Under New Flag

Jan Dicks has been responsible for Sebago sales in Germany, Aus- tria, and Switzer- land for 18 years.

New Course “Immediately after the BasicNet takeover, we launched a quality offensive and re-activated the old production facilities in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. In addition, we have facilities in Portugal and Spain. This will ensure that the quality will soon be as good as it was 25 years ago,” explains Jan Dicks, the Sebago Sales Manager in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He adds: “A lot has happened in terms of brand building and communication too. We have hired Munich-based Think Inc, which has been handling the Superga account for many years now, to manage the PR work for Sebago. In order to position the brand clearly, the collection has been divided into the three lines Outdoor Campsides, Marine Docksides, and Urban Citysides. Our most loyal customers include Hirmer of Munich and Horstmann + Sander of Hannover. We would love to add the likes of KaDeWe, Breuninger, and Eckerle to that list in the future.” The price range of the summer collection spans from 79 to 89 Euros for canvas shoes, from 120 to 150 Euros for core models, and up to 200 Euros for loafers made of high-quality leather. The mark-up ranges from 2.5 to 2.7. “There are three delivery dates and we offer free sizing as an unbeatable advantage. We are currently expanding our NOS programme to approx. 35 models and will soon be able to offer large sizes from stock. In addition, we are preparing a textile collection, which will be presented for the first time at the Pitti in Florence and the Premium in Berlin,” says a delighted Dicks, who is responsible for sales in southern Germany and Austria. Switzerland is served by the agency of Daniel Graf, while northern Germany is covered by Michael Zabe.

WANT IT

Fragrance of Berlin

FRAU TONIS PARFUM. The philosophy of Berlin-based Frau Tonis Parfum is based on allowing fragrances to speak for themselves and perceiving them as sources of inspiration that don’t require ad campaigns or celebrity promotion. With great care and love, the company has been developing exclusive fragrances of unique quality and structure in its puristically furnished workshop at Check point Charlie since 2009. A prime example is the favourite fragrance of Marlene Dietrich. She wore “Pure Violet”, an eccentric scent with idiosyncratic notes of green foliage, liquorice, and vanilla, during the 1920s. The fragrances are contained in glass apothecary flacons to ensure that nothing distracts from the essential. The newest creation, named “No 33 Vild”, is quite deliberately non-main stream. It isn’t a delicate floral scent, but an uncompromising, bewitchingly aromatic fragrance that strives to stimulate resistance, independence, and courage. It consists of a high concentration of aromas such as saffron and suede, complemented of unexpected hints of thyme, raspberries, amber, and midnight jasmine. “No 33 Vild” is available in three flacon sizes - 15, 50, and 100 ml - and costs between 45 and 135 Euros. The experts at Frau Tonis Parfum are also more than will ing to assist customers in creating their own, individual fragrances.

Frau Tonis Parfum, Berlin/Germany, T 0049.30.20215310, post@frau-tonis-parfum.com, www.frau-tonis-parfum.com Fashion Forward

FUNKY BUDDHA. Founded in 2003 by the Alexiou family from Greece, the young fash ion label Funky Buddha is now primed for further expansion. Last year, the brand opened a flagship store in the Centro shopping centre in Oberhausen, Germany, and launched its own e-commerce store. The label is also eager to expand in the wholesale segment. Attractively priced collections make Funky Buddha a reliable partner for multi-brand retailers. Expansion is being promoted via shop-in-shop concepts, own retail stores, and franchising. One of the brand’s special fea tures is that its production and supply chain is subject to strict corporate social responsi bility. Strictly controlled ecological materials, sustainable production processes, and envi ronmental protection play an important role in all corporate decisions. It is no coincidence that the rising sun on the labels was chosen as the trademark symbol. The Alexiou family made the decision to create its own fashion label during a business trip through Asia. The brand philosophy pays homage to the brand motto: “Express yourself”. Inspired by music, different cultures, art, intense emotions, and a passionate love for nature, Funky Buddha interprets the latest trends with innovative ideas and individual styles. Purchase prices within the collection for women and men range from 20 to 35 Euros with a mark-up of 2.7. The label offers eight collections per year and two flash programmes. A warehouse system complements the service portfolio for retailers.

Funky Buddha, Dortmund/Germany, T 0049.172.9754909, pamore@funkybuddha.de, www.funkybuddha.de

#Eyewearfashion

IZIPIZI. Founded in 2010, the prêt-à-porter eyewear brand is a savvy globetrotter with a presence in more than 55 international department stores. Whether Le Bon Marché and Merci in Paris or MoMa, Dover Street Market, and Barneys in New York, the classic Izipizi feel-good accessories in the shape of witty reading and screen glasses are perfectly in line with the zeitgeist. The label focuses on the best compatibility possible and creates models for the whole family. Izipizi opened its first flagship store in the Marais district of Paris. It showcases the entire collection including the #Reading, #Screen, #Sun Gla cier, and #Screen Junior models. The brand offers retailers a swift uncomplicated order and re-order service. Every season, the label launches a Limited Edition and offers dif ferent types of showcases and presentation options. In addition, retailers are afforded the opportunity to seek advice in terms of selection and merchandising, or even obtain graphics support. The minimum order volume is variable and depends on the range. Does this remind you of a different brand? Izipizi had a different name when it was launched, but was forced to change its name. So everything’s the same, but different…

Izipizi, Paris/France, hello@izipizi.com, T 0049.722.4067854, www.izipizi.com

Bonjour Sunshine

MATIN. Not only health doctrines swear by the morning, or “le matin” in French. Austral ian label Matin also focuses on the arguably most productive time of the day. Founded by designers Lucy and Michelle Perret, the brand specialises in regional clothing. Neverthe less, the Sydney-based business thinks in European terms. Its style is inspired by the fashion of France and the flowing silhouettes of the 1970s. Airy dresses, voluminous tops with wide sleeves and floral designs, and loose trousers and skirts with fashionable ruffle details evoke the era of Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. Matin refines the Bohemian style with high-quality materials, relying on soft fabrics and natural fibres such as silk, cotton, or linen. Purchase prices range from 51.59 to 271.02 Euros, with retail prices between 149.61 and 785.96 Euros. Matin requires no minimum order volume. In the German-speaking countries, the label is rep resented by The Style Manifest Agency.

The Style Manifest Agency, Berlin/Germany, T 0049.30.69504238, steve@tsma-fashion.com, www.matinstudio.com

Buy Less, Buy Better

VOR. A long-lasting friendship, an interest in streetwear, and perfectionism - this is what the two founders of the Vor brand share. Jörg Rohwer-Kahlmann was a designer at Puma for many years, while Andreas Klingeisen is a certified sports scientist. In 2010, they launched Vor, a sneaker brand that focus es on clean design and sees quality as its foremost duty. An abundance of colour sense in terms of leather, laces, and soles results in sneakers in their purest form. Whether Hightop or Low, every pair of shoes has aesthetic balance and is manufactured meticulously - exclusively in Germany. Vor is proud of its “Made in Germany” label, which even applies to the recyclable shoebox. Due to its high standards, the brand has managed to earn the respect of true “sneakerheads”. It now intends to appeal to a wider audience via lifestyle and fashion retailers. Purchase prices starting at 145 Euros and a mark-up of 2.47 translate into retail prices of 339 Euros and more. The message: Buy less, buy better! Every stage of the value chain ensures that the two founders live up to their promise.

Vor, Munich/Germany, T 0049.172.8476259, info@vor.shoes, www.vor.shoes

It All Begins With Fabrics

ERO JACKET. Lanificio Roma has been a byword for innovative textiles since 1950. Today, this competence is injected into Ero Jacket, an equally innovative fashion line for women and men manufactured exclusively in Italy. It always begins with fabrics. The winter collection, for example, is characterised by two patented in-house developments named Cuore di Panni and Techno Panno, which become waterproof once combined with a viscose jersey lining - tone-in-tone or in a contrasting colour. In many cases, the styles only reveal their sophistication upon second glance, be it in the cut or in their feel. The latter makes Lanificio Roma’s know-how in terms of materials tangible. Ero Jacket also applies this recipe for success to its summer collection. Purchase prices for jackets and coats range from 90 to 160 Euros with a markup of 2.7. They are thus entry-level items in the premium segment. Many of the models, fabrics, and linings can be varied freely and are, in the German-speaking countries, dis tributed via Room Nine Agency.

Lanificio Roma SRL, Montemurlo/Italy, T 0039.0574.79271, info@ero.moda, www.ero.moda

Simple Perfection

HEDWIG BOLLHAGEN. The so-called HB workshops, located in Marwitz on the outskirts of Berlin, have been manufacturing exclusive stoneware ceramics of the highest quality since 1934. Hedwig Bollhagen, the founder and creative head of the company who passed away at 94 years of age in 2001, shaped the corporate culture with her style, diligence, sensitivity, and courage. Despite adverse political situations along the way, she created a climate of free spirit, thus establishing her workshops as a focal point for the creative avant-garde. Members of We imar’s Bauhaus movement, such as Werner Burri, Theodor Bogler, and Charles Crodel, called this company their home and con tributed to the style, reputation, and history of this “Mini Bauhaus”. In keeping with the spirit of the early years, the collection is still characterised by functionality, practicality, authenticity, and clarity of form. Numerous, precise steps create unique everyday objects that combine traditional craftsmanship and current zeitgeist to achieve simple perfection. The prices for vases range from 22 Euros for a small spring vase to 3,000 Euros for limited editions based on Bollhagen’s final designs. The collection is showcased at the Maison & Objet Paris and the Salone del Mobile Milan.

Hedwig Bollhagen International GmbH, Oberkrämer, Marwitz/Germany, T 0049.3304.39800, sales@hedwig-bollhagen.de, www.hb-ritz.de

Finest Shawls

MAISON PASSAGE. Luxurious feel and expressive motifs - the shawls by Maison Passage impress with a particularly soft touch, combined with truly artistic innova tion. The driving force behind the label is Beita Group of Paris, which manufactures the shawls made of pure cashmere, merino wool, Modal, or silk in Nepal. The shawls are adorned with ornamental Italian frescos, Indian stamps, animals, or graffiti from New York - in strong colours or gentle hues. Some shawls depict pop icons such as John Lennon and David Bowie, as well as personalities such as Gandhi and The Queen. There seems to be no limit in terms of imagination. The purchase price for shawls made of Modal is set at 63 Euros. Models made of merino wool cost 99 Euros, while cashmere models cost 169 Euros. The mark-up is 2.7. The collection is stocked by the likes of Different, Apropos, Mondial Mode, Unützer, and Le Bon Marché Paris. In Germany, Mark Etzold acts as sales representative. MNE, his Düsseldorf-based agency, strives to focus on a small number of brands in order to ensure optimal service for the select few.

Beita Group, Paris/France, T 0033.1.42360407, beita@beitagroup.com, www.maisonpassage.com

Music to Your Ears

KREAFUNK. The smart wearable audio devices by Danish label Kreafunk are reduced, shapely, and suitable for everyday use. The founders Kenneth Melchoff Bahnsen and Ruben Fog-Fredsgaard set high standards in terms of design and functionality. The label’s motto is: “Dance while the music is playing”. In terms of design, the portable Bluetooth speakers resemble stylish handbags or witty owls. They are perfect for the lifestyle of the nomadic urban trendsetter. Functions such as DAB+ Radio, LED lighting, and integrated power banks ensure that the small devices swiftly turn into everyday favourites. Ear phones and headphones, as well as a simple charger, complete the range. In July 2017, the label introduced accessories such as charger cables, key chains, and laptop sleeves. Further product range extensions will be introduced step-by-step. Retail prices for loudspeakers start at 69 Euros and can reach up to 159 Euros, depending on additional features. The prices for accessories range from 39 Euros to 65 Euros. The mark-up is 2.3. The label serves 43 markets worldwide with a focus on Europe. In addition to design and interior stores, the expanded product range also appeals to an increasing number of concept stores.

Kreafunk, Arhus C/Denmark, T 0045.96990020, info@kreafunk.com, www.kreafunk.com

Cashmere Forever

F CASHMERE. As a child, Nicola Fissore played in the boxes that were used to ship the successful cashmere knitwear collection by Fissore to customers around the globe. He later spent 20 years working in the financial sector before turning his attention to what his family embodies: decades of know-how in terms of high-quality knitwear, as well as a flair for zeitgeist and fashion trends. The result is the F Cashmere collection. The “F” is not merely a reference to Fissore, but - above all - stands for “Forever”. The collection offers casual everyday clothing that never feels or dinary. The list of customers already includes Hasardeur, Helmut Eder, Abseits, Hubert H., and Holiday. The pieces are characterised by a casual style, over-dyed elements, and sprayed looks for coarse and fine knitwear. A men’s collection has recently been added to the successful women’s line. It translates and complements the elements of womenswear in a masculine fashion in muted and bright shades. The items are available in different wool types and price categories. Purchase prices for cashmere blends range from 120 to 170 Euros, while pure cashmere pieces cost between 190 and 210 Euros. The mark-up is 2.7.

Fissore srl, Rapollo/Italy, T 0039.0185.1755694, fissore@fissoresrl.com, www.fcashmere.it

Pimp Your Sneaker

FRINGE. During a trip to a trade fair in Paris, Daniela Juhala and Amy Radich, the founders of the Ella + Rubi online store, visited the legendary flea market Marché aux Pusces, where they came across an old golf shoe with the typical fringes. This find inspired them to make such fringes for sneakers as a fun accessory that is easy to attach. It didn’t take long before they had the first prototypes and found local manufacturers. The name was obvious: Fringe. The product is now available in various glitter colours, as well as in various colour combinations, special leather looks, and camouflage patterns. Purchase prices range from 12 Euros for glitter versions to 14 Euros for leather variants. Retail prices range from 24 to 28 Euros. Fringe is still being dis tributed by its founders, but talks with sales agencies are ongoing. In addition to fashion stores, Fringe appeals to golf and tennis shops. This is why Fringe strives to become a licensed product for major US sports leagues. Tom Brady with sparkling fringes on his sports shoes…? Daniela and Amy say: Yes!

Fringe, Oregon/US, T 001.5038048007, hello@fringeyou.com, www.fringeyou.com

Hot Air

STEAMERY. Once again, a Swedish company has proved that functional items can be fun. The Steamery has, out of love for clothes in general, perfected the steam iron. What is common practice in the fashion industry and has been proved to be the best ironing method has not yet made its way into normal households. One reason for this could be the rather chunky appearance that many of these practical ironing devices have. The Steamery not only focuses on functionality, but also on design. The steam irons are sufficiently beau tiful to be considered fashion accessories in their own right. The perfectly crafted “Cirrus Travel Steamer” is not only easy to handle and literally irons difficult fabrics with hot air, but would also look good in a concept store next to other design objects. It comes as no surprise that this particular model has been stocked by more than 200 stores - mostly fashion boutiques - in 20 countries within a few seasons. The prices for the travelling models start at 89.95 Euros. Standard sizes for home-use and professional devices cost between 180 and 350 Euros. Accessories such as clothes brushes and fabric shavers are available from 32 Euros. Care tips for fabrics and clothing are free of charge.

Steamery AB, Stockholm/Sweden, T 0046.10.2065015, petra@steamery.se, www.steamery.de

California Dreaming

BELLA DAHL. Pure Californian lifestyle - the passion for the Golden Coast is reflected in the products of Bella Dahl, a brand founded in Los Angeles in 2010. Shirts and blouses made of super-soft Tencel are among the highlights of the Bella Dahl collection. What makes them so special is their loose fit, which is in line with modern oversize looks, and the label’s dedication to comfort and weara bility. To ensure the latter, the brand relies on Tencera, a special manufacturing and washing process that guarantees a luxurious, soft feel and an exclusive finish. The list of celebrities who adore Bella Dahl includes Amanda Seyfried, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Jessica Alba. The brand is already listed at almost 1,000 stores worldwide, including Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. Purchase prices range from 29 to 59 Euros with a 2.8 mark-up. The typical American scheduling of order and delivery is highly beneficial for European customers.

Bella Dahl, California/US, T 001.213.7464466, info@belladahl.com, www.belladahl.com

Let Quality Do The Talking

ETQ. Patrick van der Woude and Robin Engelen were fed up with the “loud” footwear supplied by established brands. Thus, they launched ETQ. in 2010. They wanted the qual ity of their products do the talking. The result is an elegant, timeless sneaker collection for men that has been supplemented with out erwear and accessories over the years. The intention is still the same: the label does not create fashion, but creates design pieces at reasonable prices. An example: the purchase price of a pair of calf leather sneakers stands at 96 Euros with a mark-up of 2.7. Last season, Modeagentur Benabou was cho sen as the sales partner for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. “ETQ. is the perfect addition for our portfolio,” says Regis Benabou. “We are very happy with our first season and have already acquired some excellent new cus tomers.” The autumn/winter collection 2018 combines craftsmanship with innovation. For example, it includes an ultra-light technical hiking boot, as well as sneaker models made of water and dirt repellent nubuck leather. The leather is treated with less chemicals than usual to minimise the environmental impact of manufacturing - a strategy that the creators of ETQ. intend to pursue resolutely. The list of reference customers includes Selfridges, Apropos, Printemps, and De Bijenkorf.

ETQ., 1012 WP Amsterdam/The Netherlands, T 0031.020.2612578, wholesale@etq-amsterdam.com, www.etq-amsterdam.com

Nature and Structure

FUNDAMENTAL BERLIN. The term “naturally beautiful” takes on a very different meaning at Fundamental Berlin. The geomet ric patterns created by the architecture and design studio are based on mathematical structures that stem from nature, not tech nology. The metal bowls and brass candlesticks require a touch of finesse, as they are delivered in flat-packs and need to be assembled by hand. This has the advantage that excellent design can be made available for a very reasonable price. Artful paper clips cost no more than 9.90 Euros, while candle sticks and Tillandsia holders cost 15.90 Euros. Vases are available from 22.90 Euros. Their intelligent concept has opened doors for the Berlin-based architects, who incidentally also design high-quality furniture and contribute to construction projects. They have managed to place their products at the world’s most renowned design destinations. The list of customers includes the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Design Museum in Lon don, and the Vitra Design Museum, as well as the HAY House in Copenhagen and smaller concept stores throughout Europe.

Fundamental Berlin, Berlin/Germany, T 0049.30.20076424, mail@fundamental.berlin, www.fundamental.berlin

A Different Kind

JOE N JOYCE. The brand is characterised by comfort, contemporary design, and high-quality materials. The focus is on com fort, which is why the range is based on shoes with anatomically shaped soles made of cork, rubber, and leather in two widths. The Munich-based company applies the soles to sandals and clogs made of various materials in a wide variety of colours and designs. All models are manufactured in Europe by com panies that have specialised in such footwear for a long time. The label strives to work pri marily with natural materials. It attempts to limit the use of other materials to those areas where they offer significant benefits in terms of wearing comfort or function. The non-slip EVA sole is but one example. In addition to leather, the label uses hemp, cotton, and nickel-free metal buckles. Alongside basic models for men and women, it regularly offers sandals and clogs in trend colours and new designs. The range is complemented by fashionable espadrilles. The retail price for the latter stands at 15 Euros, while sandals and clogs cost between 35 and 69 Euros.

JNJ GmbH, Munich/Germany, T 0049.151.54449137, Randolf Friedel, friedel@joe-n-joyce.de, www.joe-n-joyce.de

For Minimalists

SA.AL & CO. Tyrol is not the first place that comes to mind in the context of luxurious men’s cosmetics. This may change. Istvan Laszloffy’s start-up is eager to shake up the men’s cosmetics market. The vegan label uses 100 percent high-quality ingredients such as Macadamia oil and Shea butter. The product range has been reduced to five essential products: shower gel, moisturis ing lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, and after-shave lotion. All products are literally “Made in Tyrol”. Clean packaging in brushed aluminium tubes and bottles appeals to minimalists. In addition, the packaging can be personalised. The travel package with shower gel is a recent addition to the range. In addition to being listed at concept stores such as Ludwig Beck, KaDeWe, and Loden frey, the label is also of interest to high-quality perfumeries. On an international level, it is stocked by Mr. Porter, Merci, Le Bon Marché, and The Conran Store. At a mark-up of 2.3, prices range from 22 to 32 Euros.

SA.AL GmbH, Vienna/Austria, T 0036.30444577, info@saalskincare.com, www.saalskincare.com

Widely Travelled

STYLE HEAVEN. In 7th heaven - Sabine Ritter and Sukey Brandenburger are the founders and managing directors of Style Heaven, the eponymous Munich-based online shop. Their business model is based on taking styl ish accessories, furniture, and fashion from different cultures and blending them into a unique whole. During their travels around the globe to Norway, Bali, Morocco, Thailand, India, and Burma, they are constantly on the hunt for unusual, high-quality products that represent the hippie and Boho-chic trends. Ritter and Brandenburger support small family businesses, some of which develop products exclusively for Style Heaven. Their findings, which are mostly hand-crafted using traditional techniques, range from stylish home accessories to fashion and jewellery. The jewellery selection is especially unusual. It includes real silver, pearl, and onyx neck laces, elaborate bracelets, and crystal items. In this segment, retail prices range from 20 Euros for a crystal bracelet to 170 Euros for a tourmaline necklace.

Style Heaven, Sukey Brandenburger, Munich/Germany, T 0049.89.28806281, info@style-heaven.com, www.styleheaven.de

If the shoe fits

Has the sneaker hype peaked and is it about to cool off? Those who prophesise such a development believe it is the consequence of an overheating market. Extreme silhouettes, decorated styles, and stylistic devices used by classic footwear manufactories result in an extremely high turnover rate. The sneaker has broken away from the insider trading by streetwear enthusiasts and has literally overrun all genres of the fashion industry. It has even become a fixture in the high fashion segment. In this context, it makes little difference that some major brands have broken off their friendship with multi-brand retailers. The latter have long since found alternatives.

Text: Isabel Faiss. Photos: Manufacturers, MarthaLouisa.com