Welcome to the Roomers Munich! The heart of the Roomers lobby is the round reception desk in green marble and mat brass

The Munich Oktoberfest started already, and thus the question as to where to best stay emerges. You still have no place to stay? Maybe there is still an available room in the trendy Roomers Hotel. Landsberger Straße is close to the main train station and Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest takes place). Opened in September 2017, the hotel is centrally located in Munich’s Westend district. An area that is gilded as a new in-quarter of the Bavarian metropolis. But that – as to my impression – seems to be something of the future.

The Roomers in Munich: the right address for design lovers

After six years of refurbishment, the successful hoteliers Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu – the creators of the Gekko Group (including the Roomers Hotels in Baden-Baden, Frankfurt and the Provocateur in Berlin), took over the former office complex. In the 80s building with its rather unspectacular façade, the two entrepreneurs installed a design hotel consisting of 281 rooms and suites ranging in size from 25 to 155 square meters, as well as various banquet rooms for events.

My Deluxe Premium Suite at the Roomers Munich

The Entrée of the Roomers welcomes the guest with a round reception, with the Roomers bar at the back. The center of the lobby is flanked by two room-high fireplaces and various inviting seating arrangements. In general, the architects at Concrete-Design Amsterdam have created a true feast for the eyes with the Roomers, according to the motto: Adieu, purism! Hello, comfort! Modern yet warm materials such as dark wood, cognac-colored leather, green velvet, mat or polished brass and marble pillars of the interior concept. Mirror effects provide selective optical enhancements.

Let’s take a selfie …

But the first thing that comes to my mind is the friendly smile of one of the receptionists who must have inhaled the DNA of the Roomers. How else could you explain her commitment and warmth? Overall, I experience attentive and competent staff during my stay, which obviously fulfilled their job with fun and joy. Incidentally, the dress code of the employees provides an official business jacket, which combines jeans and sneakers, underscoring the unconventional, casual character of the hotel.

My luxurious bathroom … I love the glass lamp on the right in the photo!

My room of the category Deluxe Premium is located on the 2nd floor. My glimpse immediately falls on the extremely comfortable king-size bed on a pedestal and a freestanding bathtub positioned in front of it. Gorgeous! In the black marble bathroom, I like the XXL rain shower, where the care products of the label Dead Clean exude a tart scent. Big plus: The separate toilet; skillfully located behind a mirror wall. The interior concept of the lobby and the choice of materials are consistently continued here. As a contrast to the black wooden floor, the walls were half-height boarded up with white wooden panels. Above, black and white photographs by Roger Weber. In the brass shelves, I find next to a Nespresso machine and the minibar decorative art by ZooZoo & Friends and an iPad for the hotel navigation. Of course, the rooms of the Roomers are equipped with high-speed internet, a Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth sound system and air conditioning. However, my personal highlight is the lighting system: annoying tinkering with which light switch belongs to which lamp is no longer necessary. Here easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity.

Easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity

The Roomers in Munich receives culinary support through the Izakaya restaurant and its upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine (more on this soon in a separate article on MyStylery). The outdoor area has just opened with 30 seats. At the Izakaya, too, the Concrete Amsterdam design team created an extraordinary atmosphere with a huge, floating fish made from light beech wood as an eye-catcher. The Roomers guest is offered a breakfast buffet of the extra class. From the extent and the diversity of the food there is hardly anything comparable: From quinoa salad, beetroot humus, filled vine leaves and baked cauliflower – in line with the Israeli cuisine – the standards such as fresh fruit and juices, cereals and yogurt in all variants, Cheese, salmon, salami … And of course Leberkäse, sausages and pretzels. Because after all, we are in Bavaria.

For breakfast I treat myself with waffles with maple syrup and fresh fruit

The bigger the choice, the harder it is to choose: Eggs Benedict or rather avocado toast? I opt for the fresh waffles and love the organic Earl Gray of the label Belmondo. So much, that the friendly waitress surprised me with a sachet of tea for home. Even my favorite colleague at the front desk hands me a small bag with provisions for the journey home. “For the train ride,” she says, smiling at me. I am touched and wonder again if all this can be true? It can.  BvH 

Info Roomers Munich:

The rooms vary in sizes from 25 to 155 square meters, the latter being accounted for by the Roomers Suite on the sixth floor. This is also equipped with a Jacuzzi on the private roof terrace and – if you’re lucky – the view of the Alps. A room in the Deluxe Premium category costs an average of 320, – Euro per night. The room rates start depending on the season from 220, – Euro.

Small but nice: The rooftop bar of the Roomers with views over the rooftops of Munich

Comfortably hanging out in the Roomers lobby …

… with its elegant design …

… and provided selection of sweets

The Roomers Bar – known for its bartenders and creative drinks – also serves small snacks

In the “Crazy Library” are selected books, personally collected by the hotel owners

The bar at Izakaya restaurant…

… where you can dine excellently (more on MyStylery soon!) and also breakfast is served. And of the finest, by the way

Nice for lunch: The outdoor terrace of the restaurant with 30 seats

Cozy luxury on 28 square meters: My Deluxe Premium Suite …

… and a selfie in the black marble bathroom

A welcome from the hotel’s management: small gesture, great effect!

Need a break? Then go to the Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan and let yourself be pampered. All about my wellness treatment soon on MyStylery!

Bye bye Roomers! I’ll be back – for sure …

Contact Roomers Munich:

roomers-munich.com

Here you find more travel tips!

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In the heart of Munich is the Meindl Authentic Luxury Store, where I easily bring my credit card to glow

He is the Grand Seigneur of fashion, being in the industry for more than 30 years. One who has seen it all and knows the fashion industry more than any other: Rolf Griesinger. For many years the sales-and product-manager pampered German companies and got them back on track, he took care of the distribution of the Joop and Kenzo licenses and was responsible for the product management of Falke-Fashion. Griesinger was involved in building the luxury brand René Lezard and brought, with his agency, international high-end labels to Germany. Since 1976, the in the Black Forest born Griesinger, who looks with his snow-white hair and tanned skin a bit like Gunter Sachs, lives in Munich. Here he opened the Meindl Authentic Luxury Store in 2012, where he clothed celebrities and privates with luxury Lederhosen. Even though the successful entrepreneur wanted to turn his back to the fashion-circus long ago.

Knows the fashion industry more than any other: The chosen-Munich and fashion entrepreneur Rolf Griesinger is a qualified textile management expert

MyStylery: Rolf, you really don’t look like a privateer in the retirement age to me.
Rolf Griesinger (laughs): This is what I thought too back then. Actually, I wanted to stop at the age of 55 and have a good life. But lunching with friends every day is too boring for me. I am neither a club-person nor suits me to play golf. Given that, I’m definitely not created for retired life.
MS: What was the challenge for you that made you try the plunge into the competitive retail again?
RG: When they offered me the store amidst the center of Munich, I immediately saw the potential. The ideal location near the Vierjahreszeiten, the Mandarin Oriental and the restaurant Schuhbeck corresponds to the radius of my clients, I just had to do it. Also, the traditional company Meindl was not present with an own shop in Munich and I was able to convince the Meindls with a cooperation and my concept.

Here tradition meets with high fashion

MS: What’s your strategy?
RG: I did not plan the classic garb business, which is why we don’t have Dirndls. The idea to combine tradition with high fashion is much cooler and distinguishes us from the competitors. I just wanted to know again.
MS: The concept seems to be approved by your customers quite well. You even dress the players of FC Bayern.
RG: We now have around 800 regular customers, interestingly, many Swiss, Italians, Americans and many VIPs. But there are no celebrity bonuses. All clients receive the same treatment and attention. Even TV celebs don’t get free Lederhosen here (smiles).
MS: Were there any trends that you have misjudged in your long career?
RG: Yes, the impact of the Internet on the purchasing behavior of customers. I could not have imagined that women even order their evening dresses in the net without having touched the fabric. I did not expect that the online trading market will develop so rapidly.

The shop silhouette reflects in the stylish lamps by Tom Dixon

MS: The clothing is similar to a concept store : You also present shoes, scarves, perfumes, watches, bags …
RG: With that I want to express my lifestyle. I like to discover the newcomers of the industry, and if I like a brand, then I’ll buy them.
MS: More and more stores close and retailoring has become an increasingly difficult and risky business.
RG: Yes, especially multi-brand shops are dying out. No wonder, given the exorbitant rents of commercial properties. That can only be afforded by the high-end labels, which in turn results in that the inner cities all look the same. I am an advocate with manageable dimensions. These can also be controlled better. Because in the end I am responsible for everything. I am proud that I didn’t need a Bank since ten years and that I am able to finance my business myself. This is an incredible feeling of freedom. For this, one needs no millions. It is a question of scale.
MS: You are the father of a grown-up son. Have you given him this attitude on his way?
RG: I think so. These are values that I stand for. The education of my son was important to me. A good education cannot be replaced. This includes staying abroad and foreign languages. My father was a watchmaker, I have a humble background and have always suffered from the fact that I am not so good with different languages.

Sweet, the leather jackets of Meindl for the fashion-conscious offspring

MS: Is there still time for privacy given all the action? How do you relax?
RG: I am passionate motorcyclist. Cruising through the countryside with my Harley makes me happy. I’m not a champagne type, don’t need a yacht or other luxury. Here and there, I have taken hiatuses. After 25 years in product management I needed a change of scenery and traveled through Australia for several months. That was one of the best decisions ever.
MS: In addition you’re a convinced Ibiza lover. In Ibiza we have also come to know each other…
RG (laughs) Right. At the beach of Tropicana Beach Club. When I came there in the 70s, there were only hippies. Later I had a house up in San Juan and to my neighbors counted Jade Jagger, whose father Mick Jagger is good friends with Kate Moss and Nina Hagen. This was an interesting clique. The island was a paradise for sannyasins. But that was never my world, just as drugs and the today exaggerated luxury tourism. For that I am too homespun. BvH

Proper in Lederhosen and Bavarian ‘Janker’-jacket: The football-stars from FC-Bayern Munich

In addition to the classic Lederhosen from Meindl …

… there are i.a. Cashmere from Allude and FFC, shirts from Salvatore Piccolo, Jeans by Adriano Goldschmied …

… clothes from Missoni, the collection of Paul Smith, Crossley, IQ Berlin …

… and my personal favorite: Camouflage-Cashmereshawls by Novelty

Cool guy: Fashion expert and motorcyclist Rolf Griesinger wearing a cool Bikerjacket

How about a costume dress made of suede for next ‘Octoberfest’?

Also the celebrities love Lederhosen. “But never speak their names,” says fashion entrepreneur Rolf Griesinger who appreciates his customers’ trust

Contact Rolf Griesinger:

www.griesinger-mode.de

www.meindl-munich.com

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Together with her three employees, Susanne Benter showcases the newest fashion trends

I sensed it from the beginning: From the moment I stepped in, I left the rational area and proceeded to non-controllable territory. Don’t worry: I’m neither on a dangerous expedition at undetected Himalaya Mountains nor am I on the TV-Show ‘RTL-Dschungelcamp’. I’m only exploring the Munich Boutique of Susanne Benter, my friend Andrea has been gushing about. Three years ago Susanne Benter from Northern Germany opened her chic fashion temple at the heart of the Bavarian Isar-Metropolis. Fashion enthusiasts should be equipped with good control mechanisms if they don’t want to get into a shopping fever.

“My only hobby is the daily cycling to the shop”, says Susanne Benter, who advises customers herself every day.

At a 150 square meter sales area the studied ladies’ tailor and textile economist Benter showcases a brand mix her customers love: Missoni, See by Chloe, Ivi – but then there are also rather unknown newcomers, that the former buyer of Ludwig Beck offers a forum at her boutique. “Young designers rarely have a stage”, outlines Susanne Benter her buying concept. “Here they coexist next to already established brands.”

Cashmere is always a goog idea

For 13 years Susanne Benter has been living and working in Munich now. From early on the ‘girl from the countryside’ dreamed of self-employment. “Fashion has always been my passion”, explains Benter, who likes to get inspired by her trips to the fashion capital Paris. “And when I found this shop by accident, it was a real godsend.” Residing between the Hotel ‘Bayrischer Hof’ and the shopping mall ‘Fünf Höfe’ Susanne Benter is in adequate neighborhood. ‘The beauty is, that I am always in direct exchange with my customers and therefore know exactly what they want.

“I absolutely wanted brass as material for the shop design”, says trend scout Susanne Benter, “even though four years ago it wasn’t common at all.”

Beautiful is her shop as well, interior designer Claudia Breil from Hamburg refurbished it with light colors, graphic wallpapers from Cole & Son, wood paneling, and trendy brass. “I didn’t want it clean, cool, white”, says Benter, “but a cozy atmosphere – just like home.” And maybe that is the exposure: The shop with it’s comfortable sitting areas and XXL changing rooms in boudoir style quickly lets you forget where you are. BvH

“We are very much counting on fur, like this mink from Furry”, says Susanne Benter. “Especially younger women don’t buy at the classic furrier anymore.”

Bags of the young Munich label ‘Any Di’ belong into the Benter assortment as well as cashmere from ‘Heart’

Accessories by the Munich label ‘Any Di’

The trends of the recent season: “Capes, Ponchos and ‘Flared Jeans’ are a MUST.”

In the showcase precious jewelries from Nicola Hinrichsen

Susanne Benter offers brands like Bazar de Luxe, Ivi, Paige Jeans, Shirt-à-Porter, Hemisphere Kaschmir, Manzoni 24, Taj, Her Shirt

Inventive is this presentation of the ‘Statement-Colliers’ in round showcases

MyStylery loves the lamps and armchairs in the sixties design

Cashmere is always a good idea

Lurex Stockings from Missoni

My favorite: leather leggings like this from Arma in the current fall colors

Fashion victims watch out: Not only can you buy the great scented candles from Voluspa here, but also the hip fur pom poms

Susanne Benters boutique is located between Promenadenplatz and Salvatorchurch with a view to the Frauenkirche

Contact:

Susanne Benter
Kardinal Faulhaber Straße 15
80333 München
www.susanne-benter.de

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Real Artwork: Jean Paul Gaultiers designs demonstrate great imagination and craftsmanship. Partially the faces are quite frightening being able to move their eyes and mouths

The first part of the exhibition is called ‘The Odyssey’ which dedicates itself to the big adventures of seafaring and mermaids

Jean Paul Gaultier fans have been waiting for it for a while now: The international traveling fashion exhibition ,From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk’ that’s been touring since 2011 came to Germany at last. After stops like Montreal, San Francisco, New York, London and Paris the 160 creations are being exhibited in the Kunsthalle of the Hypo-Kulturstiftung in Munich since September 18. Among them the iconic cone bra that Madonna wore on her ‘Blond Ambition’-Tour in 1990, stage outfits from Beyonce and Gossip-singer Beth Ditto or the mermaid dress Marion Cotillard chose for the Academy Awards in 2008.

The mermaids’ ball: Corset embellished with shells, mother of pearl and jewels, silk crinkle crepe skirt with lamé lace and latex. Time to create: 176 hours

Since his beginnings Jean Paul Gaultier has been titled an ‘Enfant Terrible’, and ever since has catapulted himself into the absolute fashion Olympus with his imaginative, avant-garde creations and the impressive spectrum of his skills. The exhibits from Haute Couture, film- and stage costumes, as well as Pret-à-porter that were largely never displayed before, were created between 1971 and 2015. Jean Paul Gaultier doesn’t see a retrospective in this show but more a parade, which demonstrates how popular- and subculture have held their grounds in the fashion world.

The Muses: Jean Paul Gaultier’s models often don’t correspond with the traditional ideals of beauty. For him personality is much more important than body index or sexual orientation

Jean Paul Gaultier always focuses on the person wearing his clothes: “I would have never gone into fashion if there weren’t fashion models”, Gaultier once said about the inspirations for his designs. “If I see my garments hanging on a hanger, I don’t really like them. I have to see them on a living person.” BvH

Express yourself: Madonna became an icon in this salmon pink corset …

… She wore it on her ‘Blond Ambition’-Tour in 1990

Jean Paul Gaultiers’ Muses in black and white … on the right Kate Moss

The term ‘Haute Coutere’ requires a fashion label with at least 15 employees, that presents no less than 15 hand sewn, unique garments created by the designer twice a year

‘Haute Couture’ is mostly only shown on the runway whereas ‘Pret-à-porter’ (ready to wear) is produced in standard sizes ready to hit the stores

‘Turandot’ Collection: Fringed evening gown with Chinese dragon-motif and embroidered with jet bugle beads, crepe georgette pants. However I would do without the parasol from human hair

‘Dubar’: Sarah Jessica Parker wore this dream of a camouflage-gown in 2000 at the MTW Awards in New York

How did he come up with such an idea, I frequently caught myself thinking as I toured the exhibition, am fascinated by his diverse creations that are presented in a topical course

‘The marriageable girl’: Silk lace doily body attached to a chased antelope skin, tulle train, patchwork galette and embellished Swarovski-crystals

Details: Bootleg made from feathers – in the background black and white pictures of Gaultier’s muses

Hommage to the Punk scene and Great Britannien …

… with matching hair styles

The Catwalk …

… and the worldwide feared critics like US-Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour (left) and Suzy Menkes (right). Fashion has to pass through their critical eyes

Muse Catherine Deneuve – très chic – always placed in the front row

Even bridal wear Gaultier sees with a wink: away from the image of a princess!

… Here a bride appears with a native American war bonnet instead of a plain veil

And again the ‘Odyssey’ where mermaids, sirens, and nymphs meet: Confusion of the sentiments

Contact:
Jean Paul Gaultier – From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
September 18th 2015 to February 14th 2016
Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung
Theatinerstraße, Munich, Germany

www.kunsthalle-muc.de

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The 100 square meter showroom at the Potsdamer Straße is a white room that doesn’t distract from the hat creations in his design

What a remarkable, creative job I’m thinking upon entering Fiona Bennett’s hat shop at the Potsdamer Straße in Berlin and am standing in front of her incredibly beautiful creations. One hat is more impressive than the other and if I wouldn’t be looking for a specific occasion – the ‘Wiesn’ in Munich – I would be completely overchallenged.

Hat designer Fiona Bennett wears a model from her new ‘Black Cherry’-collection: Nice!

Hat designer Fiona Bennett knows the slightly enraptured and enchanted reaction of her customers. With a scrutinizing look into my green eyes she puts a lime green hat decently loaded with a lot of ornaments, starting with feathers to opulent silk flowers and shiny applications from her new garp collection onto my head. I instantaneously feel comfortable, since I like wearing hats. Yes, this could be it.

Me and a model from the new costume-collection: This hat suits me well, doesn’t it?

For months Fiona Bennett and her team have been working on the completion of the latest collection that includes seven themes and that distinguishes itself completely from the summer collection by the material and color choices. Shaped by noble velvet and patent leather, the collection that will grace the heads of many women this fall and winter is called so adequately ‘Black Cherry’. “It is quite couture-like and therefore suitable for evening occasions”, explains the designer the magnificent headdresses. “This season’s trend is reduced and pure.” Need more color? How about a model in the new powder shades.

How about a model in the new powder shades? At the atelier there is a buzzing atmosphere …

At the atelier there is a buzzing atmosphere, people steam and sew like crazy, because in two weeks the ‘Oktoberfest’ in Munich is starting: “And that is when the big demand for hats is happening, always shortly before the ‘O’zapft is’ “, smiles Fiona Bennett. She is well prepared. For the new models the milliner – how the hat designer’s job is traditionally called – has rediscovered an old artisanal tradition: creating feathers and other ornaments from the same material like the hat, felted mohair for example.

At the open show atelier the visitors can watch the hat designer’s assistants while they are working: hats are formed, wrenched and sewed, feathers wound and curled, flowers fixated and modeled

The native Brit Fiona Bennett has been living in Berlin since the 70s. Though born in Brighton, Fiona grew up in Berlin Charlottenburg and even as a little girl already knew that she wanted to do something creative and plastic. 25 years ago she learned the craftsmanship from an old Berlin milliner from scratch. Today Fiona Bennett’s creations are worn by celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Yoko Ono – and thanks to the men’s collection even by superstars Hugh Jackman, or Brad Pitt. “Often black limousines drive up and drop off the prominent clientele”, reveals Fiona Bennett, who never leaves the house without a hat herself.

Each hat model is developed in pure handiwork within several days. “It is a task full of concentration and meditative calmness”, describes Fiona Bennett her passion. A rare relict in today’s digital age

In her 100 square meter showroom Fiona Bennett also displays her amazingly soft knitting collection ‘Kiss by Fiona Bennett’, which is sold within 60 countries, besides the men and women’s hat collections. Bennett’s couture hats are often custom-made designs, as of recent, when a customer had hair of its own horse incorporated into the hat.

MyStylery loves the ‘Black Cherry’-collection: soooo beautiful and elegant

„The hat stands in the tradition of surrealism”, describes Bennett her design. “It always has something to do with leading things ad absurdum.” Yet it is important to her that a hat endues – and doesn’t disguise. The hat should reflect its owner’s personality. Back to my own hat concern and the near ‘Oktoberfest’: I decide to go with the lime green creation. The trendy flower wreaths that you can see everywhere these days are very sweet – in my opinion – for young girls. A grown woman rather chooses a suitable hat to go with her dirndl. BvH

A look into the atelier: The decoration’s stowed into countless boxes. Here the hats are being made …

… The ideas result from quiet places far away from the hustle though

In round show windows, which look like bull’s-eyes, Fiona Bennett displays her hats. The round shape pays homage to the head. Here a model from the ‘Nebula’-collection

My hat it has three corners – some have none: Like this fabulous loop-creation

These hats suit you well

On white porcelain heads Fiona Bennett displays her creations of felt, straw or mohair. The collection also includes berets, visored caps, headbands and fascinators

These models also made it into the wardrobes of Brad Pitt and Hugh Jackman

Still in progress and therefore top secret: Artificial fur is another component of her fall collection: “The idea came from the Steiff-animals”, explains Fiona Bennett. “This fake fur is made from angora and mohair and therefore extremely high quality.”

“We sell hats for each season”, says Fiona Bennett, who runs the company together with her partner Hans Böhme

Contact:
Hut Palast – Fiona Bennett
Potsdamer Str. 81
Berlin
www.fionabennett.com

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