Giovanni Battista Moroni: Portrait of the nobleman Prospero Alessandri (ca. 1560)

Vienna is, as you know, always worth a visit! The Albertina is currently showing more than one hundred outstanding paintings and sculptures from the exquisite collections of the Princely House of Liechtenstein (until June 10) – magnificent Old Masters, from Rubens to Makart. A good reason to visit the Danube metropolis. For a first impression (and for those of you who won’t make it to Vienna) I share my favorite selection of the most beautiful exhibits.

Antico: Bust of Marcus Aurelius (ca. 1500)

The House of Liechtenstein’s magnificent art collections rank among the most important and largest private collections in the world, comparable only to those of the British royal family. They comprise imposing sculptures and paintings of the Renaissance and the Baroque by Adriaen de Vries, Peter Paul Rubens und Anthonis van Dyck, superb works by the Italian and French artists Giambologna aka Giovanni da Bolgna, Canaletto and Hyacinthe Rigaud, masterpieces of the Viennese Biedermeier by Friedrich von Amerling and Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, as well as exquisite paintings of the Makart era.

Hans Makart: The Death of Cleopatra (1875)

The House of Liechtenstein, originally an Austrian noble dynasty, had held vast possessions in Lower Austria and Moravia since the Middle Ages. In 1599, Karl I von Liechtenstein converted from the Protestant faith to the Catholicism. In 1608 he received the title of bereditary prince and thus laid the foundation for the rise of the House of Liechtenstein. In the early eighteenth century the princely family’s diverse castles and palaces were transferred to the City Palace in Vienna.

Salviati: Portrait of a Man (ca. 1543-48)

Three hundred years ago, in 1719, Emperor Charles VI elevated the neighboring estates of Vaduz and Schellenberg to the status of Imperial Principality: Liechtenstein became a sovereign state within the Holy Roman Empire. From 1807 onward, Johann I von Liechtenstein had the extensive picture gallery transferred from the Viennese City Palace to the Summer Palace outside the town walls. In 1810, five years after Duke Albert, the Albertina’s founder, the House of Liechtenstein likewise made its collections accessible to the public.

Lucas van Valckenborch The Elder: The Parable of the Blind leading the Blind (after 1568)

A year earlier Prince Johann I von Liechtenstein had fought side by side with Generalissimo Archduke Carl in the Battle of Aspern (1809). He had this first victory over Napoleon’s troops, captured in a monumental painting by Johann Peter Krafft (now on view in the Albertina’s staterooms as a permanent loan from the Princely Collections).

Quentin Massys The Elder: The Tax Collectors (ca. 1525-30)

In the nineteenth century, Prince Alois II and his son, Johann II, became the most prominent patrons and collectors of Viennese Biedermeier art. Hundreds of Paintings by Waldmüller, Fendi, Amerling and Rudolf von Alt in today’s Viennese Collections go back to Johann II’s donations. The House of Liechtenstein’s collections survived the First World War and the downfall of the Habsburg monarchy unscathed.

Osias Beert The Elder: Large Still Life with Apples, Grapes and a Vase of Flowers (ca. 1600-20)

In the final weeks of the Second World War, they were relocated from Vienna to the neutral Principality of Liechtenstein for reasons of safety. In days of economic hardship and dispossessions following Europe’s division into East and West, many paintings were sold, including key works by Leonardo, Canaletto and Rubens. Only under Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechtenstein has the family’s art collection began to grow again substantially. Exhibiting the most beautiful and important masterpieces from the Princely Collections, the Albertina is celebrating the Principality’s 300^th anniversary in the palace of Duke Albert and Archduke Carl, both of whom once maintained such close relations with the House of Liechtenstein.

Source: Albertina Wien

Me infront of Ruben’s Portrait of his daughter Clara Serena (ca. 1616)

…come a bit closer…

Franz Jansz. van der Uyl: Breakfast Still Life with a Pewter Flagon (1635) – Fascinating details such as the silver bowl and the light reflections on the pot as to be seen here

Jan van Huysum: Flowers in a Terracotta Vase (ca. 1725) …note the three-dimensional depiction of the putti on the vase!

Peter Paul Rubens: Venus infront of the Mirror (ca. 1614/15) …and here the bangle of Venus as well as the mirror perspective!

Anthonis van Dyck: Portrait of a Woman (1618) …impressive filigree of lace and jewelry …

Anthonis von Dyck: Saint Jerome (ca. 1615/16)

Roelant Savery: A Bouquet of Flowers (1612)

Guiseppe Arcimboldo: Terra (Earth) ca. 1570

One of my favourite paintings of this exposition: “Landscape with the Young Tobias” by Jan Brueghel The Elder (1598). Even in the depth of the picture you will discover the finest detail depictions

Adriaen de Vries: Saint Sebastian (ca. 1613/14)

Peter Paul Rubens: Jan Vermoelen (1616)

Anthonis van Dyck: Maria de Tassis (ca. 1629/30)

Five centuries of art history

Gerrit Adriansz. Berckheyde: The Market Square in Haarlem (1661)

Frans Snyders: The Lioness (ca. 1620/30)

View into the exhibition rooms of the Albertina, in the back “The Battle between the Romans and Sabines” by Sebastiano Ricci (ca. 1700)

Domenico Guidi: Bust of Maria Annunciata (ca. 1670)

Franz Eybl: The Strawberry Seller of Hallstatt (1844)

Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow: Felix Schadow (ca. 1830)

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller: Roses (1843)

Franz Anton Zauner: Seated Figure of Clio (1779) – in the background paintings of Batoni

Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller: Flowers in a Porcelain Vase with a Candlestick and Silver Vessels (1839)

Friedrich von Amerling: Princess Maria Franziska von Liechtenstein (1836)

Contact Albertina:

albertina.at

You can find more articles about art and culture here.

The post Rubens to Makart – The Princely Collection Liechtenstein appeared first on My Stylery.

The Albertina in Vienna. Here, you can see the great Raphael exhibition until the 7th of January 2018

Fans of art need to hurry: Only until January 7, 2018, the most significant exhibition of this exceptional Italian artist to date can be seen in the Albertina in Vienna. With around 130 drawings and 18 paintings, the exhibition brings together all of Raphael’s most important works: from the early Umbrian period (until 1504) through the years in Florence (1504-1508) to the Roman period (1508-1520), there are impressive works to look at from all creative phases. They are intended to explain Raphael’s meticulous thinking and working processes, from initial idea sketches to detailed and compositional studies and finally to the final painting. His masterful drawings alone made him one of the greatest draughts men of art history.

The Madonna with the Christ Child seating on a stone balustrade

Together with Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo – whom he both worshiped – Raphael (1483-1520) is the great triumvirate of the Renaissance. Raphael, who was born as Raphaelo Santi in Urbino in 1483 and died in Rome in 1520 at the age of only 37, is considered a true universal genius. Whether as a painter and architect in Florence and Rome (inter alia as the site manager of St. Peter’s Basilica) or commissioned by popes and princes. Raphael’s drawings were already collected during his lifetime and are still considered to be a valuable treasure for important collectors. The founder of the Albertina, Duke Albert of Sachsen-Teschen owned more than 50 Raphael drawings alone.

Cecilie in front of a miniature model: The painted papal apartments of the Vatican Palace as a model version give an idea of the size and scope of individual commissioned works by Raphael

Numerous works from the Albertina collection and loans from world-famous museums, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Louvre, the Vatican Museums and the Royal Collection of British Queen Elizabeth II illustrate the work of Raphael, who was always in search of the balance between nature imitation and ideal picture.

Ranking among the most beautiful portrait drawings of the Renaissance is Raphael’s portrait of this graceful youth from 1503

According to Albertina director Klaus Albrecht Schröder after the shows about Van Gogh and Michelangelo, the chronologically designed exhibition is the third most expensive in the history of the Albertina. And – in my opinion – a ‘must-see’ for every art fan.  BvH

I particularly like the red-blue color concept of the exhibition rooms

Raphael is one of the most important masters of art history alongside Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo

The portrait of this comely young man shows the eminent banker and art-loving patron Bindo Altoviti in his early twenties and was formerly wrongly considered to be a self-portrait of Raphael

Raphael’s first self-portrait from 1506

Detailed red-chalk sheet of the Cumaean Sibyl

The Madonna dell ‘ Impannata painted on behalf of Bindo Altoviti. The painting was specially restored for the exhibition, which is why the colors are so expressive

Head of a Cherub (1509). Charcoal on paper

The Holy Family with a Lamb (1507). Oil on wood

Portrait of a 14 year old unknown young man

Me in front of the Madonna with Child (1508). The very fact that this painting is over 500 years old, I find already moving

Albertina and the Raphael exhibition:

albertina.at

More Vienna-tips you can find here: Ein perfekter Tag in Wien,  (A perfect day in Vienna) Part 1-3. A MyStylery-Series

The post The Raphael exhibition in Vienna appeared first on My Stylery.

Grüß Gott from Vienna!

You already know that the Danube metropolis is one of my favorite cities. The good thing is: Vienna also offers the returning traveler undiscovered and inspiring things. A highlight of my current stay in Vienna is the visit to the State Hall in the Austrian National Library. In the 18th century by Emperor Karl VI. commissioned, the State Hall is one of the most beautiful and spectacular libraries in the world with 200,000 books from four centuries. Already last year an exhibition about the great Maria Theresia was shown in this impressive ambience. This year I was tempted by an exhibition about the secrets of the Freemasons in the Hofburg: 300 years of Masons – the real secret. Absolutely worthwhile with interesting insights and backgrounds about the mystery and myths entwined secret society. Unfortunately, only shown until January 7, 2018!

The Prunksaal in der Österreichischen Nationalbibliothek, the State Hall in the Austrian National Library

As art is known to make you hungry, you can go to the Café Francais after, where you will find typical French snacks such as the wonderful ‘Salade Paris’. A MUST are the homemade fries: Just yummy, especially the curry dip! A good choice for lunch is the Café Le Bol – popular not only because of the delicious salad variations. Speaking of delicious: Breakfast I had in the dairy farm this time. Picturesquely located on the Danube Canal in the midst of the Vienna City Park, the dependance of the star Restaurant Steirereck actually resides on the foundations of a former dairy farm, where dairy products were produced in the Emperors time. The owners of the Steirereck – the Reitbauer family – have made this a duty and offer here alone 150 cheese specialties, which the guest selects under the expert advice of the cheese sommelier.

Me infront of the “Madonna with child” at the Albertina

For all Old Master fans, a visit to the Raffael exhibition shown in the Albertina is a MUST. Again, there is a hurry, because the exhibition will only be shown until January 7th. (For this there will be a detailed report on MyStylery). After so much enjoyment of art, it takes a little breather – or should I say a sugar shock? On to the Christmas decorated Hotel Sacher for a hot chocolate and a piece of the same named cake. Both of course with whipped cream – let’s go the whole hog! I do not just love the culinary here. The lavish decor at the Sacher just now at Christmas time is beautiful and a feast for the eyes.

Vienna – City of lights. I never get tired looking at this splendor. Is there anything comparable?

Afterwards, the calories burn up almost by itself, because let’s go to the Christmas market. This year, for the first time, I visit the market in front of Belvedere Palace, where I admire the magnificent rooms of the Upper Belvedere and the artworks on display there. Above all, of course, the famous works of Gustav Klimt: ‘The Kiss’ and the portrait of the beautiful Judith Holofernes.

The Christmas Market infront of the Schloss Belvedere – too beautiful

In Vienna you let yourself drift through the streets, immerse yourself in the centuries-old architecture of the Inner City, which is so authentically and wonderfully preserved that it would not be surprising if Mozart and his contemporaries suddenly stood face to face. I look forward to the evening and the upcoming premiere of Joseph Roth’s Radetzky March at the Burgtheater. Unfortunately, I did not particularly like the staging, but the more impressive ambience of this world class theater.

The restaurant Salon Plafond is very popular in Vienna. Tip: When reserving ask for a place inside. It’s way too cold on the window side

The culinary question of the evening will be answered with a visit to the Salon Plafond restaurant. We enjoy duck and scampi, the beautiful interior and the friendly service alike. The newcomer to Vienna’s Gastro scene ‚Spelunke‘ is also in great demand (reserve on time !!!) and popularity. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my table because the performance at the Burgtheater took three and a half hours. From the Burgtheater, I took a direct course on a nightcap towards the trendy Bar Fabios , where fabulous cocktails make up for a lot of things. Also about the approaching farewell. But Vienna, you know, I’ll be back!  BvH

Looking for some Christmas presents – it’s never too late ;-))

Magnificent light!

Breakfast in the Meierei (dairy farm) is served from 8 am to 12 noon. A reservation is advisable on the weekend and during Christmas time…

…We chose cheese omelettes and the Viennese breakfast with its excellent apricot jam and homemade bread…

The expert’s advice of the cheese sommelier

Strolling through Vienna with my lovely daughter

The famous but incomplete Wenceslas Bible from the 14th century at the State Hall of the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

At Café Francais you will find typical French snacks such as the wonderful ‘Salade Paris’…

…A MUST are the homemade fries: Just yummy, especially the curry dip!

Also a good choice: Café Le Bol – Who loves soups and salads, is at the right place here

Vienna in the Christmas glow: what an opulence, what a glamor! For me, Vienna is by far the most beautifully decorated city in the Christmas season

Impressing: The State Hall of Schloss Belvedere…

In the Belvedere the permanent collection of important impressionists and expressionists is shown and finally I could admire Gustav Klimt’s portrait of the beautiful Judith Holofernes …

…and also “The Kiss”

The best hot chocolate is available at the Hotel Sacher!

…Of course with fresh whipped cream…

…and in an elegant atmosphere

Vienna is always good for a surprise: Suddenly I find myself in this dreamlike staircase again, an architectural jewel in the 1st district

Window shopping in the festively decorated Vienna: The shopping heart is laughing

In the 7th district make a detour at Lena Hoschek . Here, the Austrian designer has a charming boutique with a living room atmosphere and lovely details in the midst of the romantic Spittelberg district

Bye bye Vienna…

Tip for Vienna:

Book your taxi from Schwechat Airport to the city (and back) online in advance on flextaxi-flughafentaxi.at at a very low fixed price!

The post A perfect day in Vienna III appeared first on My Stylery.

The Kreuzberg near Krumau, 1910

During my last visit to Vienna, I went to the current special exhibition by the painter Egon Schiele. The Vienna Albertina has one of the largest collections of Schiele. At the beginning of the 2018 commemorative year, which marks the 100th anniversary of Schiele’s death, the Albertina now presents a comprehensive exhibition from its collection of Egon Schiele’s work. It presents 180 of his most beautiful gouaches and drawings, dealing with themes such as the existential loneliness of man in drastic contrast to the values ​​of the society of Fin de Siècle.

Self-Portrait with Peacock-Waistcoat, 1911

In addition to his memories of the time in the Austrian town of Krumau and various self-portraits, the Schiele exhibition contains numerous representations of children and acts of young girls. The children came from the street, from the working class milieu and Schiele staged them in his pictures as “aesthetic material”, not as an idealized form of eroticism. Although surprisingly many artists of his time – including the painters Oskar Kokoschka and Gustav Klimt – paid homage to the ideal of the child. In my opinion, this kind of representation has something disturbing and abnormal.

Seated Nude Girl, 1911

At the same time Schiele’s drawings reveal the suffering and the adverse living conditions of the poor population in the nineteenth century. His pictures are not pleasing, but go away from the aesthetics of the beautiful to the ugly. While Schiele is regarded as part of the artistic and intellectual elite of the turn of the century, the staging of the exhibition in the Albertina follows a different principle: large, floating pictures confront the artist’s radical work with the reality of his environment. They form the real background, which illustrates the discrepancy between Schiele’s work and the surrounding society. And that is equally impressive and shocking. BvH

About Egon Schiele:

Egon Schiele was born in 1890 in Tulln, Lower Austria. Early on, his painterly talent became apparent, and he was admitted to the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts in 1906, with just 16 years. After two years, Schiele left the academy – disappointed with the rigid Academy Day – and founded the Viennese Neukunstgruppe with some fellow students. In 1911 he moved from Vienna to Krumau, together with his most famous model, the then 17-year-old Wally Neuzil. An artistically productive period began. The old town of Krumau became Schiel’s favorite motif. His lifestyle, however, was regarded as offensive with Wally because of the “wild marriage”. The visits of children to Schiele’s studio brought him to trial for alleged abuse for 24 days.

In 1912 he returned to Vienna. Thanks to his patron and paternal friend, the painter Gustav Klimt, he was able to re-establish himself quickly in Vienna and again enjoyed great success in the Austrian art scene. In 1915 Schiele married his longtime friend Edith Harms. Edith demanded from Schiele the break with Wally Neuzil, which he did, with heavy heart. In 1918 Egon Schiele was dedicated to the 49th exhibition of the Vienna Secession, where he exhibited 19 large paintings and 29 drawings. Toward the end of the First World War the Austrian capital was overrun by the Spanish flu. Edith Schiele, who was pregnant in the sixth month, succumbed to this illness in the autumn of 1918. Schiele had stuck up and died only three days later with only 28 years.

Sunflowers, 1911

Standing Girl, 1910

Blond Nude Model on Brown Cloth, 1912

Triestinian Fishing Boat, 1912

Old Houses in Krumau, 1914

Old Gabled Houses in Krumau, 1917

Edith Schiele, 1915 …

… and her Sister Adele Harms

Female Nude

Reclining Female Nude with Legs Spread Apart, 1914

Three Girls, 1911

Poster of the 49th Exhibition of the Secession, 1918

Anton Josef Trcka: Egon Schiele posing, 1914

Egon Schiele in the Albertina

“Between Modernity and Tradition”: 22 February to 18 June 2017

Contact Albertina:

albertina.at

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The arrival of the guests infront of the magnificent Staatsoper in Vienna, where the annual Opera Ball takes place. Photo: Wiener Staatsoper

Who doesn’t dream of it? One time hovering over the parquet of the Vienna Opera Ball in a roaring robe in three-fourths. For me this dream came true this year – including stage table with unobstructed view over opera stage and boxes.

The “proof of legitimation” of the evening: My opera ball ticket and my entry permit

The Vienna Opera Ball is by all accounts a great event that must be thoroughly prepared. Entrance tickets and lodges must be requested and booked in advance (by writing), as well as hotel and arrival. While the gentlemen appear in tailcoats, the question of clothes for the ladies is certainly one of the most central ones. A dress for the opera ball has to be long, an elegant robe, which underlines every own type. It was quite interesting how variable the term elegance was interpreted by the ladies. And please no doppelgangers! The nightmare par excellence, when you suddenly face your dress. I chose a dream robe of dark green velvet from the Munich design duo Talbot Runhof, in which I felt very comfortable.

My look for the Vienna Opera Ball: A décolleté emphasized robe in dark green velvet by Talbot Runhof. A clutch from Bottega Veneta and high heels by Jimmy Choo

The Vienna Opera Ball probably polarizes like no other social event. Degraded to a boulevard event in some places, where guests of all kinds and VIP categories romp about, the Vienna Opera Ball is considered the most elegant tradition of the Donau metropolis. And rightly so. The splendid halls of the state opera that have been opened in 1869 provide a perfect setting, and the opulence of the festively decorated rooms make the “k.u.k.” era lively. What an honor!

Dense crowds around the red carpet, where the arrival of the celebrities was observed and commented

The grande dame of the Opera Ball Elisabeth Gürtler handed the scepter over to her successor, Maria Großbauer, who for the first time was responsible for the overall organization as well as this year’s motto “All Opera”, including the guest list. Among them was the architect Jean Nouvel (Les Galleries Lafayettes Berlin), the head of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) Christine Lagarde, publisher Liz Mohn and billionaires widow Ingrid Flick. But also colorful birds such as building contractor Richard Lugner, who flies in well-known personalities from the USA for a lot of cash – this year’s actress Goldie Hawn. As well as former participants of the RTL jungle camp. It is this special guest mix that makes the evening a dazzling one. To see and to be seen and a bit of gossip.

At the Opera Ball Dinner at the Hotel Sacher: Cheers to a bouncing ball night!

For me the evening started with a champagne reception, followed by an exclusive, delicious five-course meal in the green salon of the Sacher Hotel, where I also stayed. What a luxury, just in terms of the short distances. At 9:30 pm we went to opera house opposite the hotel, where the 5,000 guests of the ball floated on the left and right of the red carpet over the grand staircase (main stairs) that were festively decorated by lush floral arrangements. Passing by flashes of lightning and cameras, the ball visitors spread out on the five floors of the opera house. At 10 pm, the ball was opened in the presence of Austria’s just elected German President Alexander van den Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Kern.

Too beautiful: The opening waltz of the debutants

When the 144 debutants arrived, I became a little sentimental. Actually, my oldest daughter was supposed to take part in the opening, but unfortunately she sustained a torn ligament and could therefore not participate in the extensive and elaborate rehearsals of the debut. The young ladies – all in white evening dresses – wore a Swarovski diadem designed by Karl Lagerfeld this year. Each one looked like a princess, simply adorable! The ballet of the state opera enchanted with a performance and the subsequent performance of star-tenor Jonas Kaufmann did not only inspire me. Then it was finally time for the “All Waltz” – left to the left, of course – and the orchestra played until the early morning.

The imposing Grand Hall in the shape of an ellipse with its many boxes and ranks, which extend over five floors

Strolling around is part of the event, even for the guests of a lodge. Because there was program on all levels of the opera house. One could try ones luck in the casino, in the basement disco or take part in one of the popular quadrilles dance in the Great Hall. There were culinary servings from “slow food” to the classic sausage. The cloakroom of the philharmonics converted itself into a wine venue; the legendary Viennese Café Zum Schwarzen Kameel was represented with a branch as well as the best Austrian winemakers with seven wine bars. By happenstance I accidentally got into the staff canteen in the catacombs of the opera at an advanced hour. Opera stars, stage workers and ball guests sat together with liver cheese pies and beer (or a last champagne), and rested their tired feet. At five o’clock the ball of all the balls came to an end. It was already bright outside and the birds began to chirp. What a memorable night! BvH

The Red Carpet is reserved for VIPs at the Vienna Opera Ball. All other guests enter the Opera House on the left and right side

About the 61st Vienna Opera Ball:

An entry ticket for the Vienna Opera Ball 2017 costs 290 euros, a box between 10,000 and 20,500 euros; A table between 400 and 1,200 euros. Tickets for the dress rehearsal cost 25 euros, seating cards between 30 and 60 euros. Drinks and meals are not included in the price.

In the Opera foye, the motto is “seeing and being seen”

How to survive:

1.) Do not appear with an empty stomach, eat something in advance

2.) It is warm in the lodges. Therefore do not forget a hand fan

3.) Before ordering ask for the price of the drinks: The bottle of champagne costs 500 euros

4.) Take flat shoes (eg ballerinas) as a substitute. From 3 o’clock in the morning this isn’t a sin of style

5.) Take the “Libretto” opera ball-book which includes an overview of rooms, music, culinary and service

Among the guests opera diva Anna Netrebko with her husband Yusif Eyvazov

MyStylerys Tipp I:

Even though the loge first appears to be the “best place”, I recommend a stage table. From there all participants have a wide-ranging view, which in comparison a lodge only provides from the front places.

MyStylerys Tipp II:

By the way: If you would like to lodge in one of the 149 rooms in the neighboring Sacher Hotel, you should already request for the 2018 Opera Ball.

Ready to rumble: My hubby and I well prepared

The Green Salon at the Hotel Sacher: Here I enjoyed the Opera Ball menu. And yes, green is my color!

Just a look at the menu …

… and the dessert with chocolate variations

General tension before the entry of the debutants

The Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera

Space with a view: From my stage table I could enjoy a wide-ranging view …

… including the performance of the Corps de Ballet of the Vienna State Opera:

… which was flanked and amazed by the debutants on the right and left of the stage

The Great Hall with its boxes. In the middle, the Emperor’s lodge, in which the Austrian Federal President Alexander van den Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Kern were placed

Elegant ball visitors: designer Lena Hoschek (left) in a beautiful, simple self-creation

It’s all about waltz! Whoever looks closely, recognizes me in the middle ;-)))

Various film teams looking for successful and less successful wow outfits, spectacular VIPs and of course some gossip

What an elegant and splendid location for the specially built casino: under the chandelier one could try his luck

Once a princess with a crown: Chanel-Designer Karl Lagerfeld created for Swarovski the beautiful diadem of the debutants with with 394 crystals. Photo by Wiener Staatsoper

…At five in the morning I said bye bye! What a devine night!

Contact Vienna Opera Ball:

wiener-staatsoper.at

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The post It’s all about waltz: The Opera Ball in Vienna appeared first on My Stylery.

How about a hot chocolate with whipped cream at Café Hawelka for breakfast?

There’s nothing more beautiful than sitting in a Viennese coffee house. And this also applies for breakfast. There are lots of those historical institutions such as the Café Central or the Café Landtmann where you will find lots of tourists queuing up and patiently waiting in front of the doors of those coffee houses, especially now during the winter season. This is the exact reason why you should avoid those cafés and instead rather go to places like the Tirolerhof or to Café Hawelka in the first district where you will find the real Viennese people. You can also have a very nice but rather more modern breakfast at places like Café Francais or Ulrich. But now it’s time for my very well and in advance prepared cultural program! Let’s go visit Sisi and Franz Josef!

The representative home of Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef I: Schloss Schönbrunn in Vienna

A visit to castle Schönbrunn is – even for less romantics  – definitely an excursion destination worth seeing. With an audio guide the “Grand Tour” will lead you through 44 staterooms of the palace. Visitors acquire history knowledge as well as small anecdotes about the royal life at the time of the great Empress Maria Theresia and of the legendary Empress Sisi. Wonderful! Worthwhile is a following walk through the castle garden, no matter the weather.

Also during winter a feast for the eyes: the park of castle Schönbrunn

Everyone coming to Vienna in the near future will experience Christmas magic all over the city. In front of castle Schönbrunn you will find one of the many cosy and inviting Christmasmarkets of Vienna. The Christmasmarket in front of the town hall of Vienna fascinates with its thousands and thousands of little lights that are installed where ever you go. My personal favorite under all markets takes place at Spittelberg, which you will find in the seventh district. The market with its little unique, baroque houses coils itself through the parallel resided Kirchberggasse, Gutenberggasse and Spittelberggasse. Whilst strolling through the Burggasse I get inspired by the small, individual shops and I rummage for original clothes in shops like Goldstück-Wiener Kreation and the Conceptstore Burggassse 24.

Baroque facades wherever you go: after hot, delicious negus at my favorite Christmasmarket at Spittelberg I’m walking towards the inner city centre

Did you know that Vienna is also an Eldorado for fans of antiquities? Especially in the seventh district like at Siebensterngasse you will find lots of small merchants with trash and art with affordable prices. However it well get much more expensive in the city centre where you will find lots of antique dealers at Dorotheergasse. A must for every collector is the legendary auction house Dorotheum, a mecca for art where you can find objects of all epochs and, of course, their according price categories. Nevertheless: the inspiration is for free.

In the famous auction house Dorotheum you can purchase pictures, silver and jewellery for direct sale on the second floor

Visiting the famous Naschmarkt is always a must when I visit Vienna. Ideally under the week because on Saturdays its usually very crowded. (By the way: the Naschmarkt is closed on Sundays, but the little restaurants next to it are still open). For lunch I choose one of them, called the On Market, where I enjoy its delicious Asian fusion kitchen. Afterwards I walk towards the city centre with its Christmassy light installations, I amble along the dandified streets Kohlmarkt, Graben and Habsburgergasse. And it’s just magically!

Christmassy light installation along the dandified streets Kohlmarkt, Graben and Habsburgergasse. Pure magic!

How about a little rest? A great tip is the ‘Sky Bar’ on the roof of department store Steffl at Kärtner Straße from where I enjoy the view over the housetops of Vienna. Whilst drinking a cup of tea I enjoy the colourful patterns of the Stephansdom in the light of the sinking sun.

View from the noble department store Steffl and its ‘Sky Bar’ over the roofs of Vienna – in the background the mountains

What luck! In the evening I finally get to see the Wiener Philharmoniker (Vienna philharmonic orchestra), which has always been a dream of mine. I have tickets for a concert with world-class musicians who accompany pianist Rudolf Buchbinder at the Wiener Konzerthaus. What an awesome evening with music by Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Grieg and Tschaikowsky! For dinner I recommend one of the most fashionable restaurants you will currently find in town: The Brasserie ‚The Bank‘ at the Park Hyatt Hotel. The name says it all: in a former ticket hall of a bank the guests dine in finest art nouveau ambient. On the menu you will find delicious dishes such as Beef Tatar or Tagliatelle with fresh truffles. Everyone who still doesn’t have enough goes onwards to the panorama bar ‚Das Loft‘ of the Hotel Sofitel which guarantees a spectacular view over the Donau, Prater and the inner city. The service could be better, nevertheless the Cosmopolitan is perfectly mixed. I let the day pass and already know that I will come back to Vienna very soon.  BvH

Cecilie and I in a joyous expectation before the beginning of the concert of the Wiener Philharmoniker at the Wiener Konzerthaus

Tip for Vienna:

Book your Tickets for museums and concerts online in advance! Thereby you avoid queues and you can plan your trip more efficient!

The legendary Café Hawelka with his – framed – founder Leopold Hawelka; always the cavalier with a sunflower in his hand

Schönbrunn Palace in its baroque splendor

Apparently this is the Grand Gallery – the baroque hall of castle Schönbrunn – where imperator Franz Josef I. asked his Sisi for her hand. Who would have said no?

In these rooms of Schönbrunn the great Maria Theresia already resided

Christmas Market infront of Schloss Schönnbrunn

Beautiful shop in the 50s look: Goldstück in the seventh district …

… with „Wiener Kreationen“ (The “Viennese Creations”) …

… dresses out of chequered and flowered fabric – all handmade

Small finds for every taste at ‘Goldstück’

Vienna totally hip

The grey painted walls at restaurant ‚On Market‘ are decorated with colorful panels with flashily, graphical patterns. Even the opulent ceiling light consists out of fabric

Perfect and hip location especially for lunch: restaurant ‘On Market’. The food – for example avocado-mango maki …

… or cocos-curry-noodles with mussels – tastes delicious and is also affordable

The Viennese Naschmarkt with its fruits and vegetable stands – happy sellers inclusive

Magnificent evidence of the past:

… the houses of baroque and art nouveau at the Naschmarkt

Original: Conceptstore Burggasse 24 …

… Here you will find unusual clothes and accessories …

Snack and drinks will be served at the bar. A heating stove provides cosiness in living room atmosphere. Store Burggasse 24 – very cool!

Vienna, only you …

Gloriously: The Stephansdom festively illuminated!

Door detail with imperial ornaments

Shopping mall Palais Ferstel in the inner town centre with its inviting gastronomy and its noble shops

Vienna and the Christmas Market infront of the townhall! Beautiful, isn’t it?

In-Restaurant The Bank at the Park Hyatt Hotel …

… where I enjoyed a yummy tartar

Lots of marble, elegant opulence and heavy lustre at ‘The Bank’

A final cocktail at ‘The Loft’ with a spectacular view over the Donau, Prater and the inner city

Bye bye Vienna!

Merken

Merken

The post A perfect day in Vienna II appeared first on My Stylery.

In the legendary “Blue Bar” at the Sacher Hotel, where Graham Greene got his inspirations for his famous classic novel “The Third Man”

Do you know, what the English writer Graham Greene inspired to his legendary novel “The Third Man”? A drink and a talk at the bar of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna. Here Greene met a British officer, who told him about the underground passages of Vienna. Greene was intrigued and recorded his first ideas to the homonymous movie of 1949 on a napkin.

Central as it gets: The Hotel Sacher is located vis-à-vis to the opera amidst Vienna

Founded in 1876 by the Viennese restaurateur Eduard Sacher, the hotel is as before, one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. The Nobel hostel was just voted from the US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler with the “Readers’ Choice Awards 2014” to the best hotel in Austria and thus ranks third in the world of excellent luxury hotels.

In “Salon Metternich” breakfast is served

Located amidst the Danube-metropolis near by the Vienna Opera House, crowned heads, politicians and celebrities such as the great conductor Herbert von Karajan, ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, Queen Elizabeth of England, US President John F. Kennedy already lodged in the five-star luxury hotel. Even John Lennon and Yoko Ono took a break in the Sacher Hotel and invited to a press conference to one of their legendary “Bagism” – actions in their hotel suite in 1969. Lying in bed, covered with nothing but a bag, the former Beatle and his wife demonstrated to world peace this way.

Wien, Wien, nur du allein …

Finest food is served in the restaurant “Anna Sacher”, which was named after its founder

Since 1934, the five-star hotel and a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, is guided by family Gürtler that renovated the hotel completely in 2006 and now meet the criteria of the “Leading Spa” in the wellness area, too.

For whom the hotel accommodation (from 400 Euros per night) is too expensive, enjoy a piece of the famous Sacher Torte – best in the cozy hotel lobby, my favorite place. Here I enjoy the upcoming Christmas atmosphere whilst watching the other guests. My kind of pleasure! BvH

Teatime at the Hotel Sacher – here in the “Blue Bar”

Contact Hotel Sacher:

Philharmoniker Str. 4
1010 Wien, Austria

www.sacher.com

Featured pic by Hotel Sacher Vienna

Merken

Merken

Merken

The post Still a classic in Vienna: The Hotel Sacher appeared first on My Stylery.

Silvia Gattin in her colorful Ethno-Style: “Mass production and ‘made in China’ are out of the question for me. My way leads towards limited collections, unique pieces and a sustainable production.”

Some people may say, Facebook or Instagram are shallow platforms where nothing but hollow ‘wisdom-phrases’ and narcissistic selfies are being posted. As a matter of fact I keep in contact with many of my social-media-friends. Just recently I met with designer Silvia Gattin, whose positive pictures and colorful ethno-chic had attracted my attention on Instagram. I visited the creative Austrian with Croatian-Italian roots in her eclectic apartment in the 19th district. There, where Vienna has its greenest spots and where Silvia Gattin – by the way the emphasis of her last name lies on the second syllable – has already spend her childhood. I am vigorously greeted by Santo, a six-months-old terrier-schnauzer mix, and a very sincere Silvia, who I meet for the first time in real life.

Color up your life: If India, Morocco, Mexico, Burma, Indonesia or Thailand: Silvia Gattin collects her inspiration everywhere, which she then integrates into her collection

MyStylery: How did you get the dog?
Silvia Gattin: Four months ago a friend called and told me she had a dog for me, which had been mistreated by his former owner. I have always wished for a little mongrel dog and longed to save a little one. Now I have Santo my ‘partner in crime’ and with him a life at the dog training place at the puppy training.

So cute: Silvia’s ‘partner in crime’, mongrel dog Santo

MS: With your boho- and ethno-inspired creations you have found a niche and also address the spoiled VIP-clientele. How did that happen?
SG: During Vienna Fashion Night last summer I had a Pop up Store, suddenly Poppy Delevigne came in, saw my Mirror-Clutch and posted it on Instagram. Within two hours my bag was sold out completely and I had 500 more followers on Instagram.

New in Silvia’s flat: the black and white Berber carpets from Morocco, which you can also order at her Online-Shop

MS: How does a studied business economist become a designer of oriental like Hippie-Chic?
SG: Well by detours and my passion for travelling. I have always been interested in fabrics, fashion and design. After my dry business administration studies I did various internships in the fashion industry for example at Rena Lange in Munich and the Condé Nast publishing house. The latter reminded me at lot of ‘The Devil wears Prada’. They did not leave out one cliché as described in the novel. After that I got an offer in Zurich, ended up at the human resource department of a young firm with a 60-hours week, unfair, unacceptable and below the belt working conditions. I quit and only had thoughts about fleeing.
MS: And those thoughts brought you where?
SG: To India, where my love for colors and fabrics awakened again. In Rajasthan I let someone tailor a dress from an old sari for me. And that was the cornerstone to design my own fashion and accessories. Back here I had the idea to sell the collection at an online shop. That was in June 2010. It started with a number of dresses. Each a unique specimen from old fabrics and turned into a huge success.

From her journeys to India Silvia brought the colorful fabrics

MS: In your Instagram pictures I noticed that you often wear these colorful boots …
SG: Often? Constantly! I don’t even take them off anymore (laughs). I’ve always had a fondness for Cowboy boots and after I found these in Marrakech I knew, those or none. I found a shoemaker there who framed the fit for my ‘Adillah Kilim Boots’. The boots are a mixture of leather and Kilim, the material of the Moroccan carpets.
MS: Your journeys also brought you to Mexico and Thailand. Which trends did you track down there?
SG: My journeys are my biggest source of inspiration. Nothing is more beautiful than to stroll through markets and bazars, observe the traditional craftsmanship, talk to the people, and getting to know their culture. In Mexico I came across the ‘Rebozo’-weave, a robust fabric, in which Mexicans transport their babies. I commission bags made from this fabric in combination with calf leather in Yucatan. In the process sustainability is an essential factor for me. Made in China or child labor is something I don’t even consider. I am checking it out on the spot and examine the products pedantically. In the north of Thailand I discovered the so-called ‘Hilltribe’-fabrics, from which the villagers in the mountains make their traditional costumes. I use them as trimming and apply them on cashmere-scarves, made in Italy.

Still life à la Silvia: self-painted boxes, above them draped hats from a trekking tour in Burma

MS: You are living the style consequently, as I can see from your apartment.
SG: Yes, that’s true. My apartment is full of reminiscences from my travels, souvenirs and findings from the flea market. It is my most beautiful and important retreat, only surpassed by the mountains and the sea.
MS: How do you relax?
SG: I run and do Yoga. But my favorite thing is to travel. I am already looking forward to summer, when the whole family gathers at our house in Croatia, south of Split, directly by the sea, simply gorgeous! We make our own olive oil. Those weeks are my energy source and absolute lifeblood. BvH

Happy Holi Hippie Mirror Clutch „Saraswati“: Silvia Gattin’s bestseller, which is also worn by New Yorker fashion blogger Leandra Medine

Next to a hat from the Café Epices, an antique photograph from Marrakech

Photographs and postcards on the windowsill: Silvia is a family person

The lampshade was painted by Silvia’s niece

After a fashion spread with top model Lena Gercke for the German InStyle in 2011, Silvia and her collection made their breakthrough

View into the kitchen with a colorful carpet as eye catcher

“I have discovered this sled at a flea market in Zurich.”

Silvia’s travel books

Antique travel souvenir: ”Boots, bags, jewelry – all accessories are manufactured by hand with a lot of love and care by my producers after old traditions.”

Silvia and Santo: “I’ve been predestined to be a dog owner – I have been sitting the dogs of my friends a lot. And I love taking walks and being in the green. And then there came the call that I could adopt Santo.”

“In these colorful baskets the inhabitants of the Atlas Mountains preserve their bread.”

Silvia Gattin decorates her walls with colorful souvenirs like the Yuyu-hats from Africa

Silvia Gattin’s Styling Tips …

… for a relaxed Boho-Look:
–  I style monochrome colors to my collection – with its colorfulness it is eye catcher enough
–  I love wearing jeans to my Abdillah Kilim Boots, in summer as in winter.
–  Why not wear something dearing? The Kilim-Clutch suits every robe
–  Great for the current season: The Himalaya-vest worn over a leather jacket or parka. It’s casual and warm. Also the perfect supplement for a dress!

After Poppy Delevigne posted the Mirror-Clutch on Instagram, it was immediately sold out

Contact:

www.silviagattin.com

The post At Home with Silvia Gattin appeared first on My Stylery.

The apartment of Dr. Gerald Matt in an old building: The door opens and I enter a different world

Presumably he is one of the last Bohemians of Vienna, who celebrates the savoir vivre with Austrian grandeur. A dandy straight out of a picture book: Dr. Gerald Matt, cultural manager and art consultant, who has led the Viennese “Kunsthalle” for 16 years and has established the contemporary art there until he had a falling out with the cultural politics. Today he works for a TV-Show, writes columns for Austrian magazines, and teaches as guest lecturer at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna. Just a stones throw away from the Naschmarkt – in the sophisticated 6th district – I visit the art expert, who says about himself that he is a manic collector and even owns more than 4.000 neckties. The door opens, and I enter a different world, with jazz music playing quietly in the background. On record self-evidently.

Dr. Gerald Matt, Cultural Manager and Art Consultant in his Viennese refuge

MyStylery: Dr. Matt, how does one become a manic collector?
Dr. Gerald Matt: Well, if you love fine objects or as so appropriately said by British philosopher Walter Pater: “The power of being deeply moved by a beautiful object”. As a collector I learned to see things in a cultural-temporary context. I know if a necktie originates from the 30s or 40s. Those from the American 40s are much broader cut similar to the wide trouser legs of that time. A lot of fabric is a sign of the affluent society after World War II.

Flea market finds: Bone china of the 50s with matching liqueur glasses

MS: Is there something from special value to you?
GM: I can’t really answer that. It’s probably something that’s gotten lost or that I can’t find right now. You know it from interpersonal relationships. Suddenly someone’s gone and only after you experience the loss.
MS: Does that mirror your experience with women?
GM: I fully agree with Giovanni Agnelli who once said, I’d rather speak to women than about them.

“Just because someone dresses a little better, wears a necktie, and polished shoes, he must not be a dandy.”

MS: How narcissistic are you? There are a striking number of photos of you in dandy attitude hanging on the walls.
GM: The term is often misinterpreted because nowadays no one knows what a dandy actually is anymore. Just because someone dresses a little better, wears a necktie, and polished shoes, he must not be a dandy. My posture only expresses a little distance, a little disinterested pleasure to recite Kant.
MS: Do people nowadays dress badly in your opinion?
GM: Yes, absolutely terrible! They chase after fashion without any quality awareness for workmanship and fabrics. It has to be the newest outfit. Only the industry profits from this mindlessness.
MS: You on the other hand look like a time traveller coming straight from another area.
GM: Well I like wide trouser legs. That’s comfortable and when I lift my leg, it gets something flighty that makes me think of Fred Astaire. Don’t mistake it for the 70s. They stand for nylon, body odor, and revolutionary attitude.

What does a man do with 4.000 ties?

MS: Do you own a pair of jeans?
GM: Yes, two classics, which I only wear when I’m in Texas.
MS: Therefore you have neckties a fortiori. What does a man do with 4.000 ties?
GM: Why do art enthusiasts have 4.000 paintings, why do women have hundreds of pair of shoes? I like changing my necktie, even though I haven’t worn all of them yet.
MS: You also have a soft spot for 60s fashion?
GM: Right, but good fashion outweighs room and space. Even though it depends on my mood if I choose a suit from the 40s, 50s or 60s. Today I had an appointment with the tax office and my mood was quite peevish. So I went in a dark blue single-breasted suit.

Reflections

MS: It appears as if you live a little bit backward looking.
GM: (astonished) Do you think so? I don’t think it’s old-fashioned when you like cultivated footwear, wear ties, and use half decent manners. I find it avant-gardist and forward-looking. The question is how the future is going to be like. But that’s up to every single one of us.
MS: And your apartment? The atmosphere is quite museum-like, isn’t it?
GM: I love quality, you know, and you just don’t get that anymore. Leather suitcases for example or steel suitcases from Halliburton … today they cost you a fortune! Besides most of them are unpleasant and poorly manufactured. And reading books is by no means out of fashion! Whether it is a first edition of Walter Serners “Letzte Lockerung” or Perry Mason crime novels from the flea market.
MS: Do you read them as well?
GM: Self-evidently!
MS: And the revolver next to them is just to make sure. Are you a little bit paranoid?
GM (laughs): That’s only for an emergency. Not loaded of course. I rather play with these things. That’s all a mock-up. If I had a real one obviously I wouldn’t tell you. I’d get a bad reputation. And the surprise effect wouldn’t be there if the unwelcomed visitors came indeed.

Perry Mason-books from the flea market and the revolver next to them: “Not loaded of course.”

MS: You used to be director of the Viennese Kunsthalle for 16 years – not anymore.
GM: That’s right. I left – after the most successful year in history with over 200.000 visitors. I was so sick of the permanent conflict with an assemblyman from the green party. Art is the extraordinary to me, the other, the ingenious, not participation and grass-roots democracy. But Vienna lives from the intrigue, it applies the more danger, the more honor. I did not disappear; on the contrary, I teach at the university and have my own TV-Show and write comments for magazines. People should see: Ah, he’s still alive.
MS: Why didn’t you leave Vienna behind?
GM: I travel a lot; spend time especially in New York and Warsaw. Vienna is my safe harbor. Besides I like to walk a lot, which doesn’t work in an oversized city like Berlin – which from the Panam Lounge to Käthchens Ballhaus, I appreciate a lot. In the city center of Vienna you can reach everything by foot. And I love the Viennese coffeehouses, kind of public living rooms. In Vienna you can dine exquisitely in the local restaurants. To get good, down to earth food in a city like Berlin, you have to go to really expensive restaurants. But fine wining and dining always stood under general suspicion for Protestants.

Dr. Matts favorite Saint: “Saint Antonius brings back everything.”

MS: The Protestantism in it’s alleged fallibility seems to be one of your favorite topics.
GM: I can see that you’re a Protestant. Catholics are being insinuated with hypocrisy and corruption, where in reality fantasy and forgiveness is. Look here Saint Antonius, my favorite Saint. What did I loose: From the PC at the airport-bus to the golden watch in the London tube. Saint Antonius brings back everything. Of course you have to pay, at least ten euros into the offertory.
MS: Doesn’t your cleaner get a complete break down when she comes here?
GM: She is psychological toughened and trained.
MS: You’re not afraid that she displaces or breaks something?
GM: She is acting absolutely respectful towards my things. I have to admit though, that it took some time to find the perfect cleaning lady.

View to the devotional objects section

MS: There is almost no free space in your refuge. Did it use to be like this all the time?
GM: At the end of the 80s I started here with a mattress and a discarded hospital bed. Everything was white, it looked like a laboratory. And I lived out of my suitcase. To this day I still have a packed suitcase here in case I have to leave spontaneously. I’m prepared. Of course there’s a smoking in it, the most important piece of clothing if you want to establish in the immigration.
MS: What about your collection?
GM: It would be very sad, naturally, if I had to leave it behind and start a new. But it would be a new task at least. BvH

View from the gallery: Thonet chairs and a laptop on the table and Dr. Matt on the phone, the probably only technical objects of modern times in this apartment

“The Stalin is basically hanging here as a deterrence. Surrounded by naked women. He’ll have to endure this. I bought it from a comrade during my travels between Moscow and Kiev for ten dollars. They did not want him anymore.”

Red velvet canapé in front of a wall unit from Nirosta-steel in the style of old steel cabinets

The clock was used as a requisite in Woody Allen’s movie “Bullets over Broadway” (1994). “I like this advanced, austere art deco.”

“I rather buy the medals favorably at the flea market then to kill someone or get into danger myself just to become a hero.”

The devotional objects section: Among them an old punch figure from the Viennese flea market. “A favorite of mine comes from Sarasota in Florida, the book ‘Alice in Wonderland’ from a flea market in San Francisco.”

“I mix contemporary art with exhibits from the 20th century.”

Hundreds of books stand in Gerald Matts shelves, among them old Tucholsky editions

Stimulating details and decorations on the desk of the Art Manager

Still life à la Dr. Gerald Matt: The Austrian flag, next to it an ocelot in perfect harmony with a shark

“Seen the monkey there? My wife finds it very creepy, that’s why it can only hang here.”

Of course, also the golf bags are from different times

“My apartment reflects my inclination for the America of the 30s to 50s a bit.”

Art deco bar – strictly guarded by a ceramic polar bear

The landscape formats – so-called panorama pictures from 180 to 360 degrees …

… amongst others show students of the university of Havana (1943) next to union photography’s, school class pictures, athletes, soldiers, crowd scenes:

“They are hanging here, because they tell history.”

Ahoy! Behind the bullseye hides the bathroom

Stairway to the gallery

A gentleman never goes hatless

The African room with its exotic collection of trophies

Dr. Matts favorite flea markets:

New York: Between 6th Avenue and 23rd Street the garage sale in Chelsea
Mexico City: Great for silver cufflinks
Paris: Marché aux Puces for leather furniture from the saloons of officers from the 30s.

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