FAMILY BUSINESS
Leonardo Ferragamo
Rooted in elegant Florence – the Italian luxury company blends traditional values with fresh ideas
Lily of the Valley
Wellness the French way – how a father-daughter team is reinventing well-being on the Côte d’Azur
Marlene Taschen
A conversation to mark the illustrious art book publisher’s 45th anniversary
No. 4/25
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER
Model shown: 25MY Range Rover P615 SV with optional features. Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the 25MY Range Rover
world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and
Dear Reader,
There are properties that impress with their size, amenities or location. And there are those that tell a story. The latter are usually created where people don’t just invest, but design with conviction – with personal commitment, patience and a feel for what truly endures.
This is where the quiet influence of family-owned businesses begins. Especially in times of economic uncertainty and growing complexity, it becomes clear: family-run companies often do things differently – not faster, but with more depth. Not louder, but more sustainably. They think long-term, because they don’t build for an exit, but for a legacy.
In the world of real estate, this is especially evident. Family businesses develop entire neighborhoods, renovate historic buildings and create meaningful living spaces – not just ones with profit potential. They have the freedom to shape their projects with care and character. They are approachable, decisive, and often deeply rooted in their regions. Yet this special form of enterprise also faces its own challenges: transitioning to the next generation, navigating increasing competitive pressure, balancing tradition and innovation – all of this requires sensitivity and strategic vision. Nevertheless, or perhaps precisely because of this, we believe that the future of the real estate industry will also be shaped by those who invest not only in bricks and mortar but in values.
This issue is a tribute to those entrepreneurial families who lead with responsibility, design with passion, and whose work often happens quietly in the background but leaves a lasting mark. On a personal note, I am especially pleased that the cover story of this issue is dedicated to my dear friend Leonardo Ferragamo. We share a long-standing friendship and a mutual passion for entrepreneurial thinking and action.
Sincerely,
Christian Völkers Publisher
Dynasties
At a time when start-ups are emerging at a rapid pace, family businesses stand like rocks in the surf. Their economic strength is rooted in values such as trust, loyalty and identification. These companies possess a unique spirit that cannot be imitated — because it has been lived and nurtured over generations.
A particularly striking example is the Italian heritage house of Ferragamo. Founded in 1927 by visionary shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo, it was his widow Wanda who developed the label into an internationally celebrated luxury brand. Today, Leonardo Ferragamo, one of the founder’s sons, continues his parents’ legacy with refined sensitivity. He knows that despite its rich tradition, the company must continue to evolve. In my interview with the second-youngest Ferragamo son (from page 30), he explains what measures he has taken to secure the future of one of the last family-owned luxury brands.
Another exemplary case of family-led entrepreneurship is Taschen, the publishing company founded in 1980 by Benedikt Taschen. From its origins as a small comic book shop in Cologne, it has grown into a global authority on art books — marked by its bold embrace of niche subjects and its unmistakable signature style. Today, Benedikt Taschen runs the publishing house together with his daughter Marlene, who spoke with author Steffi Kammerer via Zoom from the Taschen offices in Milan.
And then there are fabulous spots like the Hotel Lily of the Valley on the Côte d’Azur — an exclusive wellness destination and initiative of Lucie Weill, daughter of media entrepreneur Alain Weill. Nestled among fragrant pine forests and overlooking the Mediterranean not far from St. Tropez, their wellness concept celebrates the French way of life.
Enjoy your read!
Michaela Cordes
Right at the top of my personal wish list: The Ferragamo Soft-Bag made of luscious nappa leather. Inspired by an original design by the founder, Salvatore Ferragamo, Creative Director Maximilian Davis has created a new signature piece.
The Wempe Glashütte Iron Walker from Wempe is the essence of a timelessly modern yet sporty watch. Reduced to the essentials and uncompromising in terms of quality and workmanship, it meets the highest standards because it is manufactured at a place that stands like no other for fine German watchmaking: Glashütte in Saxony.
Mark Seelen
Rainer Klipp
In June, Rainer Klipp joined Matthias Höltken as co-CEO of GG Verlag. The holder of a PhD in business administration and father of two is also in charge of the digital side of Engel & Völkers. His responsibilities range from software development and cybersecurity to digital marketing and artificial intelligence.
Mark Seelen went to Florence to photograph our cover story on Leonardo Ferragamo. He met the head of the famous fashion house at the Palazzo Spini Feroni, a 13th century building that has been owned by the Ferragamo family since 1938 and still serves as the brand’s headquarters. Together with our creative director Carolina Marchiori (the small photo on the left shows both of them at work in the historic Florentine palazzo ) Seelen persuaded Ferragamo to climb up to the roof and have his picture taken for a reenactment of a historic photo from the 1960s showing him with his parents and siblings on that same roof (page 29). Originally from the Netherlands, Mark Seelen has been based in Hamburg, Germany, for many years. He is an expert when it comes to carefully composed portraits, interiors and architectural photography, and has contributed regularly to GG for over two decades. His work has also appeared in numerous international publications, including Architectural Digest and Vogue. In addition to the cover story, Seelen shot the photos of the Taschen store in Milan and the portraits of Marlene Taschen (page 50).
Kathleen King von Alvensleben
Kathleen King von Alvensleben grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, but has made Berlin the center of her life. As an architect, she built an international network of contacts in the real estate sector. Her involvement with the historic Berlin City Palace drew the illustrious support of George H. W. Bush and Henry Kissinger. Today, she is an Engel & Völkers Private Office Advisor who represents, among others, the unique Schwanenwerder property in Berlin (For Sale, page 70).
PHOTO: KLAUS WOLTER (1)
MADE TO TOUCH. DESIGNED TO CONTROL. KNX BUILDING TECHNOLOGY IN LS ZERO IN ALUMINIUM DARK
JUNG.GROUP/LSZERO
PHOTOGRAPHER: MICHAEL SANDMAIER
Leonardo Ferragamo
PLAYGROUND
14 COOL CITY Rich cultural treasures, living traditions and contemporary fashion. A visit to Florence, the Tuscan capital.
16 INTERVIEW A successful Viennese venture by a mother and her sons: The NENI restaurants embody a shared passion for food.
20 ENGEL & VÖLKERS NEWS Real estate market trends.
22 WOMAN Style that shines in golden moments.
24 MAN Smart accents set off casual understatement.
26 BOOKS Complex and exciting: powerful family sagas to dive into on page, screen or audio.
162 PERSONAL Social architecture and happy colors from Mexico.
30 FERRAGAMO The Italian family business has stood for style and exquisite craftsmanship since 1927. Leonardo Ferragamo is leading the fashion house into the future.
42 LILY OF THE VALLEY Wellness, the French way. The outstanding resort on the beautiful Côte d‘Azur was conceived by a competent father-daughter team.
50 MARLENE TASCHEN The daughter of the founder and co-head of the company is strategically positioning the luxury art book publisher in its 45th year
60
FOR SALE AD SECTION
70 NEW HOME The fairy-tale Villa Schwanenhof is a true gem and a sought-after address on an island in Berlin.
78 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Villas, mansions & office space – the world’s most beautiful real estate.
84 – 146 EUROPE
78 – 79 CENTRAL AMERICA
80 – 83, 148 – 159 NORTH AMERICA
ALEXA HAMPTON Her father Mark decorated the White House. The prominent interior designer is carrying on his aesthetic legacy.
PLAYGROUND
The Ponte Vecchio, spanning the Arno River, is Florence’s most iconic bridge. For centuries, it has housed jewelers’ shops, offering a beautiful blend of masterful craftsmanship and a lively market atmosphere.
Flourishing Florence
The city’s rich cultural heritage is shaped and safeguarded by its influential families, revealing proud traditions of craftsmanship and artistry, all set against a uniquely captivating backdrop.
BY MERLE WILKENING ILLUSTRATION ASIA ORLANDO
Tuscan favorites
1 MASTERFUL With its symmetrical façade, Florence Cathedral stands as one of the most important buildings of the Italian Renaissance.
2 MAGNIFICENT Brunelleschi’s world-famous cathedral dome features a fresco depicting scenes from the Last Judgement. 3 LUXURIOUS The former country residence of the Medici family on the banks of the Arno is now the fivestar hotel Villa La Massa. 4 CLASSIC The trattoria Il Cibrèino specializes in Tuscan dishes like pappa al pomodoro (bread and tomato soup).
Few European cities tell the story of family legacy as naturally as Florence. Its Renaissance palaces, iconic architecture and world-renowned museums are testament to the tireless efforts of the Florentine families who shaped the city’s economic, political and artistic landscape. Florence amassed its wealth through a combination of key industries: the processing of wool and cloth, goldsmithing, and high-quality leather goods, further solidified by its rise as a financial center. The spirit that once shaped an entire era continues to resonate strongly within the city.
No name is more synonymous with Florence than the Medici, the powerful dynasty whose banking empire established the city as Europe’s political and cultural center of power in the 15th century. The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, the family’s first city palace, still bears witness to their influence and aesthetic sensibilities. Within the nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo, framed by the Medici Chapels with their sculptures by Michelangelo, the Medici are immortalized in marble as patrons of the arts and master builders of Florence. Once the administrative building of the Medici, the Uffizi Gallery houses art treasures by Botticelli, Raphael and Da Vinci – a testament to a family that elevated its cultural heritage to state art.
Other families, including the Strozzi and the Rucellai, also left their mark on the city. Now a center for cultural and artistic events, the Palazzo Strozzi serves as a powerful reminder of the Strozzi family’s rivalry with the Medici and the golden age of Florentine banking. The Ponte Vecchio, a bustling market street for goldsmiths and jewelers as well
as a popular postcard motif, still houses family businesses that have preserved their craft for generations.
Florence is also the birthplace of influential fashion designers: Guccio Gucci founded his leather factory here in 1921, and Salvatore Ferragamo founded his shoe atelier in 1927 (see cover story). Despite their global presence today, both companies’ strong ties to their homeland are evident in their museums, flagship stores and distinctive brand identities.
While deeply steeped in history, Florence is far from stuck in the past: It shines and pulsates with vibrant life. The day starts with a traditional standing espresso at the caffè bar and continues later with a Chianti from the nearby wine region or a gelato. As you sip a bittersweet Negroni – its red glow mirroring the sunset at the Piazzale Michelangelo – you’ll instinctively grasp the enduring link between history and modernity, between the city’s artisan pride and its entrepreneurial spirit.
Florence remains a living monument to the courage of its families and the timeless art of reconciling tradition with change.
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
Basilica di Santa Maria Novella
Museo Salvatore Ferragamo
Duomo di Firenze
Giardino di Boboli
Galleria degli Uffizi
Ponte Vecchio
Palazzo Vecchio
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Galleria dell'Accademia
Labors of Love
Haya Molcho and her sons are the creative force behind the NENI restaurant concept. How a passion for Levantine cuisine became a thriving business.
Whose idea was the name NENI?
Ilan: It was mom's idea to use the first letters of our names, her children's names: Nuriel, Elior, Nadiv and Ilan.
Haya: I wanted something that represented us. My husband Samy supported me right away. NENI was a personal gesture that became a brand.
When did your project develop into a family business?
Haya: It all began with a small party service that we operated out of our kitchen in Vienna. I cooked, the children helped, and before we knew it, the catering orders starting coming in. When the first NENI restaurant opened at the Naschmarkt fruit and
vegetable market – my sons were in their twenties – we knew this was no longer just a project, but about family, something we were passionate about, the route we wanted to take together.
Did you ever doubt the wisdom of working alongside family members?
Elior: Of course there was friction – that's perfectly normal. We all knew that if we were open and honest with each other, the trust we built would make us stronger as a family.
Nuriel: It was a learning process. But that's exactly what helped us stick together.
How did you decide who would do what?
The Molcho family emphasize shared enjoyment: Nadiv, Nuriel, parents Haya and Samy, Ilan and Elior (from the left).
DRIVING YOUR INVESTMENT
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Tell us your Porsche story – unique, extraordinary, unforgettable.
Nuriel: We didn't plan it like that – each of us just did what we were best at. I took over the marketing early on, Ilan focused on strategy and expanding the business and Elior took on the creative part since he's good at design. Mom is the soul of the kitchen. Haya: I was able to let go – but I never stopped cooking.
In which areas did you have to acquire proficiency first?
Ilan: In running a business – you don't learn how to do that at school. There was a lot we only learned by doing: how to manage employees, how to expand internationally, how to build up the brand.
Nuriel: Emotional management within the family was perhaps the hardest thing. Being professional at work and affectionate to each other in private – that's a daily balancing act.
You now have 13 NENI restaurants in 7 countries, 650 employees and total annual sales of more than €47 million. How do you impart a family vibe while at the same time growing on an international scale?
Ilan: We invest in culture, not just structure. We give our full, personal attention to every new location that we open. And we convey something of our soul – through the food, through story telling, through interior design.
What dish best reflects your family as an entity?
Haya: Sabich (a kind of Israeli stuffed
sandwich, editor's note). It's chaotic, colorful and full of aromas – like us.
Ms. Molcho, on your travels around the world with your husband, Samy, the famous mime, you were exposed to many different kinds of food. What impressions have stayed with you to this day?
Haya: Diversity, creative courage, openness. We were introduced to many cultures, all of which live on in our dishes.
Which particular smells and tastes remind you of home?
Elior: Grilled eggplant.
Ilan: Tahini and creamy hummus, of course.
Haya: For me it's the scent of freshly baked challah (a traditional Jewish bread, editor's note).
Is the principal of sharing for you the key to true conviviality?
Haya: Yes. Food is there to be shared, it's the start to every real connection.
Do you have family rituals?
Haya: The Sabath – candles, bread, family. Nuriel: And eating the midday meal together as often as possible.
Will NENI remain a family business?
Ilan: Yes. But we are open to external support if it suits us. The soul of the business will always be the family.
Would you like to know more?
Levantine classics are always on the menu. Falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush from NENI are available in select supermarkets in Europe now too.
Haya Molcho opened the first NENI at Vienna's Naschmarkt market in 2009. The business will remain in the family going forward.
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ENGEL & VÖLKERS NEWS
Tradition with Foresight
In the world of great wealth, they are considered discreet yet influential players: family offices. They manage the assets of very wealthy entrepreneurial families — individually, with a long-term, multi-generational approach. And the importance of these “quiet” market participants is growing rapidly.
Since the American financier John Pierpont Morgan first used the term family office in 1838 to describe the personal investment department he created for his growing art collection, the institution has never seen such strong growth.
Recent studies indicate that there are over 9,000 single family offices worldwide, i.e. in-house investment and service companies owned by families, which typically have over $100 million in assets. This number is expected to grow to over 10,700 by 2030 – a remarkable total increase of 75 percent within just one decade from 2020. The total assets managed in this way around the globe are expected to rise from around $3.1 trillion at present to $5.4 trillion by 2030.
This veritable boom can be attributed to numerous factors. In addition to the ever-increasing concentration of wealth worldwide, factors include the desire of ultra-high-networth families to secure or increase their wealth across generations, favorable market conditions for private equity investments or company acquisitions and, last but not least, the search by extremely wealthy families for increasingly individualized investment strategies and services.
The expansion of family offices is all the more impressive since such financial entities operate largely behind the scenes – and attach the utmost importance to safeguarding a family’s privacy and interests. Whereas
Family offices have quietly evolved into a strategically important cornerstone of the financial landscape.
hedge funds and private equity firms are generally more in the public eye, family offices have quietly evolved into a strategically important cornerstone of the financial landscape. They act independently, do not pursue external sales interests and are uncompromisingly focused on the long-term goals of the families they serve.
Real estate is a preferred asset class for many family offices – for a number of reasons. Not only does it offer stable, predictable income and reliable protection against inflation, but it is also highly resistant to crises. At the same time, investing in real estate is an excellent way to diversify a portfolio because of the long-term potential for value appreciation that this opens up.
Many family offices also want to be able to exert direct influence on their investments through active asset management. In addition to economic considerations, strategic or emotional aspects also often play an important role – for example the wish to select a location with special meaning, a place with
a personal family connection, or investing in valuable and prestigious properties.
Family offices attach great importance to confidentiality, individual advice and exclusivity. This is precisely where the Engel & Völkers Private Office comes in. As a highly specialized unit, it has been offering tailormade services to wealthy private clients and family offices worldwide since 2007. The focus is on the discreet brokerage of absolute luxury real estate – both in the off-market sector and for particularly sensitive transactions.
With a global network at its fingertips, many years of expertise in the high-end property segment and dedicated to providing top-level personal support, the Private Office offers worldwide access to exceptional investment opportunities that are not publicly available on the market. This not only protects the privacy of the owners, but also ensures discreet access to valuable properties that will remain in exclusive portfolios in the long term. This is how family value is created for the future, value that is able to stand the test of time.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS NEWS
Honoring the partnership with a gala evening at Engel & Völkers headquarters in Hamburg.
From the left: Group CEO Jawed Barna, Leonardo Ferragamo, Christian Völkers and Vincenzo Equestre, Ferragamo CEO EMEA.
A WORD FROM THE GROUP CEO
Responsibility with heart and vision
A family business is far more than an economic construct. This type of company expresses a particular philosophy – often across generations. A philosophy characterized by courage, trust, loyalty and a deep knowledge that true strength doesn’t lie in short-term action but in long-term thinking. I clearly remember a conversation I had with Leonardo Ferragamo last year. What impressed me so much was not just his entrepreneurial clarity but his deep understanding of the heritage and responsibility that comes with a great name. Florence is where the story of the Ferragamos began, but the city also holds great significance for Engel & Völkers, which has an office there. Every day, we observe just how successfully the city is able to bring together past and the future, tradition and innovation. Another thing we are seeing is that entrepreneurial families worldwide are increasingly turning to real estate as a stable, growth-oriented asset segment. Our Engel & Völkers Private Office Advisors develop tailor-made strategies for them – discreet, long-term and with a global perspective. What family offices and entrepreneurial dynasties have in common is this: If you think in terms of generations, you seek partners who understand more than the workings of the market – namely people, values and the meaning of responsibility. Perhaps it is no coincidence that Engel & Völkers also started out as a family enterprise, a local real estate broker that developed into a global company with partners that think and act as entrepreneurs – embracing the same values that many family businesses set store by: responsibility, sustainability and consistency. I am delighted that we are dedicating an entire issue of GG to the topic of family businesses – an issue filled with inspiring stories about entrepreneurs who are successfully carrying their heritage into the future.
Yours truly,
Jawed Barna Group CEO
FAIRY-TALE INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
For high-net-worth individuals worldwide, one of the most important assets for protecting wealth long-term is an international real estate portfolio. Particularly sought-after are castles and palaces. Very often, historic buildings of this caliber don’t just feature a unique location and amenities but are attached to an estate and come with a fascinating and rich history. As a result, the market for historic properties is characterized by stable demand and very limited supply.
DID YOU KNOW?
The
500 biggest family businesses worldwide
• earned aggregate revenues in 2024 of $8.8 trillion and employed some 25 million people around the globe
• include Walmart (No. 1), followed by Volkswagen Group, Schwarz Group, Cargill and Ford Motor Company
Source: 2025 EY and University of St. Gallen Global 500 Family Business Index
E&V in FLORENCE
In 2024, Engel & Völkers established a company-owned office in Florence, Italy. In an effort to offer close customers and local partners an exclusive brand experience, the office regularly holds premium events in stylish venues like the Gucci Giardino 25, a café belonging to the Florentine luxury brand. In the evenings, the café transforms into an elegant cocktail bar. As you wander through the historic city center, you can learn more about the world of Engel & Völkers at prestigious locations, for instance the Piazza della Repubblica square, where the brand vividly comes to life.
Opulent Orange
Fall is the season for stylish transformation. Let every detail sparkle in the late summer light.
1 EYE-CATCHING The handwoven Goldentime tote from Zimmermann was inspired by organic shapes connected with the sea, € 595.
2 DELIGHTFUL Ladurée has represented the high art of French pastry making for generations. Gift box of macarons, various flavors. Price on request.
3 CONNECTED One unit, two surfaces: Twins side tables by designer Monika Mulder for Artifort. Price on request.
4 BRILLIANT Swarovski, a family business, has been producing sparkling crystal creations for 130 years. Limited edition Idyllia Bell Jar, € 15,000.
5 CLASSIC The Loro Piana brand is deeply rooted in its Italian heritage. Walk on air with these Dot Sole Walk suede moccasins. Color: Passion Fruit, € 760.
6 SOPHISTICATED Cosmopolitan style inspired by luxurious New York living: satin midi skirt from Carolina Herrera, € 825.
7 ICONIC Every year the Hermès family oversees the creation of new signature silk scarves. Bottes Story 90 silk square, € 530. Missoni: Checkered oversize jacket meets leather miniskirt. A laid-back look from the Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection.
Discreet Designs
A change in season calls for new accents in style. Clean cuts and muted colors create a confident, laid-back look.
1 EXQUISITE Reissue of a Patek-Philippe classic: The Grandes Complications 5271/12P-010 has a ruby-studded bezel. Price on request.
2 SYMBOLIC The navy blue, woolen blazer bears the Fendi Club emblem designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi for the brand’s centennial, € 2,300.
3 COMMEMORATIVE The playful Amoebe chair by Verner Panton for Vitra embodies the zeitgeist of the early 1970s. From € 2,420.
4 CLASSIC Tod‘s has celebrated timeless elegance and Italian dolce vita from the very beginning. Blue suede sneakers, € 550.
5 EVOCATIVE Dark blue, like ink on drawing paper: Toundra is a hand-tufted carpet imagined by designer Guillaume Delvigne for Maison Pierre Frey, POR.
6 STRIKING Versace – a name and a style forever inseparable from a family. VE2266 sunglasses by Versace, available from Amevista.com, approx. € 180.
7 UNFORGETTABLE The legend and drama of the Gucci family lives on in the name of the brand. Discreet: Marina Chain rope bracelet, € 320. Prada: Exploring human instincts through fashion. The Fall/Winter 2025 collection by Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.
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PODCAST Hermès
In their business podcast
Acquired, hosts Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal analyze the development of influential companies. The episode on Hermès traces the Paris saddlery’s rise to fame as a symbol of timeless elegance and master craftsmanship shaped by six generations of the same family. Instead of following trends, the iconic fashion house has preserved its independence by maintaining an uncompromising approach to quality and exclusive standards – an exceptional story from the world of luxury goods.
Acquired Podcast, Season 14, Episode 2
MINISERIES
The Offer
This miniseries tells the story of the making of the Hollywood classic “The Godfather” from the perspective of its producer Albert S. Ruddy, who found himself navigating studio machinations, power politics and mafia interference in an effort to achieve his dream. A tale of passion, conflicting interests and unswerving determination that resulted in an Oscar-winning masterpiece that made movie history. An unvarnished view of Hollywood characterized by risk-taking and recklessness.
Director: Dexter Fletcher (Paramount+)
“In the end, FAMILY is all that matters.”
DONATELLA VERSACE
BOOK
Little Book of Fendi
Fashion journalist Laia Farran Graves not only spotlights the iconic designs and creative signature of one of Italy’s oldest fashion houses, she also tells the extraordinary story of the five Fendi sisters. Imbued with an innovative spirit, a distinct sense of style and entrepreneurial vision, they transformed the familyowned leather company into a globally celebrated luxury brand that has influenced the fashion world far beyond Rome.
House of Gucci
The rise and fall of the Gucci dynasty is a true story characterized by power, greed and betrayal. Lady Gaga plays the role of Patrizia Reggiani, who joined the family business through her marriage to Maurizio Gucci and later arranged for him to be murdered. The film shows how internal power struggles and an atmosphere of distrust led to the demise of a flourishing fashion empire and sealed the fate of the Gucci family in its own house.
Director: Ridley Scot t (Prime Video)
FILM
Laia Farran Graves, Welbeck, € 18
Family Tradition and Innovation
How VIA is growing into the next generation
The family-owned company VIA, based in Bacharach, has been writing its success story for over two decades. With the takeover of a decommissioned slate grinding plant in Kaub at the turn of the millennium, the former production site for roofing slate was transformed into a manufactory for ornamental floor coverings - marking the beginning of a new era. Today, VIA is considered a market leader in the field of cement mosaic and terrazzo tiles - both in the restoration of listed buildings and in modern interpretations of classical designs. The fusion of craftsmanship, design expertise, and the use of sustainable materials continues to define the company’s identity to this day.
In addition to tiles, VIA has developed further products based on traditional building materials - including its in-house VIA paint. It stands out with a natural resin binder, exceptional coverage, and an aesthetic that excites craftsmen and architects alike.
VIA also sets standards in the field of terrazzo: with a lime-bound, cement-free version inspired by Venetian tradition, the company brings a historic material into the present - ecological, durable, and affordable.
The next generational transition is unfolding as authentically as the product portfolio: two of the three children of founders Almut Lager and Norbert Kummermehr are already integral
parts of the company. Their daughter Greta, a trained graphic designer from Milan, is responsible for design, product range, and social media. Their son Anton, a business economist trained in Barcelona, is driving the online division forward. The youngest son, Paul, is about to graduate from high school - and already has his future role in the family business firmly in sight.
Curious to learn more about VIA?
Discover the wide range of quality building materials at www.viamaterial.de
Headquarter: Alexander - Bretz - Straße 2 D-55457 Gensingen bretz.de Flagships: Kantstr. 17, Living Berlin Hohe Str. 1, Dortmund Wilsdruffer Str. 9, Dresden Grünstr. 15, Düwell Düsseldorf Schäfergasse 50, Frankfurt Große Elbstr. 68, Stilwerk Hamburg Hohenstaufenring 62, Köln Reudnitzer Str. 1, Leipzig Hohenzollernstr. 100, München Hallenplatz 37, Nürnberg Königsbau Passagen Stuttgart Salzgries 2, Wien
FAMILY TIES
Lessons from the Ferragamos: Salvatore founded the company in 1927; his widow turned it into a luxury empire. Today it is led by their children and grandchildren. Discover more fascinating family-run businesses in the pages ahead.
Wanda Ferragamo, Salvatore Ferragamo’s widow, with five of her six children on the roof of Palazzo Spini Feroni, the company headquarters.
first!FAMILY
Leonardo Ferragamo, son of the legendary founder, Salvatore, carries forwards the legacy of the iconic luxury brand into its second generation. In this exclusive interview, the father of four and grandfather of two reflects on the brand’s evolving direction, the enduring influence of his parents and why true elegance never fades.
BY MICHAELA CORDES PHOTOS MARK SEELEN
PHOTO: MARK SEELEN
Despite the company’s IPO in 2011, the Ferragamo family still holds a majority stake of around 65 percent. Leonardo Ferragamo, the second-youngest son of Salvatore and Wanda, has served as chairman of the company since 2021.
Florence on a sunny morning. It’s a busy Monday, but for our photoshoot Leonardo Ferragamo has climbed all the way up to the rooftop of the Palazzo Spini Feroni, which has served as the company headquarters since 1938. The chairman of the legendary brand that is known for artisanal excellence in exceptional footwear, ready-to-wear fashions, handbags, accessories and fragrances is himself the best ambassador to his family company. Elegantly dressed in a blazer and tie, he joins us just a few minutes later for the interview. By the way: The distinctive Gancini that has become the logo – a stylized horseshoe inspired by an ancient door ornament at the brand’s Florentine headquarters – represents like no other symbol the core values of the brand: tradition, quality and innovation.
For nearly a hundred years, ever since its founding in 1927 by the charismatic shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, the luxury brand
has been equally famous for its tightknit family, which still holds control of one of the last remaining family-run companies with a deep connection to Italian tradition and craftsmanship.
GG: Mr. Ferragamo, you and your siblings have quite remarkably managed to preserve the values your parents instilled in you. When your father passed away you were only seven years old – what are your strongest memories of him?
Leonardo Ferragamo: Let me put it this way – my siblings and I feel incredibly privileged to have had two extraordinary parents. My father passed away in 1960 at the age of 62, and my mother, only 38 at the time, was left to raise a large family and continue the business. She saw it as her mission to pass on the incredible story she had lived with my father. Through her, we grew up surrounded by his legacy.
These stories, the spirit of his ventures, and his example became a constant presence in our lives. They instilled in us a deep desire to honor both of our parents’ dreams and preserve what they had built. That ambition has guided us throughout our lives. All six of us, at different times, entered the business with a shared purpose – to contribute, evolve, and achieve success for the brand, both individually and as a team.
Ferragamo is known for celebrating craftsmanship and the artisans who bring your products to life. Were you exposed to this world already as a child?
Absolutely. Craftsmanship is deeply ingrained in my upbringing. I remember playing with leather swatches when I was just two years old while my father worked on shoes at home. When I started elementary school – my only school year while he was still alive – my reward for good grades was to visit the factory and spend time with the cobblers, learning the basics of shoemaking.
As a teenager, I spent summers in the factory with my younger brother Massimo. I was about 14 when I made my first pair of shoes for my mother – though she never wore them! (laughs) But they didn’t look too bad to me. My first real job in the company was also on the shoemaking side, working directly with the craftsmen. I’ve always loved that hands-on connection with our artisans.
Some of Leonardo Ferragamo’s fondest childhood memories are moments like these, when his father Salvatore took the time to show him the tools he used to create his unique shoe designs. At the age of 20, the founder’s second-youngest son began his own career in the family business.
With the strength of yesterday, boldly stepping into a fresh tomorrow. Today, the luxury brand presents itself with a new logo,for the first time omitting the founder’s first name.
Below: Salvatore with his wife Wanda and their six children Fiamma, Ferruccio, Giovanna, Fulvia, Massimo and Leonardo.
He balances the brand’s traditional past with a fresh, wearable aesthetic. Since Ferragamo’s new creative director Maximilian Davis took the helm, his creations have been earning praise and attention throughout the fashion industry.
FOTO: COURTESY OF FERRAGAMO
“The fact that we are still a family-owned company fosters a special sense of pride among our employees.”
LEONARDO FERRAGAMO
Yes, absolutely. And we feel a responsibility to pass these values on to the next generation of workers, whether they are employed in the factories or designing products. In our factory, the average age is just over 30. Yet we still have people in their 50s and 60s mentoring the younger generation. It’s inspiring to see the passion and pride returning to hands-on work, work that involves the heart, mind and body.
So you’re seeing a comeback in the value that is put on craftsmanship?
I sincerely hope so. There’s a renewed sensitivity and desire among young people to learn and create with their hands.
Is everything Ferragamo still produced in Italy? Yes, one hundred percent – with just a few rare exceptions.
How many people work in your factories, and are these factories all based in Tuscany?
We have a network of suppliers across Tuscany and other regions of Italy. Internally, we have about 50 people focusing on prototyping and product development. The rest of the production is handled by our trusted external partners.
Above: The new Pre-Fall 2025 campaign by Alice Rohrwacher contains references to the founder’s Hollywood past. Upper right: For Marilyn Monroe – here in a scene from “Some Like It Hot” – Salvatore Ferragamo designed a special heel made of wood and steel. The brand’s new signature red was inspired by the color of the heels on the pumps Monroe had custommade by Ferragamo for the movie “Let’s Make Love.”
Florence is considered the heart of Italian craftsmanship. How has that changed over time? Do you find it a challenge to preserve this legacy today?
My father chose Florence after achieving success in Hollywood. At 29, he decided to leave America behind and return to Italy in pursuit of quality. He chose Florence because of its deep-rooted traditions and culture – and he was right. Florence has long been, and still is, the capital of craftsmanship in Tuscany, especially in leather.
But real craftsmanship isn’t just about working with your hands – it’s a state of mind. It’s the imagination, the passion and the care you put into creating something. And that mentality is still very much alive here. Processes have evolved, of course, but the essence of craftsmanship – this centuries-old spirit of excellence and partnership – remains.
Is seems to me that this mindset represents the essence of your company.
Most luxury brands today are part of large conglomerates like for example LVMH or Kering. Ferragamo continues to remain family-owned and independent. How difficult is this in today’s market?
Remaining independent certainly presents challenges. We don’t have the same scale or negotiating power as the big groups, but we see this as a strength. It forces us to be more creative, more agile and unconventional.
There are still some wonderful independent brands that are family owned – like Chanel, Hermes, Zegna, Moncler or Cucinelli, for example. And like them, we take pride in staying true to who we are. That independence also fosters a deep sense of pride among our team. It’s a real source of energy.
Your family seems uniquely united, which is rare in a multi-generational business. How have you managed that?
Unity is powerful. We were taught that it must be earned – even at the cost of personal sacrifice. And we embraced that. My mother was the driving
force behind this mindset, but each of us supported it. Whenever one of us faced challenges, the others came together to help.
This value has stayed strong in our generation, and now with the third generation entering the business, we hope to maintain and nurture that spirit. It’s not easy, but it’s essential.
Are the next-generation Ferragamos being prepared for specific roles from an early age?
There’s no strict plan, but currently, six members of the third generation are active in various roles across the group. Inside Ferragamo, Cesare James, the son of my brother Ferruccio, and Angelica, the daughter of my sister Fulvia, work with me. Diego, the son of my sister Fiamma, is involved in the holding company. Manuele, the son of Fulvia, is working in the real estate and hospitality devision while my son Riccardo oversees central Europe. Our challenge now is to cultivate the same bond among them that my siblings and I shared. That unity will determine the future leadership
“Our goal is now to pass on to the next generation the same strong family bond that our mother instilled in us.”
LEONARDO FERRAGAMO
Born in Manchester to Caribbean parents, Maximilian Davis, the new creative director, won over the Ferragamo family at just 27 years old. He has already earned rave reviews from the fashion industry.
Right: His interpretation of the iconic
Vara pump.
A look from Maximilian Davis’ Milan Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Week debut for Ferragamo.
“Maximilian Davis has a lot to do with the rejuvenation of the brand. He impressed us right away with his sense of elegance and respect for my father’s legacy.”
LEONARDO FERRAGAMO
– whether in fashion, hospitality or other ventures of our group.
You made a bold move recently by appointing the then only 27-year-old designer Maximilian Davis to lead creative direction. How was that move received?
We had a creative void and were searching for someone who could both understand our heritage and bring in fresh ideas. We looked at more than 60 candidates. Yes, Maximilian was only 27 when he joined our company, but he stood out for many reasons: his natural elegance, his deep respect for our history, his sensitivity to the brand’s identity and of course his creativity.
He’s also a wonderful person – open, collaborative and humble. That was essential. A young designer must be willing to grow with a team, and he was. His work has been central to rejuvenating the brand.
In addition to making changes in creative design you also decided to adjust the logo – why did you take that step?
We debated it for years. Ultimately, we realized that the original “Salvatore Ferragamo” signature wasn’t working well in digital or store formats. Interestingly, when we looked into our archives, we found that my father often used just his surname. The new logo is actually inspired by an original one he designed in the 1930s with Lucio Venna. We wanted the new logo to feel modern but at the same time to remain authentic. We even revisited our iconic brand color red – the new shade is based on the red that was used in the shoes he made for Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s.
It sounds like this evolution was almost a personal mission for you ...
Definitely. I was one of the strongest advocates for it. I believed that the time had come for change –not a revolution, but a thoughtful evolution. It was a long-term decision, and we knew it would take time. But it’s already reshaping the company and energizing the next generation.
And it motivated the younger members of the Ferragamo family?
Absolutely. They saw this as a bold, exciting step forward.
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps: James Ferragamo — son of Ferruccio Ferragamo — currently serves as Chief Transformation & Sustainability Officer and is a member of the board of directors. Below: Salvatore Ferragamo began his career as a shoemaker to the stars in Hollywood and made a name for himself with his innovative shoe designs, winning over clients such as Sophia Loren.
Which are Ferragamo’s most important markets today?
Our vision has always been global. We entered China early, ahead of many other companies. Europe is more important than ever – especially Germany, which has responded enthusiastically to our new direction. South America is following what we’re doing with great interest. Asia is perhaps our biggest challenge today, and China is currently going through a slow period. But in general, we want to bring this unique blend of heritage, innovation and Italian elegance to the world.
Do you have any iconic bestsellers?
Yes, we have a few Ferragamo Forever pieces – timeless items like the Top Handle bag or the Vara shoe with its gold plate. We’re also seeing exciting momentum around new designs, like the Hug bag, which is quickly becoming iconic.
How do you personally define luxury?
I would rather explain what luxury is not. It’s not about ostentation or excess. It’s not about showing off. Luxury is what remains –it’s enduring. For me, it’s about feeling good in what you wear, being comfortable in your surroundings and sharing meaningful experiences with the people you love. It’s about inner fulfilment, not external validation.
Has your appreciation for luxury deepened as a result of your upbringing?
Without a doubt. Growing up, I understood how much love and effort goes into each item. That awareness has shaped my values ever since.
And finally, what does family mean to you?
Above all, love. It shows itself in so many ways – raising children, staying close, supporting one another and sharing experiences. Keeping each family member in your heart at all times and being present for every moment that matters. That’s what I try to do with my children and grandchildren. I may not always succeed, but I try.
late
and returned to Italy, driven by a desire to unite his artistic vision for shoemaking with the craftsmanship and manufacturing traditions of his homeland.
Salvatore Ferragamo — pictured here with his Florentine cobblers — left Hollywood in the
1920s
WELLNESSTHE FRENCH WAY
Nestled between pine groves and the rugged coastline of the Côte d’Azur lies a hidden retreat for body and soul. A visit to the Lily of the Valley – or how a father-daughter duo is redefining the art of well-being.
BY MICHAELA CORDES
Shaded by majestic pine trees and overlooking the stunning Côte d’Azur, the terrace and pool of the Vista restaurant invite you to linger.
“A place where you can recharge your health without having to give up luxury and pleasure.”
– LUCIE WEILL
The shrill cries of seagulls pierce the morning silence. I slide open the French doors of my cozy suite and step barefoot onto the still-wet grass. I arrived last night in the pouring rain and received a warm welcome at the wellness hotel. Outside, darkness had fallen, and a fire was crackling in the tiled stove. Since the kitchen was already closed, they brought a subtly flavored broccoli soup to my room, delicately garnished with hazelnuts and red beet. Now, I’m curious to explore my new surroundings.
The Mediterranean coast stretches out before me beneath a polished blue sky, the French Riviera unfurling in front of my eyes like a sleeping crocodile. I gaze out over the dense pine forests that ripple along the shoreline like green waves – this is all a protected nature reserve. It’s hard to believe that lively Saint-Tropez is just a 20-minute drive away.
It’s just before 7 a.m., and the day is slowly awakening at the Lily of the Valley, one of the most elegant destinations for those seeking wellness for body and soul.
This intimate boutique hotel with 53 suites was designed by legendary French designer Philippe Starck. And it was born from
the vision of an innovative father-daughter team. “We wanted to create a special place that blends organically into nature – a place where you can lose weight with pleasure, all year round, without giving up any of the good things in life. Weight loss, the French way!” explains Lucie Weill.
She and her father chose the hotel’s location quite deliberately: “Our family has been coming to the La Croix-Valmer coast for generations. When we bought this building, I had just spent a few years working for LVMH in Paris. My father (Alain Weill, one of the most renowned media executives in France) always said: The hotel business is very similar to the media business – both need to operate 24/7. After he lost 12 kilos at age 50 and didn’t like what the existing wellness hotels were doing, our shared dream of a unique French health resort was born.”
Even before the hotel officially opened, it became a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World.
“Detox” is naturally on my program – but so is “Sport.” The two other available programs are “Better Aging” and “Weight Loss.” The latter is the main reason so many enthusiastic guests from around Europe and across the U.S. come here – and often return.
Above: Blending into nature was the Weills’ vision when they commissioned Philippe Starck to design the resort.
Motivating activities are part of the program –whether it’s hiking along the coast or wading through the sea in neoprene suits.
“Our concept is simple: Losing weight - but the French way!”
– LUCIE WEILL
At the Lily guests are spoilt with luxury and pleasure so that they hardly notice they’re making any sacrifice at all.
Above: A glimpse into one of the hotel’s 53 suites, all imagined by the iconic designer Philippe Starck, who ensured that guests feel at home here all year round. Right: Head chef Vincent Maillard creates imaginative dishes that celebrate the art of indulgence.
A little while later, I’m sitting in the semishade on the spacious wooden deck by the pool. Next to me, a young couple is studying the breakfast menu. A bit further off, I spot a lady with a small dog – four-legged friends are very welcome at the Lily.
I, too, turn my attention to the menu and find myself eyeing the protein banana omelet. “A fantastic choice!” says my charming waitress approvingly as she serves me my organic breakfast tea. “It sounds unusual but tastes delicious.” All dishes here are created by celebrated chef Vincent Maillard.
Lucie and Alain Weill, a fatherdaughter team that introduced a brand-new approach to wellness.
My gaze drifts past the yellow-and-whitestriped loungers to the coastline still wrapped in morning mist, islands dotting the view out to sea. To the left lies a military base, and to the right, a nudist community, as my fitness coach Yoann later explains when we head off for a hike along the rocky coast.
For about two hours, we walk and climb along the wild, rugged trails leading to secret coves, our eyes returning again and again to the thundering Mediterranean below us, its sandy beaches tinted blue by the tiny blue squid that wash ashore at this time of the year.
After 13,000 steps, I’m working up a sweat. “Time for the cryo chamber,” Yoann says firmly. I slip into a swimsuit and am handed socks, slippers, gloves and a headband with built-in headphones. I’m supposed to spend four minutes in an ice chamber at minus 100 degrees Celsius. I choose Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to distract myself, hoping the classical melodies will calm my impatience.
I keep track of time by the changing colors of the door – four minutes can feel like a lifetime! When I finally step out of the icy
chamber and open the door, a few snowflakes drift down on me. My legs are numb, but I feel strangely electrified and full of energy.
The heart of the hotel – the 2,000-squaremeter spa and fitness area called the Shape Club – is located next to the 25meter semi-Olympic pool, heated to 20 degrees Celsius. All around, you can choose how to train and strengthen your body: TRX bands, yoga, stretching, or the newest addition – four Pilates reformers.
After a restful night, I’m treated the next morning to a special HydraFacial using the in-house Biologique Recherche product line. A detailed skin analysis helps select the right products. Afterwards, I’m asked to lie under LED light for 20 minutes. This gives me such a radiant glow that back in my room, I immediately order an LED face mask online.
For guests who value privacy, the Weill family has also restored a Provençal-style villa on the hotel grounds, called “W.” It features three bedrooms, a Mondrian-inspired pool and 1950s retro furnishings by Philippe Starck. Since May of this year, two more private villas have been added, each accommodating up to 10 guests.
Given the success of this luxurious yet relaxed wellness concept, Lucie Weill reveals that, six years after opening the Lily of the Valley, a second location is now in the works: “We’re currently building our next hotel in Courchevel. It will be the highest-elevated hotel in the area, and we want to welcome guests there all year round as well.”
Just before I leave, I make one final stop at the beach, at the hotel’s own beach club. At the Brigantine restaurant – like the Vista restaurant up at the hotel – you are welcome to dine even if you’re not a guest of the hotel.
I sit at a table by the sea, order mezzi paccheri alla pescatora and a glass of rosé. The menu promises excellent Italian fare, and for once, I ignore my program and indulge in what the Lily of the Valley is ultimately all about: l’art de vivre!
the publishing house since 2017. The editorial program is as multifaceted as father and daughter themselves.
PHOTOS: MARK SEELEN (1), MARY MCCARTNEY (1)
Benedikt and Marlene Taschen have co-led
LEADERSHIP
times two
Her father built a global publishing house that turned books into cultural events. Marlene Taschen, 40, has co-headed it for the past eight years. With charm and clear-sightedness, she is taking the firm into the future – and steering it in a direction distinctly her own.
BY STEFFI KAMMERER
she found out while giving a joint interview that her father intended for her to join him at the helm of the publishing house. Marlene Taschen didn’t lose a beat, nor did she allow her surprise to show. “I couldn’t, nor did I wish to address the matter in that situation,” she recalls. The incident says a lot about father and daughter: about Benedikt’s sometimes impromptu way of doing things, about the self-assurance they share and about the deep trust they have in one another.
Even after the interview, Marlene never really addressed the issue or discussed it at length with her father. “No, no,” she says in her wonderful Rhenish singsong before breaking into the cheerful laugh that so often punctuates her sentences. “I let the news settle for a bit, then I said, okay, I’ll do it.” Clear-headed as she is, she also told her father that leading the company together would require some changes – and that the responsibility would need to rest firmly on both of their shoulders.
For the past eight years now, Marlene Taschen has been shaping the company that she has known since early childhood – with curiosity, pragmatism and gentle but collaborative authority. Father and
daughter, both free-spirited individuals, share responsibility in a way that works well for both of them. Marlene lives with her family in Milan while Benedikt lives in Los Angeles, where has been based for many years. They don’t get in each other’s way, either; most of the people who work for the publisher live in the same time zone as Marlene, so she pulls the strings in Europe. In the evening, when her two daughters are in bed, and she knows her father has finished his breakfast in California, she gives him a call. You can tell by the way she describes this daily ritual that she looks forward to
“I said I’d be happy to do it, but that I wanted to make a few changes here and there.”
MARLENE TASCHEN
the exchange – a highly efficient handover from one continent to another. “We basically work around the clock,” she says.
This year, the legendary publishing house that Benedikt Taschen founded in Cologne, originally as a small comic store, is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Taschen is a global company today with offices from Paris to Los Angeles. Its editorial program is as extraordinary as its origins: spectacularly opulent limited-edition collector’s editions that become more expensive with every passing year; provocative erotic art books and a series of introductory volumes on individual artists and other cultural topics for a mass audience. With prices ranging from €10 to over €30,000, it’s a very unique mix that celebrates the beautiful, the bizarre, the gaudy and the glamorous.
Father and daughter don’t have strictly separate spheres of work. “We never had a conversation about me doing this and him doing that – things just unfold,” says Marlene. Her father is still deeply involved in developing the editorial program, but she makes plenty of executive decisions too. Whether it’s the XL Salvador Dalí monograph or the Ferrari tome with its iconic design, Marlene is involved in all levels of the production process. She was also the driving force behind the expansion into Asia, opening a large Taschen store in Hong Kong in addition to an office there. She works closely with artists and architects in Japan, plans shop-in-shop formats and travels frequently to maintain her contacts. At the same
PHOTOS: MELANIE GRANDE (1), MARK SEELEN (1)
Marlene Taschen likes numbers, people and stories – an unbeatable combination for a publisher. Add to that enthusiasm, courage and a refreshing honesty.
It’s only a short walk to La Scala from the Taschen store in Milan. The publisher doesn’t have to go far to take her children to school, either.
The Gio Ponti ceiling lamp at the store in Milan corresponds beautifully with the art book treasures displayed here.
PHOTO: MARK SEELEN
PHOTO: MARK SEELEN
After a few years in London, Marlene Taschen and her husband and two daughters returned to Milan, where they live today.
The flowery patterned floor of the Taschen store in Milan was designed by the U.S. artist Jonas Wood
time, she is expanding the product portfolio and currently producing a documentary on the British photographer David Bailey. “We just decided to do it,” she says laconically, responding to a question about Taschen’s foray into film. Together with Ai Weiwei, she developed a pure gold necklace composed of zodiac charms. The Chinese artist is a well-known figure in the Taschen universe. The large-format collector’s edition on his life and work, published by Taschen in 2016, sold out right away.
Marlene Taschen’s ideas don’t follow a five-year plan but rather a flow that develops organically. “Things have to fall into place somehow. If they don’t, maybe there’s a reason,” she says. She divides her time into blocks of alternating weeks, dedicating one week to scheduled meetings and leaving the second week open for strategic work and her own projects. This combination of structure and flexibility is perfect for her as it reflects her wish not to get bogged down. “Be flexible” is also her father’s maxim, which he in turn borrowed from his friend Helmut Newton – and which Marlene has taken to heart. Not that there’s anything arbitrary about her approach, because for her, maintaining quality takes priority over all else. “Fundamentally, my father and I are always trying to do things better. It’s another attribute that he passed on to me.”
In Milan, Marlene recently oversaw the expansion of the bookbinding facility, which opened on the city outskirts on 4,000-square meters of space. At the building site, she took an interest in all
aspects of the work, concerning herself with every last detail. “I simply enjoy working with people, regardless of the topic. Funnily enough, I find it almost as interesting to think about logistical matters as I do about IT, system development, editing or production.”
It quickly becomes clear that Marlene Taschen is a woman who acts rather than just talks. She has a genuine interest in people, listens attentively, values other perspectives – and isn’t afraid to
“Things have to fall into place somehow. If they don’t, maybe there’s a reason.”
MARLENE TASCHEN
revise a decision if necessary. She describes herself as representing the “warmer components” of the family business – a role she fills with quiet confidence.
Despite her solid schooling – which included stints in Australia and Panama and a degree from the London School of Economics – her approach to doing business is instinctive. Trusting her gut feeling is another thing she inherited from her father. The Taschens have never relied on market research. “But we look at the figures very carefully.” What works and what doesn’t is something they just seem to know, although experience naturally plays a role. Having studied psychology as well as business probably helped.
Marlene grew up in Cologne, Germany. She and her two siblings attended a Montessori elementary school; later, she graduated from a bilingual high school. It was a fairly grounded upbringing – except for the occasional dinner guest: Cicciolina and Jeff Koons once stopped by, on another evening it was Christo and Jeanne-Claude. At 14, she picked up Muhammad Ali from the airport and rode with him to the book fair – in a Maybach, with Elvis blaring.
Marlene Taschen hasn’t lived permanently in her native Germany since she was 18, but her connection to Cologne remains strong. She travels to the headquarters on the Hohenzollernring once a month. Equanimity seems to run in the family.
“My parents separated a long time ago,” she says. “But when you see them together, they do nothing but laugh. We’re a cheerful bunch.” Which is why, she adds, she has to enjoy what she does: “We don’t want to bore ourselves – or anyone else.”
Marlene Taschen has always been cheerful – as a child, she even appeared on one of her father‘s advertising posters. The publishing house is only five years older than she is.
WHEN ART MEETS
Ancestry
The daughter of the legendary designer Mark Hampton grew up surrounded by drawing boards and antiques. While carrying on her father’s legacy, New York-based Alexa Hampton has become one of the most sought-after interior designers in the U.S.
BY BETTINA KRAUSE
For her designs, Alexa Hampton (above left) draws from a rich palette of eras, cultures and styles.
tately mansions, luxurious apartments, private jets and superyachts – the portfolio even includes the White House in Washington. Interior design studio Mark Hampton, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this coming year, is a specialist for top-notch custom interiors. In 1998, Alexa Hampton took over her father’s business, continuing the company in his name. Hampton’s classic, elegant designs always feature individual styles and never shy away from using color.
How would you describe your father in just a few words?
As his daughter, I am his biggest fan. He was an incredibly accomplished person, and very interested in houses ever since he was a child. He started
astute use of color. With regard to the composition of a living space, my own style is additionally influenced by my love of logic and magic, two elements that are equally important. Good design should always combine form and function. I’m convinced that it’s possible to create harmony, which is something I strive for.
You’ve been running the company since 1998. What do you do differently from your father? When my father died, we didn’t have a plan in place for the transition. I was 27 at the time and had been working for him full time, but I still had a lot of things to learn, and was dancing as fast as I could. Due to the nature of our relationship as father and daughter, there were many things that my father never shared with me about the mechanisms of the
“Design is about finding out how to live better, how to navigate space.”
ALEXA HAMPTON
his own company in 1976 and was involved in projects around the world, in England, the Bahamas, Saudi Arabia. He did the Oval Office and the White House under George Bush senior, among other interiors. The two of them were close friends. He worked for other American presidents too, and for celebrities like Estée Lauder and Brooke Astor. I started working for him for a month every summer when I was 13 and joined the firm full time after graduating from college.
How did your father influence you?
When we went on vacation, my parents liked to visit houses and museums. For me as a kid, it was horribly boring, but eventually it turned into a wonderful thing. It was like learning another language. My father spoke about design so often and in such depth that I had no choice but to learn. He taught me everything I needed to know for my career. I always think about him today when I furnish a room. His arrangements were absolutely logical, and a deciding factor in the final result.
Is your work at all similar to your father’s?
I think our approach to design is quite similar. Our shared love of historical archetypes, of class design, and our appreciation for beauty and an
business. I was terrified, but I tried hard to continue what he and I had been doing. Many things naturally changed over the years, my father never owned a cell phone, for instance, and the culture is far less formal than it was back then. People now live in their kitchens, watch TV all over the house and employ far less staff. It was very interesting to watch this transition, this shift in how people were living, also what it meant in aesthetic terms. People wanted their houses to look more casual, more modern, cleaner, and it all ended up feeling more casual as a result.
What is it about interior design that fascinates you in particular?
A lot of design is intriguing because it’s a puzzle. It’s about trying to find out how to live better, how to navigate space, how to amplify space and how to make a room psychologically work on its inhabitants so they understand how to use it. I like the challenge that comes with optimizing space. There are forces that work on the people in a room or house so that they can exist there better. As a neo-classicist I believe that symmetry and balance create harmony, and that harmony can work on you as a human being to make you feel delighted. But this doesn’t mean that I only work in
Alexa Hampton (right) pictured with her father, Mark, her mother, Duane and her sister, Kate in 1989.
Below: The dining room in Alexa Hampton‘s Manhattan apartment.
Symmetry is always present in Alexa Hampton’s timeless and elegant designs.
symmetrical spaces. I use asymmetry judiciously, to put more emphasis on the other side of a space or to add movement.
Do you consider your style to be American?
That’s an interesting question. I’m American, of course, but I’m absolutely a Europhile, which has to do with how I grew up. France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Ireland, I love all of them equally. For me, all the great historical styles are eternal and I respect them and their place in the pantheon of design. I am committed to the flavor of European design but as an American, I can show a little less reverence and mix French with English upholstery, Asian artifacts and Indian woodwork. An important thing about my style that I would like to add is
Do you have a decorating tip that you would like to share with us?
Sometimes couples will disagree about whether or not to have curtains or rugs in their house. I always tell people to consider the acoustic experience of a dining room, for instance: Chairs scrape against the floor, silver knocks against china, glasses clink and all the while, people are engaging in conversation. All of this naturally creates echoes in the room. Design is not just about the visual. It’s about all of your senses, and you don’t want to be assaulted by a cacophony of noise when you’re eating. In addition to imbuing a room with softness and a sense of protection and coziness, curtains serve to deaden sound. Carpets also absorb sound. All of us who work in the service of beautiful houses bring
“In my projects I use the homeowner as my muse.”
ALEXA HAMPTON
that it really only exists in my house and my office. In my projects I use the homeowner as my muse. I find it soulless when a designer goes in and metaphorically writes their name all over everything.
Say a client approaches you. What’s the procedure when you begin a new project?
It depends on the scope of the job, but I always need the answers to a few questions first: Who is going to be living in the house? How do they want to live? What are the most important parameters? If the house is being planned from the beginning, the architect, the lighting designer and the landscaper also have to be present. A friend of mine who is an architect once told the following story: A client asked him where a good place would be to put a pool. He told them almost straightaway where he thought would be best. The client said: “If it takes you two minutes to answer that question, why am I paying you so much money?” The architect replied: “Because I’ve spent the last 50 years figuring out how to answer that question in two minutes.” In other words, you do get to a point where you can walk into a house and know pretty much how it should be decorated. It’s the experience that comes with decades in the business. Our company is turning 50 next year. My father ran it for 22 years and I’ve been running it for 28. I will have spent more of my life working in this firm than doing any other thing in my life.
our experiences to bear, we’ve all been in rooms without curtains or carpets.
Do you redecorate your own home very often?
My husband and I started out in a two-bedroom apartment, but when our twin boys were born, things became a little tight. When a one-bedroom apartment became available next door, we were able to press through and add another room. After our daughter was born, we pressed through to a two-bedroom apartment because we needed more space. That was about 10 years ago. It was a big shift, but it coincided wonderfully with the stage of life I was in – being an adult parent and so far along in my career. The apartment looks great now and everything works, but two of my children will be leaving for college soon. I would love to do my next project for myself, create a second home, design an entire house. So as you can see, it was never boredom but life events that caused me to redecorate.
Do you hope your children will follow in your footsteps one day?
They all have artistic ability, but so far, none of them has shown much interest in doing what I do. It would be incredible to have three generations of talented designers in a row, but I’m not going to push the issue. The opportunity is there if they want it.
GERMANY
Cramer Moebel + Design GmbH 22525 Hamburg +49 40 5473780
Cubio 53173 Bonn +49 228 1809525
Designers Guild Einrichtungs GmbH 80333 Muenchen +49 89 20303285
Innenleben 60316 Frankfurt +49 69 438687
Merz & Benzing GmbH 70173 Stuttgart +49 711239840
Idee E Complimenti 81479 Muenchen +49 8975984972
Das Kleine Landhaus 82031 Gruenwald +49 89 6413628
SWITZERLAND
Al Lago Interiors AG 8803 Rueschlikon +41 43 5371003 In-Haus Innendekoration 3006 Bern +41 31 351 90 50
Edited
by
Inken Becker & Femke Maleen Fritz.
Ad section of pages 70 – 159.
On Berlin’s most exclusive island, the Schwanenhof stands as a grand testament to a century-old family history.
Where
wan thelast
resides S
Tucked away among glorious old trees with views of the Havel River, Villa Schwanenhof on the island of Schwanenwerder is one of the most sought-after addresses in southwest Berlin. Far more than an architectural treasure, it embodies the rich family heritage that has shaped this special home.
BY FEMKE MALEEN FRITZ PHOTOS DERHAAS.COM / ALEXANDER HAAS
Hidden away in the midst of idyllic island scenery, the expansive grounds of Villa Schwanenhof provide uncompromised privacy.
The heated saltwater pool is ideal for relaxing outdoors, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the estate grounds.
The
first German edition of Monopoly, released in 1936, featured
the “Inselstrasse” on Schwanenwerder as the most expensive address.
The living room impresses with high ceilings and historical details. Villa Schwanenhof represents a seamless blend of home comfort and elegance.
here once the bankers and politicians of the German Empire built their palatial private villas, US General Lucius D. Clay later planned the Berlin Airlift, and publishing magnate Axel Springer devised his newspaper headlines – Schwanenwerder has long been a place steeped in a layered and fascinating history. The origins of this story can be traced back to 1882, when the entrepreneur Friedrich Wilhelm Wessel acquired the island, then called Sandwerder. Absolutely captivated by nearby Peacock Island, where Emperor Frederick William II had built a summer palace for himself, Wessel dreamed of creating his own retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. His sons, Hermann and Franz Wessel, carried that vision forward as owners of a building company, shaping the island into
an exclusive haven dotted with magnificent summer villas in expansive garden grounds.
In 1901, Hermann Wessel had the villa built that is now known as the Schwanenhof. The two-storey residence, with its mansard hipped roof and French Renaissance-style flourishes, was named in honour of the island’s newly bestowed name – personally approved by Emperor Wilhelm II – and the graceful swan ornament that still adorns the wrought-iron gates. Next door, his brother Franz built a second grand villa, which was demolished in the 1960s. Today, the Schwanenhof is the last surviving building from the founding era of Schwanenwerder.
The villa has never been reduced to a mere relic however. It has remained a vibrant and ever-evolving home. The stone gates with the inscription “Schwanenhof“ open onto an
It’s as though nature has made its way indoors: lush greenery and a vibrant jungle-style mural infuse an inimitable energy into the space.
estate where history and modern comfort co-exist in seamless harmony.
A polygonal southwest-facing wing opens out to a terrace overlooking the garden, while an octagonal tower topped with an onion dome adds a touch of fairytale charm. A second terrace with a gazebo completes the ensemble. Stucco embellishments grace the façade, while inside, there are 14 rooms spanning four floors, each with high ceilings that invite the sunlight to flow throughout the house.
with a gas stove, forms the heart of the house, while an antique marble fireplace and a traditional tiled stove offer both warmth and cozy charm. Outside, the garden provides seclusion and serenity, shaded by mature trees that tell tales of bygone eras. Alongside the pool lies an exclusive patch of land under a lease agreement, featuring exclusive access to the Wannsee lake, complete with a bathing platform.
Above: The sweeping view over the River Havel unveils a picturesque waterscape, highlighting the property’s truly exceptional location.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Berlin (DE)
Contact Kathleen King von Alvensleben
Tel. +49 30 897 309 00
E-mail kathleen.vonalvensleben@engelvoelkers.com Engel & Völkers Immobilien
The historic location of the property plays with contrasts, embraces the unusual, and is full of surprising details. In the orangery, walls hand-painted with lush jungle scenes come alive with whimsical details: a monkey swings overhead and a giraffe peers in curiously from the garden. A hidden library evokes the magic of Hogwarts, while an elegant salon comes complete with a billiard table. The kitchen, fitted
With its unique location, Schwanenwerder feels like a world unto itself, nestled in nature, surrounded by water and yet very close to central Berlin. Nearby lie Peacock Island, sailing clubs, a golf course and a long-distance train station – all within reach, yet unobtrusive.
The Schwanenhof is more than just a building. It is a place that tells a story – of visions, enduring beauty and fami ly history. To enter this villa is not just to step inside a house, but to become part of a tale that is far from over.
Berlin, Germany
Price EUR 7.9 mill.
Interior approx. 480 m²
Land approx. 2,687 m² E&V ID W-02SIFW
Left: The garden at the Schwanenhof evokes the charm of an English garden.
Panama City
Modern Living Meets Natural Retreat
Grace Bay
Kempinski Grace Bay: Luxury Caribbean
Ownership, Perfected in Turks & Caicos
Houston
Chateau Carnarvon – The Crown Jewel of Texas Located in Memorial Close In
Berlin
The Villa Berlin – Historic Residence Set in the Parkland of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tel. +49 30 89 73 09 00 E-mail berlin-brandenburg@engelvoelkers.com
Berlin, Germany
Price on request
Interior approx. 1,100 m²
Land approx. 8,220 m² E&V ID W-02SRHV ENGEL & VÖLKERS Berlin Hohenzollerndamm MMC (DE)
Magnificent Grand Estate
Sauerlach-Arget
Spectacular Family Estate
Just Outside Munich
Exceptional Neo-Classical Estate from the 1800s
Tel. +32 3 303 43 30
E-mail antwerpenzuid@engelvoelkers.com
Interior approx. 1,600 m² Land approx. 41,815 m² E&V ID W-02ZWON
Vienna
A Masterpiece – Loft Apartment with Six-Meter-High Ceilings & High-End Finishes
Saalbach-Hinterglemm
Second Home Chalet with Ski-In/Ski-Out Access
Austria
Mauensee-Kaltbach
Lausen
Architectural Masterpiece in Green Surroundings
Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland
Price CHF 3.95 mill.
Interior approx. 280 m²
Land approx. 1,221 m²
E&V ID W-02YO5W
Timeless Elegance with Spectacular Lake Views ENGEL & VÖLKERS La Cote (CH)
Tel. +41 22 990 40 00
E-mail lacote@engelvoelkers.com
Valais, Switzerland
Price CHF 7.27 mill.
Interior approx. 485 m²
Land approx. 970 m²
E&V ID W-02XTXT
Zermatt
Balearic Islands, Spain
Price EUR 7.5 mill.
Interior approx. 690 m²
Land approx. 1,900 m²
E&V ID W-02S0IL
Engel & Völkers Ibiza, S.L.
Ibiza
Newly Built Villa with Stunning Sea Views
Tel. +34 971 60 91 41
Majorca Castello M – Unique Estate in Son Vida
Majorca
Majorca
Authentic House in Vejer de la Frontera
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Marbella Puerto Banús (ES)
Tel. +34 952 85 98 60
E-mail marbellapuertobanus@engelvoelkers.com
Andalusia, Spain Price EUR 4.95 mill. Interior approx. 445 m² Land approx. 1,084 m² E&V ID W-030A6S
Marbella
Modern Andalusian Villa with Breathtaking Views Next to the Golf Course
Benalmádena
Alhaurín el Grande
Elegant
Alhaurín de la Torre Elegant & Spacious Six-Bedroom Villa
City Broker Activos,
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Madrid Mirasierra (ES)
Tel. +34 91 049 38 81
E-mail madridmirasierra@engelvoelkers.com
Madrid
Unique Villa in the Heart of Puerta de Hierro
Madrid, Spain Price EUR 10.9 mill.
Interior approx. 4,029 m²
Land approx. 5,462 m² E&V ID W-02C7NT
Monteagudo
Outstanding Villa with Sprawling Garden & Pool
Spectacular Stone House with Swimming Pool
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Santiago de Compostela (ES)
Tel. +34 981 11 55 11
E-mail santiagodecompostela@engelvoelkers.com
Galicia, Spain Price EUR 850,000
Interior approx. 418 m²
Land approx. 1,300 m² E&V ID W-02ZS94
Italy
First Sardev S.r.l.
Corso
Sardinia,
Sardinia
Refined Villa with Sea Views Nestled in Costa Smeralda Hills
Beyond the sea
On the most beautiful sea in the world, in Sardinia, just a few steps from the famous Costa Smeralda, where history and traditions meet the international jet set.
Sardinia with its unique beauty, not far from the famous Costa Smeralda, where thousands of years of history and tradition meet the international jet set. The property was built in the 1970s, just a few meters from the sea, where turquoise waters and paradisiacal sandy beaches form a surreal postcard. The Lugano-based design and interior architecture studio of Alona Todoroff has skillfully transformed this rough diamond into a sublime reality. The muted, refined materials harmonize skilfully with the natural context of the surroundings. The villa is built in a sail-shaped design. Even from the roof you can see that the sloping roofs resemble two open sails. During the renovation of the property, a radical and capillary intervention was carried out and technically updated.
The designer has used innovative materials and state-of-the-art technology and natural materials such as natural stone both inside and out to create a warm and harmonious ambience. The custom-made furniture made of bleached oak with raffia inserts and fine linen fabrics also create a typical maritime style and ensure harmony. The predominant color is beige, like the walls and furniture. The contrasting color coral pink was used as an accent.
In the kitchen, the color emerald blue predominates and the cooking island inspires dreaming with its enchanting sea view.
For further information please visit: www.a-interiordesign.ch
The colors of nature on the Emerald Coast, tune into the harmony of this House directly at the Sea.
Luxury Villa with Private Beach in Ragusa
Bari
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Elba-Costa degli Etruschi (IT)
Tel. +39 0565 190 19 20
E-mail elba-costadeglietruschi@engelvoelkers.com
Elba Island Stunning Villa Overlooking the Sea
Living Tuscany
Villa Ramona – Historic Residence in Nervi
Penthouse with Terraces in Viale dei Mille
Verona House of Art in Heart of the City
Rosignano Monferrato
Trentino-South Tyrol, Italy
Budapest
Panoramic Hillside Villa in Most Exclusive District
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Budahill Center (HU)
Tel. +36 30 737 05 77
E-mail budahillcenter@engelvoelkers.com
Holiday Home Directly on Baltic Sea with Views as far as Denmark
Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
Price EUR 3.45 mill.
Interior approx. 235 m²
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Schleswig (DE) Contact Kathrin Hansen Tel. +49 4621 986 61 02 E-mail kathrin.hansen@engelvoelkers.com Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020. EuV Wohnen GmbH – Königstraße 29 – 24837 Schleswig / Real estate company – License Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH
Land approx. 413 m²
E&V ID W-02XKF2
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Hamburg Barmbek (DE)
Contact Razwan Ashraf
Tel. +49 40 226 30 51 20 E-mail barmbek@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020. Hamburg Südost Immobilien GmbH – Hellbrookstraße 61 – 22305
Hamburg, Germany Price EUR 2.5 mill. Interior approx. 180 m² No. of rooms 5 E&V ID W-0300LG
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Hamburg Alster (DE)
Contact Kerstin Volkmer
Hamburg
Exceptional Property in Uhlenhorst – Very Close to the Alster Lake
Tel. +49 40 46 86 31 22 E-mail alster.stadtvillen@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020.
Hamburg, Germany
Price EUR 7.95 mill.
Interior approx. 413 m²
Land approx. 979 m²
E&V ID W-02J9O2
E+V Hamburg Immobilien GmbH – Eppendorfer Baum 11 – 20249 Hamburg / Real estate company – License Partner of Engel & Völkers Residential GmbH
Price
Land approx. 1,380 m²
Sophisticated Lakeside Apartments in Grunewald
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Berlin-Brandenburg (DE)
Contact Marcel Kaskeline
Country Residence with Boathouse on Lake Wannsee
Tel. +49 30 89 73 09 00 E-mail berlin-brandenburg@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020.
Berlin, Germany
Price EUR 12.5 mill.
Interior approx. 627 m²
Land approx. 4,080 m²
E&V ID W-02W3M6
Bergisch Gladbach
Bonn
Historic Jewel with Luxury Living Standards in Muffendorf
ENGEL & VÖLKERS Bonn (DE)
Contact Veronika Seitler-Käfer
Tel. +49 228 42 27 70 E-mail rheinlandmmc@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Price EUR 3.2 mill. Interior approx. 380 m² Land approx. 3,516 m² E&V ID W-02YOZP
Passau
Luxury Living in Historic Farmstead with Far-Reaching Views
Bavaria, Germany
Price EUR 10.2 mill.
Interior approx. 780 m²
Land approx. 30,000 m²
E&V ID W-030F7I ENGEL & VÖLKERS Würzburg (DE) Contact Ludwig Baumgartner Tel. +49 931 991 75 00 E-mail wuerzburg@engelvoelkers.com
Commission fee split between buyer and seller in accordance with legislation from 23.12.2020.
Contact Donna Harding & Susan Diamond
Tel. +1 902 223 1000 & +1 902 877 8997
E-mail donna.harding@engelvoelkers.com & susan.diamond@engelvoelkers.com Nova Scotia, Canada Price CAD 4,475,000
3,317 square
3.05
Penticton
Lakefront Vineyard Paradise
California, United States of America
Price USD 5.95 mill.
Interior approx. 4,576 square feet
Land approx. 0.32 acres
E&V ID AM-5080243
Engel & Völkers Truckee –
Truckee Legacy Living in Schaffer‘s Mill
Contact Lisa Smith
DRE number 01927676
Tel. +1 415 328 9752
E-mail lisa.smith@engelvoelkers.com
Colorado, United States of America
Price USD 6,275,000
Interior approx. 4,162 square feet
Land approx. 0.26 acres
E&V ID AM-5080555
Contact Erik Berg
DRE number EA40043847
Tel. +1 970 379 6353
E-mail erik.berg@engelvoelkers.com
Colorado, United States of America Price USD 57.5 mill.
Interior approx. 12,674 square feet
Land approx. 5.3 acres E&V ID AM-5078199
Texas,
Price USD 4.5 mill.
Interior approx. 8,343 square feet
Land approx. 2.1 acres
E&V ID AM-5069283
St. Petersburg
Collection
Penthouse
Tampa Mediterranean-Inspired Estate with Panoramic Bay Views
ADDRESSES
CREDITS
PHOTO: Mark Seelen
WELCOME
EDITORIAL page 8
FERRAGAMO, www.ferragamo.com
LILY OF THE VALLEY, www.lilyofthevalley.com
TASCHEN, www.taschen.com
PLAYGROUND
COOL CITY page 14
DUOMO FIRENZE, www.duomofirenze.it
TRATTORIA IL CEBRÈINO, www.cibreo.com
VILLA LA MASSA, www.villalamassa.com
INTERVIEW page 16
NENI, www.nenifood.com
ENGEL & VÖLKERS
NEWS page 20
ENGEL & VÖLKERS, www.engelvoelkers.com
ENGEL & VÖLKERS PRIVATE OFFICE, www.evprivateoffice.com
GUCCI GIARDINO 25, www.gucciosteria.com
WOMAN page 22
ARTIFORT, www.artifort.com
CAROLINA HERRERA, www.carolinaherrera.com
HERMÈS, www.hermes.com
LADURÉE, www.laduree.de
LORO PIANA, www.loropiana.com
MISSONI, www.missoni.com
SWAROVSKI, www.swarovski.com
ZIMMERMANN, www.zimmermann.com
MAN page 24
FENDI, www.fendi.com
GUCCI, www.gucci.com
MAISON PIERRE FREY, www.pierrefrey.com
PATEK PHILIPPE, www.patek.com
PRADA, www.prada.com
TOD’S, www.tods.com
VERSACE, www.versace.com
VITRA, www.vitra.com
BOOKS & MORE page 26
ACQUIRED, www.acquired.fm
PRIME VIDEO, www.amazon.de/primevideo PARAMOUNT+, www.paramountplus.com
WELBECK, www.welbeckpublishing.com
AT HOME
LEONARDO
FERRAGAMO page 30
FERRAGAMO, www.ferragamo.com
LILY OF THE VALLEY page 42
LILY OF THE VALLEY, www.lilyofthevalley.com
MARLENE TASCHEN page 50
TASCHEN, www.taschen.com
ALEXA HAMPTON page 60
ALEXA HAMPTON, www.alexahampton.com
PERSONAL page 162
SORDO MADALENO, www.sordomadaleno.com
LAST MINUTE
1 Cast iron Dutch oven, € 258.30, www.lecreuset.de
2 “Lava” glass plate € 507.95, www.siriusglassworks.com
3 “Sendai” armchair, POR, www.minotti.com
4 “Verso Midnight Sky” vase, Villeroy & Boch, POR, www.davidjones.com
5 “Lucent” cocktail ring, octagon cut, € 250, www.swarovski.com
6 Saffiano and leather wallet, € 630, www.prada.com
7 Desert Modern Cube, € 4,230, www.ralphlauren.de
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SUBSCRIPTIONS International
An annual subscription of four issues costs € 43 in the U.S., € 32 in Europe and € 24 in Germany. Subscriptions will be renewed for a further year unless cancelled in writing six weeks prior to expiry. Reproduction of any content requires written permission from the publisher. Care has been taken to produce this magazine with as much accuracy as possible, but no liability shall be accepted for factual errors, inaccuracies or misprints should they occur. Furthermore, no liability shall be accepted for the accuracy or completeness of property descriptions and specifications as these are not produced in-house. Nor shall liability be accepted for non-availability of properties featured in this magazine. A commission shall be charged on all properties with the exception of those marked with a "P."
ISSN 0941-5203, GG · No. 4/25 · 37th year
MANAGEMENT
Matthias Höltkent and Rainer Klipp
The next issue of GG will come out December 5, 2025 www.gg-magazine.com
Would you like to know more?
Vibrant with Hope
Now in its third generation, the Mexican architecture studio Sordo Madaleno embraces a socially conscious approach to architecture.
The firm established by Juan Sordo Madaleno in Mexico City in 1937 has been shaping Mexican architecture for decades. After his death in 1985, Juan’s son Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas took over the firm that bears its founder’s name. Today, Javier and his sons Javier and Fernando run an architecture, urban design and interior design studio that aims to balance tradition and innovation, combining a dedication to local roots with a global perspective.
Sordo Madaleno’s architectural projects aren’t just intended to be aesthetically pleasing; they are spaces that reflect social aspirations and foster community life. As Fernando Sordo Madaleno de Haro describes the firm’s philosophy: “We do not build shapes, we build spaces. Spaces make experiences possible, and experiences transform realities.”
The Teletón Children’s Rehabilitation Centers scattered throughout Mexico are a prime example of the firm’s meaningful and cross-generational approach. Since 1997, the architecture studio has built 26 such rehabilitation centers and clinics across the country, centers that provide a broad range of therapies for children with disabilities or cancer. Seen from the air, the buildings resemble snails or stars, and their bright colors and geometrical shapes appeal to children more than a regular hospital complex would. Like a beacon of hope, each one embodies both a cultural identity and an appreciation of community. The strong hues reflect the vibrant palette of colors typically found in Mexico. Patios and light-filled rooms blur the distinction between inside and outside spaces.
The Fundación Sordo Madaleno, which the family established in 2022, was created with the aim of preserving Mexico’s architectural heritage. Among other resources, the foundation provides access to a historical archive of architecture, urban planning and design. It also grants scholarships to promising students in Mexico. “Education is the most powerful tool for the positive evolution of communities and the well-being of humanity,” Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas once said. In 2017 – like his father before him – Javier was named an honorary fellow of the renowned American Institute of Architects.
Less like a clinic, more like abstract art: The brightly colored children’s hospitals in Mexico are a collaboration with the Teletón Foundation.
THE ART OF SIMPLICITY
Discover our Yachts at yyachts.de and in September 2025
18.-23.
25.-27.
9.-14. Cannes Yachting Festival
Genoa Boat Show
Monaco Yacht Show