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Author: Margit Rüdiger

CultureAndCream Author from Munich To travel during my profession as a beauty journalist was never enough for my. Also my six month on a world trip didn't do it. It always attracts me to other cities, foreign countries, on roadtrips and places I don't know yet. But I am not only interested in "culture" and "cream", I am also fascinated by people who have stories to tell .  Such unique experiences I want to share with you.

Riccardo Simonetti between Glitter and Glamour

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A cool guy sporting a lustrous head of hair, make up and quirky accessories For seven years Riccardo Simonetti has been working as influencer. Running his own blog The Fabulous Life of  Ricci, and with 143.200 followers on Instagram (@riccardosimonetti) under his belt, he is one of most successful on the scene. He wears leo, satin and sequin, and will occasionally don a crown. He also wears make up. In this, Riccardo Simonetti is not alone: more and more men shop for make up. MAC Pro Artist Linie counts 34 percent male customers. They not only buy skincare but also eye-, brow-, and complexion-decoration, the trend echoing across all age groups and genders. And then there are the young aficionados using make up as statement, shopping for more decorative products than many women, in order to present themselves on Instagram. The industry has long reacted. Already in 2016, the US brand CoverGirl elected teenage blogger James Charles as model for their „So Lashy“-campaign. For a shooting, Georgie Greville, Creative Director at Milk Makeup, called model and actor Luka Sabbat to stand in front of the camera, and made him experiment with blue eyeshadow pigments and covercream. Riccardo Simonetti typifies this new target group. He is zeitgeist – he is courageous, adventurous and open-minded. In our interview he explains the phenomenon, how he deals with it personally and business-wise, and how people react to his glamour-look. What is the reason that we see this new trend towards men wearing make up specifically on Instagram? The anonymity of the Internet provides a safety-zone that inspires many to try out new things – things they would not have the courage to do in their normal daily routine. Here, the Internet is a perfect platform because it erects a protective wall – as opposed to you being out in the open and on the street. The feedback that comes in via comments and likes validates many to the extent that they develop a career around it and actually live it out in the open. I think that it was that sort of key to experience this freedom that is still very unconventional especially for men. What does your freedom consist in? I can be myself without compromise and without having to justify myself. This is something that has accompanied me throughout my life. I grew up in rural Bad Reichenhall, and already as a boy I was interested in fashion and made unconventional public appearances.… weiterlesen

South Tyrol Teaches You the Art of Slowness

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How a new nature retreat celebrates „Moments of Calm“ South Tyrol (in Italian: Alto Adige) stands for Mediterranean joie de vivre, good wine, fantastic landscapes and an idyllic mountain atmosphere. We won‘t mention here that the northern and southern parts of Italy are not always in full agreement . Fact is that the South Tyroleans speak a charming regional dialect of the German language rather than Italian.. More precisely, there are over 40 different variants of the dialect. German is the mother tongue of over 62 percent of the inhabitants, 23 percent speak Italian and four percent converse in the special language Ladin (mainly in the area of the Dolomites mountain range). An Oasis of Light and Tranquility As of May 2017, the Alto Adige has added yet another jewel to its crown: the Hotel Seehof Nature Retreat (4 Stars) located in Natz, close to Brixen (Bressanone). Husband and wife Tamaris und Andreas Auer, hoteliers from childhood, run it with the motto „Moments of Calm“. The hotel was inherited from the parents and has been completely rebuilt, blossoming into a true gem indeed. Alpine down-to-earth-ness and the easy-going mediterranean approach join hands.Picture perfect, the modern building itself has the air of a landscape. Once you enter the nature retreat, you feel transported into another dimension where there is no space for the stress and bustle of everyday life. Bearing a Famous Signature Working out of their architectural practice „Noa“ in Bolzano, Stefan Rier and Lukas Rungger, are responsible for the design of the estate. They have studied under star-architect Matteo Thun, one of the most famous sons of the region and the resort. reflects Thun‘s clear, minimalistic style. There are light, airy rooms and suites, some of them with open bathrooms. You immediately feel compelled to open the patio doors in order to get even closer to the landscape, watching the play of the delicate curtains as they billow in the gentle breeze of the evening wind. Throughout the premises, earth- and stone-colors accented with hints of lavender and coppery tones can be found. The latter remind us of the pioneering spirit of the owner‘s grandfather, who had water pipes installed in 1958 to supply the plateau with running water for the first time. Relaxing Moments in the Spa The Yang of the architecture snuggles into the Yin of the landscape. Directly in front of the spacious terrace with its comfortable lounge sofas, the private natural lake extends just like a private water stage.… weiterlesen

New Yorker Insiders Reveal their Favorite Places. Part 2 – Nadine Sieger

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Nadine Sieger, US-Correspondent of Elle Magazine Germany Originally was planned that Nadine Sieger only completes an internship at the Burda Office NYC. It turned 15 years. What she loves espacially of New York is the endless potential of the city and their inhabitants. As the correspondent of the ELLE Magazine the German journalist is always up to date. She knows the best places, what trend is and where to go in town to meet the coolest people. C&C: What is your favorite place for dining out? Nadine Sieger: „Sant Ambroeus“ in SoHo – charming, cozy and chic Italian restaurant with the most delicious Cacio e Pepe, the most gorgeous interior and the nicest waiters. It’s also a great place to start the day in style with a perfect cappuccino! “Fornino“ in Dumbo – the best location in the summer is the rooftop restaurant Fornino, right by the Hudson River in Brooklyn. Enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty with a slice of brick oven pizza and glass of wine. Casual atmosphere in an absolutely spectacular setting. C&C: Where do you go for breakfast? Nadine Sieger: “De Maria” in SoHo – elevated, healthy and delicious food with a twist in a stylish atmosphere and a Scandinavian vibe. From the sun-filled, extremely well designed interior and earthy ceramics to the staff and the guests, everything here is inspiring. Be sure to order the yummy Fire Dragon Bowl! C&C: Where are served the best drinks? Nadine Sieger: No place in New York has more history, style and cachet than the bar at the former legendary „Four Seasons“ restaurant in the Seagram Building in Midtown. Under new ownership, it was recently renovated and reopened as „The Grill“. The original and beautifully designed midcentury modern interior by star architect Philip Johnson is still a true New York gem. Another breathtaking New York location is the lobby bar in the historic building of the Beekman“-Hotel at the south end of Manhattan. Cozy, elegant and a little nostalgic with a spectacular atrium. Perfect for a drink after a shopping tour through Santiago Calatrava’s new Oculus Shopping Mall and bargain-hunting at Century 21. C&C: Where do you like to go shopping? Nadine Sieger: At „The Apartment by The Line“ shopping is still a truly inspiring experience. The place is stunning and decorated like everyone’s dream loft in the heart of SoHo. Every single piece of the interior is for sale: from the “Susanne Kaufmann” beauty products in the bathroom to the “The Row” clothing in the closet to the KPM dishware in the kitchen.… weiterlesen

New York Insiders Reveal their Favorite Places. Part 1 – Robert Gerstner

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Robert Gerstner, Entrepreneur in the West Village At age 25, Robert Gerstner moved with his partner Karl Bradl from Munich, Germany to New York City. For over  20 years now, they run in the heart of Greenwich Village a destination store for fine fragrances and candles. „Aedes de Venustas“ is known as the mekka for perfume lovers, celebrities, socialites and fashion designers. Until today, the Village is Robert‘s preferred district in the Big Apple, unless he’s heading straight to the beach. C&C: Where do you like to go shopping? Robert Gerstner: Nowadays, I buy fashion mainly at Zara und Topmen. They sell more or less the same things as Dior used to. Karl and I used to be real Dior fashion addicts. We had the collection sent home and kept what we liked. The Rest went back to Dior. Zara now looks the same for a fraction of the price. But I always combine their clothes with good shoes of Dior, Louboutin, etc. What I never miss is the After Christmas Sale at Saks. They offer great bargains, sometimes 60 percent on already reduced goods. Even at Bergdorf Goodman you can make great bargains after Christmas.  A trendy multibrand shop is „Dover Street Market“ on Lexington Avenue. C&C:Where do you buy your grooming stuff? Robert Gerstner: Honestly I exclusively use products from our own shop. My favorite brands are Santa Maria Novella from Italy and Susanne Kaufmann from Austria. C&C: What is your favourite place for dining out? Robert Gerstner: Absolutely „Omar‘s“ here in the Village, a very European, private club. In their library, you can have a drink before you move over to the restaurant. The food is amazing. But a better reason for the visit are the interesting people you always meet there. The audience is international and very chic.  A true classic is „Indochine“ on Lafayette Street, a remnant of the good old times of „Studio 54“. The audience is sensational and the food of the finest. Occasionally we get a desire for Bavarian cuisine. Then we go to „Blaue Gans“ in Tribeca. The owner is Kurt Gutenbrunner, an Austrian from Walsee. He has all the specialities from Austria and Bavaria on the menue. I also like the „Cipriani“ on 59th. It is a very chic place with lots of illustrious people many celebrities amongst the guests. C&C: Where do you like to relax? Robert Gerstner: My home is my retreat.… weiterlesen

New York Insiders Reveal their Favorite Places – Part 3: Megan Marsanico-Byrne

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Megan Marsanico-Byrne, Director Global PR von Nars Cosmetics Her temperament owes she her Italian, Irish and German roots. Megan was born in Denver, Colorado and lived in Toronto, Canada briefly before the family moved to Brooklyn, New York when she was three. She has been with cosmetics brand Nars for 2.5 years and in her current role as Director, Global Public Relations for over a year. That‘s why Megan nows the city better than her purse. No wonder in there is always at least one product of Nars. C&C: What is your favourite place for dining out? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: I’m currently loving Le CouCou. We celebrated my fiancé’s birthday there and it was absolutely divine. I highly recommend getting there early and having a drink at their bar, which feels more like someone’s chic living room. C&C: Where are served the best drinks? Megan Marsanico-Byrne:I used to spend a lot of time in Tribeca, and you can always get a great cocktail at Weather Up. I love the long copper bar. The views at Westlight at the William Vale hotel can’t be beat. C&C: Where do you like to go shopping? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: If high-end consignment is your thing, I highly recommend visiting Consignment Brooklyn  in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn or their pop-up store on Orchard Street. I’ve never left this place without finding something fabulous. I often check their Instagram (@consignmentbrooklyn) to see what new goodies they have in stock. If you’re in the market for bespoke garments, I love Michael Andrews. It’s technically for menswear, but they can really do anything. It’s tucked behind a gated alleyway in the middle of Great Jones Street. C&C: Where do you buy your cosmetics? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: Even before I worked at Nars, I loved the brand. I used to sneak into my sister’s room before high school to use her Nars eyeshadows. Visiting the boutique at the 413 Bleecker Street is a must. It’s in the heart of the West Village and is warm and welcoming not to mention the Artists are incredibly talented. I discovered my all-time favorite lip there which is Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, but more recently I’m loving Annabella Audacious Lipstick. C&C: Which beauty addresses you can recommend otherwise? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: If you’re in the mood to splurge, I love La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa for a massage.  For facials, my go-to is Tami Lesser at Modrn Sanctuary.… weiterlesen