The conference was - all in all - a disappointing enterprise. Most of you know how much I always looked forward for going to London and seeing colleagues, new collections and exciting new opportunities. But this time a variety of things happened that made me not enjoy the meeting and also aware of the fact that things have to change. Quickly. For me first and foremost and for the company as well. Criticism cannot always be deemed as 'negativity' and people need to realise that my (and my team's) critical attitude towards the brand should be seen as compassion... But there were nice moments as well. The usual store-check on Monday morning, the company dinners and of course this time that fabulous Champions League final. This was about compassion as well: watching this match with lots of English in restaurant in Soho!
The wedding. We're getting there... Lots and lots of things to think about and to plan ahead properly. The rings (whitegold or steel, design is signed off, now we're stuck with the material issue), the venue (found that as well, need to get back to them regarding their first - rather pricey - offer), invitations (will go out right after we've agreed on the venue) and hotels for the guests, churches, guestlists and so on and so on and so on! It's so much!
For all that copybookblotting during the second world war. Germany still produced cultural milestones as Kraftwerk, Goethe, Bavarian chic (see right) , and the Loveparade festival. By contrast, its Austrian neighbour has produced Hitler, The Sound of Music and a constant sinister undertow of anti-Semitism. The best you could really say is that it's "not Switzerland".