Model, presenter & media professional

Since her breakthrough in 2011, Rebecca Mir has been an integral part of the German media landscape. She has proven it: You don’t have to win to shine. As runner-up on GNTM, she was even more successful than the winner at the time, Jana Beller – thanks to her charisma, discipline and genuine talent.

GNTM was just the beginning

Rebecca impressed with her professionalism and charisma. Shortly after GNTM , she walked for Lena Hoschek, Jorge González and Minx at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Appearances in New York soon followed, including for Christian Siriano. Cover pages such as Cosmopolitan, GQ and TV Spielfilm followed one after the other – her face became known throughout Germany.

 

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Moderator with ease

On July 30, 2012, she hosted “taff” on ProSieben for the first time – a job she still holds today. Relaxed, charming, but always confident – that’s how fans know her style of presenting. In between, she is always backstage at the finale of GNTM.

• Runner-up GNTM season 6 (2011)
• Model for Christian Siriano & Lena Hoschek
• Presenter at ProSieben (taff)

Here, Massimo Sinató reveals what makes her a wonderful mom

Private life with heart – Rebecca & Massimo

There was a crackle on “Let’s Dance” in 2012. Rebecca as a celebrity contestant, Massimo Sinató as her dance partner. “We were already sizzling during Let’s Dance,” Massimo later revealed. Flirtation turned into love – despite obstacles at the time. In August 2012, they made their relationship public.

Wedding & family happiness: A couple with history

They married in Sicily in 2015 and their first son was born in 2021. Since then, Rebecca has shown herself to be a loving mother – approachable but never too private. Her family life remains protected but honest. The two are still considered one of the most likeable celebrity couples in Germany.

“Yes, Massimo and I are together,” Rebecca told BUNTE at the time. Their love grew despite the flashbulbs and press pressure. Today, they celebrate appearances, vacations and successes together – at eye level and with a lot of respect for each other.

• Love story began in 2012 on “Let’s Dance”
• Wedding 2015 in Sicily
• Son born 2021

From Aachen into the media world

Rebecca was born in Aachen on December 23, 1991. Her mother is German and her father is from Afghanistan. She dreamed of modeling from a young age – she even trained as a model alongside school. She left secondary school to take part in GNTM – but later wanted to catch up on her A-levels.

Diligence, fitness & focus

Rebecca is considered ambitious and disciplined – even in everyday life. She works out regularly, dances standard with Massimo and loves exercise. “Squats are my secret tip,” she revealed in an interview with Cosmopolitan. So it’s no wonder that she’s still in top form years after GNTM.

A career without scandals

Whether Fashion Week or TV studio – Rebecca impresses with her professionalism without bending over backwards. Instead of constant influencing, she concentrates on real jobs: TV shows, presenting, selected campaigns. Her success? Authentic and constant.

• Born 1991 in Aachen
• Afghan-German roots
• Discipline & down-to-earth attitude

Rebecca today: Role model & power woman

Rebecca Mir is more than just a model or TV face. She is a role model for many young women – because she shows that success also comes with style, attitude and heart. She doesn’t just talk about self-love, she lives it.

More than just beautiful

Although she has often been named “Sexiest Woman”, Rebecca has other priorities. Career, family, charisma – she balances them all. Without drama. Without provocation. Simply Rebecca.

The new generation of female stars

Rebecca represents a generation of women who can do everything – but don’t have to show everything. She is smart, stylish and manages to maintain control between public and private. That’s what makes her so inspiring.

• Top model with attitude
• Authentic & modern
• A woman with her own voice

Fashion brands from Spain: List

Here you can find a list of fashion brands from Spain:

• Ailanto
• Adolfo Dominguez
• Bershka
• Balenciaga
• Bimba y Lola
• Castañer
• Colmillo de Morsa
• Custo Barcelona
• Cortefiel
• Camper
• Desigual
• DelPozo
• El Corte Inglés
• Farrutx
• George’s
• Hoss Intropia
• Intropia
• Koetánia
• Lottusse
• Loewe
• Luanvi
• Mango
• Massimo Dutti
• Manolo Blahnik
• Martinelli
• Oysho
• Patricia Nicolás
• Pull & Bear
• Pedro del Hierro
• Pikolinos
• Pinza’t
• Rebel Root
• Springfield
• Stradivarius
• Uterqüe
• Women’secret
• Zara
• Zazo&Brull

Fashion brands from other countries: France & America

Check out the hottest fashion brands from France and America here!

Fashion brands from France: French fashion

Beret, striped shirt and red lipstick: the stereotypical symbol of French style is as characteristic as it is one-dimensional, because French style is much more. Above all, it is elegant, casual and uncomplicatedly individual. When it comes to fashion, our neighboring country France is ahead of the rest of Europe, and indeed the world. In the Grande Nation – especially in its beautiful and elegant capital – clothing is of great cultural and economic importance.

• French fashion

Fashion brands from America: American fashion

When it comes to fashion, America loves casual and uncomplicated. Whether it’s sports, work or leisure: everyday suitability takes precedence over extravagance. American fashion is characterized by a combination of timelessness, high identification value and relaxed casualness. The typical look is uncomplicated, unpretentious and therefore works well in everyday life. In the USA, fixed dress codes exist only in the business sector. Nevertheless, the typical U.S. look relies more on a certain conservatism and conformity than on experimentation and unconventionality, which characterize fashion in Scandinavia, for example.

• American fashion

Fashion brands: list

If you are excited about Spanish brands and want to learn even more about brands then check out our great guide here and get to know the top fashion brands in the world.

• Fashion brands

DIY instructions – knitting baby shoes

In the internet you can find a lot of videos and DIY’s explaining how to knit the cute baby shoes or baby socks yourself and it’s not that hard. We’ve put together our favourite videos and instructions for you so that you’ll be well prepared for your next gift. Our tip is always to pay attention to what kind of wool you use for it, because baby skin is very soft and soft and your wool for baby shoes should be the same. We wish you a lot of fun and success knitting yourself and hope that you will get some wonderful and cute baby shoes and that your mum will be very happy about the little one.

Size chart for baby shoe sizes

• From 9.3 cm for babies aged 0 – 3 months
• From 10.0 cm for babies aged 3 – 6 months
• From 10.7 cm for babies aged 6 – 9 months
• From 11.3 cm for babies aged 9 – 12 months
• From 12.0 cm for babies aged 12 – 15 months
• From 12.7 cm for babies aged 15 – 18 months
• From 13.3 cm for babies aged 18 – 21 months
• From 14.0 cm for babies aged 21 – 24 months

Tutorials for knitting baby shoes

Here you can find our favourite videos about knitting baby shoes. Here you can find our favourite videos about knitting baby shoes. In this video you can see a very simple instruction, which is also suitable for beginners. You will learn how to start knitting and how to hold the knitting needles. Bit by bit you will be shown the process, so that after a short time you can already see the beginning of the shoes. With the help of this video you can orientate yourself and start knitting your own baby shoes.

Baby Slippers knit for beginners

Even small slippers for babies are cute to look at and easy to knit yourself. The slippers are especially suitable for beginners of knitting and are easy to imitate with the help of this video. You can choose and combine the colours of the yarn yourself and decide how the final result should look like later. Very slowly and easily you will be told how to start and what you should pay attention to in order to make the slippers as perfect as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m0DNBcF5b0

Baby socks knit without needle play – simply explained

If you are looking for a more unusual form of knitting, here is a video of how you can learn to knit without any needle play. It explains what you have to plan before you even start knitting. In 30 minutes you will be shown how to proceed, which yarn to choose and how to finish the socks in the curly right pattern.

Baby Chucks easy knit

Baby Ballerinas Tutorial

Buy baby shoes: First running shoes for toddlers

If you have knitted enough baby socks, chucks and ballerinas and you want to buy your baby some real shoes, there are many brands that offer shoes especially for babies. Most of the time the shoes do not serve the purpose of being practical when walking, but protect the feet from cold and injuries and look cute on the baby. Therefore, parents usually choose shoes that match their outfit. From Converse and Adidas to Geox and Elefanten – by now almost every fashion company selling shoes also offers shoes for babies. Most of the time, the classic adult models are simply taken and transformed into miniatures. This means that parents and children can even wear the same shoes and wear the partner look.

What you should pay attention to

But baby shoes should not only be chosen according to the fashion aspect, but are also important for the first steps from a certain age of the baby. Therefore you should still make sure that the little baby shoes fit the foot and have a comfortable footbed.  In addition, the baby foot should be measured to find the right size. The shoes should fit tightly on the foot but still allow enough freedom of movement. The material should be a breathable upper such as leather, cotton or canvas and the sole should be compartmentalized but non-slip and allow flexibility. The fastener should be secure and firm so that it does not open accidentally and the child stumbles. In addition, toddlers’ feet usually grow in relapses, so it is important to ensure that new models are regularly added. Here I have summarized what has to be considered when buying the first running shoes for baby.

• Baby foot measurement
• a firm grip on the foot
• Freedom of movement
• breathable outer fabric
• slip-resistant, flat sole
• tight seal

Hair trends for men: what hairstyle is in?

Do you want to change your look, try a new style or just have a new hairstyle? Then you should dare something new to give your look and also your personality a fresh touch. We present you here the top 5 hottest trend hairstyles so that you can start modern and stylish. Whether you want to try something out of the ordinary or spice up your hairstyle. Dare something and see how it works. Because even men can have a type change with the help of a new hairstyle and thus start into a new phase of life.

Top 5 trend hairstyles: curls, bowl or boy band?

Curly look: In recent years, the so-called curly look for men has become increasingly modern and trendy. The hair looks very casual and yet chic through this cut. You can easily style the look at home with the help of a hairdryer / curling iron, or get a perm done at the hairdresser.

Classic Short-Cot: This look is very classic and has always been on the trend list in recent years. Currently, this cut also emphasizes casualness and the hair does not have to be cut short.

Bowl cut: This trend is very modern and current. The cut resembles the former top cut and is making a comeback nowadays. The styling is very simple with this hairstyle and you are sufficiently equipped with some gel.

Bro Flow: The Bro Flo is one of the absolute trend hairstyles and some celebrities have already adopted this cut. The hair is medium long and looks very voluminous due to the cut. Depending on the occasion, you can style this hairstyle more casual and chic.

Boy Band Cut: This hairstyle is absolutely vintage and is currently celebrating its comeback. It is reminiscent of old boy bands such as the Backstreet Boys. Especially young, fashion-conscious men wear this cut and put it with the right styling skillfully in the scene. With this hairstyle, the hair is about the length of the ear and separated with a middle parting.

Curly look: the more casual the better!

The absolute trend hairstyle is currently the so-called curly look. The motto is: Courage the length! The longer the hair and curls are, the more casual and unwanted this look. The hairstyle is currently absolutely in fashion and very modern. Especially for men with naturally thick hair, it is very easy to style curls and it looks very natural. The standard hairstyle has shaved sides and the volume is concentrated on the top half of the head. Should you want even more casualness and volume, you can let some curls fall into your forehead so that the look looks more unintentional and natural. If your hair is thinner and shorter, a perm from the hairdresser can help.

How to style? Curling iron, blow dryer or perm

There are a few ways to create the curly look. For example, use a curling iron with a very small diameter, so you can style well with short hair. Another option would be styling with a hairdryer. Use a styling pomade in wet hair and style it with a hairdryer as you like. With a diffuser, the curls become even more precise.

Video Tutorial: How to create the curly look?

In this video you will learn everything about styling and creating the curly look. Just try it out yourself and let yourself be impressed by the result.

Classic Short Cut: Variations, Cuts & Co.

The short cut has always been a standard among men’s hairstyles and is an integral part of the repertoire. Nevertheless, there are always and also currently some variations and different cuts, which make the short cut every year anew popular and modern. This year, the emphasis is on casualness and wildness. Here, no accurate cut and a lot of gel is needed, because the motto is: the wilder and unmade, the better. The focus is on soft transitions and fringy tips. The sides can be 1-2 cm and the top hair 6 cm long.

How to style? Wild and casual with the help of a hairdryer

The styling of this trend is very simple and above all uncomplicated. If you want to have more volume, you can ensure and create this with the help of a hair dryer. Simply grab a normal or round brush and comb your hair while blow drying. Afterwards you can fix the hairstyle with a little pomade or money to make it stable. Even if a few fringes fall in the face, this looks very casual and wild.

Video Tutorial: Structured haircut for men

Want to update your look and give yourself a new haircut? Then take a look at this tutorial to easily cut the short cut at home. Otherwise, you can also play it safe and go to the hairdresser.

Bowl-Cut: Comeback of the pot cut

The old pot cut or bowl cut is currently making a big comeback and is as modern and popular as in. However, this newer variation only resembles the original pot cut in a few, distinctive points and is currently being reinterpreted and cut in a modern way. Women have led the way with this trend and now men are following suit. The cut stands out due to a certain extravagance and the retro feeling and is therefore very popular especially with young people. However, you should bring a certain fashion sense and personality to be able to wear the look.

How to style? Simple styling at home

Styling this hairstyle is very easy and once you have the right cut, you can easily style and trim your hair on a daily basis. The hairdresser will clip your hair at about the level of your ears and cut this around your head. Once you are home and have washed your hair, all you have to do is set it with a little gel and then you can leave the house.

Video: The Modern Bowl Cut

Curious now? Want to try out a modern style and give your hairstyle a new touch? Then try out the Bow Cut. In this video you can see how it is cut and styled.

Bro Flow: Trendy hairstyle from Hollywood

Longer hair has become more and more fashionable in the past years and also this year, the bro flow is one of the trend hairstyles, because more and more stars wear this look. With this type, the hair is not shoulder-length and you can also not create a man bun, but the casual style is still considered more and more hip and popular. For men with medium length hair and a dense hair structure, the bro flow is ideal and can be styled perfectly. The cut looks particularly voluminous and is suitable ebeBronfalls with slightly wavy hair. Give your look a new touch and try out a new hairstyle. With the Bro Flow you will look very fashionable and casual at the same time. With the right styling, the cut looks very natural and looks like little effort.

How to style? Casual or rather chic?

In this hairstyle, the hair is stepped back and and the sides are made a little shorter. That’s it for the cut! There’s also not much to do when it comes to styling and you have several options to create the perfect look at home. If you want your hair to look more casual, you can create volume by rolling your hair at the roots while blow-drying and then just fix it with a styling cream. If you want your hair to look more chic and done up, you can pull a parting after showering, blow dry your hair straight and use more gel.

Video Tutorial: Style your hair in Bro Flow

You currently have slightly longer hair and fit the requirements for the bro flow? Then just try out the styling for this trend hairstyle. Who knows, maybe this will be your new style?

Boy Band Cut: Hairstyle of the Backstreet Boys

The boy band cut is currently one of the most popular trend hairstyles. You want a style change and go with the fashion and trend? Then you should try this hairstyle. The name of this look goes back to the hairstyles of the earlier boy bands. Inspired by the famous Backstreet Boys and co. this cut has been rediscovered and is more fashionable than ever. The Boyband Cut is especially for men with thick and slightly longer hair. Ear length is already enough there. Especially with the young social media stars you can see the trend hairstyle more and more often, which set a fashion statement.

How to style? No tools needed!

Prerequisite for this hairstyle is a certain hair length and preferably a thick hair density. For this look you don’t need any additional tools like a curling iron or a straightener, but you can simply let your hair dry with a hair dryer or air dry. Part your hair in the middle and comb it on both sides. For the perfect beach look, thin out your ends and cut them in a layered style. This will give your hair a more natural fall and look.

Video Tutorial: Modern Boy Band Cut

Want to know how to cut and style the modern boy band cut? Here you will find a tutorial to try out this trendy hairstyle yourself.

Philipp Plein’s story: founding the company

Fashion designer Philipp Plein was born in Munich on February 16, 1978. Alongside the legend Karl Lagerfeld, he is one of the most successful and well-known designers in Germany and it is hard to imagine the fashion industry without him. He has definitely made a name for himself with his unusual pieces, and his pieces are recognizable at first glance!

In 1998, he founded his company International AG, which is now based in Switzerland. Before that, Plein studied law, but he didn’t seem to want to do that in the long term! He started designing furniture and then bags and accessories. In 2003, he was given the opportunity to design the lounge for Moet & Chandon at the German CPD trade fair in Düsseldorf. There he took his chance and sold his accessories, which he designed from old leather, for the first time.

The rest is history!

The last show of Philipp Plein:

Creation of his brands: Philipp Plein, Plein Sport and Billionaire

Shortly afterwards, he founded his fashion brand. Since 2004, he has been known for his extravagant, rocking “bling bling fashion”. Almost all of his garments feature skulls and plenty of rhinestones. In addition to his main fashion brand, which bears his name, his agency now includes Plein Sport and Billionaire. The brands cater to both men and women as well as the juniors among us. Billionaire is the only brand among them that focuses exclusively on men’s fashion. In addition to clothing and bags, you will also find shoes and fragrances in his store – so there should be something suitable for everyone!

• Born on 16.02.1978 in Munich
• One of the most famous fashion designers in Germany
• Founded company in 2004 (International AG)
• Philipp Plein, Plein Sport & Billionaire = International AG
• Fashion for men, women & kids

Its brands

The 42-year-old designer’s fashion is recognizable at first glance – there’s always a lot going on!

“I don’t want to be a follower. I want to be ME!”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

And that is precisely the reason why his fashion is highly recognizable and can keep up with the biggest brands. Plein always tries to come up with something new.

In addition to his main brand, his agency also includes two other brands:

Philipp Plein

The brand is known for its unusual pieces. From leather jackets, T-shirts, jeans and sweaters to rhinestone and skull studded rucksacks – everything is eye-catching and extravagant – just like you know it!

Plein Sport

Plein’s sports brand offers just about everything you need for sport: sports bras, sports leggings, tops, outdoor jackets and shoes. With sportswear like this, it’s easy to fight your inner weaker self, isn’t it?

Billionaire

The Billionaire brand is aimed at men who can radiate self-confidence and want to put themselves in the limelight with chic clothing.

“Billionaire represents an extravagant and sumptuous wardrobe for men with a certain maturity, who radiate self-confidence and are not ashamed of their ambitions.”

(Source: billionairecouture.com)

So this description clearly shows what kind of men should be found in the clothing of the fire!

Philipp Plein: As conceited as they always say?

He is known for his many tattoos, his well-trained body and his swanky watch! But is that all he has to offer?

Plein has always been a “dreamer”: he always wanted to aim high and realize his dreams – that was and is his greatest motivation. Many interpret his single-minded attitude as arrogance. Plein explains what you should bear in mind with his “strategy”:

“You always have to be able to dream new dreams. I always try to achieve one dream after another. But I know that dreams are never as beautiful in reality as they are in fantasy. Once you understand that, you can deal with it well.”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

He also sees a lot of potential in his brand. For him, this is just the beginning. Despite this attitude, he – together with his team – is very realistic. They seem to know how much room for improvement there is: and a lot of it, according to Plein himself! He knows exactly when he can launch something on the market – he says it’s always when people aren’t expecting it. He stands for unusual fashion where there is a lot going on! Plein rarely talks about himself alone as a brand. For him, the brand means his team, not a single person:

“Yes, we at Philipp Plein are a team, a young team”

(Source: GQ-Magazin.de)

• Has a specific strategy
• Always wants to make his dreams and goals come true
• Works in a team, not alone

Well thought-out strategy brings him success

So his whole attitude seems to be very well thought out and determined! He builds on his team and dreams until he

can fulfill them. He often throws around arrogant remarks, which he himself takes with humor. He says he wants to take over the world: For him, that means having a store in every city. And he is far from complaining about the presence of his stores:

Collections and stores – major development

Philipp Plein:

• Fashion designer known for extravagant pieces.
• Founded Unternehmen International AG in 1998.
• Brands: Philipp Plein, Plein Sport, Billionaire.
• Special trademarks: Skulls, rhinestones.
• Collections presented at fashion weeks.

Achievements:

• First collection: military jackets with Swarovski skulls (Paris).
• Introduction of the accessories line (2006).
• Couture collection (2008).
• Heavy Metal collection on Germany’s Next Topmodel (2008).
• Collaboration with Mattel for Philipp Plein Barbie (2009).
• Opening of the first store in Monte Carlo (2009).
• Expansion with boutiques and stores worldwide.

Battle for son Romeo Prince: reunion after four years

Philipp Plein spent four years fighting for his little son Romeo Prince, who is now seven years old. The child’s mother (Fernanda Rigon) took him to her home country of Brazil in 2014 to keep him away from his father. Plein fought against her with numerous lawyers – to no avail! He only wanted his son to experience one thing: a mother and father who could look after him and give him a stable family life. After four years, this battle finally seems to be over and he can finally hold his son in his arms again!

Plein in love: this is his girlfriend

Girlfriend Lucia Bartoli is always by his side everywhere he goes: whether in Cannes, Lugano or New York – there are three places he calls home! Ever since he finally introduced her to the public, she has never left his side! In an interview, when asked what she does for a living, Lucia replies that she is a “full-time girlfriend”! I wonder if Plein likes to hear such an answer in an interview with his girlfriend!

Numerous surprises

Plein likes to surprise his sweetheart “here and there”: whether at home or on an airplane – the two of them seem to be on cloud nine everywhere! Despite his tight schedule, he likes to make time for his girlfriend.

“I try to surprise them as often as possible.”

Lucia adores her designer boyfriend and says she misses him when they are apart. In an interview with RTL, the two claim that their “love secret” is that they are stuck together and it’s funny when they are apart – if that’s not an unusual attitude!

• Model Agency – CM Models

Model: Requirements, size and lifestyle

Stephan Czaja is owner of CM Models, author of The Model Book, he brokers luxury real estate and has one of the leading social media agencies in Germany. If anyone knows what he’s doing, he does! We were able to meet him today between two appointments for an interview. CM is one of the leading agencies in Germany with jobs all over Europe but also in USA and Asia. They work with companies like Hermès, Prada, CK, Dior, Nike, Levis, and many more.

FIV – My first question: What do you think makes a good model?

Stephan Czaja – discipline and ambition! Beautiful looks, talent for the catwalk and fashion shows, photo shoots, commercials, that everything can only be checked later. That’s why the discipline of a model is at the beginning of all. That means punctuality, reliability and stamina.

Added to this is ambition, that is the own, independent will to improve constantly. The competition is fierce, especially when a model later goes to the big fashion capitals, to Paris, New York, Shanghai or Milan.

Modeling abroad: Paris, New York, London, Shanghai

FIV – So Paris, New York, Shanghai are the big destinations for models?

Stephan Czaja – As a model who works professionally and wants to make a living from it, it is very advantageous to have worked in these cities for a certain time. It’s not only about jobs, but also about international experience and of course photo shootings with the top photographer. The more experience, the more different photo series, the better for the model. The own model portfolio becomes stronger and stronger by new photo shoots and therefore models get bigger jobs.

In cities like Shanghai, London but also New York there are the big advertising campaigns, haute couture shows, brands – For models, cities like New York, LA, Paris, Milan, London but also Shanghai and Hong Kong are the place to be.

FIV – How does a model get jobs abroad? Are they individual campaigns or do you spend more time on location?

Stephan Czaja – After the build-up during his school time and after the first jobs, models who meet the requirements of size and proportion usually go to a city for 2 to 3 months. This is called “On Stay”. Young models then live in model shared flats, attend many castings every day and ideally get their first jobs. This is also where you can get the leading brands in fashion such as Hermes, Burberry, Dior, Prada, Givenchy and many more.

We as an agency pay and finance these trips, later on they are billed. So there is no risk for models. In return, we expect exactly the qualities I mentioned at the beginning of the interview: discipline and ambition.

Photo: Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Milan, Model Linn Fausten @ CM Models / Women Milano

Model scouting: What’s the point?

FIV – If you are looking for new faces for your modeling agency, you will surely have a few factors to consider when choosing and deciding. What do you pay attention to when scouting young models, when you see and meet a potential model in the agency, or in other words, how do you recognize a good model as a model agent?

Stephan Czaja – Scouting is all about body size, facial contours and figure. Discipline and ambition are unfortunately not apparent at first glance! In those few moments when you see someone who wants to become a model, it is primarily about figure and proportion.

Minimum size and proportions are always the first requirements. After that it is all about the contours of the face but also all the subtleties and special features that everyone has. From striking faces, to extraordinary faces, freckles, the taunt of the skin, long and short hair or even tooth gaps. During the quick evaluation there are many interesting details that make a model unique, for us as Model Scouts.

Accordingly, the decision-making process in agency meetings is often long, for example after a casting with 100 models. In the end, everything plays a role in the selection and selection process. In the second round we get to know each other at the introduction in the model agency. Here you talk to each other in detail, models get to know the agency, the bookers but also the cooperation. At the same time you learn a lot about the model, the personality, your own ambitions and of course your appearance. Here you want to see the famous “fire in the eyes” as an agency, so that you realize that the person in front of you really wants the job.

FIV – About the performance in your agency I have a few more questions about your personal tips. But before that I would like to know, should you as a model rather “look special” or “rather average” to be successful?

Stephan Czaja – For the majority of models, the typical ideal of beauty is fulfilled. Extremely extraordinary is special, but is hardly ever booked by customers in regular business around commercials, online shops, campaigns, showrooms and fashion shows.

“Good looks” are better received than the “extravagant”

In the end, as a model you don’t live from extravagant photo shootings and video productions like you see in TV shows. There are no paint cartridges injected, there are no wild animals at the shooting and no, there is never a “nude shooting” like on TV. The real model life is different!

You earn most of the money as a model with “typical” photos for online shops, campaigns or even commercials. Accordingly, the appearance must not be too “extreme” or extraordinary, or deviate from the typical ideal image that we all carry within us. If you take the taste of all people together, the majority of people have a “typical” image of beauty in terms of appearance and proportions.

Apart from that, in real life, a natural, sympathetic appearance, in combination with the right body size, always wins in the end.

90-60-90: Ideal measurements or ?

FIV – Speaking of convincing, when you think about the “perfect measurements”, you immediately have the typical 90-60-90 in your head, which everyone knows. Are these really the perfect measurements for female models and is this a general misconception?

Stephan Czaja – I am asked this question more often, dream measurements or not? In fact, nobody has ever thought up these proportions and said, this way it is perfect! These proportions are derived from our general ideal image, in short: Who do we find attractive?

However, if you look at the cut of people, as mentioned before, and put all beauty ideals on top of each other, then for most of them a proportion of 90-60-90 for women is far ahead in the ranking of attractiveness. Accordingly, we take women, with similar proportions, as attractive in the media.

But it is interesting to note that the proportions are not set in stone, they are relatively independent of body size.

This opens the market for smaller models with chances for castings and jobs

An example: Bikini Shootings are often booked for smaller models, here again the proportions or the relation of body to face plays a role. With smaller models, female curves look even more beautiful. Accordingly, the 90-60-90 is more a synonym for the typical “hourglass figure”, whether Cara Delevingne or Jennifer Lopez. Beauty ideals also change when you leave the continent.

Another example: In Asia and cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul, the most successful models are between 171-176cm, which makes them a full 4-5 centimetres smaller than in Europe or America.

Application, goals and personality

FIV – How many applications do you receive as a model agency per month?

Stephan Czaja – Many, very many. In a month, let me make a short projection, there are about 100 to 150 applications a day, that means up to 3.000, 4.500. The applications come from all over the world, from New York to London, Hamburg to Shanghai. Our agency invites 5 to 10 applicants for interviews or video calls. A model contract in our agency will then be given to 2 to 4, which means “only” 2 to 4 new models per month. Why? Because as international management we build career plans, where do you start and how do you reach your goal as a model in 2 or 3 years. The better and more intensive the management, the faster it goes. We want the best of the best, after all, in the end it’s about worldwide commercials, Fashion Week in Paris, On Stay in New York, photo shoots in Hamburg, showroom in Milan. Right from the start, a lot of responsibility for young models.

For me as a model agent and even more so as owner, it is extremely important that young models understand the seriousness. If you start modeling at the age of 15, 16 or 17, you have a long way to go. Many people are not aware of this, they want to be on the cover of Vogue within a few weeks and if that doesn’t work, they stop again. It’s extremely frustrating as a modeling agency, that’s why you’re so extremely selective when it comes to casting and applications.

So if you get a model contract after application, introduction and casting, you know that he or she has the right qualifications. The next steps are then: personality and model portfolio to convince clients.

FIV – With so many applications, isn’t the market already saturated? Is an application still worthwhile at all?

Stephan Czaja – It’s like everywhere else, if you want to make it to something, you have to try a lot! If you start modeling with the attitude that the competition is too big, you definitely won’t make it. It’s not only like that with modelling, it’s the same with football, as a musician and singer or even as an actor. In the end you need ambition, discipline and a good agency or club that provides you with the right contacts, training, opportunities, castings and jobs.

FIV – Apart from the appearance and characteristics of the model, when is the perfect age for models to start?

Stephan Czaja – For me personally, the perfect age to start modeling is between 15 and 17 years. But here it does not start immediately 100%, school has priority. School education is extremely important for models, no matter if it is about texts you have to learn for a commercial, English for small talk with the team around photographers, creative directors and fashion designers, but also mathematics, after all you are an entrepreneur. The smarter, the better! That’s why good model agencies make sure that you get a good degree. After that the world is open to you. The smarter you are, the further you can get. Because as a model you also live on follow-up bookings. If a client likes you, you get another job and another one. Be likeable, convincing on set, that will get you further. But until then, 1 or 2 years will pass until the final graduation with the build-up of experience and visual material in small steps. So to speak, the basic set to make it later in the big cities like New York.

FIV – That’s why so few models manage to get a contract in the end, right?

Stephan Czaja – Right. After all, we want to take very good care of our models so that they can develop free from all the work behind the scenes. For us, this means models who can live well from their job and constantly experience new things. In fact, the time as a model is so intense and interesting that you can never convey all the facets in an interview! When I think about it, at the age of 17 I went to Paris for the first time, a little later I went to Milan for the first time during the holidays, as soon as school is finished, the real model life starts: Shanghai, Fashion Week Paris, photo shooting in Hamburg, catwalk in Düsseldorf. At the age of 19, 20, you have already experienced so much, so much to tell – a real dream job.

FIV – How does such a setup work, quickly described?

Stephan Czaja – If you come to a big model agency like ours at the age of 15, the first thing you need to do is to achieve good results in school. At the same time, your model portfolio will be built up step by step, with the aim of having diverse and multi-faceted photo shoots. Once you have a model portfolio together, which can stand up to experienced models in casting, it is a pity. You do not become a top model overnight. School, build up your portfolio, gain first experiences on jobs, career plan, graduation, foreign countries. Your big goal sort is to be able to live well from this job at 21 years, 22 years! The one who goes with the attitude has the best chances.

photo: new male models / spring @ CM Models

Model agency advantages

FIV – If you summarize the support of a modeling agency, what is the most important thing a modeling agency gives to a model?

Stephan Czaja – Network. As an independent model you could never build up the contacts that a model agency has through years of work and the many employees. This is about creative director, fashion designer, marketing director, managing director, advertising agencies, the whole administration behind it, shootings with photographers, the list is very long and we are not yet on tax issues, invoicing, dunning, travel planning, calculation of usage rights, partner agency abroad, financing of travel, etc.

As a model you have to make it within a few years, you don’t have forever, so it’s only possible with a good and strong model agency behind you, which takes care of everything important as management. A model’s job is to stay disciplined, have fun at work, have positive charisma and and of course professionalism, it’s about stressful travel, tight schedules and of course the pressure behind you when in the end a whole campaign depends on your performance as a model. While the advertising agency has prepared everything important in the background, you are in the focus of the whole production during the photo shoot as a model. In the end, the overall success of a campaign depends to a certain extent on your performance. That’s why it’s so important to build up the team, gain experience, take time for yourself, so that you can grow bit by bit to get the big jobs.

If you make an effort and stick with it, you get a great fork, you can discover the world, get to know many people. As I said, modeling is a real dream job.

Minimum size: Runway (fashion show) and Commercial (advertising)

FIV – How tall does a model have to be to runway in a fashion show?

Stephan Czaja – For catwalk and fashion show the typical, known measurements of models are extremely important. The more top-class the brand, the more international the location, the more uniform the measurements of models. The reason is quite simple, fashion shows are meant for a buyer to see and order or buy new collections. Even if there are celebrities in the audience and influencers, the most important people for fashion designers are buyers, because they buy collections in large quantities. Of course, influencers and celebrities are also important as brand ambassadors, but before the outfits are on sale, it is buyers who bring business to the designers. Only if they are later available in the trade can they be bought by private individuals. Accordingly, it is said: Focus on the collection.

So the focus is on the fashion and not the model. A fashion show therefore requires the typical measurements that are known in the world of modeling. In countries like Germany, a female model usually needs a minimum height of 176 cm for the runway. Since female models usually wear high shoes, men must be at least 186 cm tall accordingly, for a harmonious image of the group.

If we are then on a fashion show in New York, Milan or Paris, the measurements are even more strict. On the one hand the height, female models must be 178 cm tall, maximum 180 cm. Men have to be 2 cm taller accordingly, 188 cm to 192 cm, max 194 cm. In addition, in the big fashion metropolises of this world, the hips of women also play a major role. For female models, it should be a maximum of 90 cm. In cities such as Tokyo or New York and Paris, even 89 cm is often demanded as the maximum.

Even though there is a lot of hype about diversity, 99% in the paid fashion market moves exactly around these measures.

FIV – For models there are two areas, the high fashion but of course also the large area of advertising, how big must a model be when it comes to advertising (commercial)?

Stephan Czaja – Nice that you ask this question! Because there is not only the High Fashion and Haute Couture, another big part of the industry is in advertising. Here, size is not the most important thing, usually you pay attention to a very “nice” face. Then there is the professionalism on set, facial expressions and the right emotions at the right moment.

One of my best models for example is only 171 cm tall and already 57 years old. She is fantastic! The customers love her! She works all over the world and has a fantastic personality, she is such a positive person! But I don’t want to go into raptures right now.

Photo – Take measurements yourself (hips, waist, chest and height)

FIV – How much does a model earn in advertising, can you give an example?

Stephan Czaja – If you want to be successful as a model in advertising, then facial expression, emotion and body language are the most important factors. If your model agency knows that you perform consistently and consistently well, you can get a lot of jobs! Especially jobs in advertising are very worthwhile, because here you get paid for usage rights. It’s very simple: If an advertisement is produced, the rights of use are bought by the client for one year, for example. If the commercial is well received, it is played for a second year, maybe even a third, fourth and fifth year. With every extension of the rights of use you will receive an additional fee as a model. That can easily be a few thousand Euros, so that in theory you can pay your rent for one year with just one job. If you earn 5.000 Euro in the first year, then 4 times extended, you have 25.000 Euro for one day of work.

To get there, you need ambition and discipline as a model!

Application and interview

FIV – If someone decides to become a model and sends in an application, what kind of photos should models send?

Stephan Czaja – Simply put: Take the photos with your smartphone, show your natural look without make-up, without styling in natural light, i.e. preferably daylight just before, after or during lunchtime; not at night. Back to the naturalness, your clothes should not distract either, it’s best to wear a simple black top as a woman or a shirt as a man model. Show yourself 100% natural, because that’s exactly what model agencies and their clients value most. Only natural beauty is convincing.

Therefore I can only recommend, show yourself exactly as you are right from the start!

It is also important to say that you do not need a paid photo shoot! Many look for a photographer to send “creative” photos. My tip for all those who want to become a model, just take the photos with your mobile phone! Ask your mum, dad or just a good friend or girlfriend.

FIV – Many people spend hours every day in social networks. Therefore I would be interested if you get a model application, what role do the followers play nowadays? How big is the role of social networks in the selection of new models?

Stephan Czaja – Again, naturalness is the most important factor! The job of a model is not about the range, customers need and want models, the appearance decides in the casting. Interesting becomes only with young people, who have for example on Instagram already 200,000 or 300,000 Follower have however “only” 95% of all conditions fulfill.

Young people who already have 200,000 or 300,000 followers at the age of 15 or 16 are extremely, extremely rare. Accordingly I would say that the number of followers doesn’t matter, unless you are one of the 0.001% who will have half a million followers at a young age and as I said, 95% of all requirements have to be fulfilled anyway.

FIV – Is there a minimum or a maximum age for models?

Stephan Czaja – First of all the best thing about modeling or the job of a model, there is no maximum age! Even better, the older you get as a model, the less competition there is, because many of them decide in the course of their life to pursue another career, e.g. in journalism, marketing, they become a doctor or do something completely different.

photo – VW commercial with Milva Spina @ CM Models

T-Cross campaign with Cara Delevingne and others

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJO6DLcGy7g

The minimum age is different, if you want to work as a model, you should apply with 15 years, 16 years, at the latest 17 years in a model agency Because especially in the younger years you have time to travel abroad, do test shoots and much more. You can’t make up the time later.

Beginning age, perfect measurements and model jobs

FIV – How old is the youngest model in your modeling agency?

Stephan Czaja – At CM Models we start from 15 years, that’s how old our youngest are. Before that you should definitely enjoy your childhood: Friends, free time! But the first jobs don’t start until they’re 16, 17 years old, then comes the foreign countries.

FIV – Every job is different, from showroom to fashion show, photo shootings and video: How different are the requirements in the different areas? Where do quality and skills differ?

Stephan Czaja – Every job is different! Short run sequences for the new Nike commercial, runway show for Calvin Klein, e-commerce shooting with 25 outfits, group shooting in the city centre for an advertising campaign, every job has its own special challenges.

The first steps of a model

FIV – If you find a New Face interesting in your modeling agency, for you and your clients and it presents itself successfuly in your modeling agency, how does the typical start of a model work, what are the first steps for young models?

Stephan Czaja – After the interview, first of all there is the model contract, then the first photo shoot and then the building of the model portfolio starts. Depending on the age, this can take a relatively long time, because if you are still in school, this has absolute priority, of course. It is important that everything is ready by the time you leave school, say 6-8 good shoots with good photographers, plus 3-5 photos of jobs.

This is a good start if you want to work a little more in the last school year. After graduation you have already done a few small jobs in Germany, then with the right qualifications you can enter the big world of fashion, media and advertising! The big cities, especially cities like Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing and London. Then there are many more interesting spots like Cape Town, Barcelona or even Seoul. Models have to take their time after school, about 2 years for the whole international build-up. After that you have international experience, the staff and managers of the partner agencies of your parent agency (in our case CM Models) know you. Your book also has strong photos of jobs and photographers from all over the world.

Everything starts with the model portfolio

You need good and meaningful photos. As a tip for young up-and-coming models, the quantity of photos is not important, but the quality! You need different settings, black and white, sporty, photos with fun, fashion, colorful backgrounds, laughter, being serious, and much more. So that the customer can see himself in all possible facets. For example, if an advertising campaign is planned in which you should smile, you need a photo where you have fun and laugh. At some point an international sports fashion manufacturer comes along and the casting director sees a sports photo in your book directly. The advantage: On the one hand you can imagine the model faster in the casting role to be cast, on the other hand you know that you have already gained experience in this field. Accordingly, it does not matter how many photo shoots you have, your model agency will make sure that the photo shoots are varied so that you show as many pages of yourself as possible. Therefore, as a model it is also important to forward all requests to the management. Once you are in a modeling agency, people will pay attention to you. So you get more and more requests, for example about Instagram. The secret is not to “do everything”, the more exclusive you are, the better and the more you earn as a model.

Also important: the higher the quality of the client, the more natural the photos. You should make sure right from the start that you don’t have too experimental photos in your book. Your face must always be clearly visible, must not be covered. Models should also make sure that photographers don’t do too much retouching, naturalness brings you up as a model.

Showroom and fashion show

FIV – If the model portfolio is strong enough, what are the next steps for young models, where does their career start?

Stephan Czaja – Young models usually start as fitting models or in the showroom. In showrooms here fashion designers present new collections. In the showroom there are buyers from big fashion chains and also from department stores, not many of them only about 1-5 persons. As a model you present the individual pieces of the new collection in a kind of small fashion show. Customers can get a direct impression of the materials, fabric, workmanship and quality of the new garments. A relatively simple job.

The first real challenge is then the first fashion show. The actual show is relatively short, but the preparations are very intensive. Here you have to work with up to 20 different models, you are under time pressure but also have an audience. But as a model you are actually working, outside of Paris, Milan, London, New York, etc. rarely on fashion shows. Much more important are photo shootings.
The next step in the claim are therefore also the first photo shootings, for example for Instagram or online shops or e-commerce. From here on, it is usually no longer just a matter of “being beautiful”, now it is also about performing and delivering consistent performance. That means positive charisma and smiles even with the 18th garment and 7 hours of production. As a model, one of the big goals is to get follow-up bookings from customers who were extremely satisfied with the model’s work. If you do a good job as a model, the customer will book you again for similar jobs or even bigger model jobs.

At some point it is no longer just about you alone in the online shop. In the next step you shoot e.g. your first campaign together with other models. You should all be together in the campaign photos, smiling, perfect movement and harmony. Now it’s no longer just about performing yourself, you have to perform in combination with the others. That means, every time the photographer takes a photo, the movements of all models have to fit and of course the facial expressions, of all models. To coordinate these emotions together is really difficult! As a model you need a lot of practice and experience.

At some point you will not only get photo shoots from your agency, but also this campaign and as the next commercials. In such commercial productions, the teams are already much larger, and so are the costs for such a commercial production. So a lot depends on you as a model. Therefore it is worth it, we have discussed how much you can earn as a young model with commercials with all rights of use on top.

Video – Nike Factory Store commercials (international) with Lisa and Louisa @ CM Models

Video – Dailies commercial (international) Johanna, Hannes and Marie @ CM Models

FIV – One last question, what do you think about Germany’s next Topmodel? Can you become a famous model with the show?

Stephan Czaja – Through formats like Germany’s next Topmodel you can become a famous person, that’s true. But usually there are only three or four people from each season who create lasting success. The rest have the GNTM stamp forever, which is not necessarily beneficial, as it distracts from the actual campaign. GNTM is a great push for Instagram. What’s important for the candidates is that they stay on the ball after the show and don’t rely on the hype of the broadcast time. Just a few weeks after the show, almost everyone’s mailbox is quiet. Anyone who then wants to switch to a normal model agency usually remains trapped in the GNTM universe.

Many of the candidates are also cast outside the dimensions that are finally needed as models for high fashion clients. When they want to move to a good model agency a year later, they often don’t understand the rejection, because everything was right at the GNTM. In real life, however, they often don’t stand a chance at casting with real models. Often their hips are too wide, their waists too small or too prominent. As a GNTM candidate, therefore, you have to make sure that you take as many followers with you as possible. After GNTM, Instagram is the basis for other jobs, such as advertising also Instagram.

The participants are usually also slightly older than the models, who may decide to pursue a professional career as a model and apply when they are 15 or 16 years old. But it is a great format to get publicity! Especially in times of Instagram, you can build a good fanbase and make a good living from it. For those who want to be at events, promote products, the show is a great chance.

How much do GNTM candidates earn on Instagram?

FIV – At the end of the interview I really want to tickle some insights out of you! Besides your model agency you also have one of the leading social media agencies in Germany. The most successful GNTM candidates have many followers after the show, which interests me. When does one start earning money as an influencer on Instagram?

Stephan Czaja – How much money you earn on Instagram depends extremely on the individual person behind the channel. One is more entrepreneur, the other less. Some manage to make money with 100.000 followers, others don’t know how to make money out of it and constantly post promotion codes where they earn 5% or 10% per sale. If nobody buys, she doesn’t earn money. But if you sell yourself well, you can charge up to 1.000 € for a posting with 100.000 followers and more. Whether the respective customer takes part is another question, that’s where the individual negotiation skills come into play. Especially if you don’t have an agency and negotiate privately, which most ex-candidates have to do. But here, as I said, it depends extremely on how business-minded the respective person is. There are also many positive examples such as Stefanie Giesinger and Lena Gercke.

FIV – How does your social media agency calculate prices for Instagram?

Stephan Czaja – The evaluation is not only about the number of followers, but also about interaction and the own community. Anyone can buy followers on the internet for a few dollars. Even apart from bought followers there are many people who for example post “only” sexy photos, but have hardly any interaction with their own community. Those who have little interaction, little discussion and participation, quickly drop in the rating. However, those who interact a lot with their own community, are active on a daily basis and make an effort to create strong content so that their own community is entertained will be rated well.

The interaction ultimately decides who gets the job and, above all, how much he or she gets for the job!

Model Castings

FIV – For your social media agency, the model agency but also fashion shows you often organize castings, how does a model casting work? And can everybody participate in such a casting or only by invitation?

Stephan Czaja – A classic casting, as well as for my last fashion show at the Berlin Fashion Week, usually takes place in a time window of 3 to 4 hours. The casting date is then sent to selected model agencies or bookers about 2 weeks in advance, who in turn send suitable models to their agency for casting. Accordingly, such good casting dates are not publicly available, such as so-called open castings. Castings for fashion shows but also for jobs are usually never public. Public castings are mostly done for two reasons: Either to save costs (people models) or as PR effect (many participants, nice videos). Castings for jobs are almost always exclusive and only on invitation of the advertising agency or model agencies. The network and the reputation (the reputation of the model agency) is extremely valuable for models, because this is how they get the good jobs.

The casting usually takes place 1 week before the fashion show, so there is still time to adjust clothes, logistical issues have to be solved, the location has to be prepared, then there is a fitting and a rehearsal in advance. All this is part of the organization of a fashion show. During the fitting, the clothes are tried on, so that everything is guaranteed to fit on the day of the show. At the rehearsal the choreography is shown to music, directly on the location, depending on how complex the catwalk is, from a simple hall to a big show in Paris. Therefore the casting will take place 1 week before the show.

At the casting everything happens very fast! Between 40 and 200 models wait in front of the entrance, depending on how many are finally booked at the show. Most shows book 12 – 24 models. At the casting, model after model is now called. She or he introduces himself or herself briefly, does a short catwalk in front of the Creative Art Director and the designer. After the casting all model agencies are informed about the booked models, they then organize everything in the models’ schedule.

One more little tip! So the actual casting usually takes a minute, maybe two. Sometimes the fitting is done directly at the casting, so if you are asked to try on a piece of clothing, you are a little closer to the job.

Tips for Model Castings

FIV – What can you recommend models for their next casting? Do you have tips for young models and their first casting in a marketing, social media or advertising agency?

Stephan Czaja – Yes, I have two very simple ones. First: Smile! Second: Be natural! When Creative Art Director like me has a long day, it’s nice to have a smile. After all, you want to sell your own product with pleasure, especially if you have spent weeks and months working on a project, the concept, the strategy and the implementation! Accordingly, one is happy when models come into the room in a positive mood. A smile directly brings a few extra points in the casting.

You should be absolutely natural, no make-up, no hairstyling, just you! Your outfit should not distract either, best you wear black jeans and a black top. You should also wear plain white or black shoes. Female models should also have a pair of high heels and a plain black bikini. This way you are perfectly prepared for an audition as a model!

Model portfolio at casting

FIV – What if you are absolutely new and have no photos?

Stephan Czaja – If you don’t have your own model portfolio yet, with lots of photoshootings, you should honestly say, “I have been modeling for about 3 weeks and I am happy to be here”! Take your first photos with you on a tablet, just like the pros! New Faces should always be honest! After all, you have the chance to convince personally at the casting. Use it! And don’t forget a friendly smile every now and then!

FIV – What does the perfect model portfolio look like?

Stephan Czaja – In a perfect model portfolio you should have about 30-40 different photos. 1 photo each from tests with good photographers and jobs from customers.

FIV – After a casting you usually go directly to the shooting. How long do you actually work on a social media campaign, from the first concept to the shooting and publication?

Stephan Czaja – That differs extremely, but usually a campaign is planned in a period of 2 to 6 months, then published. Depending on how many agencies and actors are involved, how extensive the project becomes, for example in the area of different countries and languages, different media, 2 to 6 months are then realistic. Accordingly, everything has to work on the day of the photo shoot!

Exactly this one day, when the model is booked, is the intersection: the media production. Before that came the whole conception, strategy, planning. After the media production comes the whole marketing, promotion, analysis and reporting. So the day of the photo shoot is crucial, for the release date, the whole run-up to an advertising campaign and for everything that comes after in the area of public relations. That’s why you don’t become a top model overnight. When agencies send models on such jobs, suggest them or even send them to castings, then only if they have absolute trust in the model, through many years of cooperation.

Fashion show: How do you plan a show?

FIV – At the end I wanted to come up with a special topic, you organize fashion shows! Speaking of GNTM, the winner of last season Simone was at your last show in Berlin, as well as other celebrities and influencers, but also media such as Sat1 Prominent, Hapers Bazaar, the full program. For all those who were not there, Stephan’s fashion show was a real highlight this summer, with Swimming Pool Runway, right in the middle of Berlin, in Crested Grebe. After Karl Lagerfeld there was no one from Germany who makes great haute couture shows, except Philipp Plein who lives in the USA. Your last fashion show set new standards at Berlin Fashion Week. Can you tell us a bit about your last show as Creative Director?

Stephan Czaja – For me, as a creative director or organizer of a fashion show, like everyone else who does this kind of job, it means work, of course! In short, while everyone is enjoying the after show party, I usually drive models and staff back to the hotel, for example if a driver drops out, I organize the dismantling for the next day and just fall KO into bed! So much for the real life! I pay attention to all details, accordingly I am with my employees and models, not on stage.

But the last show was absolutely crazy for Berlin! Maybe you can add the YouTube video later. We did the show extremely spontaneously, I think in two or three weeks everything was organized, from the catwalk elements to the musician, guest management, model casting, choreographer, snack and drinks, everything. It was important for work! And it was extremely spontaneous but in the end we really did it and created a real highlight on Saturday night, for the grand finale of Berlin Fashion Week.

[ our video version is currently being edited and will be online soon ]

New highlight in Berlin – July

FIV – Finally, can you tell us something about your next fashion show? Which highlight can we as visitors look forward to and will we get Front Row Seating?

Stephan Czaja – We can spoil a little, we definitely grabbed the same location Guido Maria Kretschmer had last year. One of my absolute favourite hotels in Berlin, directly at the Spree! What makes this hotel so special? Here you can order your own electric guitar in your room, for example, a real Rockstar Hotel! On top of the Rooftop there is a separate 7 million Euro studio for recording songs. Everything top modern and chic. It’s located directly at the Spree, in the heart of Berlin and we’re just planning. Nothing is set in stone yet, but if everything works out, it will again be an absolute highlight in July. I can’t promise you Front Row, who knows who will come, but you will definitely get invitations, gladly.

FIV – Thank you very much for the detailed interview and for taking time for all our questions. That was our XXL interview with Stephan Czaja, owner of CM Models. If you want to know more about the model agency, you can find the website of CM Models and the agency Social Media One here.

Agencies and tips

• Model Agency – CM Models
• Social Media Agency – Social Media One

Become a model, free tips on the blog and the book “The Model Book” by Stephan.

• Become A Model – CM Models Blog

Heidi Klum’s casting show on Pro7

Here is everything you need to know about the past seasons and, of course, the new season of GNTM, which starts soon on Pro7!

When does GNTM 2024 start?

The start date has already been set: February 15, 2024 at 8:15 p.m. on ProSieben and Joyn.

Source: ProSieben.

What will be new at GNTM 2024?

After Vivien became the first plus-size model to win in 2023 (you can watch the video of the final below), the upcoming 19th season of the show promises to be even more diverse. The casting is open to all genders for the first time, and height or weight no longer play a role. Filming is already in full swing.

There is also particular excitement about contestant Tracy from the last season, who is getting a second chance. The start date has already been set: the show kicks off on February 15, 2024 at 8.15 pm on ProSieben and Joyn. The theme song, newly recorded by Heidi Klum and DJ Tiesto, promises to perfectly capture the mood of the show. Be there for the exciting 19th season of “Germany’s Next Topmodel”!

Heidi Klum’s exclusive insight into season 19!

Heidi Klum sent all GNTM fans into a frenzy when she released the first exclusive glimpse of the eagerly awaited 19th season of “Germany’s Next Topmodel” before Christmas! The model boss herself unveiled the exciting first trailer on her Instagram account, getting fans’ anticipation to the max.

The trailer itself is a visual masterpiece and perfectly captures the magic of GNTM 2024. In an impressive monochrome look, Heidi Klum poses in front of the camera with cool sunglasses and shows that she is still the undisputed queen of the catwalk.

The exciting thing, however, is that the trailer not only shows the female contestants, but also provides a glimpse of the male models for the upcoming season for the first time. However, the identity of the candidates still remains a secret, as their faces are cleverly concealed in the silhouettes. This revelation promises an exciting and diverse 19th season of GNTM!

 

Check out this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Heidi Klum (@heidiklum)

For the first time: male models on GNTM!

And that’s not all! Another exciting detail for the coming season: for the first time, male models will also have the chance to compete for the title of “Germany’s Next Top Model”. The excitement is growing immeasurably as we look forward to seeing how the dynamics in the villa and on the catwalk will change with the male competition.

Keep your eyes peeled because GNTM 2024 promises to be an absolute highlight and we can’t wait to find out more about this exciting season. Heidi Klum has raised expectations with this first glimpse, and we’re sure we’re in for an unforgettable journey! Stay tuned for more updates and news about “Germany’s Next Topmodel” 2024.

Topmodel game: Play Bullshit Bingo for free

Now you can put your top model knowledge to the test and compete against other fashionistas in our brand new bingo game! Mark the terms on your card and be the first to shout ‘Bingo! But watch out – the other players are just as keen as you are! Test your fashion know-how now in our exciting Bingo game and become a true top model.

• GNTM Bingo

All the winners: The most successful GNTM contestants

All year long, we’ve been eagerly awaiting the start of the new season. The new GNTM season of Heidi Klum. There have already been 17 seasons of the popular casting show on ProSieben. If you watch GNTM regularly, you usually have your favorite during the season and are then disappointed when they have to leave early. But who of those who made it through the exhausting time and were voted the most beautiful girl in Germany actually became successful afterwards? The highlights from 17 seasons of GNTM.

All About GNTM!

Winner: All seasons

Here I have compiled a list of the winners of all seasons and found out who has remained successful beyond GNTM.

• GNTM winners

Winner 2023: Vivien in the grand final – Video

All seasons & winners

• Season 18 (2023) – Vivien Blotzkis
• Season 17 (2022) – Lou-Anne Gleißenebner-Teskey
• Season 16 (2021) – Alex Mariah Peter
• Season 15 (2020) – Jacqueline Wruck
• Season 14 (2019) – Simone Kawalski
• Season 13 (2018) – Toni Dreher
• Season 12 (2017) – Céline Bethmann
• Season 11 (2016) – Kim Hnizdo
• Season 10 (2015) – Vanessa Fuchs
• Season 9 (2014) – Stefanie Giesinger
• Season 8 (2013) – Lovelyn Enebechi
• Season 7 (2012) – Luisa Hartema
• Season 6 (2011) – Jana Beller
• Season 5 (2010) – Alisar Ailabouni
• Season 4 (2009) – Sara Nuru
• Season 3 (2008) – Jennifer Hof
• Season 2 (2007) – Barbara Meier
• Season 1 (2006) – Lena Gercke

After GNTM: What happened to the candidates?

GNTM: Successful after GNTM

Around 20,000 young girls apply for GNTM every year. From that moment on, the jury sorts them out.

1. Who would have the best chances in the fashion industry?
2. Who fulfills the tasks best?
3. Who is undergoing the strongest development?

The jury uses criteria like these to decide who stays on the casting show and who has to leave. But that doesn’t mean that the average 2.38 million viewers have to be of the same opinion. There are countless candidates who have become successful on the casting show even without reaching first place. Whether it was someone else who saw the talent in the GNTM contestant or whether she fought her way to the top herself, there are various examples. Here is a list of the 10 most famous ex-contestants, excluding the winners.

• GNTM: Independent & Successful afterwards

Lena Gercke: All-round talent and #1 GNTM

The first season of the casting show “Germany’s Next Top Model” was broadcast in 2006. The first winner, who is still very successful today, was Lena Gercke. She won a modeling contract with IMG Models and became the cover model of the German Cosmopolitan magazine. In this article you can find out how her career and private life developed after this time.

• Lena Gercke Life & Career

Sarina Nowak: Curvy Model Idol

There are an infinite number of beautiful women in this world. But only a few fit the measurements of the perfect catwalk model. For a girl to be perfect for modeling, she should ideally be between 15 and 18 years old and her body proportions should be around 84 (bust) / 60 (waist) / 89 (hips). However, it is not always the case that every girl is born slim. Girls who have problems maintaining such a weight feel pressured by such guidelines and end up with anorexia or bulimia. At some point after her participation in GNTM, Sarina Nowak no longer felt like starving herself for the specified values. Why should she adapt to the fashion world when the fashion world can adapt to her?

The category of curvy model, or plus-size model, has existed for a number of years and refers to models with a dress size larger than 38. The women are usually between 18 and 40 years old and have good proportions. Sarina Nowak has discovered this industry for herself. She is now a very successful curvy model. And the best thing about it? She can eat what she wants and feels comfortable in her own skin.

• Sarina Nowak Interview
• Sarina Nowak Life & Career

Rebecca Mir: Model, presenter & mom

When is it more annoying to fail than just before the finish line? Rebecca Mir had to leave the 6th season of Germany’s Next Top Model as runner-up. In hindsight, Rebecca is much more successful than her then rival and winner Jana Beller. Rebecca has proven that she was born to be in the public eye! Rebecca has a face that looks familiar to everyone. It’s hard not to know the 26-year-old, as she is not only booked for various catwalk and advertising jobs, but also hosts many well-known TV shows.

• Rebecca Mir Interview

Toni Dreher: Winner season 13

It’s almost time for GNTM to start again! Anyone who regularly follows GNTM will know that this year’s winner was Toni Dreher-Adenuga. After a very exciting season with a wide variety of characters, the 18-year-old won the title. She was one of the favorites right from the start.

• Toni’s life: Family, religion and modeling career

Coming soon! The interview with Toni.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tgeWqteC_Y

Barbara Meier: Now lives in Vienna

Anyone who has been following GNTM for several years will certainly remember the red-haired winner Barbara Meier. The then 20-year-old won the 2007 season completely unplanned. After she was approached by a model scout in a shopping center in Regensburg and invited to the GNTM casting, things only went uphill for her.

• Barbara Meier – Your path to success

GNTM News

It will soon be that time again. Applications for the 17th season of Germany’s Next Top Model have been pouring in recently. People have been busy posting pictures on Instagram under the hashtag #IchbinGNTM2022 in the hope of being invited to the new casting. In this article, you can find out everything about how you can apply for GNTM and what will change in the new season.

• GNTM – Facts & News

Heidi Klum: Career of the jury boss

“Heidi Klum” is a name that means something to just about everyone. The model is not only known in Germany, but also in other parts of the world. She is particularly well known for her self-founded casting show “Germany’s Next Top Model”, on which she acts as presenter, juror and producer.

• Heidi Klum: Career

Throwback! This is what Heidi looked like 20 years ago as a New Faces (up-and-coming model):

The beginning of Heidi’s career

The internationally sought-after German model Heidi Klum originally comes from Bergisch Gladbach. Heidi’s father was initially a production manager in a perfume factory until he founded the model agency “One eins fab” in honor of his daughter’s success. Klum’s mother, on the other hand, was a hairdresser. Heidi graduated from a comprehensive school in her home town in 1992.

• Born: June 1, 1973
• Grew up in: Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
• Height: 1.77 meters
• Shoe size: 41

Model ’92’ was the name of Thomas Gottschalk’s show at the time, in which 25,000 girls had to compete to become a model. Heidi, 18 years old at the time and an aspiring high school graduate, proved her talent and won the competition. Back then, the modeling profession was not as well known as it is today; even Heidi still didn’t know that “being a model” was a real profession at the time.

“When I left school, I didn’t even know that modeling was a job.”

Model business or training?

But modeling was not her only hobby; Heidi was also very interested in fashion at a young age. Now she was faced with a choice: she could either start training as a fashion designer in Düsseldorf or try to build a career as a model. Thanks to her success on Thomas Gottschalk’s TV show, the blonde thought her chances as an aspiring model were excellent. How do you think Heidi decided?

The first jobs in New York: Victorias Secret, Vogue & Co.

Model mom, top model, advertising face, style icon, mother and so much more. We don’t even know where to start with such a huge career, but of course we’ve picked out everything you need to know about the beauty. The top model is the first and so far most successful top model from Germany! Born in Bergisch Gladbach, the model was discovered by Thomas Gottschalk in the casting show Model’92 in 1992. S

hen she was just 19 years old, she won a 300,000 US dollar contract as a model for three years. After graduating from high school, she moved to the United States in 1993.

As you’ve probably already guessed, Heidi decided to give modeling a chance. To actively support her budding career, Klum moved to the United States to New York after graduating from high school, at just 19 years old. Five years later it happened; Heidi landed a job as a Victoria Secret Angel after appearing on the cover of the American magazine Sports Illustrated. As a campaign face for various companies such as Birkenstock, Douglas and even McDonalds, Heidi made a name for herself. Soon everyone knew her and she was a role model for all the young girls out there who also wanted to realize their dream as a model.

Interested in how Heidi walked as a model for the underwear company Victorias Secret? In this video you can see the pretty blonde on the catwalk from 1998 to 2009.

Germany’s next Topmodel, DSDS & America’s Got Talent

Germany’s Next Topmodel, DSDS, America’s Got Talent, Project Runway, Making the Cut etc., Heidi Klum is not only seen on catwalks, but also on TV. Since 2006, she has appeared on television every year to choose Germany’s new top model. As you can see, Heidi is not only in demand as an international model, she also devotes a large part of her life to numerous TV shows, her own collections and, of course, her family.

But that’s not all, Heidi has received many awards over the years, such as the Bambi or the Emmy, which put her unique career in the spotlight. Heidi is therefore not only an idol for Germans, but also inspires people all over the world. Because she shows that the dream of being a model is not impossible!

Your casting show “Germany’s next Topmodel”

At 1.76m, Heidi Klum is not one of the tallest models today. For her own casting show “Germany’s next Topmodel”, which is broadcast on ProSieben, the requirements are to be at least 1.76m tall and 16 years old. The 48-year-old has been choosing the most beautiful girl in Germany every year for 13 years. The first girl to win the casting show was Lena Gercke. A season always consists of 15-16 episodes in which the girls have to complete a wide variety of tasks.

From introductions to major clients for jobs to exciting photo shoots, everything is included. The girls have a very exciting time there. Heidi put together a jury of three people every year. Each time it consisted of her and two famous men chosen for the task, such as Thomas Hayo and Michael Michalsky. The upcoming fourteenth season will be a little different. You can find out more about the jury in the fourteenth season and the latest news here:

• GNTM: All seasons

Your private life: Wedding & children

Such a beautiful, successful woman, but no man at her side? Quite the opposite: at the age of 20, Heidi Klum married hairdresser Ric Pipino. After five years, however, the marriage broke down and the two divorced. During a brief relationship with Flavio Briatore, Heidi became pregnant for the first time. She had her first daughter, followed by the divorce and the typical, private little dramas about moving out, moving house and selling the house after the divorce. At the age of 32, Heidi Klum gave married life another chance and married Seal, with whom she had three children, who adopted her first daughter and from whom she took the surname Samuel.

Heidi’s love life

After 7 years of marriage, the two separated. Heidi currently has the German guitarist of the band Tokio Hotel Tom Kaulitz at her side. The pictures on Heidi’s Instagram make it clear: Heidi is currently overjoyed with her love life! For those who already know Heidi Klum, it is particularly interesting to see how she behaved as a 19-year-old on the GNTM casting show compared to how she appears today. It’s very clear to see: She has developed enormously. Back then she was rather shy and very polite, but today she is a real presence with huge self-confidence!

Heidi Klum: Tom Kaulitz, family & children

After four failed relationships, Heidi has finally found the man of her dreams: Tom Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel. They have been married since August 3 last year, but the age difference of 16 years doesn’t bother them much. On Instagram, the two are more in love than ever. Tom and Heidi met at a party thrown by Michael Michalsky, who was a former member of the “GNTM” jury. They both ignore the numerous criticisms of their relationship and prove to the world that true love really does exist.

What does Heidi’s career look like in the future?

A new TV show? Or maybe baby number 5? Heidi has often surprised us with her plans for the future. Whether it’s a new fashion collection in collaboration with major companies or a new book, she is full of surprises. She is one of the most successful supermodels in the world, because: she’s simply got it!

Models of the 90s

The 90s list of models goes on and on. Family stories, success stories and children of the supermodels. Read all about Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigová, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum, Nadja Auermanns and Helena Christensen and their successes here! Walking the catwalk was the central element of being a model. In addition to the catwalks, their faces could be seen on advertising posters, on the street or for TV campaigns. No Instagram, no YouTube. Hard to imagine today.

List of 90s models

Here you can see a list of the beauties who walked the catwalks of the big fashion brands in the 90s:

• Model list of the 90s

Naomi Campbell

Cindy Crawford

Along with Naomi Campbell and Eva Herzigová, Cindy Crawford is one of the most famous and successful models in the world. Crawford not only gained a foothold in the modeling industry – a cosmetics line, furniture brand, her own fitness video series and numerous films and series in which she has appeared make up the overall beauty package. From 1990, Crawford made her final breakthrough with a photo series in British Vogue. With an annual income of 6.9 million dollars, Cindy Crawford was considered the best-paid model ever.

• Cindy Crowford

Elements of Feng Shui: Materials & Furniture in Harmony

Feng Shui is mainly about designing your living space in harmony to maintain your life energy and let it flow. The Chi – also written “Qi” – plays a central role. According to the ancient Chinese teaching of Feng Shui, which literally means “wind” and “water”, these two elements form the basis of the life energy that flows through everything: Chi.

In terms of your interior design, you can think of chi as a current, it can flow quickly or slowly depending on the furniture and shape. Ideally, the Chi flows in pleasant, moderately fast paths around your living areas. The five elements of Feng Shui are particularly important: wood, fire, earth, metal, water. Matching your furniture and accessories to these will have a positive effect on your chi.

Tip! Whether bedroom, living room or terrace: Guide – Furnishing rooms.

Wood: cork, bamboo, rattan and wicker furniture

The element wood is the symbol for life and growth. It stands for the colors green and light blue and can be implemented with wooden, cork, rattan, bamboo or wicker furniture. High and slender forms also stand for the element wood in Feng Shui.

Fire: candles & lamps in pointed shapes

In Feng Shui, fire stands for the shades red and orange and can be supported with candles, lamps or a fireplace. In addition, furniture and accessories made of leather or wool set the element beautifuly in scene. The element is found in pointed and angular shapes in furnishings.

Earth: ceramic, clay & stone elements

The earth embodies the center in Feng Shui. It is stable and protective and stands for groundedness, durability and reliability. This element can be implemented with yellow and brown tones, as well as flat shapes such as stone, ceramics and clay.

Metal: Deco in white, silver & gold

Metal represents prosperity and success and is associated with white, silver and gold tones. Furniture and accessories can have round and domed shapes, be shiny or matte. Objects such as crystals or glass allow the chi to flow well.

Water: Pictures & Accent Wall

The last element symbolizes luck and success in private as well as business life. Flowing, soft fabrics such as silk or even glass can be used here. Also, pictures with rivers or wetland plants can be brought in, as well as the colors black, purple or blue, for example, with a dark blue accent wall.

Feng Shui Colors of Harmony – White, Pastel & Co.

With the use of wall color, rooms can be divided and structured, but above all it strengthens the flow of energy and weakens negative vibrations at the same time. The colour in which a room must be designed depends on which of the five elements underlies the room in order to create a positive effect.

Living room: earthy tones & friendly colours

For the living room are most ideal white, pastel and earthy tones. These radiate cosiness. Highlights can be set off with green or lilac decorative objects. Seasons also play an important role: in winter, replace the spring colours with red or purple tones.

Lamps, windows & light: light sources for a harmonious soul

Sufficient light and brightness are an extremely important aspect of Feng Shui. Different sources of light are crucial in this respect. Of course, the most important is sufficient daylight, which comes through the windows into the apartment. Curtains and blinds should be as translucent as possible, where not enough light arrives, the Chi flow can wither. Therefore, illuminate dark, inanimate corners with different light sources, even in windowless rooms such as the hallway, a single ceiling lamp should not be the only source of light.

The type of light should also be taken into account: in the kitchen and study, somewhat brighter light is suitable, in the living room and bedroom rather a softer glow.

Living room to relax in: Sofa, coffee table & co.

Your living room is the centre of communal life. This is where family, friends and acquaintances come together, a meeting place, the most public room in the house. But also to relax, watch TV or read, you sit down in the “good room”. Accordingly, the Chi should flow well and harmoniously in this very room. We tell you how to do that.

Arrangement of the living room according to Feng Shui

To ensure that the chi is retained and does not escape again immediately, the living room door should not be directly opposite a window. If this is the case, plants on the window front protect against negative influences from the outside and from the chi escaping too quickly. If possible, place seating against the wall and avoid the line between the door and the window. The middle of the living room ideally remains free – so the Chi can spread undisturbed and strengthen the inhabitants.

Furniture in curved lines – how the chi flows: arrangement & tips

Avoid clean lines or sharp-edged furniture: harmony is created with a U-shaped sofa. This triggers a sense of well-being in your guests, as everyone can sit opposite each other. Organic, curved shapes create the perfect flow of chi. Instead of a rectangular coffee table, an oval or one in a kidney shape is better. The floor should be left wide open, yet a cute round rug may be placed under the sofa or coffee table – as long as the center of the room remains clear. High, massive cupboards are a no-go: they look heavy and destroy harmony.

Bedroom: ideas and selection according to Feng Shui

The bedroom is undoubtedly the most important room in the whole house. It is the ultimate retreat, where relaxation and recreation should meet a well-cared-for sleep. Create your own oasis so that the right energies flow in your bedroom. Love happiness can also be greatly influenced by the chi in the bedroom. A couple is more likely to find mutual support and success in their relationship when the chi flows harmoniously.

Location of the bedroom: view into the garden

In Feng Shui, the location of the rooms is also assigned a special meaning. The bedroom is best located in the back of the house. Facing the garden, away from negative energy currents such as roads, noisy cars, dirt and noise. Attention should also be paid to the location of the bedroom within the house. It should never be above a garage or storage room and should not be in close proximity (i.e. next to, above, opposite or below) the kitchen or toilet.

Bed: alignment and the best place for restful sleep

The bed is the central element of your bedroom. Place it against a stable wall, preferably without windows or doors. You should be able to see doors and windows from your bed, but be careful not to lie in a direct line to the bedroom door – otherwise the chi will flow towards you unchecked. Also, do not sleep directly between the window and the door, as this will have the same effect: you will be in the chi flow.

Bedroom furnishings: Bed, wardrobes & mirror in Feng Shui

The best option is a bed with a large headboard, the bed itself should not have a metal frame and should be made mostly of natural wood. Likewise, cabinets and chests of drawers should be made of natural materials in round shapes. These should be closed as much as possible to create a more uncluttered atmosphere. Large, heavy shelves, pictures or lamps are a no-go, they create too much restlessness and distraction during sleep. If there is the possibility of a dressing room, move the wardrobes completely out of the bedroom.

Mirrors in the bedroom should be avoided – the reflection generates strong activity and disturbs sleep. If the mirror is indispensable, it should in no case be in the line of sight of the bed, otherwise the consumed energy will be returned directly to you.

Decoration according to Feng Shui – tips like cushions, lamps & Co.

Similar to minimalism, Feng Shui is based on a clear, orderly and tidy living area. Less is more here, because superfluous clutter and unnecessary accessories restrict the flow of chi considerably – in the worst case they can even block it. However, this does not mean that decorations of any kind are forbidden. Carefully selected, they even have a positive influence on the Chi and give you positive energy.

Decorative articles made of wood, metal & porcelain

Small decorative items are the perfect tools to keep your chi flowing optimally and maximize your sense of well-being. Accessories made of wood, metal or porcelain are very suitable for the living room. In general, natural-looking materials and light, soft colours help. Here are the top tips with which decorative items you can increase your Chi:

• Natural materials such as fresh flowers, leaves or stones
• A pretty decorative bowl with fresh water and flowers
• A wind chime made of shells, driftwood or glass
• Cosy textiles like cushions, plaids or carpets
• Mirrors: welcome in the living room, unlike in the bedroom – they add dimension to the room.

In the bathroom help the flow of energy:

• Scented candles and tea lights
• Sweet room fresheners
• Fluffy bath mats or towels

Lamps & lights: small islands of light with table lamps & candles

Rooms that are equipped with different light sources appear more harmonious. Lamps and smaller luminaires give dark and inanimate corners an extra dose of chi. Create a homely atmosphere with individual islands of light. These distribute the chi throughout the room and allow it to flow better. With chic floor lamps and table lamps, as well as candles, you can create a pleasant atmosphere in the living room and bring it to life. Again, look for round and wavy shapes of the lamps and don’t try anything too angular or bulky.

Garden: flowers, plants & vegetation for positive chi

Feng Shui is mainly about harmonization and the optimal flow of positive energy. Various plants and especially the garden play an important role. Living in harmony with nature is the motto. House and garden are harmoniously integrated into the environment.

Houseplants: Upgrading with bamboo plants and crystal vases

Inside the house, houseplants and fresh flowers are indispensable for effective Feng Shui decoration. With them, dead corners or bare corners can be revived and refreshed, so that the life energy also finds a place here. Bamboo plants or cut flowers can be very well integrated into the Feng Shui decoration. Modern crystal vases or beautiful vases made of porcelain are suitable here.

Our top 3 houseplants:

• Bamboo palm – for a tropical atmosphere
• Rubber tree – survives with little light in darker corners
• Dragon tree – easy to care for and visually appealing

Feng Shui garden: design & arrangement – fountain or sculpture

Create an inviting atmosphere in your garden, for example with flowering perennials or a jasmine plant. Curved paths and a pond or fountain are a must-have in your Feng Shui garden. Water represents the flow of life and is one of the strongest energies. The heart point, i.e. the centre of the garden, can be deliberately emphasised, for example with a fireplace or a sculpture. For further planting, chrysanthemums or hydrangeas, for example, are welcome, otherwise evergreen plants provide year-round color even in cold seasons.

Oriental furnishings: Furniture, decoration and lamps á la Bollywood?

Bollywood movies have cult factor, so why not the oriental interior? In oriental countries, the hospitality and the family is in the foreground and exactly that is also reflected in the interior design. The friendly and bright colors make every room look inviting. The oriental interior design stands out from other interior styles because of its extravagance. A room in oriental style seems almost overloaded, but that is exactly what makes the style. In the following, I’ll show you how you can interpret the oriental flair in a modern way, so that your room doesn’t look too cluttered. But first, here is a little video to get a feel for what is important in the oriental style.

Typically oriental: bright colours, special fabrics & mix of patterns

The Paisley pattern is one of the most common oriental patterns. The pattern can be found on decorative items, furniture and clothing. In addition to the Paisley pattern, there is also a range of other oriental patterns that appear in the interior design. Many patterns are mixed with each other, so an exciting and diverse interior is created.

Are you also interested in fashion? Then let yourself be inspired by the Oriental Fashion Show Haute Couture.

The patterns are accompanied by bright and vivid colors. So if you want to decorate your living room oriental use mainly intense colors, such as: Pink, red, orange, brown, blue or purple. These colors look especially good when decorating the interior. Cushions, curtains, carpets or blankets are best suited for the implementation of colour in the room. But also a single armchair or oriental stools, so-called poufs, are suitable to bring the color and the pattern in oriental style in the apartment.

Oriental materials: Persian carpets, woven fabrics & silk

There are many materials that are typical for an oriental interior. Especially easy to realize the oriental style by using textiles. Here are mainly used: cotton, silk, organza or brocade as textiles. Another must when talking about oriental materials that should be brought in an interior design is fragrant wood, which is used in furniture. This scented wood is cedar wood which brings a pleasant oriental fragrance to one’s home. Other popular materials are: Leather, glass or mosaic tiles. To give a room the shine and splendor one uses gold and silver, which provide for refinement of individual furniture or decoration.

• Woven fabrics
• Leather
• Glass
• Tiles / Mosaic
• Unmachined metal / sheet metal & copper

Oriental architecture: arches, columns & ornaments – oriental flair

Oriental architecture has a long tradition. When one thinks of oriental, one first thinks of magnificent mosques, which stand out from the dull European architecture due to their squiggles and colors. Typical of oriental houses are the curved arches and columns, reminiscent of the pomp of Arab palaces. High ceilings, usually complemented by a vault, make the house seem particularly spiritual and imposing. Another stylistic element of the architecture is the use of certain decorative forms, such as geometric ornaments, floral motifs and caligraphic inscriptions. Among the most popular oriental buildings are:

• Sheikh Zayid Mosque – historical monument of the Arab world
• Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul – a must-see of Arab culture
• Alhambra – an Arab monument in the middle of Europe

Distribution of the interior style – Europe, Asia and Co.

The Orient comprises the Middle East, i.e. Arab countries and part of North Africa. With the Orient, one associates the tale of 1001 Nights and the Orient. If you travel to Arab countries, you will mainly encounter the Oriental style of furnishing. The style is very special and therefore probably not as widespread as, for example, the simple Scandinavian style. It takes courage but also skill to implement the ethno chic in your own home.

Mostly you can find the style also with Arab families who have emigrated and remain true to your traditional furnishings here. In addition to the Arab culture, amusement parks or hotels are often inspired by the furnishing style. The Orient is known for its numerous hours of sunshine and it is exactly this flair of sun, but also culture and tradition that the amusement parks or hotels want to implement in the interior design of the rooms or theme worlds. Here, one usually experiences how it must feel to reside in Arabian palaces or Moroccan riads.

Interior design Orient: Living room, bedroom & Co.

Oriental interior design can be both classic and modern. The most important rooms in the house are those that are used by the whole family. For this reason, in the common rooms you can find a lot of traditional patterns and materials that reflect the culture and also religious details, because religion has a very high value in oriental countries and shapes the life of each individual.

Living room: seat cushions, poufs and sofa offer space for guests & family

The living room is the place where family life takes place, parties are held and guests are received. That is exactly why the living room must bring the qualities: a lot of space and a vivid, traditional interior. Especially the seating is in the foreground. So you need a large couch, with enough seating space, matching armchairs and the traditional poufs, which do not take up much space and guarantee seating for everyone. However, in Arab countries it is also common to sit on cushions, so you are very close to the floor. To match the low seating, you also need to buy a table that has a lot of surface area and is close to the floor, so that the people sitting on the cushions or on the poufs can also use the table.

Besides the furniture, the accessories are also important in an oriental living room. Persian carpets, known from Aladdin with the flying carpet, decorate the floor so that the family and guests do not get cold feet. Carpets radiate cosiness and warmth, with Persian carpets traditional patterns are additionally added to the interior design. For this reason, one often finds tapestries in oriental living rooms. Besides the carpets, the spiritual atmosphere is essential. This is achieved by using colorful cushions with oriental patterns and colorful curtains. Also important are lamps in oriental style, which give the whole room warmth and make the living room more homely. If you now add plants, the living room reminds of an oasis in the desert.

Bedroom: tapestries, oriental patterns & ornate wooden furniture

Oriental furnishings can also be combined in a modern way. If you want to adapt the colourful oriental style to your home, the ornate wooden furniture is in the foreground and the colours in the background. So special attention is paid to the shapes and materials of the furniture. If, for example, you have furnished the rest of the house in classic Scandinavian style or country house style, but want to be bold in the bedroom design and have an eye-catcher in the house, you can easily merge the styles. So you take shapes and materials reminiscent of the Orient and combine them with simple colors that match the rest of the interior, such as: Nude tones, so a beige, or a light grey and pastel shades.

Do you already know the oriental fragrances of Yves Saint Laurent? Let the fragrance take you to the Orient

Besides the right materials, shapes and colors, the decoration in a bedroom with oriental flair is also important. For this, choose oriental hanging lamps made of glass or metal in different shapes and colors that create a cozy atmosphere. Decorative cushions with oriental patterns are also a must, as well as light curtains or drapes, heavy rugs, mirrors, lanterns and tapestries.

Kitchen from the Orient: porcelain, colorful tiles, tableware and more

You can easily decorate your existing kitchen in oriental style. The main ingredients here are: matching accessories, matching spices and patterns. Since the typical, oriental patterns are particularly in demand, you can also bring them into your kitchen. How about cool tiles in paisley pattern, or a nice carpet, which beautifies the boring kitchen front? That’s exactly what you need to create the first basic building blocks for furnishing the kitchen in oriental style.

Besides matching patterns, the decoration of the kitchen is especially important. Who can’t imagine the scent of a Moroccan market? It smells of very different aromatic and oriental spices and exactly these, you should also present in your kitchen. Besides the spices, silverware and trays are essential, accompanied by ornate glass jars, pitchers and mugs. To give it all that certain something, add a lamp in oriental design to the kitchen, which embodies the flair perfectly and brings it into your now oriental kitchen.

Oriental style bathroom: beauty tradition, hamam & mosaic

Besides the main rooms of a house, there is also the possibility of decorating the bathroom in an oriental style. What many people do not know is that beauty care in the Orient already brings a long tradition, which is why the appropriate design of the bathroom is all the more important. This tradition is still celebrated today through the classic hamam, where a special bathing ceremony is performed in the form of a steam bath and massage with soap lather.

By using towels and bath mats in bold colors, you can feel the oriental flair. Use oriental patterns to decorate the walls: Mosaic tiles, mirrors with ornate oriental wooden frames and lamps in classic oriental style, which will instantly transport you to the world of 1001 nights. To complete the interior design, create onion-shaped protrusions in the walls where you can place decorative items that will complete the design of the room.