Michel Mayer Store

The Austrian fashion designer Michel Mayer is on the way to the top:
In 1995 she founded her label. In 2001 she opened her own shop in the prestigious Singer Strasse 7, in the first district of Vienna, following successful presentations at the Vienna Fashion Week, she now shows her collections also in Los Angeles, New York and Paris. 
Clean cuts with a little avant-garde, lot of silk and cashmere from simple to chic, are her trademark. 

A visit in her shop is definitely worth a visit:

http://www.michelmayer.at/ 

Interview with Sophie Yang Berlin

I'd take the opportunity to met the Berlin self-made designer Sophie Yang and chatted about her fashion, her new shop in Berlin Mitte and the plan to sell her fashion in Vienna soon.

Sophie, how did it happen that you became a fashion designer?
 
I was a pianist and came to Berlin to study music. When I moved to Mitte I found something was missing and the fashion was very similar in my opinion. I like good quality, simple and old fashioned styles and I couldn´t find it here. So I decided to do something different. So when I visited my homecountry China I brought some sketches to my mothers tailor and visited the fabric markets in the Suzhou (the oldest and most famous Silk city in China) and Shanghai area and started my own label.

What you value most in the production of your clothes?
  
Details like hand finishings, and fine materials.
 
Where do you get all your inspiration?

Classic movies or tv shows like Boardwalk Empire and of course classical music. I also like to sit in those nice little european corner cafes and imagine which clothes would fit into this picture.

What is the philosophy or massage behind your clothing?
 
It's all about simple and good quality. It´s always personal and not mass produced with appreciation for nice materials.

Now you have decided to do also men-fashion. Are male customers easier to satisfy than female?

Actually yes! From my experience so far men really like cashmere and fine materials and they often buy on impulse. But above all, I am pleased that the men's collection also enjoys great popularity.


Recently you have opened your first showroom in Berlin, what will we expect?

Yes and I am very proud about it! I had pop up shops before during fashionweek but it was time for a constant one. Its located in the Joachimstrasse 17a in 10119 Berlin Mitte.
And my showroom is not just a shop, it's more like a studio. So seometimes the people can also watch me during my design work.

What are your plans for the future?

I would really like to sell my clothes in Vienna, Austria. You know I was a pianist, so Vienna was always my dream bubble. I also like the, sometimes, austrian classical, retro, look and I hope the people in Vienna will like my designes. Right now, I am looking for cooperating shops there and hopefully the Vienna Fashionweek 2011. Of course China is also a market I would like to target. It is so dynamic and people are really curious about fashion and new stuff. So let's hope the best.

check it out: http://www.sophieyangberlin.com/

Interview with Tamara Mascara and Edgar Retro

How did you get the idea to organize your own party HOMO during the heaven clubbing every saturday at camera club in the Neubaugasse?:
 
Tamara: 
We met a few years ago at a party and became friends. Soon we wanted to make a own clubbing in Vienna and the idea of HOMO was born. First we did the HOMO clubbing only once a month, at club massive, but it was more like a private party for friends. 
Edgar:
And then we recived the offer from the camara club, and we said yes...
 
What's HOMO in heaven clubbing at Camera Club?
 
Tamara:
It's about the mixture of fun and trash for a large crowd, always with funny topics (some of them controversial). For example; there is the hip hop and rap scene, which is actually not very pro gay ... so we take this topic and make a mockery of it - Edgar as a macho pimp and me as his ghetto chick ... but in the HOMO way ;-) 
Edgar:
Trash!! To do what we feel like; having fun, have some drinks, combined with cool costumes and good music! It's just our little club fantasy where we can shake off and share it.

Where do you get your ideas for the topics?
 
Tamara:
Just everything that is fun for us and is processed without mercy. 
Edgar:
Yeah, we always brainstorm in good company
and think of our childhood dreams.


Which music do you choose for your clubbing?
 
Tamara:
It's mostly personal taste and of course always some candies for the guests. 
Edgar:
Taff techno, hard electro and lots and lots of trash! I just listen to what people want, so they get it very quickly.


HOMO in heaven is the place to be on saturdays, but where do you like to party on your own?
 
Tamara:
I like the rhinoplasty at club U very much, we also have worked with them. 
Edgar: 
Exactly, rhino is super! j'adore!
I also like to go to the club prater sauna, the planetarium and sometimes also meat market at badeschiff.
And on mondays I am of course at my own party at club flex.


What's missing in the Viennese Night Life?
 
Tamara:
Tokyo decadence parties!! And sometimes a little bit more courage from the party guests in terms of costumes at least, because some themes are very simple, but just a few dare. 
Edgar:
More crazy people like us!


Why Vienna?
 
Tamara:
Small is beautiful? 
Edgar:
Because I was born here and to migrate is soooo very exhausting!


Gay in vienna: fun or stressful?
 
Tamara: 
I have learned that it depends very much on which district of Vienna you move trough. In the inner districts, like the very popular 5th, 6th and 7th, it is usually totally ok to be gay. But in the "working class" districts on the outskirts, like Simmering (11th) walking around in shopping malls or waiting for the tube it is still very difficult . 
Edgar:
Exactly, it really depends on the location but generally it is pleasant to live in Vienna. I mean sure, the people in Berlin or London are more tolerant but I'm glad we are not pelted with stones at rainbow parades like somewhere else.

 
How would you describe your personal style?
 
Tamara: 
My personal style is actually very classic, because I love the 50s and the former beauty ideal most. If I need to be dressed for a particular topic, I find most of my inspirations in fashion books. Generally, I find inspiration almost anywhere: in movies, in music, in art, in the colors of nature, in other people...anything can inspire! 
Edgar:
Made in the 80's!! I just love the 80's style, there is nothing like it. But I also enjoy taking styles from film stars or musicians I like. The rest of my inspiration I get by the current trends on the catwalk. 

Are there any other plans besides youre HOMO clubbing?
 
Tamara:
Yes! Every first and third thursday in a month I have my own clubbing at Market Club called 'Lashline'. And every wednesday evening I am on the turntables of the café Flex.
Edgar:
My party 'so messed up' every monday at the Flex and various other club gigs in Vienna and abroad.

 
You're top play list at the moment?
 
Tamara: 
Hmm.. hard to say. It depends on the atmosphere, sorry. 
Edgar: 

• Dirty Doering - I would
• Frauenarzt - Arsch und Titten
• Slade - cum on feel the noize
• The Hollies - crimson and clover
• super flu - yours opa

Your message to the world?
 
Tamara: live and let live. 
Edgar: Go HOMO!