THE Stylemate Magazine, ISSUE No 02/2020, nobody believed it - faith / english

NEWS ABOUT LIFE, STYLE & HOTELS ISSUE N o 02 | 2020 thestylemate.com

Stylemate

T H E S T Y L E M AT E .C O M

Art: Alessandro Painsi 2020 / Photo: Oliver Sønnichsen 2020

THE

2

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

but we did IN THIS ISSUE

Essentials Page 3 (Brave) new world Pages 4 – 7 Interview with Felix Muhrhofer: Leaving no stone unturned Page 6

LIFE:

Quarantine spirit Pages 8 – 9 As unique as the wearer Page 10 Sharing is caring Pages 11 – 13 Franzobel Page 14

STYLE:

Designer profile: Dreams made out of mud and dough Pages 15 – 18 Picked by: Özlem Tuna Page 19 Anastasija Lesjak: A touch of soul Page 20 8 cities, 8 stores Pages 21 – 23 Im Kinsky: Collecting is in our nature Pages 24 – 25 Aromea: For a fragrant atmosphere Page 26 Column by Helder Suffenplan: Constant new beginnings Page 27

HOTELS: LIFESTYLEHOTELS selection:

Das Graseck – My mountain hideaway Page LH 01 New Member: Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise Page LH 02 Gradonna ****S Mountain Resort Chalets & Hotel Page LH 03 ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat Page LH 04 Bergland Design and Wellness Hotel Sölden Page LH 05 New Members: Almmonte Sensum Suites The Oitavos Maslina Resort Pages LH 06 – 07 dasMAX Page LH 08 Alpina Zillertal Page LH 09 Alps Lodge Hotel Lemongarden Page LH 10

do

When it felt like the world was changing constantly from one minute to the next, and it seemed that any long-term plans would have to be thrown out the window, we joined the journey into the unknown and decided to make this issue of THE Stylemate more spontaneous and experimental. You’ll see that there isn’t a person looking up at you from the front cover as usual – instead, we commissioned emerging artist Alessandro Painsi to think about creating something different for it. Bar a couple of general pointers like “maybe something with text” and “it should be about people”, he was otherwise given free rein. You can see the result of this creative freedom now if you turn back a page. It says, very simply, “nobody believed it – faith”. This inspired us to reply “but we did do”, as you can see written boldly on this page. It is important for us to add at this stage: we believe that everything will be OK, because we believe in people and have faith in what they do, and that’s what this issue of THE Stylemate is all about. We discuss human nature and talk about people and what they do, what they dream about, what inspires them and what drives them. They are people that inspire faith, both in themselves and in others. We’ve also experimented with the cover story, in which we present work by photographer Mathilde Karrèr, whose image titles resonate with the theme of the article.

But there’s no need to say any more here.

Keep turning the page and have faith that you’ll find some wonderful stories to read.

New Member: Hotel Landhafen Page LH 11 Directory lifestylehotels Page LH 12

IMPRINT Page

2

Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger

Be sure to subscribe to THE Stylemate so you'll never miss an issue! thestylemate.com

IM PRIN T Media owner and publisher: Prime Time Touristik & Marketing GmbH, Schmiedgasse 38/1, 8010 Graz, Austria Editors: Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger Editor-in-chief: Mag. Nina Prehofer Managing editor: DI (FH) Christin Maier-Erlach Cover photo: Art: Alessandro Painsi 2020, Photo: Oliver Sønnichsen 2020 Layout: VON K Brand Design Writers: Franzobel, Hedi Grager, Helder Suffenplan Translators: Katherine Nussey, Lisbeth Wild Advertising: office@thestylemate.com Printed by: Medienfabrik Graz, 8020 Graz Published in: Graz Publication: 3 x yearly

Photo: Heldentheater

EDITORS

3

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

essentials GLOBETROTTER

ON THE BALL

Drinks to go will enjoy greater popularity this summer, with this year’s cocktails being served in apothecary bottles and spritzers in glass bottles – not a plastic cup in sight! The rosé spritzer from Domaines Kilger may be made in the Styria region of Austria, but you can turn it into a real globetrotter. The sparkling refreshment has flavours of passionfruit, redcurrant and bilberry that can be enjoyed anywhere and everywhere, whether you’re having a picnic in the park, taking a trip to the lake or strolling round the town square. Its compact size means it fits perfectly into any handbag, and thanks to its sophisticated label it looks good, too.

“Let’s get physical, physical” sang Olivia NewtonJohn in her song of the same name, which is what immediately comes to mind when you see this ping pong set by Louis Vuitton. The paddles will motivate you to get into some physical training, be it on your own table tennis table at home or at the park.

It’s also ideal for travel: the sporty set contains two professionally designed paddles, table tennis balls in a custom holder and an elegantly designed cover crafted of masculine Monogram Eclipse canvas, accented with an LV Circle medal. It’s time to “get physical” and ping pong in style!

Domaines-kilger.com, € 2.50

louisvuitton.com, € 1,550

EAR BLING These one-of-a-kind rose gold earrings have been handcrafted by goldsmith Barbara Gressl, boasting the finest Fiji pearls, carved Fiji mother of pearl and champagne-coloured brilliant-cut diamonds.

They flatter the ears and frame the face beautifully, and will soon have you daydreaming about tiny islands with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. These stunning earrings can be paired just as effectively with a white beach dress as with an elegant evening dress, but they will always impart a holiday vibe and a taste for champagne. gressl.com, € 5,490

F O R T H I S

E D I T I ON

TIMEKEEPER

BIG SPENDER We haven’t been able to get enough of soap in recent times, but the constant need to refill gets annoying and the single-use packaging is bad for the environment. The Big Spender soap dispenser from Klomfar is the answer, providing plenty of volume for the liquid soap of your choice. The sleek aesthetics were conceived by Austrian designer Philipp Aduatz and it is largely made by hand in Europe using traditional artisanal techniques. On a practical level, it can easily be affixed to the wall thanks to an adapter on the back.

It’s also available in different finishes!

Photos: Domaines Kilger / Gressl / Louis Vuitton / Klomfar / WEVER & DUCRÉ / AL-TIME

klomfar.at, from € 286

LIGHT UP They radiate 1950s charm like nothing else. And we’re not talking about style icon Audrey Hepburn, but the lamps of the same name that should be a cocktail party essential from now on. Why should you invite them? Because they can change their look more often than any film star. And they look just as good in matt black as they do in shimmering gold. How does it work? Simply choose one of two mountings and combine with up to eight different shade shapes. Looking for an eye-catcher to go on your wall? You can adapt ODREY’s shape with three elegant shades for your own customised look. weverducre.com, price varies according to model

Creative director Alex Wiederin, who lives and works in New York, and product designer Tino Valentinitsch have put their weakness for watches to the ultimate creative use and established their own watch brand AL-Time.

“Lightness means liberty” – it is in line with this motto that they create watches according to their own visions. Their guiding principle defines that it shouldn’t be the watch that is the luxury commodity, but time, an idea that is expressed by the unusual addition of a number 13 hour marker on the dial. The name AL-Time refers to the chemical symbol for aluminium, which has the atomic number 13 in the periodic table and is the material used to make the body of these ultra-light watches. Inspired by the aviation industry, AL-Time watches are fundamentally different to usual watch constructions. A specially developed aluminium body houses a Quartz movement in a watertight capsule and lends the watch its iconic side profile. And something that’s important not only for today but for the future: the body is up to 100 per cent recyclable. al-time.com, € 285

4

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

The world is gradually starting to pick up pace again.

But what has happened to us as people during the supposed downtime?

We present

brave BEING HUMAN

PEOPL E .

We’ve achieved a lot, shaped the way of the world and are now responsible for destroying it. We are good, we are bad.

Most of us are a bit of both. Crises bring out the best and the worst in us – we display sheer devotion to wanting to help one another, but are also willing to denounce others without batting an eye. There are people who pay money to ease the hardship of others, then there are those who buy weapons in order to defend everything they own to the bitter end.

In the Weltspiegel Thema podcast by ARD Audiothek, journalists and correspondents from Spain, the USA and Mexico report on how society has changed during the COVID-19 crisis. Spain is one of the countries that has been worst affected by the virus, and implemented rigorous measures to restrict movement in order to combat the spread. People stood on their balconies every evening and clapped for doctors and carers in recognition of the fact that they were fighting on the front line.

On the other hand, there were those who hung “hero” notices on the front doors of healthcare workers saying that they would prefer it if they moved out because of the risk they posed to the people they lived with. In the USA, weapons sales have gone through the roof out of fear of civil warlike situations, while shops and businesses have barricaded their premises against the threat of looting. In the meantime, queues at food banks have become longer and longer.

by Atelier PMP Perfumers: Mark Buxton and David Chieze 2020

four different perspectives.

We feel threatened, a feeling that makes some of us come together in solidarity, while in others inspires the need to defend everything they have with all the force and power available to them. What’s happening to us? Environmental psychologist Isabella Uhl-Hädicke, who carries out research on climate change communication at the University of Salzburg and advises NGOs and businesses, says in an interview with ZEIT Wissen magazine that a threat of this kind means a total loss of control.

This leads to us trying to control at least our small part of the world, as that gives us a feeling of self-efficacy, even if only to a small degree. In the face of the threat, we also focus more strongly on our societal norms and our own circle. This helps us to deal with anxiety even though it doesn’t change anything about the actual problem.

So how can you change basic attitudes and encourage people to adopt positive behaviours? Uhl-Hädicke replies that, unfortunately, it is actually quite difficult to change people’s ideals, especially when one of our greatest influences is the example set by others. When social norms change because of the behaviour of an increasing number of people, when a new majority emerges, others are often simply carried along with the flow.

In this way, the more people act in solidarity, do good deeds and tell others about it, the more others will be convinced to act in the same way.

That’s just how we are.

5

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

new

LE TEMPS PERDU a period of lost time. Artists and creatives have been cut off in their work or simply repressed, as this lack of freedom has for them resulted in a feeling of helplessness.

Is this because we were condemned to having to wait? Because we didn’t know when and how our old normality would be reinstated? Because we didn’t know where to even start with this downtime? Do we therefore experience it as lost time because we can’t disengage from our restlessness?

Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s paradox reads: “Wasting time means gaining time”.

We should consider this more often, especially when we get swept away by the pace of the world once again.

We’ve become accustomed to living under constant time pressure. A lot of us have, anyway. We do as many things as possible at the same time and try to fill our days with more than is good for us. But at the end of the year, we can’t be sure what we’ve actually spent our time doing.

We’re frustrated because we haven’t achieved what we had set out to do professionally, nor have we achieved our personal goals, such as going to the theatre more often or travelling a bit more. So over these last few months, have we gained or still lost time?

Despite many initiatives online, it seems that for the cultural sector it has been

Photography by Mathilde Karrèr

by Salle Privée Perfumer: Tanja Deurloo 2017

London. In spirit at least, as right now we’re not able to meet face to face with Brendan Murdock, founder of anatomē, a brand for high-quality vitamins, supplements and therapeutic oils. We wanted to know how someone whose business helps people maintain a healthy body and mind in “normal” times is coping and remaining optimistic in these somewhat different times. “I'm lucky enough to have a garden so tending to that has been hugely beneficial during these times. I've watched the transition from winter to spring during the pandemic so I am more alert than normal about spring arriving, new growth, bird life and so on, so it has been a nourishing time surprisingly. Gardening is a great emotional tonic.” Long walks with his dog in the countryside where he lives have also become part of his daily routine, and investment in home fitness equipment means he can stay fit and healthy. There has also been more time to think about food and nutrition, whereas during a normal working day in London, Murdock would rarely have any spare time available for such thoughts. Like many other people, he’s discovered baking and has found the slow-down process useful in many regards.

NEW TRADITION

New opportunities have also opened up for his business anatomē. “This time has allowed us to build a clearer strategy for digital, and thankfully our online sales have been ticking over.” The new platform launches in August. Interaction with the community has also intensified, and initiatives for those who work in the hospitals near the London shop have been set up.

This period has of course also seen the creation of new products, including a botanical hand sanitiser that blends essential oils and deeply nourishes the hands despite the high alcohol content.

In addition, there is a new supplement to boost the immune system. “Being at home I've had more time to think about products to support our personal spaces, so now I have a really lovely collection of ceramic electric diffusers launching and a new room spray to build out our Support + Protection collection.”

by Ramón Monegal Perfumer: Ramón Monegal 2019

6

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

Felix Muhrhofer is an interior designer and artist working on projects around the world, and for him, terrazzo is more than simply a material. The stones he uses shape his work and turn each piece into a one-of-a-kind article. They also leave a trace of a memory in the finished items that is retrievable with merely a glance.

How did terrazzo come into your life?

It was during my studies at a time when I was living in a shared apartment.

We urgently needed to replace the flooring and decided to make our own terrazzo, with the help of a book. Historically, terrazzo is considered a use for waste material – even the Romans and the Etruscans employed it. The material itself is not expensive, but it requires a lot of time and effort. For us as students, it was perfect. After the floor, there was a very professional kitchen, which I poured myself. That’s how I got to know the pitfalls of the material, and over the years I’ve built a wonderful relationship with it. What’s more, I still feel like I haven’t yet exhausted all of its possibilities. I can appreciate Alberto Giacometti spending his entire life working with concrete, as my fascination with terrazzo continues to this day, even though as a designer I do of course work with other materials as well.

The most important ingredient for making terrazzo is the stones, which you collect yourself.

Where do you get them from?

I collect them all over the world, even if it’s only a handful that I can take home with me, for example from the Cape of Good Hope, the Berlin Wall or Central Park in New York. It’s about the meaning of the place and the fact that I’ve been there myself, often with my family. Aside from that, I’ll take as much as I can fit into my car. I’ve built a stone library with what I’ve collected, so in my workshop in Nußdorf, I have large chutes containing around 100 different types of stone from various places. The most important thing is that you have the stones you want, as only around one per cent of stone types are actually available to buy.

What qualities does a stone need to have to make it interesting?

I’m really only interested in the aesthetics of it. Sometimes I look for particularly round and flat stones because they fulfil several technical requirements that I like.

A stone is a carrier of memories, and I put them to use and give them an additional function. It’s a blend of something emotional and something functional.

Our family dining table is made out of stones that we have collected together on our travels, so it has a lot of history and evokes many memories. I’m also an amateur geologist, as I think it’s great to consider a topic from as many angles as possible.

But it’s not just the stones you use that make your pieces unique.

No, because I sit myself at the bending machine and bend the iron for as long as I feel like it. The development process of a piece comprises many stages. There is a deliberately long stage of design and concept, then after that I make a model and a prototype. When I then come to make the actual piece, there’s the process of inserting the terrazzo. That part is very spontaneous and intuitive, as you only have a certain amount of time in which to insert the stones into the wet material.

That’s what I love about it, even when part of it goes wrong. After that it’s calm for a while, then it’s on to the grinding and polishing. It’s a bit like developing photographs – as you’re grinding, the bigger picture starts to emerge and you see whether your idea of how to lay out the stones has worked. It’s really wonderful.

You did the interior design for the popular R&Bar in Vienna, recently designed a hotel bar and restaurant in Bali, have created extraordinarily beautiful kitchens for private homes and set up Magic Wall. How important are kitchens and eating to you?

Very! I also founded Vienna’s first cooking club! That’s still running. The kitchen, the flames, coming together in one place that’s at the heart of the community – that’s something I’ll never let go of. For me, having a meal together is a little haven of analogue communication. At a party, I’d rather stand behind the bar making the drinks. Every celebration needs a bar.

What makes the perfect bar?

You have to lose your sense of space and time. The present is stretched and you’re only in the here and now. Until you stumble and realise that the sun’s come up.

What are you currently working on?

Aside from constantly developing new models, I’m working on the concept for an exhibition this autumn in Los Angeles.

Interior designer Kelly Wearstler invited me to exhibit in her gallery because she likes my work so much. She’s already bought a piece for herself! It will be a cross-section of my work and we will probably develop something new together.

In any case, I’ll take a bar with me, as that was a big hit at my exhibition in New York and sold out straight away.

Your passion is obvious when you talk, and of course whenever someone sees one of your pieces. Where does that come from?

I’ve often wondered why I like making it so much. I have absolutely no problem motivating myself to go to the workshop.

I think I’ve discovered a special part of my brain that my work speaks to. I get joy from the shapes, colours and surfaces of things. It’s beauty, an absolutely personal experience. I get even more joy when people contact me because they have one of my pieces at home and they say how much they love what I do. People can sense what I’m feeling when I make the pieces, and that’s a wonderful reaction.

felixmuhrhofer.com

Photos by Elisa Seydel and Clemens Kois

leaving

no stone unturned

7

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

world THE NEW

While for some people the time in lockdown has led to more of a block on their creative brain, others have been able to put the time to good use. Interior designer and artist Felix Muhrhofer (see interview on page 6) has even roused enthusiasm for his workshop in his children. “There’s an incredible amount to discover in a workshop like mine. It’s fascinating and exciting. It’s great when kids latch on to the idea that you really can build anything if you just get on and consider something,” he explains. That’s how numerous ideas came about for things they wanted to make themselves, and one or two pieces have already come to life. Muhrhofer believes that the most important thing he can teach his children is the joy of doing, “of making things with your hands and taking joy in it”. But it’s fair to say his children have always been connected to his work. The pieces he makes using terrazzo require a lot of stones, and they have been collected together during many a family holiday.

“They’ve now experienced the entire process once and understand my work much better. I think it’s really important that my children know what I do all day.”

Muhrhofer’s eldest daughter has already displayed an appreciation of what her father is teaching her, having decided to become a goldsmith.

And how did he find summoning up his creativity when it seemed like the world had come to a standstill? “I’ve enjoyed the time enormously.

Endless Sundays, a new paradise – that’s how it was for Felix Muhrhofer. Maybe we should make sure that the many positive moments from the last few months are carried over into the future to create a new sense of freedom in life, as the title of this article suggests – in a literal or a dystopian sense, as in the novel of the same name

by Aldous Huxley. Ultimately, it all comes down to us human beings.

The photo series Chaos, Growth & Light is the result of collaboration between photo­ grapher Mathilde Karrèr and publicist Helder Suffenplan. Mathilde's work appears in both THE Stylemate and on SCENTURY.com, the first online magazine for perfume storytelling. (Helder Suffenplan is also a columnist for THE Stylemate, and you can find his article in page 32.)

MATHILDE KARRÈR ON CHAOS, GROWTH & LIGHT Our series was much more innocent when we started: a new beginning, a new home – a playful, carefree series referring to a spring tale of new beginnings. Because of the circumstances we took a moment to consider everything and go a bit deeper.

Growth out of chaos, searching for a guiding light, reorientation and the knowledge that this is only a very tiny part of the bigger picture were some of the thoughts that shaped the series.

If you live in Berlin like I do, it’s quite obvious that you’re part of a place that in many ways quite literally evokes memories of the past, of chaos and of growth.

To create this series of photographs, I had a look around and gathered together pieces of the city in the form of randomly discarded materials and weeds growing out of the pavement.

by Ramón Monegal Perfumer: Ramón Monegal 2019

Photography by Mathilde Karrèr

It was as though every day were a Sunday – I like working on Sundays because the phone doesn’t ring and I can really focus my attention on something. You only have to be at home for meal times.”

So for Muhrhofer, the time was a win, managing to complete many things that were important to him on a personal level.

We’ll probably see a Quarantine Collection from him very soon, as renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler wants to display his work at her gallery in LA.

PARADISE

ABOUT MATHILDE KARRÈR AND HER WORK Photography and stage design are two fields that Mathilde Karrèr applies to create lavish yet subtle compositions with a captivating narrative.

Half way between paintings and movie stills, her photographs are elaborate, visually rich micro worlds with knowingly chosen details. mathildekarrer.com Instagram: @mathildekarrer

8

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

Has migrating from bed to sofa and back to bed become the new norm? Not for the people we’ve spoken to! Here’s how three businesses have dealt with the downtime of the last few months.

one dress a day

ELIZAVETA

Elizaveta Fateeva: I have a feeling that One Dress A Day has been lying dormant just below the surface for a while, just waiting for the right moment. My oldest friend called me and asked me to make her two summer dresses during lockdown using fabrics that were just lying around in my studio. So I opened up my “saving for later” boxes to reveal a real treasure trove of delights! The topic of upcycling is really important to my label, so I’ve always bought loads of remnants of high-quality silk in Italy. I often go there and traipse around the factories and warehouses looking for surplus and leftover fabrics.

Since then, you’ve created a new dress every day. What can this achieve?

For me, One Dress A Day was primarily a case of getting back to my roots.

I actually didn’t think I would do it for so long and that I would enjoy it so much.

I’m a trained tailor but I haven’t actually sewn anything for almost ten years. I’ve now realised how much I miss the manual craft, and how patient and focused I am when I’m at the sewing machine. The fact that it results in something beautiful that will bring joy to other people makes it even better. This meditative way of working combined with the challenge of only working with surplus materials has opened up new perspectives, and I want to increase awareness of this direction among my customers – recognising the value of raw materials and demonstrating that we can still continue to develop even in bleak and uncertain times.

FATEEVA

one I want to go down, nor is it modern anymore. We live in a time that demands that we reinvent processes and find an individual rhythm. The market is more than open to the courage to experiment and products that tell a story. The dresses I’m currently making are my answer to this. At least for now. fateeva.net

How has your label FATEEVA developed?

I started FATEEVA as a shoe label three years ago, with seasonal collections and a showroom and presentations in Paris.

It has been a continual learning process since then, despite having already worked as an accessories designer for large fashion labels for ten years. As a small label there are many highs and lows, and it requires great perseverance to keep your head above water and to differentiate yourself on the market. It took all of that for me to establish that the usual path is not the

VIENNA-BASED FASHION LABEL FATEEVA was founded by shoe designer Elizaveta Fateeva in 2017 and reinterprets the term “essentials” for womens- and menswear by skilfully combining avant-garde with the everyday.

quarantine

Portrait by Lisa Edi, Dresses by Fateeva

You’ve used lockdown as a time to be creative and started One Dress A Day. How did that come about?

Fateeva, Vienna

9

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

A DA M C H A R L A P H Y M A N

overgrow Your work for the Walden exhibition at Schloss Hollenegg for Design had to be presented online this time around.

How much has your work been disrupted over the last few months?

Adam Charlap Hyman: Luckily we’ve been doing really well! While many of our works like theatre performances and exhibitions that are open to the public have been put on hold, we’ve continued working on residential projects. We’ve been able to make the most of the lockdown to immerse ourselves in several creative endeavours, for example some textiles and furniture designs.

To what extent was your creative working process interrupted?

Adam Charlap Hyman: In terms of our Overgrow project for Walden, Andre and I designed the mural during our visit to the castle, took the necessary measurements and carried out the surveys that we needed in order to start painting. Fortunately that all took place much earlier, which meant we were able to complete the actual artwork in New York at a later date. The final

Los Angeles / New York

A N D R E H E R R E RO

images were scanned and arranged by the team at Calico, who made the wallpaper, then sent to Austria to be installed. So really, it went more or less as planned, other than the presentation – it wasn’t possible to experience the exhibition in person.

How differently do you think the work will be received?

Andre Herrero: With our wallpaper, we wanted to bring the nature that’s outside to the inside the castle, and in doing so make reference to the historic painted wallpapers that can be found in some of the other rooms. The motif of the vines is both romantic and somewhat dark, as we want to allude to the fact that all places turn into ruins when they are taken over by nature. Of course, it would have been much more intense for people to experience the castle, the surrounding nature and then the room with our Overgrow wallpaper in real life. Having said that, we’re happy with the digital work, for example what we also did for the Guggenheim Works & Process series.

But the day we’re able to get creative with our team again will be a great moment! ch-herrero.com

ADAM CHARLAP HYMAN AND ANDRE HERRERO are the founders of the Los Angeles and New York-based architecture and design firm Charlap Hyman & Herrero, which takes a fully integrated approach to conceptualising and executing spaces in their totality. For the Walden exhibition at Schloss Hollenegg for Design, they collaborated with New York firm Calico Wallpaper in order to produce Overgrow.

R I C H A R D KÖN I G

virtual store

Photos by Lupi Spuma and ©AH / Photos by Saint Charles

A virtual shop that you can navigate through: merely a reaction to the current circumstances or relevant for the future as well?

Richard König: At our monobrand store on Herrengasse in Vienna, we have placed great emphasis on “experience” since the very beginning. That also includes the digital experience, which we have achieved with things like a virtual shelf. The trigger for the total digitalisation came from the enforced closure of our store due to the coronavirus, but it should also offer the possibility to link the digital world with the physical Saint Charles store in the future.

We tailor our tips on natural medicine according to the time of year in the form of videos or online articles, and also introduce new products that you can buy virtually in the digital store.

Which new products have you released in reaction to the coronavirus crisis?

Saint Charles Apothecary, Vienna / Berlin

A L EXA N D E R E H R M A N N

Alexander Ehrmann: Initially, we faced huge bottlenecks with basic supplies like sprays and bottles. As well as additional sizes of our hand sanitiser spray, the Saint Charles Apothekerspray, we have responded to the crisis with other products that boost the immune system, such as Saint Charles Oxymel, our new sour honey.

It’s a great product made out of naturally cloudy apple cider vinegar and organic blossom honey from the Weinviertel area north of Vienna.

What do you recommend to people to help protect themselves, boost their immune system and maybe also counteract anxiety?

Alexander Ehrmann: To boost the immune system, we would first of all recommend targeted dietary supplements, for example our Saint Charles Immun Booster capsules.

Cistus plants also offer excellent qualities in boosting the immune system. The antioxidative potential of cistus is down to it being rich in polyphenols, with three times as much as in green tea and four times as much as vitamin C. Aromatherapy works wonders for anxiety, for example our Saint Charles Anxiety Guard, which is also available as a room spray. saint-charles.eu

ALEXANDER EHRMANN AND RICHARD KÖNIG are co-founders of the Saint Charles Apothecary in Vienna. Through the creation of the Saint Charles Cosmetics and Naturals series of products, the two pharmacists have been able to pursue their passion for the development of high-quality, sustainable and effective natural remedies and cosmetics.

spirit

10

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

ADVERTORIAL BY HEDI GRAGER

as unique as the wearer

BARBARA

GRESSL

That’s how jewellery should be, and what jeweller Barbara Gressl aims for in her work. She looks optimistically to the future even in these difficult times, and is currently occupying herself with new collections and upcoming celebrations.

So have you always relied on individuality?

To be quite honest, even in the first week I was aware that, as well as missing family, I was also missing contact with customers.

Normally I’m chatting with customers morning, noon and night, then all of a sudden it was silent.

Yes, I’ve always focused on niche products like rare pearls and particular gemstones.

Customers are grateful to have someone they can trust. I could write a book about how customers have been ripped off when buying online or whilst on holiday.

You’ve been in the industry for over 20 years – has it changed?

Is consultancy still in demand these days?

Yes, a lot. I think the industry has become a lot less personal because of online retail.

I grew up experiencing the jewellery world as my parents knew it and I witnessed how generations of the same families shopped with us. That’s all changed.

What have you tried to keep the same or to change?

To continue running my parents’ business in a traditional way wouldn’t have worked these days, although it is important to retain personal contact with customers.

But I’ve always been a bit different, I love individuality and craftsmanship.

With my individual customers, yes.

It’s often different with younger people, who see something online and just order it. Their initial perception of consultancy is dealing with problems like repairs or adjustments. But that does mean some of them will buy locally where they have an actual person they can speak to.

Are trends noticeable, and do you follow those trends?

There’s currently a return to gold finishes and resources that aren’t in infinite supply.

Creative ideas are also influenced by trends in fashion and colours, as well as developments in architecture. But I don’t have to follow the trends, that’s the beauty of my work. Being different and not just following the masses is what drives me and I want to keep it that way.

What’s your secret to success?

How is it going this year?

Creativity, hard work and joy.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel our 55th anniversary celebration that we’d planned for the spring, and there are other events we’ve not been able to plan yet. But we’ve scheduled our Christmas event at Schloss Piber, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. I’ve designed an exquisite collection of jewellery featuring horses for that. In summer there will be a small but very special collection – but I can’t tell you what it will look like, that’s still a secret.

And I’m working on my first Gressl men’s collection.

Are you optimistic about the future?

I heard something really lovely from one of my colleagues: “As long as there is love, our industry will continue to exist”. I think there is a lot of truth in this statement.

What do you think are the problems with the industry?

The power of the big brands has become greater and greater. Jewellers are often used to advertise them and raise awareness of them, only for them to then open a mono-brand store right under their noses. I have never been dependent on them, so I can relax.

gressl.com

How do you deal with setbacks?

I quickly analyse the problem or the whole situation and think about what I can learn from it for the future, or how I could do something differently. Ongoing development should be a goal for everyone, that’s my attitude to life.

BARBARA GRESSL is a jewellery designer and maker in Graz, Austria. She made it to the elimination round of the Schmuckstück des Jahres 2019 jewellery competition with a white gold ring set with an extraordinarily large aquamarine and white brilliant-cut stones.

Photo: Die Abbilderei

What did you miss the most following the sudden lockdown triggered by COVID-19?

11

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

The human way of life is based on cooperation, says primate researcher, linguist and philosopher Michael Tomasello. In an interview with Philosophie magazine, he goes on to explain how our species started from the very beginning with the cooperation between hunters and gatherers, and how ultimately it comes down to the fact that we’re too weak to survive on our own.

That it is necessary for us to cooperate

and share in order to survive in this world makes the many initiatives and offers of support over the last few months no less exceptional. Sharing something or benefit­ing from something being shared brings joy, and joy is something we all really needed in our new day-to-day lives in lockdown. Amongst other things, this joy came in the form of the many recipes and cook-along videos streamed by well-known

chefs. There have probably never been so many photos of bread-making attempts and homemade meals posted on social media. The fact that the restaurant industry has been so hard hit thankfully didn’t deter chefs from being creative or stop them from bouncing back, for example with delivery services, takeaways and remarkable initiatives such as Deliver Aid, whereby chefs cook meals for any

healthcare professionals working on the front line to combat the coronavirus. The Moya restaurant in Milan is a good example of the many restaurants using their time for good causes, with the team providing the dedicated doctors and nursing staff in the particularly hard-hit region with the best sushi and sashimi, soups and more, all as a “small way of saying thank you for the incredible work they are doing”.

Photo: SEVENNORTH_EYALSHANI

sharing

IS CARING

12

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

The circumstances may have been difficult, but chefs and restaurant owners brought us so much joy while we were in lockdown.

With fantastic recipes on Instagram, deliveries of our favourite foods and surprise food parcels for doctors at the hospital, they provided immense culinary comfort when we needed it most – the ultimate example of “sharing is caring”.

Instagram: @moyamilano moyasushi.com

M A S S I M O

B O T T U RA

In the meantime, things were livening up over on Instagram, with the #kitchenquarantine sessions by Massimo Bottura proving immensely captivating. His videos are extremely entertaining and presented in a mixture of Italian and English. Watching and listening to him cooking will give you an instant sense of being on holiday – the Italian parts in particular conjure up images of Italy and all the glorious things

PAU L

this beautiful country has to offer, and serve as the ideal backdrop while you learn how to make chocolate mousse, classic dishes like risotto using leftovers or things you find in the freezer, ragù and even ice cream. With boundless energy and feelgood vibes, wearing joggers and hoodies, the videos are created with Massimo’s wife Alexa, who also acts as an interpreter between English and Italian.

Doing battle à la kitchen impossible were Michelin-star vegetarian chef Paul Ivic and restaurateur Sepp Schellhorn. The latter broke out in a sweat baking a Belvedere torte and appeared somewhat jubilant while cooking up a paella, only for Paul Ivic to then refer to it on Instagram as just plain old rice with meat. As well as the entertaining banter, Paul Ivic’s Instagram account does also have some great recipes for gnocchi, ravioli and vegan carpaccio that you can enjoy cooking yourself at home.

I V I C Instagram: @paul_ivic tian-restaurant.com

Photos: Massimo Bottura, Refettorio Ambrosiano, Milan. Picture credit: Emanuele Colombo (page 19) / Refettorio Ambrosiano, Milan. Picture credit: Emanuele Colombo (page 6) / © 2020 – Phaidon Press Ltd. / © 2019 Christian Brandstätter Verlag GmbH & Co KG. All rights reserved

Instagram: @massimobottura massimobottura.it

13

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

EYA L

S H A N I Instagram: @sevennorthrestaurant sevennorthrestaurant.com

Photos: SEVENNORTH_EYALSHANI / Sandy Aaron / © 2019 Christian Brandstätter Verlag GmbH & Co KG. All rights reserved

Seven North is the second culinary offering in Vienna from celebrated Israeli chef Eyal Shani, who is known as the “King of Cauliflower” because of his excellent way of preparing the versatile vegetable. “Seven North brings together a comprehensive palette of colourful, aromatic ingredients with a dynamic, almost chaotic atmosphere that provides the perfect setting for guests to enjoy simple, fresh food,” says Eyal.

S I M ON E U N D A D I Instagram: @karmafood_vie karmafood.at

While we were having to get along by ourselves or with our families, Seven North was sharing simple and delicious recipes on Instagram, with “Eggplant lines”, tahini sauce, “Melting Spinach Steams” and espresso Martinis aiming to bring some of this dynamic, somewhat chaotic atmosphere into kitchens around the world.

For Simone and Adi Raihmann, enjoyment, well-being and health go hand in hand.

At their six Karma Food delis, they’ve declared war on the afternoon slump with vegan and vegetarian curries, soups and bowls. At the heart of their feel-good cuisine are the spices that Adi grew up with in India, and to tie it all in with the knowledge of his ancestors, Adi has also trained as an Ayurveda coach. On his Instagram account @karmafood_vie you’ll find delightful recipes for dishes like Indian shakshuka Bombay eggs, okra curry and tofu scramble. Anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Indian cuisine will find all they need in his cookbook Karma Food, which features plenty of vegetarian and vegan meals and insights into the wealth of Ayurvedic knowledge of Adi Raihmann’s mother.

We are extremely grateful to all the chefs that have brought such amazing recipes and fun into our homes. If you now want to give something back in return, go and visit them in their restaurants or buy yourself a copy of their beautiful cookbooks!

RA I H M A N N

14

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

LIFE His great historical adven­ ture novel “Das Floß der Medusa” (published by Zsolnay) was awarded the Bayerischer Buchpreis (Bavarian Book Award) 2017 and was on the shortlist for the German Book Prize 2017.

FRANZOBEL

Is a fact still true even if it is not yet recognised as being true?

Most people think so. After all, the planets were orbiting around the sun long before Copernicus came along, not orbiting the Earth, as they had believed in the Middle Ages. There was also gravity before anything fell out of the hand of the first humans. But do facts always remain the same? Or do they evolve?

A couple of years ago, a film crew needed a bear. They wanted it to break into a wooden cabin, destroy everything, then run away when a hunter came and fired a shot. Because they couldn’t get hold of one, they used a circus bear.

It dutifully broke into the cabin and wrecked the place, but when the shots were fired it ran out, jumped on a bicycle and rode away.

Do you believe in evolution? I don’t mean natural selection through alcohol abuse or driving too fast, or the fact that mankind evolved from apes or pigs, nor do I mean the evolution of buttons (from buttons that stick all the way through to modern touchscreens), bikes or running shoes.

What I mean is that homo sapiens is not the highest of all creation, it develops and will at some point die out – in the next six thousand to seven million years, if the mathematicians are to be believed. Can you imagine that in twenty million years, which is barely the blink of an eye in terms of time, it won’t be people ruling the world but more likely insects, rats, birds, worms and viruses? Don’t all animals adapt to their surroundings – are there not butterflies with eyes on their wings, sand-coloured fish and chameleons? Soon there will be creatures that look like speed cameras, discarded condoms or flattened energy drink cans.

But we’re not there just yet. Five hundred years ago, the postal service was established and the pedal on a spinning wheel was considered rather mysterious, the work of the devil.

Today, we can communicate no matter where we are and conjure up lunch using a 3D printer.

While the Wright brothers were still experimenting with flying machines, Albert Einstein had already proven that time and space are relative and that mass has energy. Humankind inhabits but a speck of dust within a solar system that sits somewhere on the edge of an insignificant galaxy, and yet it has devised models for the blueprint of the world that differ so greatly from everyday knowledge that it will put your head in a spin. It wasn’t until the arrival of the railway that the time in European cities was synchronised, whereas these days we have GPS, satellites and facial recognition – all by-products of Einstein’s theory of relativity.

Physicists are able to calculate the weight of the universe and determine the time of the Big Bang, but that all goes out the window if you accept the existence of six other dimensions.

That involves space-time warps and quantum entanglement. Most physicists will also say that a fact only becomes true when you see it for yourself – before that, it’s in a state of uncertainty, like Schrödinger’s cat.

It’s a similar situation with the virus that is currently keeping us all locked away in our homes. We only realise the reality of it when we see it. Anything else is just a possibility.

Countries have been closed down because of it and the world is experiencing its biggest crisis since the Second World War. But despite this, I believe that humankind is capable of thinking to the edge of the universe, dealing with the pandemic and sticking its tongue out at the virus – just as Albert Einstein once did to the troublesome paparazzi. Thanks to the virus, we are going through an evolution that will make the world a bit better. I hope. We’ll only see what’s true when it’s in front of us.

einstein’s tongue

Photo: Dirk Skiba

Franzobel is an Austrian writer. He has published numerous plays, works of prose and poems. His plays have been produced in countries including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, France, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Italy, Russia and the USA.

LIFESTYLEHOTELS LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET

Selection

02 | 2020

One dive is all it takes for the ultimate refreshment.

And while you may come back to the surface thinking things couldn’t get any better, you can’t help but be blown away by the sensational view of the Wetterstein mountain range from the 20-squaremetre, 34-degree outdoor pool. This mountain retreat is set at the heart of nature at the base of Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, close to Garmisch-Partenkirchen near the border between Germany and Austria. Das Graseck is a hotel where you are free to dream and find a renewed sense of lightness through wellness, exercise, gastronomy – and of course that breath-taking view.

DAS GRASECK M Y M O U N T A I N H I D E AWA Y Sponsored by Aromea Airdesign, aromea.eu

lifestylehotels.net/das-graseck

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

NEW MEMBER QUELLENHOF L U X U RY RESORT LAZISE

02

Lake Garda – just thinking about it makes you feel like you’re already on holiday. At the Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise, the extensive spa area offers enough space and time to ponder and allow your thoughts to drift away between the olive and pine groves.

la dolce vita When you arrive at Lake Garda, you just want to embrace everything and take it all in – how this beautiful lake stretches out in front of you and glitters in the morning sun; how content Goethe must have felt when this wonderful world opened up before him during his Italian Journey.

This is the home of the sweet life, “la dolce vita”, and it continues to characterise the region day after day, as if it knows it will never leave.

In the five-star Quellenhof Luxury Resort, the Dorfer family has soaked up all of this beauty and laid it all out for their guests to enjoy. In a spacious setting, you will benefit from uplifting spa experiences, exquisite cuisine and the ultimate holiday vibe while relaxing on a sun lounger gazing out over the olive groves or the natural swimming lake. This holiday feeling will give you an instant pick-me-up and no doubt fill you with a renewed sense of levity.

HOL I DAYI NG I N PARA DI SE

I T A LY VERONA / LAZISE

58 suites

E NSURI NG YOU R SA F ET Y To ensure the maximum safety of guests, the Dorfer family and their team at the Quellenhof have put in place a comprehensive range of measures to protect against COVID-19, with the benefit of having an on-site medical centre plain for all to see. Thermal imaging cameras have been installed at the entrance to the hotel to measure the temperature of guests when both entering and leaving, and to identify those guests with a fever. PCR and antibody tests can even be carried out in the resort and, on request, they can process

a PCR test in the Quellenhof Medical centre in Passeier on departure that can then be presented to your employer. The hotel staff are of course also tested regularly.

These processes will give guests the peace of mind to enjoy their holiday and all of its activities, including riding e-bikes, jogging, hiking, playing golf or taking an extended boat trip. The generously sized rooms are bright spaces you can retreat to, and you can also have your breakfast there if you wish.

Surrounded by olive groves Book online lifestylehotels.net/ quellenhof-luxury-resort-lazise

At the end of a fun-packed day when you’re strolling along the shore of the lake towards Lazise, and the walls of the medieval town cast shadows in the fading evening light, you’ll know you’ve done everything just right on this holiday.

Photos: Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise

The resort boasts a view of the lake and offers its guests an enormous amount of space in all areas, be it at breakfast (with open kitchen), at dinner in the Panorama restaurant, where the team of chefs serves up traditional Italian dishes using regional ingredients, or in the bistro with its view of the garden or the 2,000 m2 wellness area. Those who want to can lie out by the outdoor pool and enjoy the gentle murmur of people chatting away, or delight in the joyful cries of the kids in the children’s pool and on the water slides. If tranquillity is what you’re after so you can read a book or simply indulge in your own thoughts, there are plenty of private places to take yourself away to in the vast garden.

The offering at the Quellenhof is as diverse as the surrounding region. With the range of wellness, personal training and leisure activities in and around the hotel, you’ll have more than enough options to keep you entertained during your holiday.

Our tip for an enjoyable excursion: wend your way along the Via Gardesana lakeside road in a convertible and stop off at one of the wineries in nearby Bardolino for a tasting session!

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

GRADONNA ****S M O U N TA I N RESORT CHALETS & HOTEL

The landscape flickers past rapidly before the train starts to slow down with a groan, as if it is reluctant to reduce its speed.

We’ve arrived at the station in Lienz, and we grab our seven bags and step out onto the platform. A train journey like this has its advantages. Rather than putting your foot flat to the floor and racing off on holiday, it allows you to glide away in a leisurely fashion accompanied by a good book, happy conversation or simply your own thoughts. A friendly member of Gradonna staff is waiting to greet us at the station, and they drive us almost silently in a hybrid car to Kals, where the fresh, clean air almost overwhelms us – the resort is a car-free zone.

03

Anyone visiting the Gradonna will discover nature at its most beautiful – at the mountain resort hotel and chalets in Kals am Großglockner, nature and sustainability are simply a way of life.

“We feel indebted to the power of the region and to sustainability,” says Martha Schultz in response to the question as to why it was important to orient their corporate philosophy towards sustainability, regionality and nature-inspired architecture from the very beginning.

The multi-award-winning, car-free mountain resort at the gateway to the Hohe Tauern National Park is home to the hotel, 41 timber-frame chalets and 12 exclusive suites, and is guaranteed to delight nature enthusiasts – be it with the food and natural cosmetic products from local mountain farmers, carbon-neutral bio heat produced by its own wood pellet boiler, charging stations for electric cars and electric bikes, or its own fresh spring water sources.

AUSTRIA EAST TYROL / KALS AM GROSSGLOCKNER

sustainable by nature Photos: Gradonna / fotoperauer

C H E E RF UL MA RMOTS AN D I NVIG ORAT I NG MOUN TA I N A I R Even during the construction of the resort, 85 % of the total investment was spent within a 100-kilometre radius and invested in local materials. Furthermore, all of the timber buildings were built using wood from local forests, and the roofs of the chalets were planted with regional species, meaning the structures merge into the

forest and can barely be seen from Kals.

The architecture impresses with its clean lines, while materials such as spruce, arolla pine, linen, loden cloth and Kals marble bring nature into the interior.

The view to the outside shows that wherever nature remains untouched, you’ll be able to see animals. During a guided hike with a ranger in the Hohe Tauern National Park, we encounter cheerful marmots, discover chamois and even spot a golden eagle.

Back at the resort, we indulge in a mountain fresh body peel that makes use of the hotel’s own line of vegan cosmetic products, Magdalena’s, which contain

115

41

hotel rooms

chalets

1

incredible spectacle of nature Book online lifestylehotels.net/ gradonna-mountain-resort

herbs from the Hohe Tauern National Park and pure mountain spring water with a balanced proportion of minerals. But the region doesn’t just get squeezed out of a tube – it’ll also land on your plate.

From the breakfast buffet with East Tyrolean specialities to midday snacks and the à la carte evening menu or buffet of local delicacies – regional produce will be a treat for your taste buds all day long.

At the end of the holiday, we jump into the natural bathing pool one last time and soak up the panoramic mountain view.

By the way, the bathing pool in the garden is heated by nature as well.

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

PREMIUM P R I VAT E R E T R E AT

There is much to discover at the ElisabethHotel in Mayrhofen in Austria’s Zillertal region – nature and what it has to offer could keep you occupied here for weeks.

We share what a perfect weekend at the adults-only hotel looks like, with a mix of both relaxation and invigoration.

It’s Friday and travelling is hungry work, so after a warm greeting at the reception of the ElisabethHotel in Mayrhofen, we tuck in straight away to a fortifying lunchtime snack. We’re served a cold meal prepared using regional ingredients, several of which are produced by the hotel itself, and soup. We taste our way through bacon and cheese from the local area, as well as delicious homemade cake and strudel. Back in reception, we’d already glanced over to the Club, which is furnished with luxurious leather sofas from Bielefelder Werkstätten and Florentine glass light fittings by Banci, just as we had been told. We’ll be sure to pay it another visit during the weekend.

But right now we don’t feel like having a rest, so we hop onto some electric bikes instead and head off on a bike tour – the staff at reception prepared some great recommendations for us. We decide to set off for the Speichersee in the wild and romantic Stilluptal, a valley that’s located in the Zillertal Alps Nature Park, and ride until we reach the Stillupspeicher reservoir.

When we arrive back at the ElisabethHotel later on, we round off our active afternoon with a dip in the basalt pool. The perfect end to this first day is a candle-lit dinner in one of the cosy restaurant lounges.

While we’re eating in the Herzerlstube (Heart Lounge), we have plenty of time to marvel at the antique silver heart-shaped ornaments dating from a bygone era that are displayed on the walls. Soothing piano music is the ideal accompaniment to our evening, and it’s still tinkling away in our ears when we get into bed.

just the two of us

AUSTRIA T Y R O L / M AY R H O F E N

70 rooms

1

Heaven Penthouse Suite

Book online lifestylehotels.net/elisabethhotelpremium-private-retreat

T I RED L EG S AN D REF RESH I NG DR I N KS

ROMAN T IC GAR DE N AN D BR E WE RY

On Saturday morning, it’s all about getting up that mountain! We grab our rucksacks and start the ascent to the Olpererhütte.

Situated at 2,389 metres above sea level, the hut looks out over the Schlegeisspeicher body of water in the Zillertal Alps and makes all the physical exertion worthwhile. We order Kaiserschmarren (chopped up sweet pancakes) and enjoy the view of the Zillertal 3000 ski area.

Upon our return to the ElisabethHotel, we can feel that our calves are worn out so we decide to bring them back to life with a massage in the Elisense Treatment Area. The interesting architecture of the Elisense spa provides ample space and tranquillity with saunas, steam baths and the basalt pool, while the water beds in the quiet room allow you to float away into a dream world. We choose to put our feet up in the Minotti Relax Lounge with its open fireplace and library. Afterwards, we’re ready for a drink and decide to watch evening fall while sipping cocktails on the hotel terrace.

We also watched evening become night the day before, so we order breakfast in bed on Sunday morning. Our 48 hours are almost up, but we decide to make the most of the time we have left. For us, that means going for a walk around the romantic garden and taking deep breaths of the lovely clean air.

It’s a tough place to leave, so we soften the blow by visiting the Zillertal Bier brewery and pick up some souvenirs to take home.

At least that way we’ll still be able to relive a bit of our fabulous stay at the ElisabethHotel in Mayrhofen.

Photos: ElisabethHotel Mayrhofen

ELISABETHHOTEL

04

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

05

Surrounded by mountains towering over 3,000 metres high sits the Bergland in Sölden. If you’ve ever dreamt of climbing one of these mountains, this five-star hotel is the perfect base camp – and for countless other outdoor activities besides.

BERGLAND DESIGN AND WELLNESS HOTEL

alpine appeal

Photos: eye5.li // Christoph Schöch

SÖLDEN

“We are totally in love with our mountains, and that’s exactly what we want to pass on to our guests,” explains hotel owner Sigi Grüner of their philosophy at the Bergland in the centre of Sölden, a town that lies in the heart of the Ötztal Alps.

It’s a philosophy that can be explored in a number of ways so that the scenery becomes part of your own adventure in nature. An extensive network of hiking trails is just waiting to be discovered.

You’ll encounter lush meadows where you can be on the lookout for alpine flowers, idyllic mountain pastures and craggy cliffs. You might even spot some animals, as sheep also love the lush meadows, and those who are interested can take a short walk to pay a visit to the herds of resident mountain sheep. In addition to being the owner of the hotel, Sigi Grüner is also a farmer and a sheep breeder, and this is reflected on the menu at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, The Black Sheep, in the form of lamb dishes and exceptional regional quality. So the sheep carry on grazing surrounded by the most mighty of mountains, totally unimpressed by the stunning panoramic view – quite the opposite to us, that’s for sure.

VE N T URI NG OU T I N TO NAT URE Getting a bird’s eye view is guaranteed to give you the best overview of a region.

Why not give paragliding a go and soar above the mountains in a tandem flight, discovering not only the spectacular vista but also hikers, mountain bikers and, of course, the Ötztal mountain sheep.

If you’re more inclined to take to the water than hang around in mid-air, a canyoning tour could be right up your street.

The roaring waterfalls and emerald-green water in the Auerklamm, Nederbach or the Rosengarten Gorge are truly a sight to behold, as well as being refreshing for body and soul. The ravine in the Rosengarten Gorge can also be reached by foot via the paths and bridges and makes for an invigorating excursion.

G OI NG FOR A DI P The new highlight for summer at the Bergland Design and Wellness Hotel Sölden is the huge outdoor pool, the size of which will delight even the keenest of swimmers. It even has its own lift so you can get from the hotel’s Sky Spa directly to the garden, where you can dive into the

refreshing water and enjoy the tranquillity and the view. Getting out of the pool after an early morning dip is a feeling like no other – you can sense every muscle in your body and everything feels wonderfully fresh and revitalised. After that you can treat yourself to a couple of minutes in the hot tub followed by a hearty breakfast at the plentiful buffet. The outdoor pool faces south east, meaning you can soak up the sun on the surrounding decking from early morning until late in the afternoon.

Alternatively, there’s more than enough room to spread out across the further 300 square metres of outdoor space.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a little tired after an active day – after all, you’re on holiday in a hotel with plenty of space for relaxing, especially in the Sky Spa, which has now been extended to span over 2,200 square metres.

AUSTRIA TYROL / SÖLDEN

86

rooms / suites Set in the picturesque landscape of the Ötztal Alpine valley Book online lifestylehotels.net/ bergland-design-undwellnesshotel-soelden

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

NEW MEMBER

06

ALMMONTE SENSUM SUITES

This is the place we’ve been looking for!

A place that’s traditional and has evolved organically, with genuine locals and understated luxury, yet still down to earth. Wagrain – it’s a somewhat sleepy town, which makes it a top insider tip for summer.

silent night, restful day

I wake up in my incredibly comfortable box spring bed, open my eyes and gaze out at a gleaming blue sky edged with moving elements of green. I listen and hear … nothing. No, wait – there’s a bird chirping.

I slowly roll out of bed, feel the wooden floor beneath my bare feet and get ready to ease myself into the day. A visit to the Tappenkarsee, one of the most stunning lakes in the Austrian Alps, is on my very short mental to-do list for today.

My starting point is the Almmonte Sensum Suites, an inviting and uncomplicated boutique hotel with a clean design located in Wagrain in the Salzburger Land region of Austria. Not heard of Wagrain?

I hadn’t either, as it had somehow escaped my attention – very unlike me. But this discovery comes better late than never, as the tranquillity, spectacular natural landscape and serenity result in an almost instant sense of regeneration. The town boasts excellent infrastructure thanks to the locals and the many small companies that rent out private rooms – the Almmonte Sensum Suites boutique hotel counts as one of these as they only have 19 rooms and suites. Service is the main priority here, alongside up-market takes on regional cuisine that is praised by the Gault Millau restaurant guide.

My lack of awareness is back, this time with the name Joseph Mohr. Who was he again? He was a priest and a poet, and he wrote what is arguably one of the most famous songs of all time – the internationally recognised Silent Night, Holy Night.

He composed this iconic song in Wagrain, and he found his final resting place in the town’s cemetery.

But it’s still summer and Christmas is a long way off, so I set out for Tappenkarsee, a real gem in this Alpine region.

AUSTRIA S A L Z B U R G / WA G R A I N

19

rooms and suites

1

outdoor infinity pool

Book online lifestylehotels.net/ almmonte-sensum-suites

T H E O I TAVO S

The history of the Champalimaud family has been tied to this beautiful corner of the world since the 1920s. Here on the Atlantic coast, just a short boat ride from Lisbon, they have created a design hotel that boasts contemporary architectural flair.

The view of the ocean is just different here somehow. You’re immediately cocooned by a feeling of tranquillity, while the waves crashing against the cliffs draw the stress out of your body and whisk it far away to the distant horizon. It makes you want to dive off your balcony and straight into the water… But then you come back to reality and decide instead to take a leisurely stroll to the heated seawater pool located within the expansive grounds of The Oitavos five-star design hotel. It is run by the Champalimaud family and is currently in the capable hands of Miguel

Montez Champalimaud who, along with his father, built the contemporary-style building here in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The Y-shaped construction out of glass and steel was devised by Portuguese architect José Amaral Anahory and it could be considered an art installation in itself, or equally a most appropriate home for an art gallery. The clever shape means that every room has an ocean view, and you can choose whether you want to face east or west to enjoy the sunrise or the sunset.

Just as striking as the architecture is the natural landscape that surrounds the hotel. The vastness not only calms the view, it also soothes the body and soul.

This vastness is replicated in the generous proportions of the rooms and lofts, as well as the common areas throughout the hotel. Nature and architecture mirror one another to give the impression that you’re standing within a cohesive work of art.

You’ll also get this feeling when you partake in the diverse range of activities on offer. Why not head out from the hotel

PORTUGAL CASCAIS / Q U I N TA DA M A R I N H A

142 rooms

Top 100 18-hole golf course Book online lifestylehotels.net/ the-oitavos

on an e-bike tour, or even on horseback thanks to the impressive equestrian centre situated on the estate, with its 250 stables, a large indoor arena, six enclosed courtyards and much more.

There are also surf lessons and trekking options available. The 18-hole golf course is ranked as one of the top 100 in the world, and rightly so, while the spa is sure to tempt you with its promise of harmonising body and soul. You’ll enjoy all of this from within nature’s embrace, or while embracing nature yourself.

Photos: Almmonte Sensum Suites / The Oitavos

a stunning work of art

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

NEW MEMBER MASLINA

07

At the new Maslina Mindful Luxury Resort, laid-back Mediterranean style meets contemporary French influences. The resulting design characterises the whole of the expansive hotel and promises to lift your spirits.

RESORT

conscious indulgence The island of Hvar is renowned for its rich history, untouched nature, culinary delicacies and cultural heritage. In the breath-taking Maslinica Bay, you will now also find the spectacular Maslina Resort.

It is nestled amongst two hectares of lush pine forest, whose striking tones of green, grey and dark blue radiate towards the sun, with the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic in the background. The UNESCOprotected town of Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in the eastern Adriatic, is only a 15-minute walk away.

The people behind the Maslina Resort took inspiration from all of these elements to create a very special high-end hotel experience, while still maintaining genuine respect for the environment – trees have been replanted and local species protected, regional and seasonal suppliers have been supported and the spa products have been manufactured locally and without any artificial ingredients.

C R OAT I A H VA R / M A S L I N I C A B AY S TA R I G R A D

53

rooms, suites and villas Conscious luxury with respect for nature

Photos: Room by Nikola Radovani, other pictures by Polymachine

Book online lifestylehotels.net/ maslina-resort

VE RT ICA L RH Y T H M “It was a hugely complex challenge when you consider that we wanted to create a large hotel without impacting the existing natural surroundings. That added an environmental aspect to the project.

The aim of the design was to retain as much of the Mediterranean landscape as possible and incorporate it into the building,” explains architect Tomislav Alujevic.

The outcome of this is a hotel where you have the impression of being in a large private home – with the added bonus of a sea view. At 65 square metres, the rooms are surprisingly and comfortably spacious.

The dominant architectural feature of the façade are the elegant vertical strips of timber, which depict a visual harmony between the vertical rhythm established by the brown tree trunks and the hotel façade. Natural materials were also a key component of the interior design by Léonie Alma Mason. “When choosing the materials, I reflected on what would work best with the colour of the ground or the contrasting dark green tones of the trees.

The initial idea was to use the large rocks from the area to anchor the project firmly to this unique island. You’ll therefore find local stone from the island of Brač has been used for all of the basins and in the lobby.” Rich shades migrate from their natural habitat into the restaurant, whose design features Italian black terracotta on the walls combined with dark green lava stone tables. Brushed brass adds visual highlights.

I N SYNC WI T H T H E MAR KE T Leading the culinary team at the Maslina Resort is multi-award-winning chef Patricia Yeo. “The idea is that guests come to A-Bay for breakfast, eat a croissant and drink a coffee, then go to the beach and come back later on for a sandwich or a pizza. We want guests to be able to spend the whole day sitting on the beach and take out small dishes with them. We’ll prepare tapas dishes and make traditional Croatian recipes smaller and simpler. When it’s hot, you just want to eat simple food on the beach.” In the evening, it’s a bit more formal in the main restaurant. There are eight starters and eight main dishes to choose from on the menu, meaning a group of four can order and try one of everything. The menu is changed slightly every day according to which fish has been freshly caught and brought to the market.

There are also terrific pasta dishes besides the fish and meat. “I don’t think you can go far wrong with pasta, no matter where you are,” laughs Patricia Yeo. She’s right – pasta’s great no matter where you are, but make sure you’re at the Maslina Resort.

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

08

Many an adventure await visitors to Seefeld in Tirol, a town that benefits from plentiful hours of sunshine thanks to its location on an alpine plateau 1,200 metres above sea level. The perfect base for countless activities in the great outdoors? dasMAX, the only lifestyle hotel in Seefeld.

DA S M AX

Today’s schedule includes hiking the three lakes. But before that, breakfast – I don’t recommend climbing mountains on an empty stomach. I opt for the Max & Jack, warm porridge with banana, cinnamon and maple syrup, plus an espresso and herbal tea, but I also can’t resist tucking into the other delights from the breakfast buffet. My rucksack for the trip is already packed and after a relaxed breakfast in the hotel bistro – which, by the way, boasts incredible design and furnishings from BoConcept – it’s time to head off.

The starting point for this hike is the championship indoor tennis hall in Seefeld (I make a mental note not to risk a game of tennis during this holiday), from which the path leads across the Möserer Mähder meadows and slightly uphill towards Mösern.

taking sport to new heights

CI T IU S , A LT I US , F ORT IU S Embracing the spirit of the Olympic motto “faster, higher, stronger” (no, it’s not “it’s the taking part that counts”), there are plenty of other sporting activities on offer in the Seefeld Olympic region besides long hikes. Depending on your level of enthusiasm and ability, you can choose from mountain bike tours, stand up paddleboarding on the Wildsee, climbing, rafting and paragliding, as well as the less strenuous carriage rides and walking with alpacas.

The benefits of a place like Seefeld are clear for all to see in the sheer number of options available. Walking out of dasMAX, you’ll find yourself right in the pedestrian zone with its many restaurants, cafés and bars, so you’ll be spoilt for choice for dinner and drinks. Stylish gourmet cuisine can be savoured in the brand new Le Treize, while the Seefelder Stube serves up sophisticated home-style cooking, and luckily, both eateries are only a short walk away from dasMAX. You’ll enjoy a spectacular view from a historic setting at the Lärchenstüberl, a 300-year-old farmhouse that has been converted into a quaint guesthouse. High-quality purchases are a given in the many boutiques and shops in Seefeld, and anyone in the mood for a game of chance can put on their poker face and spend the evening at the elegant casino.

C H I L L I NG ON T H E RO OF TOP But let’s get back to my hike. After circling the Möserersee, the path follows the Pirschsteig trail in the direction of the Lottensee and continues until you finally reach the Wildmoossee and the Wildmoosalm. There you can say hello to the

19

rooms in prime location Stylish roof terrace with sauna Book online lifestylehotels.net/ hotel/das-max

cows and stop for a bite to eat at one of the rustic huts. After a hike, there’s nothing better than sitting comfortably and squinting into the sun, so back at dasMAX, the quickest way to get to the rooftop wellness area is via the lift – then you can rest your weary legs in the sauna.

In the spa, I chill out on a lounger and while away the time. The rooftop affords visitors a unique 360-degree view of the

mountain landscape that surrounds See­feld, and there’s no doubt that it’ll take your breath away. The Nordic-style rooms are extremely appealing and feature little added conveniences like a day bed, a kettle and an espresso machine as standard.

With contemporary individuality and good deals, dasMAX demonstrates that it’s possible to enjoy a smart and urban holiday even in the mountains.

Photos: Archiv Marcati

AUSTRIA TYROL / SEEFELD

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

09

“Mum, I’m bored” – that’s something you’ll never hear from your kids during a stay at the Alpina Zillertal Family.Lifestyle.Kinderhotel, and with the new Play Factory, there’s even more to keep them entertained.

ALPINA Z I L L E R TA L FA M I LY. LIFESTYLE. KINDERHOTEL

mountains of fun Alpina Zillertal Family.Lifestyle.Kinder­ hotel – the name of this hotel says it all.

Situated in the centre of the Zillertal valley in the heart of the Zillertal Alps, a mountain range in western Austria, the Alpina is a lifestyle hotel for families that offers plenty of room for children to enjoy themselves. But there is of course much more to this family-run, four-star superior hotel.

As an example, there’s the new adultsonly penthouse spa on the fifth floor – as a family hotel, it goes without saying that there is great focus on ensuring parents are able to relax. This is the place to enjoy a heavenly view of the Zillertal mountain landscape, work up a sweat in one of the panoramic saunas or the steam room, and experience the sensory shower, then take a well-deserved break in the cosy relaxation room. And all the while, your little darlings can do whatever they enjoy most in the childcare facilities – there’s a way for everyone to get the most out of their holiday here.

There are childcare options available for teenagers, children and babies seven days and 84 hours a week, with an area of 300 m2 in which they can run around, laugh and make friends. If water is more their thing, they can also splash around in Woody’s indoor and outdoor activity

AUSTRIA TYROL / FÜGEN

Photos: Alpina Zillertal Family.Lifestyle.Kinderhotel

50 rooms

2

wellness areas

Book online lifestylehotels.net/ alpina-zillertal-family-lifestylekinderhotel

pool, which has a cool triple water slide and a treehouse family sauna. Any youngsters wanting to be like the grown ups can even book in for a short massage.

As well as a weekly pool party there’s the new Play Factory to explore, where kids can make the most of the teen lounge and its bowling alley, billiards, table tennis and pinball. Those with a fondness for animals will particularly enjoy the pony rides straight from the hotel, as well as paying a visit to the alpacas, rabbits, goats and ponies at the petting zoo, which allows children the opportunity to have some downtime.

MORE N EW AM EN I T I ES Back to the adults. The rooms boast high-quality interior design and furnishings, and are now fitted with adjustable air conditioning to provide a cool place to retreat to on hot summer days and nights.

The popular Zillertal Activcard is included in the room price for stays of four nights or longer and will broaden the scope for adventure considerably: going up and down the mountains in various cable cars,

entry to the public swimming pools, free use of public transport in the region, plus other savings.

In the new Vino wine cellar there’s not only a lot to see, there is of course also a wide variety of wines to taste. It’s easy to spend a lot of time here before you head off to indulge in the homely yet modern and simple cuisine served up by chef Markus Kobliha, who places great emphasis on the regionality and origin of this ingredients.

Children will most likely prefer to discover

the many exciting highlights of the hotel, such as trampolining, the bouncy castle, the pony paddock, the petting zoo, the football field, the swings, sand pits, the gym, the activity pools, the triple water slide and so much more. We’re pretty sure that with this many attractions on offer for the whole family, you won’t have stopped talking about your stay until you come back the next time.

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

10

ALPS LODGE

Soak up the summer sunshine on this sunny plateau in Fiss! At the Alps Lodge, there’s also a new pool on the roof and a Zen garden for countless miniature moments of relaxation.

zen mode A refreshing climate, a mountain view as exhilarating as something you might see on a cinema screen, flora and fauna, and right in the middle: the Alps Lodge.

This is a stylish hotel – one with plenty to see right on the doorstep and whose rooms boast features in wood and ensure a restful night’s sleep. Right on top of the hotel, above the rooftops of Fiss, you’ll find the Sky Relax Zone with a sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms and loungers, and it has recently been complemented by the addition of an outdoor pool offering superb views of the surrounding mountain landscape. Here you can engage in inner reflection before dreaming the day away on one of the swing seats on the terrace. Or going for a drink in the Alps Lounge.

AUSTRIA TYROL / FISS

25

rooms and suites With a pool on the roof and a Zen garden Book online lifestylehotels.net/ alpslodge-life-style-hotel-fiss

PE AC E F U L M I N D, PE AC E F U L S OU L Back down on the ground there’s something else to discover: the new Zen garden extends around the hotel and contributes to the overall sense of pure relaxation.

A Zen garden is a type of Japanese garden based on the use of lots of rocks. The areas in between the rocks are laid with moss, gravel and selected plants, like the 600-year-old bonsai trees at the Alps Lodge. The Zen garden draws you in to look closer and has a calming effect on the mind and soul, and it’s for this reason that Zen gardens were originally conceived by Zen Buddhists, who designed them with great attention paid to nature. The gravel also symbolises the vital element water and is raked to mimic it, with straight lines representing the peaceful flow of water, and waves representing the sea. When you take the time to allow your gaze to rest on these elements, just like the pool on the roof, you’ll be sure to find your inner calm.

HOTEL LEMONGARDEN

If not this summer, then when? Being able to fly on a private jet straight out of Wiener Neustadt airport near Vienna to the island of Brač means you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from the south and some well-deserved relaxation. There’s minimal fuss, no long waiting times, direct transfers and enough room for yourself and whatever you may need. But whether you arrive at the Hotel Lemongarden by private jet or not, it is always a joy – the scent of the flowers, the sound of the sea and the view of the incredible pool, surrounded by the most spectacular floral display. Flora is the goddess of flowers and of spring, and it appears she has put down roots here judging by the magnificent blooms. It’s a theme that’s continued in the rooms of the privately run adults-only hotel in the form of fresh, vibrant colours that convey the magical atmosphere of southern Europe.

PL E N T Y OF SPACE F OR REL AXAT ION In addition to the idyllic pool, the hotel’s expansive outdoor area features a wellness pavilion of around 100 square metres with a private spa, and an 8,000-square-metre natural bay that plays host to the Lemongarden’s very own private beach. Why not hop on a bike and enjoy the feel of the wind in your hair, or take a golf buggy down to the beach and marvel at the view of the surroundings, where you’ll be greeted by the shade of the pine trees and afforded an uninterrupted view of the sea, all the way to the horizon. While you’re there, make the most of the homemade lemonade, chilled beer, iced tea and champagne on offer in the charming natural stone building that is home to the beach bar.

A holiday here really will keep your spirits soaring high.

C R OAT I A B R A Č / S U T I VA N

23

suites / maisonettes

12 rooms

Book online lifestylehotels.net/ hotel-lemongarden

Photos: Alps Lodge / Lemongarden

high spirits

What’s the quickest way to head south on holiday?

Fly on the Hotel Lemongarden private jet with their partner Goldeck-Flug directly to the island of Brač, where your spirits will still be soaring high even after you’ve landed.

THE Stylemate

LH

Issue No 02 | 2020

NEW MEMBER HOTEL LANDHAFEN

11

Holidaying in North Frisia means endless vistas, undisturbed nature and of course the North Sea. So much open space and blissful tranquillity. This northern point of Germany is a haven for relaxation and home to the most stunning retreat – the Hotel Landhafen in Niebüll.

moin

We’re welcomed with “Moin” when we enter Hotel Landhafen, a typical greeting in this part of Germany. We’ve arrived at Niebüll in North Frisia on our first holiday in this tiny corner of the world, and such a warm greeting makes us feel immediately at ease. There’s a relaxed, friendly atmosphere in North Frisia, and we like it. We’re also big fans of the lobby in the hotel, or the “Stube”, as we find out it’s called – essentially an extended lounge that blends the functionality of the lobby with the intimate feel of someone’s living room.

Yet another feature unique to North Frisia, and demonstrative of the overall concept of the hotel. Hotel manager Christoph Brunk and his wife created the hotel in such a way that it feels like a traditional North Frisian home, only a bit more special. The building pays homage to a typical farmhouse, with interior design that combines elements of both an old country house and modern industrial chic.

Breakfast is also served in the lounge and consists exclusively of regional produce, while in the bar and restaurant, locals mix with guests from all over the world to have a chat. “Everything here is authentically North Frisian, from the name of the hotel to the toilet paper folded into the shape of a ship,” explains Christoph Brunk with a laugh.

Photos: Philipp Irion / Landhafen

T H E GAR DEN, A HA R B OUR FOR T H E S OU L We’re curious. “So what is a ‘Landhafen’?” we ask (this would be a “land harbour” in English ¬– a rather odd concept).

“The name has a special meaning.

Many, many years ago, there was a harbour where our beautiful orchard is now, as the sea came right in to here. The North Frisians then pushed the sea out further and further to the point where it is now

GERMANY NORTH FRISIA / NIEBÜLL

45

rooms and suites

1

100-year-old orchard

Book online lifestylehotels.net/ hotel-landhafen

through land reclamation, and that’s why there is something of a ‘Landhafen’, or ‘land harbour’, in our garden,” explains the hotel manager. Above all else, the over 100-year-old garden that stretches out before us is a harbour for the soul, with the view that hints at the proximity to the sea, the lovely old fruit trees and the sunlight that warms the hotel terrace until late into the evening. The little lake and the section of beach – everything invites you to listen to your soul and to soak up all that nature has to offer. Also in the garden are two old huts from the beach at Dagebüll. (Side note: that’s the place to go if you want to be by the sea.) In the hotel garden, the huts fulfil an entirely new purpose: one as a “man cave”, a men-only zone where you can play darts and drink whiskey, the other as an artist’s retreat, where you can let your creative juices flow.

Anyone wanting to spread their wings a bit can hop on a bike and ride the mere 20 minutes to the Danish border, or to the ferry that will take you to the North Sea islands and the most stunning beaches in Germany.

Back to the living room, or rather the hotel’s amenities. Several small nooks, the wellness area and the yoga room encourage you to switch off and consider the hotel a mini retreat. The rooms and suites are styled in the industrial country house look and the beds are unbelievably comfortable. There is enough space for families and dogs, and there are accessible rooms available. And what to say about the sunsets… Best viewed from the garden, they really are something quite spectacular way up there in the north.

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

DIRECTORY LIFESTYLEHOTELS

AU S T R I A

CHINA

Wildkogel Resorts Alpslodge Life.Style.Hotel.Fiss FÜGEN Alpina Zillertal family.lifestyle.hotel GASCHURN Montafon Lodge Luxury Lodgehotel und Spa GEINBERG Geinberg 5 Private Spa Villas GRAZ Augarten Art Hotel GRAZ Lendhotel GRAZ Roomz Graz GROSSARL Hotel Nesslerhof HALLSTATT Hallstatt Hideaway KALS AM GROSSGLOCKNER Gradonna Mountain Resort KALTENBACH Das Kaltenbach KITZBÜHEL Alpenhotel Kitzbühel am Schwarzsee LÄNGENFELD Naturhotel Waldklause LEOGANG Puradies MARIA ALM Hotel Eder MARIA ALM Hotel Sepp MAYRHOFEN ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat MELLAU Sonne Lifestyle Resort MÖSERN Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel MÜHLDORF LA PETITE IVY NAUDERS Aparthotel Arabella OBERGURGL Hotel The Crystal OBERTAUERN Hotel Panorama Obertauern SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM Alpin Juwel SALZBURG CITY Hotel Goldgasse SALZBURG CITY Hotel Stein SALZBURG CITY Hotel & Villa Auersperg SCHLADMING Stadthotel Brunner SEEFELD dasMAX SERFAUS Alfa Hotel SÖLDEN Bergland Design and Wellnesshotel Sölden STAINACH-PÜRGG Gästehaus Krenn TURRACHER HÖHE Hollmann am Berg UDERNS Sportresidenz Zillertal VIENNA Hollmann Beletage VIENNA Hotel Das Tyrol VIENNA Hotel Schani Salon VIENNA Hotel Schani Wien WAGRAIN Almmonte Sensum Suites ZELL AM SEE Eva Hof Lakeside Suites ZELL AM SEE Seehotel Bellevue ZELL AM SEE Senses Violett Suites BRAMBERG

NANJING

I TA LY

Kayumanis Nanjing Private Villas & Spa

Casa Angelina Relais Blu BRIXEN Hotel Pupp CALABRIA Praia Art Resort CAMAIORE Locanda al Colle TIROLO NEAR MERANO Der Küglerhof ISSENGO Gourmet & Boutiquehotel Tanzer LAZISE Quellenhof Luxury Resort LIMONE SUL GARDA EALA My Lakeside Dream MERANO Suiteseven Stadthotel Merano MERANSEN Hotel Gitschberg MONTEFOLLONICO Follonico RIMINI i-Suite SICILY Monaci delle Terre Nere TRIESTE Hollmann Trieste AMALFI COAST AMALFI COAST

FISS

C R OAT I A STARI GRAD

Maslina Resort Hotel Lemongarden

SUTIVAN – BRAČ

F RA NC E PARIS

Hollmann Paris

GERMANY P O R T UG A L

Das Graseck NORTH FRISIA Hotel Landhafen NUREMBERG art & business hotel PIRNA Laurichhof SANKT ENGLMAR Berghotel Maibrunn STUTTGART V8 Hotel STUTTGART V8 Hotel Classic TIMMENDORFER STRAND SAND TIMMENDORFER STRAND Hotel Seehuus GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN

Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa Vila Valverde ALGARVE Vila Vita Collection CASCAIS The Oitavos MADEIRA Quinta da Bela Vista ALENTEJO ALGARVE

S PA I N

Lavida Hotel Convent de la Missio MALLORCA Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness MALLORCA Hotel Can Simoneta MALLORCA Hotel Glòria de Sant Jaume MALLORCA Pleta de Mar GIRONA

GREECE SANTORINI SANTORINI

Myst Boutique Hotel Saint Santorini

MALLORCA

H U NG A RY S R I L A N KA BUDAPEST BUDAPEST

Hotel Collect Lanchid 19

DICKWELLA SOUTH

UTMT – Underneath the Mango Tree

SWITZERLAND

Hotel des Balances Alpinlodge & Spa ZERMATT Hotel Matterhorn Focus LUCERNE

SAMNAUN

LIFESTYLEHOTELS Book directly. Enjoy benefits!

We offer hand-picked, independent and stylish hotels for design-oriented globetrotters and sophisticated travellers.

Direct contact with the hotel First-hand information Best price Best availability LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET

15

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

STYLE

dreams Designer Istanbul

“ WE TURN TO NATURE AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND HOW WE LIVE AND WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO DO FOR THE CITY LIFE.” Özlem Tuna's plan for 2020

ÖZLEM

TUNA

Photo: Serhat Özşen

The 10 most important questions the designer asks about her work.

How do I achieve designs that emotionally move both me and others?

Are the everyday objects with which we surround ourselves really functional?

What meaning do these everyday objects hold?

How can we identify design problems using experiences of cooking and eating?

How can we get closer to our emotions through eating and drinking together?

Is it possible to also manufacture our designs in the city where we live?

Can we bring our designs to life using materials available in our region?

Have we checked our production process?

Is the process of production geared towards people?

How can you be an enthusiastic part of a new era?

made out

u

16

n a d d

do ugh

of m

Issue No 02 | 2020

ÖZL E M T U NA IS A DE SIGN E R I N ISTAN BU L , WH E R E SH E TAKE S I N SPI RAT ION F ROM T H E C I T Y, I TS C RAF TS, I TS MAT E R IALS, L I F E ON T H E H ISTOR IC PE N I N SU L A , AN D T H E HU ST L E AN D BU ST L E OF T H E GRAN D BA Z AAR . BU T I T AL L START E D I N H E R HOM E TOWN BY T H E SE A I N ANATOL IA , WH E R E DR E AMS OF T H E F U T U R E WE R E SHAPE D OU T OF MU D AN D D OUGH.

Photo: Serhat Özşen

THE Stylemate

17

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

“I always prefer working with my hands in order to make something.

For me, clay is still a good material with which to express my thoughts.”

We would have been only too happy to meet Özlem Tuna in person in Istanbul, to visit her studio and her shop, drink coffee in her favourite traditional coffee house, Çorlu Ali Paşa Medresesi, look over the shoulders of artisans at work, and find peace on the banks of the Bosphorus.

That is what Özlem Tuna’s gaze is always drawn to when she wanders through Istanbul. And so it became an exchange via email and Zoom – nice in a different way, as it was a glimpse from the home office into the life of someone else, with whom you find a new affinity because of the restrictions on public life imposed around the world. It’s a view from the living room in Vienna of a stunning studio on a small street that in normal times would be teeming with life.

Photos: Serhat Özşen

Özlem Tuna comes from the town of Burhaniye on the Aegean coast, south of Istanbul. For her, it was the perfect place to grow up because there was endless inspiration for an “adventurous young girl”. Surrounded by a large garden and very close to the sea, she loved to discover everything. “I was so lucky to grow up in a beautiful bay on the sea with olive groves.”

STYLE

Özlem is convinced that we find our balance in life during our childhood, and our origins and roots are very influential in determining the person we become later in life. She used to play with mud in the garden and whip up remarkable mud kitchen creations. That was the first sign of what would become her love of producing pots out of clay. Her relationship with her father shaped who she is today. “I always had a wonderful relationship with my father. He was an art teacher and when he retired, he went back to university at the same time as I did. He studied archaeology and wrote nine books in 15 years. He was incredibly diligent and very disciplined in his work. He was always so impressed by our culture, and when I look back, I realise I was so lucky to have had him as my father, as I learnt such a great deal from him. He hasn’t been with us for ten years now, but he remains my biggest inspiration and my greatest hero.”

Her first job after finishing university was as a jewellery designer on the historic peninsula of Istanbul. To be a female designer in Turkey is normal these days, but when Özlem started out 20 years ago, it was difficult to be a woman working in the city’s jewellery quarter. It was very traditional, and the route to becoming a master required many years of training that had to be completed there. Men learnt

BEGI NN I NG S I N CO OKI NG AN D PRODUCT DE SIGN After graduating from a school specialising in cuisine and cooking, Özlem was encouraged by her father to attend art school and study ceramics. The first item she crafted was a small vase. She didn’t use any tools to make it, only her hands to help form the shape. Just as prominent in her memory is experimenting with the cultivation of different types of yeast when she was a student making her own bread at home. “I always prefer working with my hands in order to make something. For me, clay is still a good material with which to express my thoughts.” Her experiences of cooking and in the kitchen have helped her become a designer. “I see cooking and product design as the same thing.”

entire processes and worked as a closed group, while there were very few women.

“In the 90s, when I graduated from university, it was mainly women who were employed as designers. It was difficult for the metalworkers to accept instructions from female designers. It wasn’t easy to start off with, but with time we learnt a lot from each other. And that is very valuable.”

ÖZLEM TUNA ON THE “MOSAIC” SERIES We define a mosaic as an image made up of different coloured particles that lie on a surface. Mosaics are traditionally made from materials such as natural stone, metal, glass, ceramics and porcelain. Then what is the mosaic that we create with our lives? Can we see the mosaic arise through our thoughts, our actions, our designs and the way we live our lives?

We create our mosaics with our designs for things we produce. We would be happy if our mosaics are timeless and used many years.

18

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

“I live today and can create something that benefits me and my environment.”

HA ZY DR E AMS OF R E C E N T T I M E S In 2003, Özlem founded her own brand and design studio in Turkey’s cultural centre, as she considers Istanbul to be the best location for design and manufacturing, with traditional methods being combined with modern technology. That’s what she sees as the heart of the historic centre of Istanbul, which is home to such a rich variety of studios. Since setting up the studio, she has had success with her own product line, as well as with her studio, working for companies both large and small, national and international. Sleek yet powerful design paired with perfectly executed handiwork is what turns Özlem’s work into highly sought-after objects, renowned as far away as New York and sold in Bloomingdale’s. Her materials of choice are porcelain and ceramic, wood, fabric, glass, brass, copper and steel, as well as gold, silver and precious and semi-precious gemstones. The collections carry names such as Mosaic, Sage and Credo Istanbul. If she had to pick out one object, she would choose a coffee cup.

“Even as a young child I loved coffee.

We weren’t yet allowed to drink it but I used to secretly pinch coffee beans and chew on them.” She has expressed this passion for coffee for many years in the form of incredibly refined and elegant cups and mugs made out of porcelain. ÖZLEM TUNA’S HOT SPOTS IN ISTANBUL The traditional ÇORLU ALI PAŞA MEDRESESI coffee house (Mollafenari, Yeniçeriler Cd. No:38, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul).

The PATIKA KITABEVI bookshop (Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, Milli Reasürans Çarşısı 43–57 G Blok, D:39 Teşvikiye, 34365 Şişli/İstanbul, @patikakitabevi).

Visit GÜLHANE PARK (Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cd., 34122 Fatih/İstanbul).

Over the last ten years, the designer has often addressed the subject of climate change. “We must look after our natural surroundings. For me that includes how we execute production processes in addition to being more responsible in what we eat and consume. Nature and humankind are centre stage.” In response to the question as to whether she is optimistic about the future in this respect, she says: “I live today and can create something that benefits me and my environment. That is worthwhile and will have to do for now in terms of optimism.”

And what does she dream of? “Getting back into the kitchen, because as a designer I love switching up my tools.”

But not in a restaurant – she’s much more interested in the action of eating. What are the emotional, social and cultural impacts on our lives? She concedes that in these troublesome times, these are but mere “hazy” dreams, as who knows when and how we’ll actually be able to make our dreams a reality? Özlem wished to end with a quote from Vivienne Westwood: “My duty is to understand. To understand the world. This is our exchange for the luck of being alive.

From people who have lived before us we can rediscover different versions of the world through art – this is the true meaning of culture – and by comparison, we form our own ideas of the world better than the one we are in, the one we’ve made a mess of. We can change our future.

In the pursuit of ideas you will start to think, and that will change your life.

And if you change your life, you can change the world.”

Walk along the BOSPHORUS BETWEEN BEBEK AND ORTAKÖY. Everything around the GRAND BAZAAR. Take the FERRY between Europe and Asia.

KADIKÖY, the fish market and with many surrounding restaurants.

ozlemtuna.com

"SAGE" SERIES This handmade porcelain series is inspired by the leaves of the sage.

The special matt glaze creates a unique range of colors between different shades of gray, white, pink and green. The color play is unique for each piece. The golden decor applied on the glaze, flows almost mystically over the bowls, cups and mugs.

Photos: M. Serdar Şamli

KARAKÖY, the fish market and a cool area with many bars.

19

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

picked by: P I M P O L L O

STYLE

ÖZLEM TUNA

O P -VA S E ON E OF ÖZL E M T U NA’S E XC LU SIVE C OF F E E SE TS IS PART OF T H E WOR L D WI DE T H I NGS C OL L E C T ION, A RANGE OF DE SIGN OBJ E C TS F ROM T H E U N E S C O C R E AT IVE C I T I E S N E T WOR K .

H E R E SH E TAKE S A LO OK T H ROUGH T H E C OL L E C T ION AN D PIC KS OU T H E R FAVOU R I T E PI E C E S FOR U S.

It’s a great idea to bring two materials together.

I love the shape of the coffee pot. I’m drawn to it because it’s an object I think I would enjoy using at home.

by Gloria Rubio for Arta Ceramica

I like the coloured glass with its faceted surface.

It’s great that you can see the reflections of the flower from the outside.

by Form&Seek

A really beautiful, simple and clean piece.

A lamp like a timeless piece of jewellery.

by Johannes Scherr Design

P I X E L AT E A N D H E R R I NG B ON E S PA N D O R E T TA

S K U L L C O F F E E TA B L E

Photos: Arta Cerámica / Form&Seek / Grüne Erde / Jaime Navarro / Bipède / Thomas Feichtner Studio / Frédéric Bouchard / Alvaro Rego

What a good idea to give a product two functions.

I love the graphic design!

I really like the combination of black and white in general.

I think the pixelated texture is quite exciting.

by Ricardo Casas

by String Theory

T O R T I L L A F L I P C OM È T E

What an unusual shape for a speaker!

A really interesting sculpture and I love the dots in black and white.

Involving the user in the design process is really clever. Being able to shape the lamp according to your own imagination is a good idea.

by Bipède

All products can be found at designcities.net/wwtc

by Thomas Feichtner for Poet Audio

I admire any kind of craftsmanship. In this case it has resulted in a really beautiful object.

The workmanship is stunning.

by Alvaro Rego for MUMEDI Design

20

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

STYLE

A touch of

soul

The elements are produced nearby in St. Margarethen an der Raab. What value do you place on production in general?

I see production as being a significant part of the design process. That means there should be careful interaction between the product concept and the production process, and the interplay of people, resources and technology. It made sense to develop this product range in close collaboration with XAL and to produce it locally in order to combine the expertise of architects, product designers, industrial designers, technical developers, light and acoustic designers and the manufacturer on site.

What’s the best idea you’ve ever had?

Concepts that involve the careful assimilation of the context by people, places and technologies and offer new narratives and experiences, that are more powerful than the perception of something that is seen predominantly as “physical”.

ANAS TASI J A L E S J A K F ROM 13&9 HA S ACH I E VE D I N T E RNAT IONA L SUCCE S S WI T H H ER PH I L O S OPH Y OF GI VI NG I NAN I MAT E OBJ E C T S A S OU L .

T H ROUGH H ER DE SIGN S , SH E BR I D GE S T H E GA P BET WE EN S CI E NC E AN D U SE I N PRACT ICE, AN D OF F E R S N EW NAR RAT I VE S AN D EXPER I E NCES .

You talk about the “soul of design”.

What gives a design a soul?

Our philosophy of giving inanimate objects a soul tries to get to the bottom of the perception of design so that the user becomes capable of identifying emotionally and intuitively with the concept. This open relationship between

ANASTASIJA

LESJAK

One example of your work is called Relaxing Floors. How can a floor be “relaxing” other than being comfortable to lie on?

Recent times have been rather isolating and offered the opportunity to dream.

What do you still dream about?

I dream about anything and everything, but the most important thing for me is that the dreams are there when you need them.

13and9design.com

What was it like collaborating with Richard Taylor and the Mohawk Group?

People’s well-being in the built environment is of central importance in many of our concepts, so working with Professor Taylor is, for me, one of our most significant projects. It was my medical training that gave me access to design, and it is also one of the reasons why we have built up a transdisciplinary network.

The bridge between science and use in practice is often missing, and the people we collaborate with have recognised this long-term potential and decided to move in this innovative direction, which deals with concepts that benefit people in a holistic way. The first mass-produced items to integrate these patterns with relaxing qualities are now appearing on the international furnishings market, and demand for such products is coming from all over the world! Through this collaboration, my partner Martin Lesjak and I have broached the subject of a new cross-discipline approach, the result of which has been numerous invitations

to teach, awards and mentions in the press, including on the cover of American scientific journal Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences.

The modular light and acoustic systems HEX-O and TRIG -O recently launched for XAL. What’s the story behind this concept?

The combinability and modularity of light and acoustic systems are the focal point here. We call these products “new hybrids”, and they make it possible to offer tailor-made solutions, in both a functional and artistic sense, using mass-produced products. We wanted to give designers a tool that everyone can use to create their own light and acoustic landscape. For us, it’s the most sustainable way to develop the products so that there is an infinite number of configurations and they can react according to the space in question.

Anastasija Lesjak and architect Martin Lesjak (INNOCAD architecture) founded their product design firm 13&9 in Graz in 2013.

Their transdisciplinary team creates product collections in collaboration with specialist partners, from initial concept through to production, in the fields of furniture, lighting, acoustics, textiles, accessories, exhibition and sound design. The creative company functions as a design studio for international businesses including Buzzispace, Mohawk Group, Quinze & Milan, Lande Group, Wever & Ducré, Robert La Roche, XAL and VITEO, as well as designing and selling products under its own label.

Photo: Anastasija Lesjak / Markus Mansi

As head of concepts and product development at 13&9, I work with our team to pursue design strategies that are based on the scientifically well-founded analysis of stress-reducing concepts in a space, especially in the workplace.

One of our main areas of focus concerns research into perception and the effects of specific patterns that occur in nature. These patterns have the greatest significance in the built environment, where people have little to no access to nature. From this scientific interest came the collaboration with one of the leading scientists and physicists in this field, Professor Richard Taylor from the University of Oregon (USA). He started researching stress-reducing patterns for organisations such as NASA during the eighties. Several studies have been carried out over the years and new knowledge gained, for example the fact that our brains are capable of perceiving nature’s fractal patterns subconsciously. They are recognised as occurring in nature – even when they are depicted in a graphically abstract way. Through a subconscious, automatic process of recognition, which is referred to as “fractal fluency”, relaxation mechanisms are triggered in the body and perceived as enjoyable on a cognitive level – something “comfortable”, but for your eyes. Drawing on this knowledge, we developed the beginnings of the patterns for the floor coverings, which make up the largest perceptible surface in a room.

user and design also involves confronting sustainable consumption and a strong commitment to the environment.

21

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

cities

8

These stores and labels are well worth a visit!

THE Stylemate has been shopping and took inspiration from the avant-garde fashion in Athens, went head over heels for hats in Lisbon, found the coolest leather trousers in Hamburg and discovered a confident sense of ease in Budapest, plus much more.

stores

STYLE

I T ’S A “BE ST OF FASH ION ” T H ROUGHOU T EUROPE!

22

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

lona

What would you do if in order to have everything you wanted in your shop, you would actually need an entire department store? Open more than one shop, of course, and that’s exactly what the people behind La Comercial have done. In order to be in this part of the attractive El Born area in

rome Rome-based fashion designer Alessandra Cappiello founded her label Morfosis in 2004, influenced by art, and especially her grandmother, painter Anna Grauso.

Her clothing displays a perfect synthesis of wearability and inspiration. In her current

zurich Why would you call a boutique ROMA when it’s located in the centre of Zurich?

Because ROMA isn’t referring to the Italian capital; it stands for Research of Mastermind Artists, meaning the search for unique avantgarde designer brands

lisbon This wonderful shop on Rua Abade Faria, near the Fonte Luminosa, is the home of Alexandra Jolie Su’s hat label, Jolie Su Dream Hats. Through this label, she turns heritage craft into playful, wearable and sustainable hats that are so imaginative they’ll turn anyone into a dreamer. These small works of art are 100% handmade according to traditional techniques and

LA COMERCIAL

Barcelona, they have taken up residence in a number of premises, resulting in a store for women’s fashion, two for men, a home store, a Paul Smith store, plus three concessions in popular hotels.

Each store is a concept store in itself, and together they form something of a super concept store, offering the very best of their selected wares. The brands range from A for Aqua di Genova to V for Vivienne Westwood. You can of course look them up on the website, but it’s much better to spend the time strolling around all of the stores yourself. This dream concept was devised by Carlos de Barrio.

2

La Comercial Woman, Carrer del Rec 52, 08003 Barcelona, Spain La Comercial Home, Bonaire 4, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

morfosis.it Morfosis Showroom Via Monte Delle Gioie, 30/A, 00199 Rome, Italy

BOUTIQUE ROMA

from all over the world. It is a task the Torzuoli family set for themselves, and they have been seeking out and supporting fresh designer talent and labels since the 1970s. This means browsing the Boutique ROMA selection is an absolute joy, because you’ll be able to get your hands on the best handmade quality, limited edition pieces and often some extraordinary designs.

On a practical level, it means shopping for men and women’s fashion when on holiday is much less complicated. Alongside the boutique in Zurich, there is another in St. Gallen, a ROMA SHOES in Zurich and an outlet in St. Gallen.

4

La Comercial Man, Carrer del Rec 75, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

MORFOSIS

SS20 collection, the designer, whose clothes have previously adorned Madonna, presents strong lines softened by floaty accents, interesting details and a striking array of colours. The blend of exquisite fabrics and shapes breathes life into maxi and mini dresses. Colour block silk meets floral prints, chiffon is brightened with flashes of lurex, while denim partners with linen in wide-leg trousers and long wrap dresses. The chromatic palette draws on warm earth tones that are pared back with more subtle colours like grey, while white and pink create a modern, contemporary feel of romance and femininity.

3

lacomercial.info

boutique-roma.ch Boutique ROMA Pelikanstraße 6/8, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland

JOLIE SU

using the finest materials, proof of Jolie Su’s great appreciation for heritage.

The exquisite toquilla straw is a high-end material handwoven in Ecuador according to traditional techniques recognised

by UNESCO as an element of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The designer only sources this material from the local community. The straw for the Palha collection is sourced from the local cultural association in the north of Portugal, and it is braided by a community of elderly women who have been doing this for their entire lives. Jolie Su shares her beautiful shop with Leonore Silva, whose jewellery is also sure to catch the eye.

joliesu.com Jolie Su Dream Hats Rua Abade Faria 8A, 1900-006 Lisbon, Portugal

Photos: La Comercial by Roberto Ruiz / Morfosis by Alessandra Cappiello / Boutique Roma / Jolie Su Photography: Magdalena Kozicka

1 barce-

23

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

5 athens This store in the Kolonaki area of Athens is the best spot in town for any man that loves avant-garde fashion. It was started

by Dimitris Papadopoulos and Yiannis Kondilis as a Comme des Garçons pop-up, but this brand is now accompanied by Raf

hamburg Newspaper Die Welt cited him as one of the most innovative fashion designers in Germany and described his work as “sensual women’s fashion”, and it’s this that Stefan Eckert designs in his studio

Photos: Number3 by Vasilis Karidis / Stefan Eckert by Ralf Pulmanns/Olivier Colin / Schneeweiss by Sergiu Andres / Nanushka

vienna Yasemin Demirci’s store Schneeweiß has been a firm fixture on any shopping trip to Vienna’s first district for many years.

Brands currently featuring in her portfolio include Tibi, Vince, Joseph, Filippa K., Theory, R13 Denim and Aeron, with the

This stylish store in the centre of Budapest is a must-visit for all urban nomads.

The Nanushka label was founded by Sandra Sandor in 2006, shortly after her

NUMBER3

Simons, Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe and others in this clean, sophisticated store.

Just don’t be intimidated by the minimalist façade – ring the bell, go in and allow yourself to be swept away by the stunning selection. As well as the labels already named there are accessories such as silk scarves by iconic Athens brand Serapis, and perfumes by Comme des Garçons.

The favourite piece chosen by both store owners for summer 2020 is a pair of sneakers, also by Comme des Garçons.

This is a store that feels more like a cool city hangout than a discerning high-end boutique.

6

7

number3store.com 16 Patriarchou Ioakeim Street, 10675 Kolonaki, Athens, Greece

STEFAN ECKERT

in the Elbe city of Hamburg. He learnt his craft at Central Saint Martins College in London, and went on to work with Alexander McQueen following his graduation.

Eckert is a leather specialist and his looks are a mix of ready-to-wear and traditional made-to-measure tailoring. He is also a pioneer of sustainability in the industry.

His pieces are both sexy and sophisticated and are designed to last a lifetime. He said in an interview that “for me, leather has a profoundly philosophical appearance, as its true beauty reveals itself in the wake of the scars and marks left by life”. It’s forever clothing.

stefan-eckert.com Stefan Eckert – Store Hamburg Überseeboulevard 2, 20457 Hamburg-Hafencity, Germany

SCHNEEWEISS

result being an elegant, casual look that is always effortlessly stylish. The advice in store is remarkably good and honest, allowing you to put together an individual style that is timeless and veers away from the mainstream. The store highlights what’s important and maintains a pure white aesthetic. Anyone looking to treat themselves to some jewellery will find beautiful necklaces and rings that are just as chic and elegant as the clothing.

The younger sister of Schneeweiß is Rosenrot, located in Vienna’s seventh district, which specialises in emerging labels and is just as worthy of a visit.

8 buda-

pest

STYLE

schneeweiss-rosenrot.at Schneeweiß, Wollzeile 20, 1010 Vienna, Austria Rosenrot, Lindengasse 26, 1070 Vienna, Austria

NANUSHKA

graduation from the London College of Fashion. She has a signature style of confident ease and subtle femininity that is modern, versatile and beautiful.

The clothing is designed in Budapest and produced in Europe, and her vegan leather and sustainable linen pieces have even impressed audiences at New York Fashion Week. Here at the flagship concept store in Budapest, the interior design reflects the vibrancy of the fashion pieces on display.

Bentwood chairs and heavy marble, natural materials and pastel colours, old and new blend to form a unified appearance. And in the café on the top floor, you can enjoy fresh juices, good coffee and cupcakes.

nanushka.com Nanushka Budapest Store & Café 3 Bécsi Street, Budapest 1052, Hungary

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

collecting is in

MICHAEL

24 M IC HAE L KOVAC E K IS ON E OF T H E FOU N DE R S OF T H E VI E N N E SE AUC T ION HOU SE I M KI N SKY AN D, AS H E WI L L T E L L YOU H I MSE L F, HAS DE DIC AT E D H I MSE L F “B ODY AN D S OU L” TO ART. WE DIS C U SS T H E T H R I L L OF T H E AUC T ION S, T H E PASSION FOR C OL L E C T I NG AN D WHY R E C OR D PR IC E S AR E ALWAYS WORT HY OF MAKI NG T H E H E ADL I N E S.

KOVACEK

How do you perceive the level of knowledge of art amongst Austrians?

Michael Kovacek: I would say it’s very high!

I think that Austria can justifiably call itself a cultural nation and that it knows considerably more than other countries about art as a whole. There has been and still is an enduring engagement with art, and with music.

Are you excluding younger generations in that assessment?

Not at all. There was a hiatus during the First and Second World Wars and the collapse of the monarchy, but after the end of the Second World War there was an overwhelming need to make up for lost time. You could really see how art was breaking out again and presenting itself afresh. And this has grown rapidly over the last 20 years.

What is the importance of an auction house on the art market?

I think it is very high. The auction business is very transparent – much more so than art dealing. We attach a price to a piece of art, sometimes along with a reserve or desired price, but more often than not we give it an actual price. This price is visible and transparent, and also accepted by a broad audience. When you read in

Hans Bischoffshausen* (1927–1987) Dissolution d’un Champ D’Energie, 1960/61 Sold for 128,000 €

25

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

MICHAEL KOVACEK is CEO and founding partner of the im Kinsky auction house based in Vienna.

He is also a court-certified expert and a specialist in furniture, glass, antiques and paintings from the 19 th and 20 th centuries.

our nature

the papers about record prices achieved around the world, they are always auction prices.

Why do particularly high prices always make the headlines?

Because of human nature. If you sell a precious item for € 5,000, a drawing by an artist who isn’t currently a big name but is nevertheless a great artist, that isn’t going to make the headlines – the aim of a headline is to announce something extraordinary. The value of an artwork is often reflected in the figures. There is of course a lot you could say about an item no matter what its monetary value, but to do that you need a deeper understanding, and that kind of information isn’t headline material.

How do you feel when record prices are achieved at an auction? Is it just as much of a thrill as before, or are you more “cool” about it after your many years in the business?

When we manage to get a world record price for an artist at the auction house, it is always exciting. In that moment, a new benchmark is set and a new sense of worth is established. I am an art dealer and an auctioneer, body and soul, and I get an immense sense of fulfilment from buying and selling excellent works of art. When you also get the positive response from the collector saying “It was worth that”, or if an artwork turns out to be worth more than you valued it, it’s really fantastic.

Would you say it’s the task of an auction house, therefore your task, to give the artists the value they deserve?

It is up to us, but it wouldn’t be possible without the galleries. I would like to praise the galleries who work with the artists, advise them and bring them to the attention of the public, the museums and the collectors. Once an artist is established, they move onto the secondary market, and that’s where the auction houses come in.

The auction market could not exist without the galleries, and the galleries would not be so happy without the auction market.

how they develop and are advised, or even on whether a new opposing trend comes into force. Even Rembrandt wasn’t famous all of the time, and he has only achieved global recognition for his work in the last 150 years. What I want to say is simply that artists are in a constant cycle of attracting more or less attention.

You co-founded the auction house.

What was your motivation at the time?

At the time, I had already been an art dealer for decades, and the auction business in Austria was still very modest.

The Dorotheum had long had a monopoly, but that eventually eased. My co-founder and I realised that there were a great many auction houses around the world, but in Austria there was just the one. So we joined forces, founded the auction house and it was a resounding success.

Which of im Kinsky’s qualities set it apart from the rest?

We are service-oriented and strive for the opportunity to acquire exceptional artworks. We select and take on very little of what we actually see. We are a small team and are on hand for our clients at all times, from purchase right through to sale.

That is only possible when you take on a limited number of items.

How has the auction house changed over the years?

It has changed with the demand for more and more modern and contemporary art – the future lies in the works from these periods. The older pieces are also popular, if you’re talking about a particularly good one. There have been painters in every period of art history that were very good but didn’t paint ground-breaking pieces, and these artists are not sought after today. Think of the landscape artists of the Biedermeier period – they experienced demand following the Second

World War, but were then quickly replaced by painters such as Rainer, Nitsch and Hundertwasser. They then ushered in their contemporaries.

Has the market changed because of COVID-19?

That’s something I don’t yet dare to examine. All I know is that the demand for purchasing art is currently very high, as not six months have yet gone by. Art buyers and art fans are desperate to eventually be able to start buying art again.

It’s also a secure way of investing money.

Yes, indeed. It’s only natural that during a crisis people will question how they’ll be able to survive. But mankind has never before buckled under the pressure and will certainly not do so now. It simply needs to pause for a while until normal operations resume, when art will prove itself as a long-term investment.

Auctions have previously been carried out online. Will that trend strengthen as a result of the current crisis?

Probably. You can bid with us online using our portal and the Lot-Tissimo auction site. We also take bids ourselves, as well as having an external broker to complete bids.

It all works very well.

Photos: ©Auktionshaus im Kinsky GmbH, Vienna

You have experts in six categories, and you yourself are an expert in several fields. How much are you affected by trends on the market?

We obviously feel the effects of the trends, but not in one particular art movement, more so in relation to contemporary art.

Every generation has its artists, and the current generation will have different artists to the one before and the one that follows. This means that you always have to go with the times. Sometimes it’s not that easy, as an artist will go through a period of hype only to then be far less in demand afterwards. It very much depends on the artworks and the artist,

STYLE

For a piece by which artist would you place a winning bid?

As an example, I would have placed the highest bid for the Koloman Moser in our last auction. But I hardly ever join in the bidding.

What are your tips for an auction novice?

You should already have dealt with art and be a collector or a buyer, therefore having previous experience of which artworks are popular and what constitutes good art.

You’ll learn that at museums and through appropriate employment. I can only advise a young art collector to start by observing and comparing the market and the auctions, and buying with great caution.

They should also only buy something because it pleases them, and not in order to play the market. Approaching buying art in this way will mean you’re more likely to enjoy financial success in the long term.

So passion comes before strategy?

Absolutely, a passion for collecting is vital!

There are few people in the world who don’t collect anything at all. I’m not just talking about art – collecting things is in our nature.

What do you collect?

I have many interests and no particular time period. For me, quality is what counts above all else. I have been dealing with historic glass, excluding drinking glasses, for many years. I have also purchased several paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries for myself, friends and family.

Do you have any other secret passions for collecting besides this more professional one? A hobby collection?

No, I actually don’t. My passion for collecting is limited to what I’ve described here. imkinsky.com

Koloman Moser (1868–1918) View of the Rax from the Villa Mautner-Markhof, circa 1913 Oil on cardboard Sold for €70,400

26

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

ADVERTORIAL

for a fragrant atmosphere F R E SH A I R The management takeover of Peter and Franz in 2017 provided a breath of fresh air in the success story of AROMEA. They implemented a total redesign of the brand identity in 2018, and in the same year the company took over production of the aroma towers. The German fragrance brand Assada has also been part of the AROMEA family since the start of 2019, and now acts as a direct point of contact in all 16 German states. “When the company was looking into succession planning three years ago, we were convinced from the very beginning that this was the company for us. As former business consultants, we have always tried to find the right solutions for companies in order to keep them one step ahead of the competition.

For us, AROMEA Airdesign is a company that helps other companies to distinguish themselves on the market through fragrance marketing,” summarises Peter Wieser. AROMEA offers comprehensive fragrance services from a single source, from the powerful aroma towers to the Aera and the compact AirQ Nano atomisers. These are milestones of a marketing revolution and embody the latest trends.

This is something that’s also recognised by the four-star Hotel PURADIES in the Leogang alpine region in Austria, around 50 miles from Salzburg, which is just one of the many hotels that create a fragrant atmosphere for their guests. The nature resort uses two devices from the Nano family in a number of different application areas: the reception, lobby and bar are

in all settings

consistently scented through the air conditioning system, while wall-mounted devices take on the precise fragrancing of the corridors. It’s not possible to make fragrance marketing any more subtle or customised – for guests and employees alike. aromea.eu

AROMEA AIRDESIGN fragrances spaces in German-speaking countries and those bordering Austria.

The portfolio of devices ranges from aroma towers to air conditioning and wall-mounted solutions for large areas and compact fragrance devices for smaller spaces. Installation, maintenance and fragrance services are all included in a monthly package – simple, effective and from a single source.

Photos: Anja Koppitsch

The word “atmosphere” contains the Greek word “atmós”, which translates as steam or vapour in English. Despite having become widely understood as the perceived feel of a space, the term has actually always been linked with the sense of smell through this root word. From the root word to the brain stem, it only takes one breath in through the nose to create associations, and these should be consistently positive – with the help of the right fragrance. AROMEA Airdesign is an Austrian company based in Kärnten that specialises in experiences created by scents. Directors Peter Wieser and Franz Planegger are responsible for the management of the fragrance company, which has achieved great results for over 1,500 customers both in Austria and abroad. But the business itself was in operation long before Wieser and Planegger. Founded in 1995, it had great ambitions from the outset: to achieve the best fragrance marketing for any kind of area where it’s important that people feel good. No easy task, considering the psychology of perception has only recently tapped into the marketing potential of the nose. The company delivers pioneering applications, with two aroma towers and some impressive selling points: residue-free vapour, hygienic and safe operation, intensity of fragrance and ease of use combined with high-quality fragrances. Good quality is quick to make a name for itself, and since 2007 it has been known as AROMEA Airdesign.

The brand added the patented AirQ technology to its product portfolio in 2009 with new devices, proprietary fragrances and the new possibility of providing concealed fragrancing through an air conditioning system.

THE Stylemate Issue No 02 | 2020

constant new beginnings These are times when, for me, perfume can make a huge difference, as fragrances have the almost magical power to alter reality. They are capable of providing moments of tranquillity amidst collective uncertainty, or bringing life to the stillness of lockdown. Fragrances can even change the vibe of a space entirely: citrus aromas bring the light and warmth of the south to dark Nordic homes, while tobacco and wood notes create a homely sense of solidity where cool austerity would normally prevail.

“There is a miracle in every new beginning.”

TA K I NG I N SPI RAT ION F ROM T H I S QUO T E BY H E R MAN N H E S SE , I WAN T T O SE E E VE RY SI NGL E MOM E N T A S A N E W BE GI N N I NG, A S T H E S TA RT OF A N EW S T ORY WI T H A HA PPY E N DI NG. BU T I N T OUGH T I M E S – L I K E DU R I NG A PAN DE M IC – I ADM I T T HAT I T ’S NO T A LWAYS E A SY T O MA I N TA I N T H IS S TAT E OF C ON S TAN T JOYF U L AN T IC I PAT ION.

My personal favourite when it comes to fostering the ideal conditions for creativity and inspiration is Cotton Poplin by Byredo.

This room fragrance draws on blue chamomile, the scent of freshly washed linen and notes of tender musk to create a cheery yet functional “safe space” where everyone will feel welcome. It’s how I imagine Grace Kelly’s lounge or Jil Sander’s study would smell: light, open, clean and safe. In other words, the perfect environment in which to continually make the conscious decision to pursue promising new beginnings.

However, we often don’t have the opportunity to prepare rooms, instead spending more time moving around outside our sphere of influence. In this case it’s the perfumes that we wear on our skin that can provide an aura that follows us wherever we go. There’s one fragrance I especially like to rely on for this purpose: Silver by Saskia Diez.

The name itself screams alchemy – and in fact it was actually created by one of the sorcerers of the scent molecule, perfumer Geza Schön. Whenever I wear Silver, I don’t feel like I’m showing off or trying to convey something. With its delicate notes of bergamot and juniper and the floral purity of water lily and osmanthus, this perfume projects friendliness and openness to my surroundings.

It’s an invitation, a golden beam.

Photos: Portrait: Holger Homann / Perfume bottle: Byredo

Living in lockdown has dramatically restricted our sphere of movement, and social contact now mostly takes place over

HELDER SUFFENPLAN is an independent journalist and creative con­ sultant from Berlin, and has had a particular passion for perfumes since he was a child. With his successful 2013 launch of SCENTURY.com – the very first online magazine for perfume storytelling – Helder has become a recognised authority in the global world of fragrance.

He has been on the jury for events such as The Arts & Olfaction Awards in Los Angeles and the Prix International du Parfumeur Créateur in Paris. As a writer, he combines his passion topic of fragrances with a range of fields such as contemporary art, popular culture, literature, film and geopolitics.

27

the phone or through stuttering Zoom meetings. You would think that you would use less perfume when you spend most of your time within your own four walls and hardly ever come in contact with another person. Yet surprisingly, I’ve found that I’m not only using fragrances more frequently during the day, I’m also using very different scents in a more targeted manner: for the daily commute (from the kitchen to the home office), for my yoga workout, even for when I go to bed. It’s obvious that I have been using specific fragrances in order to manage my mood and my behaviour during this unprecedented situation, and to provide myself with experiences and inspiration that I would normally get from exchanges in the outside world, not least from travelling.

I’m already yearning for the day when I am free to move around again, when I can expose myself to an exciting new reality

somewhere on this beautiful planet of ours. But there’s one thing I’ve learnt in this time of the coronavirus that I really want to take with me to the other side: the sheer extent of our leeway, even when our sphere of physical movement is restricted; how much freedom of choice we have in every single moment – albeit with the occasional help from a touch of olfactory magic. scentury.com

SHE LIGHTS UP EVERY ROOM Exuding 1950s charm like no other. We‘re not talking about style icon Audrey Hepburn, but about our eponymous luminaire. It should never miss a cocktail party. Why invite it? Because it can change its look more often than any movie star. It looks just as fantastic in matte black as it does in shimmering gold.

How does that work? Choose a mounting and combine it with up to eight different shade forms. Looking for an eye-catcher for the wall? You can customise ODREY‘S shape with three elegant cuff shapes.

WEVERDUCRE.COM