THE WORLD OF MARTINA MUELLER CALLISTI

In January 2007, Martina Mueller launched her own label CALLISTI and in the very same year, she opened her first store in Vienna. The designer focuses on Prêt-à-porter / Ready to Wear Collections and supplemented her label in 2009  with her first Couture Line, the “Luxury Couture Line”.

In this exclusive interview she gives an insight  into her fashionable world.

When or what was it that awakened the desire in you to start a career as a fashion designer? Could you please describe your own career path in few sentences?

I have arrived enthusiastically on the fashion and design scene after several years. I started creating and sewing at the age of 13 for friends and family. At 19 years old, I presented my first collection successfully in an avant-garde fashion store in the Viennese 1 District.  At 23 years old, at the end of my university studies as a graphic designer, I went to Miami and New York, where I derived the influences for my upcoming collections.

How do you get your inspirations?

My inspirations came from the diversity of the people, the Broadway theaters and the art and architecture. The elegance and simplicity of the architectural landscape, glamorized by mirrored glass and classical lines, with elegant, ornate details is depicted in all my work.

How do you develop your collections? Do you have a vision or a philosophy?

In January 2006, I launched my label CALLISTI and opened up my first store in Vienna. I am the designer, creative director, the heart and the brain behind CALLISTI. I am one of the very rare and lucky people that can say from the bottom of my heart: “I love my job.. I love what I do!” My hobby became my profession and I say “THANK YOU” to the universe and god every day to have had the chance to do so…

Designing fashion… being creative & productive is the best fulfillment I can imagine… this is what makes me feel free… and that I love the most.

How would you prefer to be recognized or seen by others? 

I read this about myself once in a magazine: “Martina Mueller Callisti`s unique sense of aesthetics has already earned her a distinguished place in the fashion business nationwide and everything she produces reflects her exclusive approach to elegance. She has a deep understanding of a woman’s form and shape and there is a huge amount of integrity in her work. The ambition behind CALLISTI is to evolve and develop the distinctive design universe reflecting Ms. Muellers unique style.”

How would you describe your personal fashion style? Any personal favorite designers?

My personal style is chic, stylish, cool, sexy.

Which other labels or designers inspires me most? I adore Lanvin for his feminine, stylish but classy dresses… Rick Owens for his really cool, futuristic, edgy style which  is still kind of sexy… Elie Saab for his amazing and absolutely stunning evening gowns. 

You have lived in Vienna, New York and Miami. Which is your most preferred city and why?

The most inspiring city and the place to be definitely is New York. I go there as often as I can… which is less often than I’d like… this city is something else and totally unique…

The best place to go for some quiet time is Santorini… the most beautiful spot in the world… unique small Greek island where I once found the name for my fashion label CALLISTI.

Thank you to Martina Mueller Callisti.

For more informations, feel free to discover CALLISTI’s homepage :

http://www.callisti.at/

Images by Wolf Steiner for Martina Mueller Callisti & by Martina Mueller CALLISTI

INTERVIEW WITH AMIR DOR TOLOUEE

       

Amir, you are born in Tehran, Iran. You moved with you family in 1986 to Dubai and you have travelled the world as an international model. What are your favorite places in the world and why? Has this time influenced you?

I would like to start with a big hello and a special thank to you dear Nadine for giving me the pleasure of being interviewed by your magazine.

Back to your first question, well … whether it was modeling, studying, work or simply holiday trips… I have always loved traveling and it is really hard to pin point few favorite places … through the years I have had a chance to know & get acquainted with people of almost all nationalities. Every city & every person whether good or bad have a little something new which they add to our personal story book to make us more wise ,enlightened and complete.

As an international model for more than a decade you have worked with most prestigious designers and brands in the world. How did you start your Modeling carrier?

I was 17 when offered my first modeling job for a newspaper advert and there after I signed up with very few existing agents in Dubai and my modeling carrier picked up from local fashion shows & TV commercials gradually to international catwalks & big assignments.

I am the first Iranian male model ( both parents being Iranian) who entered the international fashion & catwalk scene back in early 90’s.

 

Modeling is very tough industry, especially since back in then there was no digital photography & websites for you to reach agencies in 4 corners of the globe within minutes from the comfort of your personal PC and neither MySpace, Facebook & fan pages to get noticed or promote yourself as easy as it is happening  today… and of course we had no Photoshop magic … so to get work & make it as a successful model you had to be the real deal.

How would you describe your personal fashion style? What are your favorites brands and why? Do you have a preferred accessories or which fashion is essential for you?

When it comes to personal fashion style I never blindly follow the crowd or what are season’s trends.

The clothes you wear say a lot about your personality and you want to express yourself in a way that is true about you. As or my favorite brands? … Wow!!! 2 decades of fashion craze & too many to mention.

My favorite accessories would be watches. I have been buying & collecting luxury watches for many years now.

You are an architect, located with your own business company in Dubai, responsible for over 150 diverse projects in the last 14 years like Residential/Commercial & Luxury Villas, Steel Structure Buildings, Warehouses and Interior Decoration for Private Villas, Offices, Hotels & Restaurants.

Dubai is known for its many spectacular construction projects such as skyscrapers, shopping malls, artificial islands and theme parks and for many people in the still the symbol as the modern fairy tale of 1001 nights.

How have you experienced the development in the last 10 -15 years in Dubai? And how do you get your inspiration and ideas for your own business projects / for your client’s needs ?

It has been a design paradise for Architects & interior designers. Driving through the main roads you can see amazing buildings which are each unique if standing alone but since there are too many … well we who live here are used to it.

Since my father was a civil engineer & my sister later on joined us as an interior architect/designer … it was perfect match for a family business. Luckily in Dubai unlike many other cities we have plenty of space as far as designing and ideas are concern. Bigger rooms, bigger houses, bigger roads …. Well bigger & taller everything!

In the past 7 years I have been less involved in architectural part of my company and more in Expansion, Directing & closing the contract deals with clients.

As an architect, what do you think about the world, the palms, the Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa?

The projects you mentioned are all amazing record breaking landmarks … which are all the superb visionaries of HH sheikh Mohammed Al maktoum who managed to get Dubai’s name on the world map within the space of 15 years. Outstanding architecture made a significant contribution to that development.

How would you describe the lifestyle in Dubai and how you prefer to spend an evening during the weekend? Any special spots in the town? Why people are so are fascinated by Dubai and the UAE?

Over the past 25 plus years I have seen Dubai changing From a peaceful simple & quite town where everyone knew everyone , into a fast moving competitive ,glittering metropolis full of utopias ...so fast growing that its is hard to keep up with name & list of new places ,hotels, clubs & restaurants .

I am one of the well known old timers in Dubai & have done, tried everything  this city had to offer hundred times over so now a days personally I prefer mostly to have a nice relaxing evenings with only those few close to me … but in general Dubai always offers the best of daytime activities and a super nightlife full of beautiful people & places, incase you feel like having more than just a relaxing evening!!!

Any special spots … ? Honestly there are too many to mention.

As you have mentioned … there’s a fascination with this town & especially over the last decade I have seen people from all over the world either move or planning  to somehow make it here if possible.

Although this is a city for many dreams to come through … I must warn you! It is not all 1001 night fairy tales which many imagine it to be. Dubai is a melting pot of 85% expat population which includes educated & non educated business professionals from every country & race …. All here for one purpose and that is to make money. So while visiting or staying for few weeks might feel like a fairy tale … living & making it out here requires hard work & being really good at what you do in order to stay ahead. This is a city designed for winners only and without work people won’t last more than few months in here.   

Dubai is bidding to host the EXPO in 2020 under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, for a period of six month, what would attract a lot of visitors. Besides this, where do you see Dubai in the following years or where would you like seen Dubai recognized for in the next years?

Dubai is still a new city & it is going through many fazes of transformation & challenges … today it thrives with the fastest growing population of expatriates!

As for its future? With the foremost infrastructure, oil, world-class constructions, one of world’s biggest sea port, tourism, lowest rate of crime & most importantly the financial benefits for businesses… I think it’ll just get better.

What are your favorite cars or yachts and why? Do you make race ralley’s in the desert?

My favorite car right now is the new Aston martin vanquish 2013 which is absolutely gorgeous inside & outside. When it comes to sport cars I like cars that you can drive them wearing either casual or a tuxedo and still look good I them. Aston, jaguar and Bentley GT would fit the list.

I  have a limited edition sport jag xkr which I drive sometimes during weekends … but with ever increasing traffic & hyper drivers all over town I prefer mostly the back seat comfort & quite of my other car.

As for desert ralleys ? Ha ha … I am not really in to that!! Maybe if I was 18.

You are a Certified International Boxing Instructor ( AIBA- Golden gloves ) Have you won discipline by boxing? What do you like about this sport? any sports besides?

Boxing is in my blood line & part of me .My father Mr. Iraj Dor Tolouee is a former world, Asian ,national boxing champion & founder of sport in U.A.E. I learned boxing from a young age & it has greatly influenced or shaped my character & strong personality in life outside the GYM.

I did competitions many years back but to become a full time fighter … it required certain disciplines, strict life style & full time dedication which back then did not match the lifestyle which naturally came with my modeling ,studding & business carrier, therefore I concentrated more on becoming a good instructor with international qualifications teaching hundreds of students over past years . 

To box does not necessarily mean stepping between the ropes and dodging punches from an angry opponent trying to knock your head off.

Boxing can simply be a means of getting yourself into great shape, learning effective self-defense for personal safety & the world outside the ring ,to release tension and stress ... especially after a long busy day. To develops focus ,balance and concentration. The sport allows you to be aware of your positive qualities and abilities, as well as recognizing your faults, mistakes and shortcomings .

I do enjoy other forms of martial arts, have a brown belt in kempo, love swimming, shooting, golf, tennis.

What means personality for you?

Personality is a sum total of all the different ways in which a person reacts and interacts with others. When I meet someone for the first time within first 10 minutes…it is their personality which determines whether I want to meet this person again or not. It is an assumed role or manner of behavior, Charisma, or qualities that make a us stand out from the crowd.

What goals and dreams you have set for yourself for the future?

Interesting question … you know ,if you would have asked me the same 10 or 15 years ago my answer would have been quite different … more recognition, more success, more money no matter what !!!  But as I went through some of that my priorities began to change. I have grown wiser & now appreciate what’s really important in life. I would say my goals are now set on first health, love, peace & happiness no matter what. As long as I have these in my future … the rest should be fine.

What does ‘beautiful’ mean to you and could you leave us with your own personal quote reflecting how you feel about it?

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. To me, someone with certain features, who's confident, self-assured, pure and kind could be described beautiful. When it comes to people …Beauty is either about the obvious physical attributes that are pleasing or the inner appearance of a person. Their soul, kindness, beliefs, feelings, attitudes, etc.

Thank you dear Amir for taking time for this fantastic interview. It is more than a pleasure for me.

(PS: This interview was taken in June 2013 and I've made this while working as a Co-founder of an e-magazine. All I have written is my work, my preparation for it and it is my fully right to post it.)

SINGER JAY KHAN OPENS HIS OWN RESTAURANT “PADRE E FIGLIO” in BERLIN

The talented singer and songwriter Jay Khan opens his own italian restaurant “Padre E Figlio”in Berlin and therefore enriched the capital of Germany with a culinary insider tip. As the italian name already suggests, it is family-owned by father and son.

Khan was born as the eldest of three children of a Pakiani cuisninier and a Briton. When he was six years old, his parents moved to Germany – Berlin, where he grew up in his childhood. In the age of 16 he started to work with the record company Triple-M as a songwriter, below others for the group Overground. Their album reached platinum status in Germany. The own musical breakthrough for Khan came in 2005, when the music producer Lou Pearlman founded the multinational band US5 . Within the band Khan acted as a singer, also as a producer and again as a songwriter and was jointly responsible for the good chart positions.

Currently, Khan is music label producer (Nexxus Music) and is gaining successfully attention with his new band “Großstadtfreunde”. The band has quite recently won the award for the Newcomer of the Year at the lately conferred EMMAwards. The authentic lyrics are in german, profound and touch the soul while the melodies play into the heart.

Above all Khan proves one thing – what you wish to achieve is possible. In order to make dreams and goals come true, it requires imagination, strong-mindness, heart and soul.

Khan himself says modest and down to earth: “I have worked the last 3 1/2 months every day obsessively – making a small lifelong dream to my family and me come true. Today I open my first restaurant quietly and gently! The official opening will take place in a few weeks. We have already opened and I am delighted to welcome you, to celebrate together the great result. There are some great people involved in this project and every individual has invested a lot of blood, sweat and tears.”

 The restaurant is very tastefully decorated and reveals great attention to details and spreads simultaneously a lot of warmth. The atmosphere is very familiar by the friendly staff and the food is a true culinary delight with its fresh ingredients and thoughtfully chosen dishes. Of course, these are delicious prepared by Khan’s father himself.

Khan expresses his appreciation to the father directly by the following quote, which  has been carefully selected by him and which is to be found at the first page of the restaurant’s menu map – with the following photography :

“The father’s ability is the best teacher of his son.”~ Democritus ~ 

What a beautiful and meaningful gesture from a son to a father. Parents always accompany their children unconditionally through life. Pleasant it is, if children at one point in their lives are able to return this with full of gratitude.

The “Padre e Figlio” in Berlin almost invites to create with friends and family new and beautiful memories in a comfortable atmosphere.  Integrated in the premises is also  a bar, which invites you to linger with excellent drinks. The restaurant is located in the Uhlandstrasse, not far from the Kurfürstendamm in Berlin-Charlottenburg. It is open for its guest everyday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am.

I wishJay Khan, father and family a lot of success!

Curious about what Khan will surprise us in the future even more.

copyright pictures: Jay Khan / Großstadtfreunde

THE HORSE WHISPERER WITH THE CAMERA

“The Raw Horse” is an hymn to the relationship between horses and human beings. Horses are representing for the photographer pure beauty, peace and freedom. The Raw Horse is a series of fine prints as limited editions, photographic objects and sculptures – for galleries and collectors.

Sebastiano Vitale, who is responsible for the concept of this fantastic project, is working for the past 15 years in the field of art,  mass communication and visual journalism.

The exclusive interview gives an insight  into his world.

- When have you been the first time in touch with horses? 

In Sardinia, Italy. I was 12 years old and the little village, where my family used to go, was almost desert.  A few horses ran around wildly in an open field. It has been quite an incredible feeling.

- Have you always been fascinated by horses?

Since childhood I feel great love for animals – they are simple, beautiful and they don’t have hidden agendas. I always felt a kind of inferiority complex for the simple and perfect life of those animals who are lucky enough to live freely and not being hurt by humans. Grown up with this feeling, it led to great respect and The Raw Horse project gave me the opportunity to translate this respect into art.

- Do you ride?

Yes, but I am terrible … I am far away from being a good rider. I use to take picture while riding and last time I used to do this, I fell down during the galopp.

- what do you love about horses?

I love their beauty, their way to be simply out of problems like money, stress, taxes, duties. They are just there – ready to eat, to run or to sleep. It may sounds a little bit odd …  But I envy them a lot. For me they are beautiful, elegant, pure. From a visual point of view you couldn’t invent anything more beautiful, besides women, few men, tigers, lions and some other animals that are elegant and magnetic in their proportions and behaviors.

- When was the first time you’ve had a camera in your hand?

I work with video and audiovisual art since the  late 90′s – from radical experiments to documentaries and TV productions. But I never shot a single photo until 3 years ago, when I’ve been contacted by XL, a major italian magazine, for an article about a bizarre tour in Buenos Aires. Friends gave me a nice camera and the story took its course.  Since that I’ve published endlessly for 3 years for magazines in Italy, UK, Russia, Switzerland. I’ve started to feel a little bit uncomfortable from a visual point of view. Working as photojournalist is amazing, but you have visual restrictions and you can’t avoid some shots that are maybe not that interesting. You have also to tell stories, so you can’t work freely with metaphors or abstractions.

I’ve decided for myself to move from journalism to pure art, focusing with 100% on The Raw Horse project. What I’ve kept from photojournalism is to enjoy reality. I’ve recognized that I’m not a photographer who doesn’t prefer working day by day in the studio . I work hard to find particular situations, anywhere, of any kind, following the instinct and the flow. I’ve immersed into my own project  and it is quite hypnotic. I can’t think about anything else while shooting. After getting some good shots I’ve got exhausted, regardless if I’ve had 10 minutes or 8 hours shooting time. Only wrong situations or bad shots give me a serious frustration and I guess those are common diseases in photojournalism. Sometimes you work hard to get to a weird place and then you discover it was completely useless or totally different from what you’ve expected.

- what do you think about photography? 

Photography is for me personal like painting with reality. Photography is like literature, cinema, music – they are same bridges to connect you with something else and getting lost for a while. My approach is getting inside the thematic and don’t give up until you have reached your goal. Sometimes you spend a year finding the right place, but need only few minutes to shoot. You find the subject, you play with it, teasing each other, translate this in an image, feeling free to get rough and not respecting the rules. I don’t care a lot about technique, I like movement, sometimes photos are simply stupid, especially the thousands of photo we see on facebook – from yesterday’s dinner to holidays. Quite often people are frozen in an unnatural, stupid and meaningless position. Movement gives you the opportunity to transform any kind of moment into a beautiful story.

Horses move, they are free, they are the essence of freedom … and freedom is life, what is movement again. I like to use photography to express what has happened before and what will happen after the shot – in this fact it is possible to jump inside a story for a second or an hour. I like treat a photo more like a painting and I use movement also to create some interesting textures. I never took photos without having a project in mind. I always felt that there are too many photos, so you have to be very careful about what you do if you have respect for your eye and for your profession. There are millions of new photos shot everyday. It is hard to do something that could arise from this ocean of images.

- Goals you have set for yourself in the next years ?

Follow this project, follow the flow and work on new projects. I began a preliminary visual study for a project which is extremely different from The Raw Horse, but it’s not yet ripe.
I’m pretty sure that I will work on The Raw Horse for years – the equine world is too huge and too fascinating.

- What else is to say about you?

I love this planet and its stories – life is fun. I’m open to life, I love to switch from context to context.

May a meaningful remembrance and it may sounds unreal, but while I’ve helped a nigerian footballer years ago, I’ve become the football agent of 4 guys. I don’t understand football, but I can’t stop following the stream of adventures.

- Plans for the future?

I hope to have in front of me 50 years of random future.

Thank you to Sebastiano Vitale for taking time for this interview.

For more informations, feel free to discover Vitale’s homepage :

http://therawhorse.com/

All rights of the pictures are by : Sebastiano Vitale / “The Raw Horse”