Interview with Sabine Kohler
By: 33 Avenue
If ever you’re in the beautiful region of Carinthia, Austria, and need some retail
therapy, you have to visit Sabine Kohler (link: http://www.sabinekohler.at) in
Villach. Not only can you endlessly chat with her about fashion and photography,
she has a beautiful boutique carrying designer brands where you could spend
hours in either trying on clothes and looking at her beautiful pictures.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in the countryside with horses and dogs. My parents also worked in
fashion and I loved it! I am also very lucky to have a fashion-loving farmer, my
partner. When I met him years ago, I was deeply impressed as I’ve never seen a
man with such a good wardrobe. We have a six-year-old son, two labradors and
live in a beautiful area in Carinthia.
We enjoy a high quality of life here. For example, I can run every morning in the
woods with my dogs and my fashion boutique is only a five-minute car ride. I’m
also a fanatic of organic products: fresh produce, I love to cook and do it
everyday, and cosmetics, which I often buy in Munich or London.
I love beautiful things and get inspiration from them. I also enjoy creating
something new, whether it’s moving houses, developing my personal minimalist
style or photographing. With my business, it’s a passion and it never feels like
work. Whenever it does, I strive for a new creative direction. For example,
establishing my boutique’s newsletter with my own photographs – it is a beautiful
combination.
You have your own successful boutique selling designer clothing, what
led you to open one? Have you always loved fashion?
I studied business and management in Innsbruck and landed a very good job in
bank. But it was not good for me; I gave it up after only a week! I then went
home, recomposed myself and convinced my father that I could manage our
family’s boutique all on my own. At that time, the store specialized in luxurious
and well-known Austrian Brands. They were not really what I’d tend to wear so I
revamped the shop. It worked!
10 years on, I created my boutique like it is today and I love it. I also work
together with the best person I can imagine doing this job. We are a great team.
How do you forecast what your clients would buy and wear? Do you
always need to stay on top of the trends?
For sure I need to stay on top of the industry but I think it is important to show
my clients what they are able to wear and how they could create their personal
style. Fashion is a lifestyle and being authentic in one’s own way, while
incorporating elements of fashion, is the way to do it. The desire for fashion
grows if there is a passion and an idea behind it. Everything has a story, which
gives a good feeling. Keeping these in mind, I tend not to dwell on what my
clients would like or need.
You often travel to visit the showrooms, what’s your typical travel outfit?
A dress from Kristensen du Nord, boots from Golden Goose a scarf from Faliero
Sarti – I have summer and winter versions; love it! – and sunglasses. I also carry
my camera, a Leica M9 in a puristic vintage black, and a cool handbag.
Sometimes I purchase a fashion item when travelling (from special places and
wearing them in important moments). I collect fashion like art and the pieces tell
me a story.
You live in southern Austria, in beautiful Carinthia, how would you define
the region’s fashion and style?
Maybe we should change this question a little bit. Carinthia is only an hour away
from the sea and a great place for raising my son. But living here also means
being near the best place for fashion and lifestyle – ITALY! It is the thing to do
and we are addicted to the Italian way of living and sense of style, while still
speaking German. We also often go to Italy to see fashion come alive, look at
furniture, have an espresso, eat really good food, and do whatever we like – I
love my Italian hairdresser!
Can you share with us some insider secrets on what to see and do in
Villach, for free? As a photography enthusiast (you even take the own
pictures for your boutique’s newsletter), what are the best places to
photograph in Carinthia?
The area of Carinthia lives from nature, the beautiful surrounding and really good
fresh air. You can find lots of great inspiration in the beautiful landscape with
lakes and mountains.
But sometimes (very often, actually) I need to visit other cities not only to be
inspired by the different atmosphere, movement, and street style, but also so as
not to miss a unique trend or visit a special exhibition.
As for photography, I personally take the pictures for my boutique’s newsletter. I
photograph the items I want to showcase in an atelier on the shop’s first floor,
which has great light and a few antique furniture pieces. As the space is also
primarily done in white it has a good atmosphere. In fact, I am going to prepare
a photography exhibition there – my own photos and personal selection for 2012.
Lastly, what tips can you give to those who’d want to set up their own
fashion boutique or work in the industry?
A combination of passion and business; some experience is helpful but take note,
it is not a job, it will be your life!
I would like to thank Sabine for this interview and hope you enjoyed reading
about her story. It’s really fantastic how she is able to combine her passion for
fashion and photography in her profession.
Until my next post … take care!
* Photos courtesy of Sabine Kohler