Swarovski: Unique crystals

Swarovski crystals are renowned for their brilliance, clarity and beauty. They are made from high-quality glass, which is cut and polished in an elaborate process to achieve exceptional optical clarity and precision. Due to the special composition of the glass and the precise cutting technique, the light is refracted and reflected in the crystals, resulting in a sparkling and shiny effect. They are often used in the jewelry and fashion industry, but also in other areas such as interior decoration and lighting. The crystals are available in many different colors and shapes and therefore offer a wide range of design options. Due to their high quality, crystals are very popular and sought-after by many people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9ELAdbj4Mk&t=9s&ab_channel=Swarovski

The swan as a trademark

The Swarovski swan was first introduced in 1989 as part of the Swarovski logo and represents a majestic swan spreading its wings. The swan symbolizes elegance, beauty and grace, which also embody Swarovski’s brand values. It has become an iconic symbol since its introduction and is now used in many areas of the brand, including jewelry, watches and crystal figurines. Swarovski is also committed to the protection of wildlife and has launched various initiatives to support endangered species, including swans.

Campaigns: Bella Hadid x Swarovski

The collaboration between Swarovski and Bella Hadid began in 2017, when the model became a brand ambassador for Swarovski for the first time. Bella Hadid has been an important part of the brand ever since and has appeared in several campaigns. As a brand ambassador, Bella Hadid has helped bring Swarovski’s fashion and jewelry collections to a wider audience. She has also participated in various charity events on behalf of the brand and supported social projects. Bella Hadid is known for her sense of style and fashion as well as her classic elegance and therefore fits perfectly with Swarovski’s values and aesthetics.

As part of her collaboration with Swarovski, Bella Hadid has designed several jewelry collections for the brand. These collections were inspired by Bella Hadid’s personal style and include a wide range of jewelry pieces, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The jewelry pieces designed by Bella are very popular with Swarovski’s fans and customers and are often described as glamorous and trendy. The collaboration with Bella has definitely helped to strengthen the brand’s image as a leading provider of high-quality and modern jewelry.

Swarovski Waterschool: Educational program for water conservation

The Swarovski Waterschool is an educational program initiated by the Swarovski Foundation that aims to raise awareness of the importance of water resources and the need to conserve them. Swarovski launched this project in 2000. Since then, it has reached over 600,000 schoolchildren in more than 20 countries worldwide. The Swarovski Waterschool uses an innovative, interactive learning methodology to foster young people’s understanding and appreciation of water. Watch the documentary + trailer about the initiative here:

Danny Reinke x Fashion Week Berlin

We are live with Danny Reinke at the Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023 and show you our highlights! Experience sustainable craftsmanship up close. With edgy pieces, stunning color palettes and perfected details Danny Reinke impresses again this season!

Must Have! 5 Highlights from the runway

Take another look at the most beautiful looks from the runway here.

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

Danny Reinke: Handmade Fashion from Berlin

Danny Reinke, who grew up as the son of a fisherman in a small fishing village on the Szczecin Lagoon, has witnessed the importance of sustainable craftsmanship from an early age. With his fashion label, which has been lovingly handcrafting individualized garments on demand in Berlin since 2017, he is committed to preserving and promoting craftsmanship.

The majority of the collections are unique pieces and are only produced on demand customized – because our earth is precious. ~ Danny Reinke

At the heart of Danny Reinke’s fashion philosophy is sustainability. He carefully and consciously designs his collections with a focus on environmentally conscious living. He incorporates sustainably sourced materials from a traceable supply chain into his designs, and places great importance on keeping transport distances short and treating all people in the value chain fairly.

His passion for upcycling

Another outstanding feature of Danny Reinke’s work is his passion for upcycling. Instead of wasting resources, he gives discarded materials a new life. Through creative transformation and clever combinations, he creates unique and sustainable fashion that paves the way for a circular economy.

Durability, highest quality and perfected details

Danny Reinke’s garments are characterized by durability, the highest quality and perfected details. Every single piece is made with thought and care to guarantee customers many years of wearing pleasure. As a sign of his confidence in his products, Danny Reinke even offers a lifetime warranty on his products.

Danny Reinke has managed to integrate his personal experiences and values into his fashion label and build a sustainable fashion brand. His passion for sustainable craftsmanship and his commitment to upcycling make him a pioneer in the industry. With every garment he makes a statement for conscious consumerism and shows that fashion and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023 – Fashion, Glamour and Trends! We are there live when Fashion Week Berlin opens its doors. From the catwalks to the parties and the hottest locations – we bring you the most exciting moments and the latest styles. Get inspired by our coverage and discover the fashion highlights of the season with us. Follow us on Instagram to never miss any updates!

• Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Avenir x Fashion Week Berlin

We are live at the fashion show of Avenir! The brand stands for sustainable upcycling and makes new products to order from old garments, textiles and remnant fabrics to create a sustainable fashion.

Must Have! 5 Highlights from the runway

Take another look at the most beautiful looks from the runway here.

Credit: Jordann Wood

Credit: Jordann Wood

Credit: Jordann Wood

Credit: Jordann Wood

Credit: Jordann Wood

Avenir – Sustainable upcycling for a sustainable fashion

Avenir is a fashion brand whose central concept is based on recycling. The motto “Upcycling works, and in so many different ways” is at the heart of the brand. Avenir uses old garments, textiles and remnant fabrics to make new products. In the process, production is exclusively made to order.

Contribution to future viability

The name Avenir comes from the French and means “future”. This reflects the main concern of the brand – a sustainable fashion that has a positive impact on the environment and contributes to future sustainability.

Most of the materials Avenir uses come from the Berlin textile port, mainly denim. The remaining fabrics are sourced from various wholesalers who specialize in remnants. These sourcing methods minimize the ecological footprint and create a variety of unique materials.

Handmade made-to-order orders

Made-to-order orders are handmade in Berlin and form the main part of Avenir’s business model. Each garment is made individually according to the customer’s wishes and needs, resulting in a personalized and unique experience.

With its innovative approach to upcycling and focus on sustainable production, Avenir creates fashion that is both stylish and environmentally friendly. The brand shows that a sustainable fashion industry is possible, setting a positive example for a conscious use of resources and materials.

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023 – Fashion, Glamour and Trends! We are there live when Fashion Week Berlin opens its doors. From the catwalks to the parties and the hottest locations – we bring you the most exciting moments and the latest styles. Get inspired by our coverage and discover the fashion highlights of the season with us. Follow us on Instagram to never miss any updates!

• Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Marcel Ostertag x Fashion Week Berlin

Marcel Ostertag is a German designer whose fashion is characterized by the interplay of traditional influences and modern aesthetics. With sustainable production, high quality materials and fair production conditions he hits exactly the zeitgeist.we experience it first hand and admire his latest collection at the Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023!

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

Must Have! 5 Highlights from the runway

Take another look at the most beautiful looks from the runway here.

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

©Sebastian Reuter/Getty Images

Marcel Ostertag: Modern aesthetics with traditional influences

Designer Marcel Ostertag’s source of inspiration is the exciting interplay between traditional influences and modern aesthetics. He acquired his unique fashion know-how during his studies at the renowned Central St. Martins College in London and further refined it through numerous international collaborations and shows.

With the founding of his own label Marcel Ostertag in 2006, he finally committed to his idealistic values. These include sustainable production, high-quality materials and fair production conditions. Quality is his top priority and he pursues this through comprehensive control along the entire production process.

High standards

Marcel Ostertag has his fashion manufactured exclusively in Germany. This conscious decision allows him to maintain close contact with the production facilities and ensure that his high standards are met. Through this regional production, he also contributes to strengthening the German fashion industry.

Characteristic feature

Another characteristic feature of Marcel Ostertag’s designs is his material mix of natural fibers and high-tech fabrics. Through this combination he creates fascinating contrasts and gives his creations a unique dynamic. He attaches great importance to the use of high-quality materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also durable and sustainable.

Marcel Ostertag is a visionary designer who holds a unique position in the fashion world with his passion for fashion, his pursuit of quality and his dedication to ethical principles.

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023 – Fashion, Glamour and Trends! We are there live when Fashion Week Berlin opens its doors. From the catwalks to the parties and the hottest locations – we bring you the most exciting moments and the latest styles. Get inspired by our coverage and discover the fashion highlights of the season with us. Follow us on Instagram to never miss any updates!

• Berlin Fashion Week Summer 2023

Garment care tips: H&M’s YouTube channel shows how it’s done

Crap! Your shirt lost a button? Your favorite sweater is once again full of make-up stains? On the brand’s YouTube channel you’ll find exciting tips and tricks for the care of your beloved garments. You’ll be shown how to properly handle certain materials, such as silk or wool, how to wash properly and in an environmentally friendly way, or how to get hands-on with needle and thread – be curious!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHE1c9GqjEE

Check out more tips and tricks on the brand’s YouTube channel here:

• H&M YouTube

H&M x Sustainability

H&M, one of the world’s leading companies in the fashion industry, has undergone an impressive development in terms of sustainability in recent years. The company recognizes that it has a responsibility to minimize the fashion industry’s environmental footprint and is working specifically on solutions to create a more sustainable future.

Sustainability at H&M: The Circular Design Story and its resource minimization measures

H&M’s Circular Design Story shows how a company can help minimize resource waste and create a more sustainable future through targeted action and collaboration with other players in the textile industry. H&M began in 2013 with the launch of a clothing collection called “Close the Loop.” This collection consisted of garments made from recycled materials and encouraged customers to bring back their old clothes to be recycled. Since then, H&M has stepped up its efforts, focusing on various initiatives such as recycling garments and textiles, offering repair services and introducing rental services.

Check out more on this topic here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x7GbD9uVuU

H&M’s sustainability initiatives for a greener holiday season

In light of the Christmas season, H&M has also paid more attention to adopting more sustainable measures in recent years. For example, environmentally friendly packaging options have been introduced to reduce packaging waste. The range of sustainable gifts and decorative items has also been expanded to provide customers with more eco-friendly options. In addition to this, H&M has also launched a campaign called “Bring It,” which encourages people to bring back old clothes and textiles to be recycled. This can also be a useful measure in the context of the Christmas season to recycle clothes or decorative items that are no longer needed in a meaningful way. This topic is also adressed on their YouTube channel. H&M gives its customers exciting tips on how they can make the Christmas season more sustainable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qbe96fWR6s&t=69s

“Beyond the Rainbow”: H&M stands up for the LGBTQ+ movement

Beyond the Rainbow is a campaign supported by H&M that aims to reveal the true meaning of the Pride flag. The Pride flag is a symbol for the LGBTQ+ movement and stands for diversity, tolerance and acceptance. The Beyond the Rainbow campaign is designed to help spread the message of the flag and raise awareness about the rights of LGBTQ+ people. One of the key elements of the campaign is the interviews with different personalities who talk about their personal stories related to the issue. These interviews not only show the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, but also the challenges they face. By sharing personal stories, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of acceptance and tolerance in creating a more inclusive society.

“The Moving Story of Héctor Trejo: An Important Voice for the LGBTQ+ Community.”

Héctor Trejo is an important figure within the LGBTQ+ community. His journey has been one of pain, tears, and loss. But Héctor knows the importance of being yourself, no matter the cost. As a gay man born and raised in Mexico, Héctor has experienced many challenges related to his sexuality. He recalls moments of uncertainty and fear as he tried to hide his sexuality from his family and friends. In an interview with H&M, Héctor tells how he left his family at the age of 18 to move to a city where he felt safer to be himself. His story will move you to tears and touch your heart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TUe8zk9L08

Mj Rodriguez: Interviewed by H&M about her journey to self-acceptance

Mj Rodriguez is a well-known actress and singer and trans woman known for her role in the series “Pose.” In an interview with H&M as part of the Beyond the Rainbow campaign, she talks about her personal journey to self-acceptance and the importance of representation for the LGBTQ+ community. Mj stresses the importance of empowerment and emphasizes that everyone has the right to express and be proud of their identity. Through her involvement with the campaign, she hopes that more people will stand up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and create a more inclusive world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AE2vDWoxNc

ASICS Running: GEL-NIMBUS 25, number 1 GEL technology

The GEL-NIMBUS 25 sports shoe from ASICS is rated number 1 on the market by runners, according to an independent study by “The Biomechanics Lab” in South Australia. Especially in terms of comfort, this model scores particularly well. The reason for this is probably the new PureGEL technology, which is said to be significantly softer than previous GEL technologies. It is invisibly placed in the midsole. The PureGEL absorbs the impact forces with every step and, together with the FF BLAST PLUS ECO damping, ensures the most comfortable running experience to date.

For a behind-the-scenes look and more information about the history and unique technology of the GEL-NIMBUS 23 model, watch this video:

ASICS Tennis: Alex de Minaur & Novak Djokovic

The brand is especially popular in the tennis field and has equipped many famous tennis players with its products. Find out more about the partnerships with top tennis players Alex de Minaur and Novak Djokovic – what the professional athletes think of ASICS products and which models they prefer to wear.

Nothing feels better: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic is one of the most successful tennis players of all time and has been a brand ambassador for ASICS for many years. In close cooperation with the tennis player, ASICS has developed the “Court FF” shoe, which is specially tailored to Djokovic’s needs on the tennis court. Why this model is the perfect support on the tennis court for the pro and now also for many other tennis pros worldwide, you can find out in this video from Novak himself:

Nothing feels better: Alex de Minaur

Alex de Minaur is an up-and-coming tennis player who has attracted attention in recent years with his impressive playing style. As an ASICS brand ambassador, de Minaur has worked closely with the company to find the perfect footwear choice for his needs on the tennis court. In the “Nothing Feels Better” campaign, de Minaur gives a glimpse into his “Footwear of Choice” for the 2023 playing season.

ASICS Sustainability: Sustainability and Right to Play

ASICS is not only a well-known manufacturer of sportswear and equipment, but is also committed to sustainability and social engagement. In cooperation with the non-profit organization “Right to Play”, the brand is committed to supporting socially disadvantaged children through sports and exercise. The brand promotes projects in the areas of safety, education and empowerment, mainly in countries in East Africa such as Burundi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGL3XvnMV2Y

Commercials: Important themes & emotional images

Adidas convinces again and again with expressive commercials and makes statements on relevant topics such as body positivity or diversity. The brand has recognized that every person is unique and has made it its business to reflect this in its advertising campaigns. From collaborations with celebrities like Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams to their latest campaigns that celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of each person.

Here’s a powerful spot on the theme of “Nothing is impossible.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fujboh-W7Sk

The Corona pandemic was also taken up by the brand. Powerful dialogs and emotional images are used here to stimulate a sense of community and the anticipation of soon being able to celebrate sport together again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwk5PdpTxSU

DAME TIME: The Damian Lillard Story

Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard is an American basketball player who plays the position of point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. Adidas has produced a YouTube mini-series about the basketball star, which shows exciting insights from his life. Here you can watch the first two chapters:

Story of Change: The end of plastic pollution

In today’s world, sustainability has become an increasingly important issue, especially in the fashion industry. Adidas recognizes that using polluting materials and manufacturing products at the expense of the environment is no longer acceptable. In this video series, Adidas shows its sustainable side – here, the brand adresses the extent of global plastic pollution and various projects to address it. Watch the first two episodes here:

The meaning of luxury

When people think of the word ‘luxury’, an image of superfluous, expensive goods and services often comes to mind. For a long time, luxury was considered the ultimate sign of prosperity and a high standard of living. After all, luxury has often had an exclusive reputation in the past. For example, expensive cars, extravagant restaurants and prestigious fashion brands are still considered a sign of prosperity today. Whether it’s a Breitling watch, designer jeans or your first condominium – for many, luxury is what you don’t take for granted.

Not always a material good

Yet this does not always have to be a material good. In fact, luxury can also consist of immaterial things. A relaxing vacation, a nice experience in the morning or simply spending time with friends and family can definitely be perceived as luxurious without the need for a material background. Luxury is often about the feeling of exclusivity and specialness, regardless of whether it is a material good or not.

Differences depending on the country

The definition of luxury also varies from country to country. While in some cultures luxury is associated with swanky cars and expensive designer handbags, in other countries a simple lifestyle focused on sustainability and modesty is perceived as luxurious.

Country-specific preferences are therefore clearly discernible. In German-, Italian-, English- and Japanese-speaking countries, time spent with friends and family is seen as small luxury moments in everyday life. In Spain, the feeling of luxury is associated with expressing oneself visually and dressing as one pleases, and for the French, the word luxury brings to mind a tasty meal and a lovely wine.

This means luxury in the different countries:

• Germany, Italy & Co: Time with friends & family
• Spain: Self-expression and freedom
• France: Tasty food

A definition in flux

What is luxury and what is not depends to a large extent on cultural, historical and economic factors. At the same time, the perspective on luxury is currently changing. A new standard is taking hold, characterized by a modest yet comfortable lifestyle.

So in today’s society, the importance of intangible luxuries is increasing. Many people value a healthy lifestyle, sustainability and spiritual fulfillment. So a relaxing weekend in nature, a yoga session or a good book can be perceived as luxurious experiences.

Even the little things in life count

Luxury can also mean taking time and leisure for the little things in life and being happy about them. This is not necessarily about material things, but rather about focusing your attention on the things in life that are really important. It can be about taking time to spend with those close to you, focusing on your hobbies and interests, or simply being out in nature. For many people, this is a form of luxury that is priceless and gives them more joy and satisfaction in life.

What does luxury mean to you?

Luxury is therefore a subjective concept and differs from person to person. While for some, material possessions and the associated quality of life embody the concept of luxury, for others, the focus is on enjoying the little things in life. It’s about a holistic approach where luxury also means driving positive change. In this way, consuming luxury not only means adding personal value, but also benefits the planet and people. So what does luxury mean to you?

#RethinkFashion at the AYFW in Milan

Even with sustainable products, you can develop clothes that stand out. Perwoll definitely cannot complain about too little color.

The show:

The penultimate show of an eventful week is Hoermanseder x About You.

Vlog: #RethinkFashion by Perwoll

Behind the scenes @ FIV YouTube.

Perwoll: Slow Fashion

Perwoll is a brand for mild detergents that wants to use Slow Fashion to promote sustainable consumption of clothing. For this year’s About You Fashion Week, they collaborated with fashion and design students to design brand new styles from second-hand clothing. With their #RethinkFashion collection, they want to make one statement: it doesn’t always have to be new. It is a call for more conscious fashion consumption and focuses on the longevity of clothing.

Celebrities on the Black Carpet

Soulin Omar.

photo: ABOUT YOU

Jannik Schümann.

photo: ABOUT YOU

Karolina Pielesiak.

photo: ABOUT YOU

Looks from the runway

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

photo: ABOUT YOU

ABOUT YOU Fashion Week Milan

Alongside Paris, London and New York, Fashion Week in Milan is the place to be when it comes to fashion and haute couture. Now there is a new player, About You with a first-class line-up and its own ABOUT YOU Fashion Week. In a few days it starts and we are there for you live, at all the shows. adidas by Stella McCartney, RÆRE by Lorena Rae, LENI KLUM x ABOUT YOU, the Guido Maria Kretschmer Collection and LeGer by Lena Gercke…. Milan, are you ready?

• ABOUT YOU Fashion Week Milan

When to retrofit a solar system and when not to?

The most important answer first: Retrofitting a solar system to existing buildings is possible at any time. Even if the effort for the realization seems to be very high, photovoltaic retrofitting has become a standard procedure that solar experts deal with on a daily basis. The actual procedure works, as far as planning and installation are concerned, in a similar way as for a new building.

The decisive factor for retrofitting a solar system is the possible electricity yield. The retrofit is only worthwhile if the installed system receives sufficient sunlight over the course of the year. The basis for such a consideration is a demand calculation. This takes into account the previous electricity consumption in kilowatt hours and serves to determine how large the photovoltaic system on the roof must be dimensioned.

If the building roof is shaded for large parts of the day due to an unfavorable location between buildings or trees, retrofitting a PV system is not worthwhile. This also applies if the roof surfaces are unfavorably oriented or too steep. Since slope and orientation are locally very individual, the analysis of a solar professional is essential. However, the following information can provide initial indications.

Retrofit criteria

Here are the criteria for when you can retrofit your roof with a solar system without any problems, in brief:

• Feasible with standard procedures by experts
• Works similar to new construction
• Worthwhile when there is enough sunlight
• Carry out requirements calculation

What requirements should my roof have?

A roof area that is as large as possible and faces south is ideal for retrofitting a PV system. However, roofs with an east-west orientation also have the potential to produce large amounts of electricity. However, solar experts like EWE-Solar can also plan systems in such a way that an effective power supply is possible through simultaneous occupancy in east-west as well as north orientation.

If possible, the roof surfaces should not be shaded or should not be exposed to shade for as much of the day as possible. An ideal electricity yield during the course of the day can be achieved with roofs that have an inclination between approx. 30 and 40 degrees.

Requirements of my roof

What should my roof optimally bring?

• Large roof area
• Optimal: orientation to the south
• All right: east-west orientation
• No shading
• Inclination between 30 and 40 degrees

What do I always have to consider when retrofitting?

Retrofitting a solar system is an investment that will only pay off in the medium or long term. Accordingly, it is important that you rely on solid financing for the project. It takes several years until the point is reached where the saved energy costs exceed the investment sum including interest. When it comes to retrofitting a PV system, false economy is also out of place. Do not make the mistake of planning too tightly and without reserves. A slightly larger sized system is always the better option. It ensures that the supply is covered even if the energy demand increases in the future.

What if you decide to buy a sauna or an electric vehicle? If the system is too small, you would once again be dependent on mains electricity. The same applies to making the most of low solar radiation, e.g. in autumn and winter. The larger the system, the more energy it can generate even in poor conditions.

Tip: Installing a home storage system (home battery) makes it possible to store electrical energy that is currently being generated but not consumed. This is then available, for example, at night or on dark days.

More tips for retrofitting solar systems

1. mounting system: Each roof and each location offer different conditions for the roof installation. Accordingly, ask your installer for advice on the ideal mounting system. This should be adapted to the weather and weather conditions (wind and snow load).

2. caution: scaffolding is required: solar systems are usually installed at heights of more than 1.5 meters above ground level. Please note that the law requires the erection of scaffolding in this case.

3. timing: You can certainly have a PV system retrofitted at any time. However, since the area around the house is at least temporarily transformed into a construction site, the ideal time is when the roof is due for renovation anyway. This way, the solar installer can also use the standing scaffolding.

4. use additional space: The solar modules do not necessarily all have to be mounted on the roof. If there is not enough space for the desired dimensions, additional solar modules can also be installed on garages, canopies, etc.

5. compare offers: Retrofitting a PV system is a very individual matter. Accordingly, it is advisable to seek advice from several specialist companies and to submit an offer. Often, not only the prices differ, but also the individual solutions.

Conclusion: Is retrofitting solar systems worth it?

Retrofitting a PV system is easily possible on most roofs. Even in the case of shading or unfavorable roof orientations, PV experts can make the most of the situation. This means that nothing stands in the way of the dream of low-cost electricity from one’s own roof, even for owners of existing properties. But that’s not all: depending on the type and dimensions of the PV system, attractive subsidies are available.