helped you to stand out in the Paris fashion scene?
KG: Being friendly. Being friendly is the main thing. As well as determination and ambition. And being a little bit crazy, or you won’t manage it. When I came on the scene, Demna was still with Vetements, and fashion was strongly influenced by street style, hoodies and casual clothing. And I then burst onto it with a beaded upcycled dress. I perhaps arrived at the right time with the right DNA, and it felt new and fresh. One of the key elements is the storyline. I became known in Switzerland because I incorporated my grandma’s and my mom’s knitting in my designs. It all started with my mom sometimes falling asleep in front of the TV and so needing something to do with her hands. There wasn’t any plan to use her or Grandma as a marketing instrument. It simply came about. And people noticed we’re authentic. That’s maybe the reason why folks identify with us. Because we’re trying to make perfection out of imperfection.
F: How does your professional environment see you?
KG: Like a good student. And I love that. I’d rather be seen as a good student than someone who does bad things in the restroom during a press event. I’m not a cool kid. I’ll never be one. I don’t care about being cool. I was recently at an event and guests were constantly asking
It’s his time now! Omega Brand Ambassador Kevin Germanier.
“Most of the time I’m writing emails. I’m basically a manager.”
me for champagne because they thought I was the barkeeper or server. But that’s perfectly all right.
F: What are outdated habits in the fashion industry that you want to cut out with your work?
KG: Being rude, egoistic. Thinking that a Creative Director is a god who descends from the heights of design. No, that’s not who we are. You don’t do anything by yourself. This idea that the Creative Director is a superstar is so outdated. There are loads of people behind them. From accounts through studio management to HR and all the assistants who look after the details. Wishing to work in the fashion industry because you want to be a star is the wrong idea. There are a lot of very, very nice people in fashion. This idea that we’re all rude and arrogant is completely out of date.
F: Is that something you’ve experienced yourself and now want to change for the next generation?
KG: My mother and father both work with me. Therefore I know that they’ll always bring me back to where I belong. We hope to change the world a bit through upcycling. But it’s not like we’re finding a cure for cancer. My mom says we’re shining a light, and I like that. We show people light, create a fantasy. It’s part of my job to help people dream. But I don’t cure any diseases. We therefore need to come down to earth a bit. We sometimes take things too seriously. Fashion isn’t serious. Fashion’s fun. We shouldn’t forget that.
F: You mentioned upcycling. You’ve been working with this concept since the beginning of your career. Many big brands have now also adopted a similar approach. What mistakes should be avoided when designing and producing sustainable fashion for a wide audience?
KG: You can’t control everything. When we’re working on a new collection, I generally have a favorite idea in my mind. But when we get the material, we never know what exactly is going to arrive. The factory says, “We’ve got that, you can use it.” But then, for example, it’s not the yellow I was after, but a different shade. So what do I do now? Stand in the corner bawling? Or simply make it work? I simply make it work. That’s part of the process. It’s very important to adapt to the material and not think I’m the God of Design come down from the heavens. I’m only here to find solutions.
GERMANIER
More brightly colored than the facades in Rue Crémieux, the designs of Kevin Germanier have conquered the Paris fashion world. The Swiss designer takes inspiration from materials that others think are worthless, and uses them to create dresses, bags, jackets and jewelry. The fashion graduate founded the label bearing his name in 2018 and, since then, has made upcycling not only respectable, but also fit for the runway. Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Björk have already outshone every rainbow dressed in outfits by Germanier. Music to the ears of everyone who always knew that, in the world of fashion, glamor and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive.
kevingermanier.com
F: What would you advise someone who wants to upcycle part of their own wardrobe themselves?
KG: Be creative. Don’t just stick a patch on some denim. There are so many ways of using everything. Just be bold. I say that, yet I always wear black (laughs). But just have some fun and don’t take it too seriously.
F: You recently went into partnership with Omega. As a designer, what do you look for in a watch? Just its appearance? Or does technical sophistication also play a role?
KG: It’s a matter of personal taste. When I wear a watch, it’s very important that it‘s right for me. The first time I went to a photo shoot for Omega, they let me choose between two outstanding models, the Trésor and the Speedmaster. I love the history of the Speedmaster, because of its association with the moon as well. But when I tried on the Trésor, I was swept away. These watches are something you’ll hopefully gift your son or daughter. This way they become something that’s not only timeless, but genderless, so to speak.
F: Which brings us back to the family side of things –family plays such a big role in your work. Are there other values that link your brand to Omega’s?
KG: We want people to feel our authenticity and love of detail. That’s very important for me, and I also sensed this awareness from Omega. How we present ourselves is simple, but genuine: That’s our vision, and it’s timeless. We don’t try to follow a trend. We don’t try to force a style on people.
F: What would you like to have more time for in your life?
KG: My clothing label takes up virtually all my time. But not in a bad way. People may think, “Oh, he’s this special person, I bet he only ever has fun”. No, most of the time I’m writing emails. I’m basically a manager.
F: Would you like to spend more time on design or get more involved in the production side?
KG: In production, no. I’m so happy I’m not producing any more. And I like being surprised by my team when, for example, they send me a final drawing of one of my designs, which generally leaves room for further creativity. I then think, “Oh, I’d rather have had it like this, but it actually also looks great that way.” I like that. One thing I’ve learned is to delegate. You have to trust the people you pay.
Fashion Report
Who is still chasing after the latest trends? Not us. Still, we take a close look at what’s being worn on and off the Fashion Week runways – and how to meld the latest fabrics and cuts with your own personality. While we trawled through the deluge of images, it occurred to us that whatever your fashion type, the designers have the right item – from clothing to accessories – for every conceivable scenario, so you can curate your very own look every time. We have put together a collection of our favorites on the following pages.
Spring/Summer 2025
Emporio Armani
Editorial team: Nadia Hartzer, Patrick Pierazzoli, Michael Rechsteiner, Josefine Zürcher – Photos: Launchmetrics
GENDER STUDIES LECTURE
The spring semester has started and you don’t know what to wear to your first lecture in Gender Studies. Then you remember, Susan Sontag not only taught us what “camp” means, she also once said that “what is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.” A concept that applies to fashion as well as facial features. Men in skirts and women in suits? Hot. This season sees a particularly large number of masculine-cut suits on women – sometimes combined with typically feminine items like miniskirts. This fun breakdown of the gender binary works beyond the academic context.
Enfants Riches Déprimés
Emporio Armani
Alexander McQueen Kimhēkim
Saint Laurent
Miu Miu
Bottega Veneta
Jil Sander
Prada
Acne Studios
Chloé
Dolce & Gabbana
Giambattista
Valli
Shuting
Kiko
Kostadinov
Sarawong
Fendi
FIRST DAY OF SPRING
The first rays of sunshine have won the fight against the long months of dismal gray. Time to wake the floral dress out of hibernation. But then Miranda Priestly’s voice goes round and round like a mantra in your head –Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking. With steely irony and a scathing look, the Editor-inChief made it quite clear in “The Devil Wears Prada” what she thinks of floral prints on spring fashion. While we want to prove that we understand fashion on a deeper level, a look at this season’s runways reveals that very few designers share our opinion. Clear as a bell, what they are telling us we should be wearing on the first day of spring, is... floral print. Dresses, shoes, and accessories are festooned with florals. Is it because spring is becoming increasingly rare thanks to climate change?
Versace
Comme Des Garçons
SPORTS DAY
The sun is blazing. You are getting warm now, maybe even starting to sweat. It’s sports day. Time to prove yourself in disciplines like the long throw and sprint, but mainly in what you’ve chosen to wear. We need more than “athleisure” here. We need meticulously planned outfits with a heavy sports vibe. Mix it up and round off the sporty look with some high heels – then, instead of a sprint, it’s mostly about the fashion. Maybe it’s because of last year’s Olympic Games or the gym influencers – but sportswear has its place on the runway.
Lacoste
Avavav
Iceberg
Dior
Ferragamo
Stella McCartney
FESTIVAL DAY & BAR NIGHT
Summer calls for boundless energy. For festival days and nights, and evening drinks that last into the early hours, you need a day-tonight look. The boho princess and the goth girl became friends and came up with this combo. And best friends share their wardrobes, which means that the otherwise lighter fabrics of the boho style also come in black. More than just a few delicate details, there are also rougher textures like wide fringes. If you still don’t know what this means for the festival look, just check out the collection by Ann Demeulemeester – barely any other label blends delicate and shabby so stylishly.
Miu Miu
Chloé
Roberto Cavalli
Isabel Marant
Etro
Chanel
Johanna Ortiz
Ann Demeulemeester
Zimmermann
Lacoste
Issey Miyake
Gucci
Fendi
Hermès
Victoria Beckham
Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood
Ottolinger
Rabanne
GALLERY OPENING
Cultivated types go to museums. And those who worship art do not want to distract from it. That’s why the talented fashionista goes for just a single color at the opening of the latest exhibition. Preferably a neutral color, of course. Anyone stifling a yawn right now has missed the point. Being swathed in black or beige from head to toe doesn’t have to be boring. Elegant cuts and different fabric textures bring enough excitement to this otherwise calm look. Don’t overdo it though –all eyes should still be on the works of art.
Armani
Priveè
Armani
Priveè
Louis Vuitton Max Mara
AT THE PLAYGROUND
What is an adult fashionista doing at the playground, apart from reliving childhood memories? Searching for inspiration in the form of childlike designs, colors, and patterns. Accessories bring the whole thing to life, as we’re still enjoying last year’s trend of decorating your bag with all kinds of personalityexpressing charms à la Jane Birkin. Add some cartoon characters to your tops, pull on some crazy socks, and bring some fun back into your lives. Maybe it’s because of the current world situation – instead of despairing at all the negativity, designers are lifting the mood and teasing out our inner child. Let’s meet at the playground instead of the bar.
Moschino Valentino
Coach
Simone Rocha
Anteprima
ON STAGE
Concerts are usually dark, maybe even smoke-filled. Everyone’s looking at the stage and not at you. Does that mean your choice of outfit doesn’t matter? Of course not. Opinions are divided among concertgoers. Some find it embarrassing to dress almost uniformly as a fan, while others could easily pass for a band member. No matter what side of the fence you’re on, music has been the number one inspiration in fashion for decades and musicians are the most popular muses. Without them, there would be no grunge style, which designers continue to reimagine even decades later, complete with ripped jeans, check patterns, and metal embellishments.
Junya Watanabe
Alexander McQueen
Masha
Popova
MM6
Maison
Margiela
Ottolinger
Acne Studios
Prada Vaquera
Louis Vuitton
Balenciaga
Laquan Smith
Jil Sander
Alaïa
Chanel
Versace
Valentino
Fendi
Sportmax
ICE CREAM DATE
Reclaiming – that’s what you call it when an originally negative term is used by the marginalized group it refers to, and ends up losing its offensive impact. Why the sociolinguistic digression? Because pastel colors and typically girly details like ruffles are often met with a wry smile. There’s no shame in wrapping yourself in pink, light blue, or pale yellow and indulging in some filigree touches. Quite the opposite, ultra-feminine looks have a strength of their own. And they fit perfectly with the ice cream color spectrum. Even better if you choose the flavor based on the pastel color you’re wearing – and vice versa.
Alexander McQueen Prada
BEST PROPS
We need to talk about the elephant in the room. Oversized animal figures almost stole the show from the models at Ester Manas. Animals make everything better, even fashion shows.
MACRO? POLO!
Michael Rechsteiner – Senior Editor
“Only security staff and men who have to be carried out of the yacht club after the fifth dry martini wear polo shirts. At least that’s what I know from my little perfect world so far. The polo shirt, like so much misery in this world – ongoing wars, gin and tonic –can be traced back to British colonial rule. But it was tennis pro René Lacoste who made this mullet-esque shirt turned piqué – business at the top, party downstairs – into a global fashion ace. The polo shirt is predicted to have a fantastic 2025 season as the crown jewel of the ever-present preppy
hype. On Instagram, the French trend research bureau Heuritech has been heralding a galloping triumphal march of the short-sleeved classic since last quarter. Meanwhile, houses like Giorgio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, and Dolce & Gabbana are reinventing it – without buttons, without a collar, and with diagonal stripes. New blood for the Old Money gods. Thanks to these playful variants, for one summer at least you won’t look like you can hardly wait for your parents to die so you can finally sell the Fabergé eggs in the family vault.”
Dolce & Gabbana
THAT’S MY OPINION!
Josefine Zürcher – Editor
“I would actually love to loudly proclaim to the world every opinion and thought that races through my head: If we want to overcome patriarchy, we need a potentially violent revolution now. The Substance is the best movie of recent years. Anyone still eating meat in 2025 is deluded – and skinny jeans are still ugly, even if they find their way back onto the legs of the it-girls of fashion. This is what it would sound like if I were to share my opinion without being asked. Too bad I’m so calm by nature that I get lost in any group faster than
Wally. Well, fashion and the written word are once again rushing to my aid. Statements don’t always have to be communicated verbally. Some designers have discovered their love for text, adorning their pieces with anything from clever maxims to nonsense sayings, or even entire paragraphs. The most creative and amusing snippets can be found on Moschino and Natasha Zinko items. Whether it’s a sarcastic commentary about beauty standards, calls for world peace, or random letters just because: More of that, please.”
Last year we celebrated the head-to-toe denim look (let’s be honest, we still do). Diesel is among the blue fabric ambassadors, proving once again, denim is forever. Literally – the runway backdrop was made of 31'000 pounds of denim scraps. These are all reused and repurposed after the show, because Diesel is aware of the problems of denim production and dreams of a circular economy.
BEST STATEMENT
BEST BACKGROUND
It’s pretty brave competing with the Eiffel Tower. On the Avenue de Saxe, the audience not only had a clear view of Stella McCartney’s latest creations, but also of the Parisian landmark.
COLOUR OF COOL
“Black screams drama, white is asking for stains – gray? Gray leans casually against the bar, sips a Negroni, and shrugs its shoulders. Gray has nothing to prove. It’s the color of those who don’t have to dress up to be someone. Who don’t hand out their stories like flyers, but go to the party and know that if you’re truly exciting, they will gravitate towards you. Gray can be business class or barefoot on the beach, canteen chic or runway. Gray can doze on a park bench and still exude Milan. Gray is not boring. Grey is not a compromise. Gray is understatement with a
wink, the art of being everything without imposing oneself. Those who wear gray say, I could scream, but I choose to whisper. Gray is freedom from the whims of the fashion police, who want pastel today and neon tomorrow. Gray doesn’t need likes. Gray leaves the house without makeup and still looks fabulous. Gray knows that it is beautiful. Not in the Instagram-filtered way, but genuinely, like a mountain peak at sunrise. Like the ocean just before the storm. Like the hair of a person who has lived and regrets nothing. Gray is next-level beauty.”
Patrick Pierazzoli – Editor in Chief
Dior
RETRO SNEAKER RISING
Nadia Hartzer – Fashion Director
“Fashion Week demands obedience. At the Genny Spring/Summer 25 show, the command echoed through the audience: ‘Cross your legs!’ Immediately, there was a synchronized wave of Louboutins, Manolos, and Jimmy Choos snapping to attention. And then there was me – red Adidas Gazelles where there should have been 4-inch So-Kates. This wasn’t just my personal footnote in the highlights of the fashion week – it was a real fashion coup. Retro sneakers had crept into the luxury lexicon. And I was an accessory to the fact. The rise of retro sneakers was a sneaky takeover.
Influencers have made Adidas Sambas, Gazelles, and Onitsuka Tigers the ultimate #FinishTheLook. And designers have reinterpreted classic shapes for the SS25 shows. Loewe's Ballet Runner 2.0, Prada’s mule-sneaker hybrid, and Stella McCartney’s elegant speed sneaker. My once-sacred shoe cabinet – a temple of impractical, obscenely overpriced footwear – now houses four Adidas classics. But let’s get one thing straight, I will not surrender to this ‘comfort can be cool’ movement. It’s a slippery slope – right into Karen’s wardrobe.”
BEST MOOD
It means bad luck for seven years if you break a mirror. But we don’t believe that, because the chosen ones who were there in Paris’ Pavillon des Folies to catch a glimpse of Alessandro Michele’s magnificent collection, a true Valentino revival, can consider themselves very lucky indeed.
What a guy! But what should we call him? Far from being indifferent to fashion, for men too it’s a chance to make a statement to the world. These styles had us captivated as they stepped out onto the runway. So much so, that we can now manifest the most worthy wearer for each of them. Gentlemen: He who dares, wears.
BEST MEN’S FASHION
PYJAMA HARAJA
Off to bed or to the control centers of the world? Why not both? If you’ve slept in when it comes to style, all you need is a perfect day-tonight outfit.
SESAME STREET BOHEMIAN
Once upon a time, the coolest sidekicks of Elmo and the Cookie Monster dressed like this. Today, fun primary color combinations and powerful collars will truly light up your face.
Zegna
LEATHER NEPHEW
Artist Tom of Finland once stylized the look of hypermasculine leather daddies. Now their offspring are being let off the leash – more casual, still kinky.
TEA POT CUTIE
Dressed for afternoon tea. Relaxed yet elegant. Fun, nostalgic looks, like this jacket with a ceramic interpretation, pour us a big cup of feelgood vibes.
BEACH TOWEL PHANTOM
If you don’t want to be a ghost looking for the best sun lounger, leave the mesh hood down. This summer must-have is giving us the same chill down our spines.
NECKTIE NINJA
Since the tie was replaced by the puffer vest as a symbol of penthouse office philistinism, it has come back out to play – and the more crooked your tie is, the better.
MIAMI VICE FINAL BOSS
TARTAN TARZAN
You’ve just escaped the cops on your jet ski and now have to jump on the helicopter and head to Mexico? Then the dress code is wide cuts and pastels.
For too long, checked shirts were the uniform of men that you swipe left on dating apps. But tartan fabric once stood for rebellion and is now celebrating a huge comeback.
Emporio
ATOMIC ALL-STAR
Sponsored by? Good style. Sporty fits are also a hit off the pitch. We’re not talking about the local league-winners’ jersey, it’s all about creative nuclear fission.
BISTRO CHAIR
ROMEO
So beautiful that we have to sit down a minute. Raffia is the softer sister of rattan, so the braiding can be perfectly processed into tough yet light summer clothing.
Louis Vuitton
Dolce & Gabbana
POOLSIDE GLADIATOR
COPY ROOM WUNDERKIND
Life is shorts. And men are now wearing them as short as if they’d swiped them from the locker of a Hooters waitress. Athletic and casual, like a decathlete at Sunday brunch.
In our fairy tale, the receptionist brings her desk to life with a kiss. And now, this prince wears the perfect blend of utility wear and oversized suit.
If you want to be beautiful, you must: Start injecting Botox into every imaginary wrinkle in your early twenties, remove every single body hair, be as thin as possible – or are curves suddenly back in? Who cares, everything is edited anyway, corrupted with filters to create the uniform mash of supposed perfection. No matter what you do, it never seems enough to meet today’s beauty standards. In her book “Pixel Flesh”, Ellen Atlanta explores how toxic beauty ideals collide with the digital world – creating a purgatory of vanity for women and girls. No one is solely to blame for this. From politics to patriarchy, the author uses her own experience and research to uncover how beauty standards dictate every aspect of our lives. In our interview, she tells us why she still loves beauty despite everything, how we can build a healthy relationship with it, and why we should look at real bodies offline more often.
Interview: Michael Rechsteiner, Josefine Zürcher
Photos: Ellen Atlanta
FACES: You worked in the beauty industry for many years, including as a beauty editor. When did you become aware of the toxic side of it?
Ellen Atlanta: When I worked in beauty salons in my teens and early twenties, it was always about bringing women together and creating a community – beauty was a means to an end and was not the be-all and endall. It was much more about creativity: For example, you’d put a different member of a boy band on each fingernail. Size, weight, or appearance were not limitations – everyone can have their nails done. I hadn’t originally planned to work in the beauty industry either, but the years went by and suddenly I ended up at a beauty tech company. This also started quite innocently; we sold treatments via photos. You could order nails, party makeup, braids, or other hairstyles. But in the mid-2010s, the beauty industry underwent a rapid and alarming change.
F: In what way?
EA: Suddenly we had beauticians on the platform, and with them came lips, noses, and cheeks – you could order a whole new face, so to speak. You could easily buy the lips or nose you wanted, thanks to fillers. Around the same time, I noticed that despite the body positivity movement online, the women around me felt worse and worse in real life – worse than ever, actually. And we couldn’t talk about it because we were posting all our sparkly quotes about empowerment online. I worked with incredibly strong and feminist women, all of whom were still having the same conversations about what we could and couldn’t eat and how we should look when we go to certain events. Then I left the beauty industry, working for nonprofits and platforms to support women and girls online, trying to create spaces that felt safer and more feminist.
F: In the introduction to “Pixel Flesh” you describe a moment where you’re outside with friends and realize that you look at more bodies online than you do in real life. Was that the trigger for the book?
EA: Exactly, that was during the pandemic. Here in England, you were allowed to bubble up with a household, and I chose my girlfriends. When it was really hot, we were outside sunbathing. In lockdown, we all took our beauty routine a little less seriously, we shaved less, put on less makeup, maybe put on a little weight. I looked at my friends sunbathing and thought they were all beautiful – and I realized that I was desensitized to the appearance of women in real life. How we have always looked, how we should look in our natural state. Whether it’s belly rolls, stretch marks, scars, or body hair. And this image is stuck in my head like a Renaissance painting. They were so glowing and so beautiful. That’s how the title of the book came about. I hadn’t
“I really wanted the book to make it clear that I still love beauty and have always loved it.”
ELLEN ATLANTA
If you notice a new beauty trend, you can be sure that Ellen Atlanta spotted it before you and has already written about it – from her time at Elle UK, Dazed, or The Times maybe. She also has several years of experience as a content creator and advising makeup giants such as Estée Lauder or Milk Makeup as a brand consultant. Whatever project she tackles, the thread remains constant; she prioritizes female empowerment, shakes up patriarchal structures, and creates an approach to beauty that should exclude no one.
ellenatlanta.com
seen real bodies for a while, just pixels on a screen. When everything was pretty much back to normal after Covid and we went back to our work in the beauty industry, I had to reconcile that with how I was feeling. It almost felt like a betrayal. So much was written about beauty standards, but no one really dealt with what it means when they collide with the digital world. It took a hold of me and I wanted to write about it immediately.
F: The book questions an industry that you were also part of for a long time. What worried you the most before the launch?
EA: Quite a large part of the book is autobiographical, but there are also accounts from almost one hundred other women who shared their stories with me. I felt a responsibility towards them, mainly. I wanted to make sure that I represented as many different stories and feelings as possible. It’s all backed by statistics, but I didn’t want to write a data-heavy book, I wanted to write one that people can’t ignore, because it says, “Look, this is what women go through.” Women who can identify with it should feel seen and understood. Their behavior is not irrational, they are neither crazy nor somehow defective. I really wanted to get that across.
F: “Pixel Flesh” has been out in the world and in the hands of readers for almost a year now. How has the response been so far?
EA: I know you shouldn’t, but I often read my reviews on Goodreads. Some of them are so moving. 17-year-old girls write me entire essays telling me how much the book means to them. There are also many people who find the book provocative. Some even find it difficult to read. The interesting thing about this is that people struggle with different chapters, depending on personal experiences and feelings. The fact that the book is confrontational signals that we are only just scratching the surface of something much larger. So, it also serves as a basis for conversation – whether it’s about recognizing your own privilege or dealing with past experiences.
F: How has your relationship with beauty changed in the course of your research and the writing process? Is there anything you do differently now?
EA: You write a book alone, usually at home in your pajamas, in my case. You’re not really visible. When I was done, it was like, “OK, cool, now please become a shiny Instagram star so we can actually sell a few copies.” And I realized that I really don’t want to do that. I struggled to be visible in a way that did justice to the message of the book. I know there’s a direct correlation between how I look and the way I speak and the number of media appearances I’m invited to. Whether I’m invited to podcasts – which all have video elements
– or how many photoshoots they want me to do. This realization was quite staggering.
F: How did you cope with it and what advice do you have for other young women?
EA: I’ve noticed that everyone has something they struggle with. You have to find out what it is and confront it. For me, it’s makeup, nails, and food. I wear less makeup now, most days of the week none at all and I allow myself to eat more – that sounds silly and trivial. But that’s exactly what I encourage in my book; to do one thing less. And it’s so much easier to write without super long nails. A few months ago, I would for sure have glued on nails before this interview. It sounds crazy, but that’s exactly how it was. Once, during my charity work, where I do workshops with young girls, when I suggested that we could make a magazine or collages next time, everyone turned around and said, “Can we put on makeup like you?” and I thought, “Oh my God, I’m the problem.” You have to show these young women and girls how important it is that they can show up as they want, with makeup or without makeup, in sweatpants or in tight clothing – they always deserve the same respect.
F: As a child, we used to play around with makeup and nail polish. Is it possible to have creative fun like that with beauty again, without the pressure of current trends?
EA: I really wanted the book to make it clear that I still love beauty and have always loved it. As a child, my mother let me randomly dye parts of my hair pink. Sometimes it was just my bangs – it probably looked crazy, but when I was seven, it was the coolest thing ever. There are those magical moments, for example, when you‘re getting ready with your girlfriends or when you dye your hair for the first time – these are such gorgeous and important moments in beauty culture. For me, it’s about finding a way back. Beauty standards are so homogenized today. Everyone’s starting to look the same, and that’s not what we wanted at the beginning. Beauty as a culture used to mean being connected to others and it was about selfexpression. I totally believe there are ways to get back to that.
F: Do you have an example of how we can return to past values?
EA: In the past, makeup was always about concealing everything. The dark circles under the eyes, everything that I had somehow perceived as a flaw. It was less about color, glitter, and gimmicks. Here’s a helpful exercise: make a list of everything you liked as a child before an algorithm told you what you should like. You get little obsessions as a kid. I loved glitter, dressing up like a fairy, but also wearing chunky Doc Martens
“I realized that I was desensitized to the appearance of women in real life.”
– and buying old Tamagotchis on eBay. This is the purest version of myself. That’s where you have to find your way back to – what feels good to you, not what’s hot on TikTok right now. To this day, my hair is always some version of pink or purple – because I’ve always loved pink.
F: As you mentioned in the introduction, it’s important to see bodies in real life. Does the solution lie offline?
EA: Absolutely. So much of the work has to be done offline. That’s where we have control and a sense of reality. When researching for the book, I spoke with an eating disorder therapist. Among other things, she advises her patients to watch people on their way to work. Look at every third person and how they present themselves, what their body looks like, instead of just comparing yourself to what you see online. Something that massively changed my body awareness was no longer going to those fancy Pilates classes, where everyone looks pretty much the same, but to the leisure center around the corner from me. I go to dance and fitness classes there, with women of all ages. One recently celebrated her 96th birthday. And there’s a mother of three who is fitter than I could ever be. The way we perform the exercises looks different for everyone, but everyone does their best. It’s so liberating to see the diversity. You learn what women’s bodies are like and should be like. We need to actively cultivate spaces like this, just as we curate our feed online. We don’t often talk about how much influence we have on the people in our lives – best friends, mothers, sisters, nieces, the women around us. We need to exhale, let our body be and not talk negatively about it all the time. If you do this for the other women around you, it creates a domino effect.
F: Are there people or organizations that exemplify exactly that and who are role models for you?
EA: Sometimes I have an issue with the work that is being done, actually. Because when you address these issues – the toxic beauty trends that are doing the rounds on social media – sometimes you only learn about these trends through the people who are trying to fight against them. It’s a vicious circle. I would never have heard of [insert crazy beauty trend here] if I hadn’t listened to this person talking about it. And now I can’t stop thinking about it. We need to be careful about how we draw attention to our bodies and how we talk about these things. I’m guilty of that, too – it happened to me at the very beginning. Back then, I gave an interview in which I talked about certain body trends, and the journalist said afterwards, “I didn’t know that existed, then I realized that I had it and now I think about it all the time” – and that was not my intention. There are places in the book where I say, if you don’t
know what this term or trend is – don’t Google it, ignorance is bliss! I figured it out so you don’t have to. I now try not to name these specific things. Let’s focus on what we want to see and follow the people who represent it for us.
F: Of course, there are also unrealistic beauty standards for men. But it’s still mainly women who are affected by toxic beauty culture. Is that why men should also read your book?
EA: In a recent book review, a girl wrote that she broached the topic with her partner. Although he is actually very understanding, he said that women act like that because they are vain. This made her realize how nuanced the topic really is. She wanted to put the book in her partner’s hand and say. “Read it. It explains everything.” Many women have told me that the book explains things and feelings that they had not yet been able to put into words or decipher. Some listen to the audiobook with their partner and discuss it after each chapter, which is really nice. “Pixel Flesh” can be a way to tear down those walls.
F: What has been the reaction from men who actually read the book?
EA: Men’s reactions have been awesome. I’ve often been asked why men don’t feature so much in the book, and I think it’s important to distinguish between patriarchy and men. Patriarchy is a system that we all uphold – yes, men are a part of it. Especially the men who are in positions of power. However, many men are not fully aware of the extent of the beauty industry and its impact on women. That’s why I wanted to tell my story and the stories of others. Some fathers have read the book and told me how helpful it has been in understanding their teenage daughters. My father also read the book and thought a lot about his life and experiences. Many men who have read it have found it revealing and shocking. The topic can feel divisive – as if the men are not on our side. Which makes me all the happier about the positive reactions I have received from men. I had male friends read it, men who would never have picked up this book before. I was pleasantly surprised and I think there is actually a willingness on the part of men to understand.
F: What are you working on right now and what are your plans for the future?
EA: Based on the content of “Pixel Flesh”, I advise marketing agencies and brands and show them how we can make the world a better place for young women and girls. With better representation and positive messages. The women who suffer the most from this culture are often the ones who are in the middle of it and are constantly surrounded by these images. And I will continue to write about women and girls and the internet. A second book is already in the offing.
PIXEL FLESH: HOW TOXIC BEAUTY CULTURE HARMS WOMEN
Filters that can hardly be distinguished from reality, fillers for every part of the face and what feels like a new beauty trend every day. The digital world is throwing the already absurd beauty standards completely off the scale. Author Ellen Atlanta recognized the problem early on, after her own years of experience in the beauty industry. In her first book, she breaks down how the dangers for women and girls lurk everywhere. And offers hope and solutions for all those who want to live more of their lives in the real world and think less about all their supposed flaws.
Ellen Atlanta, “Pixel Flesh: How Toxic Beauty Culture Harms Women”, Headline Publishing, approx. 20.—, headline.co.uk
F: Can you give us any hints about what we can expect from the next book?
EA: I can reveal a little bit about the subject matter. There will be a focus on the early two-thousands and to what extent they are relevant again. In a way, I’m documenting the concept of girlhood in a socio-historical way. My job is to tell the stories of women and girls, just as “Pixel Flesh” hopefully did – and create a sense of sisterhood in which girls feel safe and heard and understood. That’s what I’d like to carry on doing.
F: Do you have a favorite moment that you associate with the release of “Pixel Flesh”?
EA: There’s this yellow shirt that you see quite often on social media. It says, “Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino.” One of the girls I interviewed for the book told me that she wanted one that said, “Written by Ellen Atlanta” because she doesn’t want to be written by a man, but by a feminist author. So I had some T-shirts like that made for the book’s launch party, just for fun really. I have had it reprinted three times since! And if there are girls everywhere wearing that tee, then the book really is every girl’s story. For me, it reflects what I want to achieve in my career. I was so proud that the women felt so represented by the stories in the book. That’s what I want to continue to do, write about women in a way that is as close as possible to their experiences.
F: Last but not least, we have to ask you the question you asked everyone else at the end of each chapter. How can we create a more beautiful world for women and girls?
EA: Oh, that’s the question I unfairly asked every person in the book. At the end of the book, I tried to find actual solutions instead of simply saying “Patriarchy is bad!”. The topic is so huge that no one really knows where to start. I have a few answers. Go out into the world and be in your own community. I even have it on a sticker. Nurture yourself in every dimension –nurture the women around you in every dimension. Instead of thinking about what looks good in the eyes of others – which is what we’ve been conditioned to do all our lives – we need to write this three-dimensional life for ourselves. What feels good, what tastes good, what do I like? We must refuse to be pressed into a two-dimensional image that is shared, liked, and judged online. Real life is multidimensional. It’s also important to pay attention to how we talk about ourselves and the women around us. When we greet other women, we often comment on their appearance first. “Oh, your hair looks great, I like your outfit.” But we rarely say, “I missed you.” Again and again we prioritize appearance, we have to change that.
BEAUTY REPORT Spring/Summer 2025
THAT’S HOT!
Of course the clothes take center stage at fashion week. But we always look forward to the hair and makeup looks just as much, because we are convinced that expressing your personality from head to toe requires color and brushes as well as fabric.
We’re staring because the color pops – but also because we’re wondering what to call this hypnotizing shade somewhere between red and orange. VAQUERA
BEST GLOW
Eyes, cheeks, lips, complexion: how do you manage to be so glowy?
GRACE LING
BEST NAILS
When it comes to nails, a simple principle applies: the longer, the better.
GRACE LING
BEST BANGS
Does this look give you a clear view? No. Does it make you look ultra-cool? Yes. So everything is done right.
MUGLER
BEST GLASSES
Certain looks are only complete with the right glasses.
ZIMO
BEST EYES
Dip a brush in glitter, brush it over your closed eyelid and you’ll attract everyone’s attention.
LUTZ HUELLE
BEST ACCESSORY
And
TORISHÉJU
Pearls are making a comeback.
are taking on a new identity somewhere between earring and necklace.
BEST BLING
You can’t be offended when everyone looks at your ear first instead of your face.
ROKH
BEST BROWS
Bleached and still bushy? The best of both worlds.
PRABAL GURUNG
BEST BRAIDS
Precision and perfection: The definition of both terms lies in these
braids.
VAQUERA
COMEBACK KIT
Dream couples are forever. Like Louis Vuitton and Takashi Murakami. 20 years ago, the fashion giant and Japanese artist got together and launched a collection that became an iconic style success. With an exclusive re-edition, the bags, suitcases, and accessories are now being re-released. Actress Jeanne Goursaud has packed for us and wears clothes from the Women’s Ready-to-Wear Silhouette line from Louis Vuitton.
Photography: Christopher Puttins
Talent: Jeanne Goursaud
Styling: Alexander Huber
Makeup & Hair: Tobias Sagner
Production: Julia Gelau
Fashion: Louis Vuitton, WRTW Silhouette
Accessoires: Louis Vuitton x Murakami Re-Edition
HARD HITTING
Jeanne Goursaud is a shooting star. Not only because her movie and TV career is currently sky-rocketing. But also because she can handle a gun very well on screen. Like she does in the hit series “Pax Massilia” or the soon to be released Netflix movie, “Exterritorial”, playing a soldier who turns a US consulate upside down to find her son. She has found time for us to answer these questions. And action!
FACES: Do you remember your first visit to the movie theater?
Jeanne Goursaud: Totally! I think it was “The Lion King” – a repeat in a children’s movie theater. And I was emotionally completely unprepared. I came to the cinema happy and left with a trauma called Mufasa.
F: Was there a movie character that inspired you to start acting? Or one that you remember from an early age?
JG: I had a phase where I was convinced that I was actually Mulan. A bit of kick-ass energy, a pinch of rebellion – I was ready to defend my imaginary empire.
F: When do you know when you read a script that this project is right for you?
JG: When I forget while reading that I’m actually lying on the couch and suddenly feel the need to get up and act out the scene – or when I laugh out loud and then ask myself, “Okay, is that funny in the script or is it just my weird kind of humor?” And of course, when the scenes touch me and I’m so deep in the story that I can visualize it there and then.
F: What have been the most physically and emotionally challenging moments in your career so far during filming?
JG: Physically: every scene where I had to wear a tight corsage. Folks, the fashion of the 18th century was a personal battle against the human lungs. Eating is difficult too! Or in “Barbarians” for Netflix. Here we are in the year 9 BC. People don’t have much to keep themselves warm except fire and fur. For six months in the Hungarian winter, I ran through the forest in leather socks (laughs). Emotional: scenes where you, as an actor, have to penetrate dark, vulnerable corners of your soul – and then someone comes and shouts. “Can we do this again, but with more light from the left?”
F: Which personal trait is particularly helpful to you in your job?
JG: Curiosity. I love getting to grips with new roles, new worlds, and new characters – that’s what makes acting so exciting. And you also discover different facets of yourself.
F: And which trait might sometimes get in your way?
JG: Perfectionism. Sometimes it would be nice to just say, “Okay, that was fine.” But I’ve always been persistent and determined. Maybe that’s how I got to where I am today.
F: How do you pass the time waiting on set?
JG: Food. Food, every time. And if I don’t have anything to eat, I talk about food (laughs).
F: What is the best way to recover after a hard day’s filming?
JG: A cozy outfit, a delicious plate of pasta – food again (laughs). Sports and sauna or meeting a good friend. A friend I’m so close to that we just feel at home with each other and don’t even have to talk.
F: Which classic movie or series do you not like at all?
JG: I can’t really think of anything right now... But I find it difficult to watch war films because they make me so infinitely sad. Even if they are good. And important. After “Schindler’s List” I don’t know what to do with myself the rest of the day.
F: Have you ever taken something from a movie set?
JG: (Laughs) I often ask if I can keep a few outfits. I did take a ‘wolf tooth’ necklace as a souvenir from the
JEANNE GOURSAUD
Babsirella, ‘Barbarians’, Badass: Jeanne Goursaud is impressive in every role. The daughter of German and French parents has carved out an international acting career over the past ten years, which has taken her to director Clint Eastwood’s camera (“The 15:17 to Paris”) and made her the star of various streaming successes (“Barbarians”, “Pax Massilia”, “Para – We are King”). In her new film “Exterritorial” on Netflix, Jeanne fights her way through enemy territory in a white tank. And it’s not just an early Christmas present for fans of Bruce Willis in “Die Hard”.
“Barbarians” shoot! I’m sure I have at least one thing from every project at home. A lot of underwear – that might just happen to come home with me “by accident.” I must have 20 different pairs of “forgotten” skin-colored thermal underwear because I just left them on after a cold day of shooting.
F: What do you think of red carpet appearances? Stressful or fun?
JG: 50% fun, 50% “hopefully I don’t get caught with my heel in my dress and cause an embarrassing moment and hopefully I don’t look stiff.” It is difficult to stand looking relaxed and beautiful on the carpet.
F: What would you like to have with you at all times, but can’t quite fit into your bag?
JG: A fireplace (laughs). Unfortunately, they’re not handbag-friendly. I’m a total fire freak. I love fireplaces. I have a “fake” fireplace at home, which I can also carry from room to room (laughs). Otherwise, I would like to have my family and friends with me all the time, of course.
F: What fashion accessory could you not do without?
JG: Earrings! Without them, I feel somehow... incomplete. Or my rings. The one I always wear was given to me by my father.
F: What would you never wear in private?
JG: Skinny jeans. The answer is quite definitely skinny jeans!
F: What’s the best styling tip you’ve ever taken to heart?
JG: “If you don’t feel comfortable, it doesn’t look good.” And it’s true! It just does something to your aura.
F: Are there any photos from your teenage years that make you think, “Oh wow, what was I thinking when I wore that?”
JG: Too many to mention. The noughties were simply a decade full of fashion missteps. Tight skinny jeans with sequin embroidery? Guilty as charged. I even had a pair I bought from Hamburg Cathedral, with a sequin tramp stamp on the back. Unfortunately, I lost them in my bag in a taxi in Paris at some point. I cried the whole day. Looking back, I’m glad I lost them! Or that’s what my parents told me, and actually left the things in the trunk on purpose (laughs). Of course, they also thought the pants were terrible.
F: Do you have a piece of clothing or an accessory that you associate with a very special memory?
JG: Jewellery that I received as a gift from family or partners. There is nothing more precious to me than memories. And to carry them with me.
F: What German stereotype do you find complete nonsense? And also a French one?
JG: They say Germans don’t have a sense of humor. We actually do, but it’s ... an acquired taste. And that the French all walk around with a baguette under their arm. Okay, some of them do – but that’s more of a lifestyle thing than a cliché.
F: What do you hope to achieve in the next ten years?
JG: To play exciting roles that challenge me. To be 90% happy and healthy! And maybe finally learn how to keep a plant alive. Very difficult when you‘re traveling around.
F: What compliment did you receive recently?
JG: Someone said I had a “contagious energy.” I hope that was meant in a positive way (laughs)!
SONGBIRD IN A GOLDEN CAGE POPULENCE
If there were a Greek god of cocktail parties, we would have dug up ancient vases with Bryan Ferry’s face on them long ago. But Bryan Ferry is not a Greek god. He’s an English singer. And so – most likely – a mere mortal. But he’s a singer whose songs and style deserve their own pantheon. And now, he has one, in the new retrospective “Selected Recordings 1973 – 2023”, which looks back on a 50-year career. We’re going to do the same here.
Text: Michael Rechsteiner
Bryan Ferry’s career began as the singer and songwriter of Roxy Music, one of England’s most artistically influential bands. Even back when he was the frontman for Roxy Music, Ferry was already making a name for himself as a solo artist, and expanded his musical spectrum into genres such as jazz and electro after the group disbanded. Although he often changed musical styles, his fashion sense remained timeless.
Fans couldn’t ask for “More Than This” from Bryan Ferry. The Englishman’s first career-spanning collection packs 50 years of music history into two double vinyl LPs or five CDs with 81 songs (including the new single “Star”). The compilation can also be streamed via the usual platforms, but with the physical formats you also get a 100-page book. Its liner notes and shots by star photographers such as Anton Corbijn underline why Bryan Ferry’s icy coolness is putting off global warming at least for a bit. (Or not. We are style experts, not climate researchers.)
bryanferry.com
You’re standing at the window of your penthouse. The golden ashtrays are full. The tortoiseshell fruit bowls are empty. The model – male/female/other – is lying in bed on the crumpled satin sheets after having sex with you all night long. You sip champagne, the bottle as expensive as a fitted kitchen, and feel – nothing. That’s the time to listen to the voice of Bryan Ferry.
Elegance, melancholy, and artificiality are the coauthors of his work. All his life, Bryan Ferry seemed like the most elegant man at a party he didn’t really want to be at. In an interview, Ferry once revealed that he doesn’t feel comfortable talking to other people – that’s why he became a singer. An introverted dandy who had no choice but to be a rock star, pop idol, jazz interpreter.
SUFFERING IN LUXURY
Life in a white tuxedo did not seem his destiny at first. Bryan Ferry grew up in the north of England, the son of a miner who led pit ponies underground. After studying art in Newcastle and briefly working as a ceramics teacher, Ferry formed the band Roxy Music with former classmates and kindred spirits. With its flamboyant style and rock’n’roll references, the group got caught up in the maelstrom of glam rock mania, which swept across England in 1972. But to call Roxy Music a glam rock band is like calling James Cameron the director of “Piranha II: The Spawning”. It’s true, but right from the start, Roxy Music operated on a whole new level, artistically and intellectually. Behind the glam rock facade, the former art students invented art pop and laid bare the soul of Western post-war society, for which songs like “In Every Dream Home a Heartache” became a sobering stock-take. Suddenly, the luxury that households had been coveting in the fifties and sixties was no longer a novelty. And yet there was always the great fear of losing it again. Materialism as a toxic love affair. But instead of rebelling against this realization, Roxy Music, and especially their frontman, celebrated the dreary shine of superficiality. The lascivious record covers, staged by Bryan Ferry himself like the covers of a fashion magazine, became the band’s trademark. Roxy Music was the band that credited
not only the musicians and sound engineers on their LPs, but also their hair and makeup stylists.
BRYAN VS. BRIAN
After two albums, keyboardist Brian Eno left the band. The first reason was that Bryan Ferry had won the creative showdown and wanted to put Eno’s avant-garde ambitions aside for a smoother pop sound. The second supposed reason was because the singing fashion envoy could never quite understand why the short studio techie nerd with the thinning hair got all the women backstage. For the next 10 years, Roxy Music went on to be the backing band to the pastel-colored decadence of the late 70s and early 80s. In the midst of it all and yet somehow on the sidelines. Bryan Ferry was the ultimate British gentleman; next to him, even James Bond seemed like a poor Dickens character, begging for soup. Sexy. Sophisticated. And yet... somewhat sad behind those steel-blue eyes. Ferry was able to flirt with the role of the ultimate seducer on stage, but off stage, it was often his own heart that was broken. His fiancée Jerry Hall, model on the album cover for “Siren”, left the singer in 1977 for another – Mick Jagger. At least he wasn’t a short studio techie nerd with thinning hair.
GOING SOLO
At the height of their commercial success, Roxy Music disbanded in 1983. Bryan Ferry then pursued his already launched career as a solo artist. He remained true to his style and reinterpreted classics by other musicians, including on his Bob Dylan cover album “Dylanesque”. But even as a jazz crooner and vocalist of moody electronica tracks, Bryan Ferry has retained his musical relevance to this day. He still tours regularly and loves to visit local museums wherever the tours take him – even at the age of 79, the art student is still there. As for the glittering parties, he leaves them to other people now. Exceptional talents such as The Weeknd, Harry Styles, and St. Vincent pay tribute to the fashion and musical legacy of Bryan Ferry. They may not quite hold a candle to him, but maybe a glass of champagne as expensive as a flat-screen TV.
ADRIFT ISLAND POEM
What would we take with us to a remote island? How about an entire house, complete with a sauna and gym? Whistling Wind Island lies on the coast of Pointe au Baril in Ontario, Canada. It is the site of a modern retreat, built on a peninsula of prehistoric rock, where visitors can enjoy the wild weather with a perfect view.
Text: Josefine Zürcher
Photos: Doublespace
Left: Main cottage, guest cabin, sauna – you can stay here for weeks as long as you’ve brought enough supplies with you.
Right: Step out of the glazed door and you’re almost in the water.
Thanks to the full-length windows you are surrounded by the wildness of nature at all times.
“THE ONLY NOISY NEIGHBOR IS THE WIND.”
Left: There aren’t any neighbors –only guests staying in the cabin.
Right: The region is great for kite-surfing, but relaxing and reading on the sofa are just as good.
“A HECTARE OF DREAMS FOR ALL LONERS WITH A LOVE OF NATURE.”
WHISTLING WIND ISLAND
Pointe au Baril, Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Concept: Akb Architects
Project: Kelly Buffey, Robert Kastelic, Donald Peckover, Byron White, Tim Wat, Antonio Morais, Nicole Rak, Anne Hepfer Design Inc. akb.ca
If you’re going to have a weekend getaway, it should be in an adventurous environment, where you need a boat to get there. Well, at least that’s what the architects of the Whistling Wind Island project must have thought. On a peninsula on the coast of Georgian Bay in Ontario, rock emerges from the Precambrian, the age in which the earth began to form. Navigating a boat between the rock formations is nothing short of a slalom. But these rocks are now home to a main cottage and what’s known as a bunkie – a cabin for guests –, as well as a sauna and gym. The two primary accommodations are built upon the original footprints of preexisting structures. Triple-pane glass walls ensure natural heat regulation – with sustainability and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere inside being the top priorities. Wrap-around terraces offer a 360° panoramic outlook. With all this relaxation you have to make sure you don’t forget the time. From November onwards, the water freezes and the outlying cabin becomes uninhabitable until the following season.
It’s not a mirage rising out of the middle of the Californian Colorado desert. And yet Palm Springs seems like the perfect Fata Americana. A pastelsoaked utopia where our next appointment is always just “poolside martinis with Frank Sinatra”. The illustrated book “Palm Springs” is a photographic journey through the aesthetics of a city where time seems to stand still. And where insiders could whisper a cinematic anecdote about every house corner and street mile. Leafing through the brightly colored pages, you can hear the clink of cocktail glasses and feel the kiss of the desert sun on the back of your neck.
For decades, the stars of the Los Angeles dream factory have been drawn to Palm Springs when they themselves want to dream and see real stars in the sky. With over 200 photos and a foreword by journalist Sheila Hamilton, “Palm Springs” writes a love letter to the city of the same name and awakens a longing for an America whose main export is style instead of stodge.
Austin Augie turns everything into something exciting and creative – including self-portraits.
Sometimes he’s cruising through the city on his BMX, and sometimes he’s filming a documentary about life among the Amish. Oh, and he used to be a model, too. Austin Aughinbaugh, better known online as Austin Augie, is quite an enigma. He’s been recording his life on his YouTube channel for years. His everyday vlogs have slowly turned into artistic documentaries that actually deserve to be watched on the big screen.
Photos: Austin Augie
Back to the past: Austin lived with the Amish for a while.
The Amish life, the simple life.
Timeless and composed like a painting.
Community – a key word in Austin Augie’s work.
A silent observer collecting everyday moments.
The American repeatedly returns to India, where he fully immerses himself in the hustle and bustle – never without his camera.
SELF SEEKING
In the midst of his hectic, creativity-driven everyday life, Austin Augie found the time to answer our questions. He told us why he never saw himself as a “vlogger”, even though he shares his life on YouTube, what his favorite art form is and why he turned his back on the fashion industry.
Interview: Josefine Zürcher
FACES: You started out as a YouTuber and a BMX pro. You also worked as a model and you are now a photographer and filmmaker. How would you introduce yourself to someone who doesn’t know anything about you?
Austin Augie: It’s funny – when I was doing YouTube full time, I never saw myself as a YouTuber; instead, I identified more as a BMX professional. The contrast between those identities always amused me. Despite spending so much time on YouTube, my real aspirations were always in filmmaking and mastering the art of documentation. Looking back on my modeling stint, it feels like a distant chapter. It was primarily a way to make ends meet, and passion wasn’t really part of that phase. However, the experience was valuable and taught me important lessons that have been crucial to my growth. If someone were to ask now, I’d introduce myself as Augie, a chronicler of life through both motion pictures and still imagery. My focus is on capturing the myriad stories that weave through all walks of life.
F: How did the transition from BMX-ing, vlogging, to modeling to photography go? Was there any overlap?
AA: I’d say they all intertwine with one another. BMX, for instance, has always been a part of me and will continue to be. Traveling with the sole purpose of riding and exploring the world has been an extraordinary experience. It opened my eyes to different perspectives and instilled a resilience in me that remains. As for vlogging, I’m not fond of the term, but my time on YouTube kept me behind the lens, where I taught myself composition and storytelling.
F: What is your preferred work these days and how do you spend most of your time?
AA: My daily routine varies depending on where I am and what I’m doing. In NYC, I spend my days working at the studio – shooting, painting, and working on pitch decks. Canoeing and ping pong are some of my favorite hobbies. When I’m traveling, my main focus is on documenting the experience.
F: Where did you grow up and how did that have an influence on you and your creativity?
AA: Growing up, I was constantly moving between a country home in Amboy, Indiana, and a townhome in Marion, Indiana. My parents were never married and led very different lives, which meant that I was always on the move, switching schools frequently. This constant jostling helped me understand who I was as an individual. At that time, BMX was my art form, and it played a significant role in shaping the path I’m on now.
F: Where in the world do you feel most at home?
AA: I feel most at home in my studio with my dog, Tonka Truck. Last summer, I made an effort to stay put and not travel like I usually do, so I could spend more time with him and truly enjoy our time together.
F: You share a lot about your personal life on Youtube. Have you ever regretted being so open or does it feel cathartic?
AA: That’s a good question. YouTube has been both a rock and a hard place for me in ways that many people might not fully understand. I share because I believe that the authenticity of life deserves to be shared, and that even the mundane can be both beautiful and thought-provoking. However, sharing my life on YouTube at the start of my career came with its own set of challenges.
F: Who or what inspired you to vlog your life?
AA: I’ve always disliked the word “vlog” – even “video log” or “video journal” sounds better to me. I remember discovering Casey Neistat’s YouTube channel and being inspired by how he crafted stories from his everyday life. At that time, I was making a major move from California to NYC to pursue a BMX and modeling career. I thought documenting my journey would be a great way to get comfortable behind the lens. However, I didn’t anticipate how taxing it would be, both mentally and physically.
F: Do you still watch a lot of YouTube? How has the platform changed in the last few years?
AA: I don’t watch much YouTube these days, except for live performances. However, I do upload quite frequently. Lately, I’ve been focusing on creating more art-driven video journals. It’s for sure got harder to gain traction.
The streets of New York are packed with stories waiting to be told.
F: What were your experiences as a model like? And what do you think of the industry?
AA: Initially, the experience was incredible and the money was great; however, as time went on, I began to feel disillusioned by the underlying vanity and self-importance that seemed to permeate the scene. It’s intriguing – my passion for art and fashion has always been profound, yet I’ve noticed a troubling shift in the industry. What once felt like a vibrant celebration of creativity now increasingly prioritizes profit and formulaic approaches over genuine artistic expression. My entry into that world started simply: I went to a casting, landed a big job, and then used that opportunity to secure another agent in New York
F: How would you describe your personal style? Does fashion play a big role in your daily life?
AA: I’d say my personal style is heavily influenced by my travels and experiences around the world. I’m drawn to simplicity and prefer to avoid logos. While my style might not play a huge role in my life, I do care about how I present myself in public.
F: When did you start having an interest in fashion and the fashion industry?
AA: I never really had an interest in it... I kind of just fell into it.
F: What fashion brands did you enjoy working with the most?
AA: Michael Kors paid me the most and took me around the world, which was incredible. However, I appreciated all the experiences I had, even if many were driven primarily by financial motives.
F: In one of your recent documentaries, you lived with an Amish family for a few weeks. How did that come about, and what were the most impactful learning experiences you took from that time?
AA: I’ve known that family for 15 years, and when I was 13, I lived with them for three months. More recently, I spent just a month with them. I had to face the loss of
“ Social media can be a real mind killer.”
my stepdad, a pivotal figure in my life, and my relationship with my girlfriend ended. During that time, my drinking and drug use spiraled out of control, and I knew I needed a reset. I called it “Amish rehab,” but it turned out to be much more than that. For the first time, I began to truly focus on self-love, and that journey has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today.
F: Would you do something similar again? What other cultures would you like to immerse yourself in?
AA: I’m working on a series where I immerse myself in different cultures for extended periods. My goal is to gain a deeper perspective and understanding of cultures I’m not familiar with. By living and experiencing these cultures up close, I hope to uncover insights and stories that go beyond surface-level observations. Romania and Africa are interesting to me at the moment.
F: How would you describe your visual style?
AA: I’d say my visual style reflects both who I am and my background. I like to think of it as a storytelling approach with a touch of simplicity, capturing the essence of my experiences and influences in a way that feels authentic and personal.
F: What’s your camera of choice?
AA: It used to be a Contax g2 but I was breaking it every other trip. I stripped it down and stick with a Nikon f3 and a Nikon d610 for digital work. Usually on trips though I will bring a medium format for portrait work.
F: You’re an avid street photographer as well. What’s the best place for street photography?
AA: It’s funny— I used to love street photography, but as I’ve evolved as an artist, I now prefer documenting the streets rather than actively searching for images. I think a lot of photographers are like cheetahs, hunting for the perfect shot, while I find more value in immersing myself in the scenes around me and letting the images come to me naturally. I love shooting New York but India is probably the Mecca for imagery.
Where there’s action, there’s Austin Augie and his camera.
F: You seem to be on the go non-stop. Do you ever take breaks? What do you do if you’re not working on anything creative?
AA: I actually wrote in my journal recently that I need to slow down. Being a self-employed artist is both a blessing and a curse; my life seamlessly blends into my work, leaving little room for downtime. Honestly, though, I enjoy it. I have so much energy, and if I didn’t have this creative outlet, I’d probably feel lost. My breaks typically involve writing music, playing ping pong, or enjoying a night out at the bar.
F: How do you disconnect from the world?
AA: I love taking my canoe out on the water here in Redhook. I’ll lay back, watch the boats go by, and just be at peace with the sea.
F: What do you think of social media?
AA: Social media can be a real mind killer, and I often wish I didn’t have to be a part of it. Unfortunately, it’s a crucial part of how I do what I do. Like with anything, balance is key. Having it at our fingertips can be overwhelming; many people struggle to be alone with themselves, which makes managing social media even more challenging.
F: Does creating content ever feel draining? What do you do to overcome a creative block?
AA: I don’t really see what I do as making “content”; I prefer to think of it as producing bodies of work. Some pieces are stronger than others, but the term “content” doesn’t quite sit right with me. I usually juggle multiple projects at once, so when one becomes too draining, I’ll switch gears and come back to it later.
F: Who inspires you most to be creative?
AA: Myself and my desires.
F: What decade would you love to live in?
AA: I’m drawn to the 1940s and 1950s – the cars, the style, the imagery. It’s possible that nostalgia plays a big role, though, because I really love where I live now and how convenient everything is.
F: What worries you the most?
AA: What worries me most is becoming stagnant – staying in one place without growing as an individual or learning
AUSTIN AUGIE
You can’t describe him in just one sentence. He’s a photographer, filmmaker, and BMX pro with a background in the fashion industry. When he’s not traveling, Austin is working on new ideas in his studio in New York, proving his talent at photo shoots or getting into his canoe. One thing remains the same: his energy and creativity never run dry.
austinaugie.nyc, studio.augie.com
from my mistakes. I fear not living up to my potential and not making enough money to support the people I care about.
F: How far ahead into the future do you plan?
AA: I tend to focus on living in the present rather than worrying too much about the future. Aside from larger projects, the future feels like an unknown, and I prefer to stay grounded in the here and now.
F: Even though you prefer the here and now: Where do you see yourself in the future?
AA: I’m not entirely sure. I find fulfillment in working and creating things, traveling, and experiencing new places. These activities give me a sense of purpose and keep me engaged.
F: What do you think of artificial intelligence?
AA: I’m not a fan… but it’s coming to take everything.
F. Who would you love to collaborate with on a creative project?
AA: I collaborate a lot with friends and brands I enjoy, and I’d love to create a film, which would involve even more collaboration. It’s an exciting prospect that would bring together various talents and perspectives.
F: Was it easier to do social media a few years back compared to now?
AA: Yes, the obvious answer is that it does add stress. As things become more intertwined with your life, they tend to complicate matters. The pressure to have and manage everything can make it even more stressful.
F: Do you consume a lot of “analog” media like books and magazines?
AA: I have a ton of photo books and read a lot. Right now, I’m on a huge Stephen King kick, thanks to my friend Brandon, who’s reading all of his books. I also love a lot of sci-fi.
F: Can you share something most people don’t know yet about you?
AA: I’m not sure there’s much that people don’t already know about me. I believe authenticity is one of my greatest strengths, and it’s also something I highly value in others.
Gazing off into the distance and dreaming.
WAVELENGTH DRIFT & DREAM
The design hotel Aethos Ericeira stands on a cliff top in the Portuguese fishing village of Ericeira.
Letting our pulse rate drop while relaxing before ramping it up again among towering waves: This is how we spend our days at Aethos Ericeira, right on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. But you don’t have to be an adrenalin junkie to enjoy this gem. The spa, the hotel bar and the luxurious rooms overlooking the sea ensure pure relaxation.
What was once a farmhouse is now a paradise for both surfing pros and lovers of design.
Text: Josefine Zürcher
Photos: Francisco Nogueira
The Atlantic ocean is known as a turbulent, untamed mass of water that only true pros dare take on with their surfboards. But at the Aethos Ericeira in Portugal you don’t need a surfboard or a swimming badge: You can also admire the endless blue of the sea from afar. There’s always a view of the ocean from the full-length windows of the renovated building thanks to its position high on a cliff. If you don’t fancy braving the cold currents of the Atlantic, the pool is a perfect substitute: In its heated, salty water you almost feel as if you’re in the open sea – but without the high waves and sand. If you’d like to master surfing while on vacation, the hotel offers group courses and private lessons. An excursion to Nazaré, the surfing paradise an hour or so away, is also on offer – but there you’d better just watch.
PERSONALIZED RELAXATION
Wellness is very big at the Aethos Ericeira – both inside and out. The indoor spa includes a hammam, while you can enjoy watching the waves from the sauna outside. If that’s too much rest and relaxation, perhaps you’ll be tempted to join the next sweat session at the gym. While such offers are nothing out of the ordinary for a luxury resort, the Aethos has something else in store: If you’re interested in going on a proper retreat but don’t know what it involves, just fill out the form on the website. You’ll soon find a proposal for a personalized retreat in your mailbox. While alternating between relaxation and activity, we shouldn‘t forget one thing: fine dining. The Aethos has its own restaurant and a bar with the motto “shareable, sustainable, seasonal”. Fresh vegetables are supplied by local farmers, and the seafood comes straight off the boat from the nearby harbor of Peniche.
AETHOS ERICEIRA HOTEL
The more obstacles in the way, the finer the end result will be. This seems to have been the motto of the Aethos Ericeira boutique hotel. What now looks so modern emerged from the renovation of an old farmhouse that stands on protected land. Despite numerous restrictions, the team of architects managed to make their vision reality. Nature remains unspoilt, and part of the original building was preserved. The design and color of the hotel allow it to blend in with its surroundings. And a view of the Atlantic is guaranteed thanks to the cliff-top location.
Aethos Ericeira R. da Estalagem, 2640-255 Encarnação, Portugal aethos.com
The renovated building is flooded with sunlight thanks to large windows.
7.736
Heaven is a place on earth. But which one exactly? The annual World Happiness Report measures this. Since 2012, it has listed the happiest nations in the world based on surveys of the population. In the latest ranking, Finland defends its top position for the eighth time in a row with a score of 7.736 out of 10, followed by Denmark and Iceland.
Switzerland has fallen out of the top ten for the first time and is now ranking only in 13th place – time to let some emergency puppies loose. Austria is happy to be
RM 43-01 FERRARI
Manual winding tourbillon movement
70-hour power reserve (± 10%)
Baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT®
