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Feature

In May

Entering the second year of Covid lockdowns. After 14 months, perhaps, the end of the tunnel is near. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” – Desmond Tutu. But, the uncertainty continues in every industry. Normally this time of year I’m in a work lull. Few events, not so much to cover because of the summer build up. Mens Fashion Weeks in June, Couture Week in Paris, summer film press junkets before the releases. A quick holiday, then the real work starts. September brings IFA, followed by London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Not this year. It looks like more virtual events. Can anyone say “YIPPEE” while Zooming? Over the past two days one event after another has been cancelled for 2021. Why? The pandemic, politics combined with ineptness. As the EU grudgingly admits, their vaccine policy roll out leaves a lot to be desired. Political short comings cross boarders.

Leadership + Hubris = Failed

Chancellor Angela Merkel only makes pronouncements with her signature statement“There is no other way” while grabbing more power to demonstraterelevance.For those of you who thought Germans learned their lesson about blindly following leaders without questions, WELL. This writer feels better knowing Germany does not have an offensive army. Are there any wonders why the left leaning political Green Party could make history in September?

The other EU Power leader, President Macron, nothing can choke a person harder than hubris, The Gallic leader has a lot of ego to pass around. As France faces more lockdown time, the natives have grown weary. Emmanuel Macron is fighting on two fronts. His outcomes are far from certain.

With the 2022 election campaign now in swing, a political earthquake could be likely. Marie La Penn closed the polling gap. Could the French Right Wing staple lead the country? It cannot be ruled out. 

Life was full of uncertainty in May 2020. What changed in 2021? 

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Fashion

A Fast Fashion Podcast

Before Tacky podcast talks about fast fashion. The panel breakdowns the reality. Do buyers really want to pay extra for eco fashion?

Click below to watch the show.

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Fashion

Before Tacky

Part 2 of the Before Tacky Podcast with Italian Fashion Designer Piero Cividini and co-host Irene Serra.

Click Below:

Listen to Irene Serra’s single below

My hat by Borsalino and Shirt by Van Laack from ThinkInc.

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Fashion

Alber Ebaz RIP

I loved Alber’s work at Lanvin. The 59 year old designer passed from Covid 19 after a three week struggle with the virus.

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Fashion

My Van Moof Day

Spring time arrived two weeks ago. Bicycle season season arrived in the city. This is the time of year I forgo the Metro to get around the city for my bike. I used a Van Moof tech bike for a day. What did I think? It is easy to fall in love with biking again. Stay Tuned for the full review.

Van Moof Bike at the Store

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Feature

On Floyd

One of the few times in my life when I have known an American police officer has been found guilty of a killing a man in the open. The George Floyd video shocked a nation and the world. Office Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck reminds all of the contempt law enforcement has for people of colour. And I thought Minneapolis was a liberal city.

This trail and verdict is a landmark. Facing up to 40 years for 3 counts, Chauvin will no doubt appeal the conviction. But today marked a victory. Accountability won the day. Every African American breathed a sigh of relief.

Mr. Floyd’s death was preventable, tragic.

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Fashion podcast

Before Tacky

Before Tacky Podcast, with co-host Irene Serra, talks to Piero Cividini about his approach to design and use of materials for his brand CIVIDINI.

Click Below to see the talk.

Please find Irene Serra’s single on Spotify.

Stay Tuned for the feature on Irene.

My Shirt by Van Laack, Hat by Borsalino.

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Travel

The Hilly Wine Country of Franconia

A staycation this Easter 21, a trip to Wine Country Germany. No tasting this year but we managed to get a picnic with some great landscape views.

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Fashion podcast

Before Tacky talks 959

I met Paolo Ferrari at a fashion trade show in Berlin. His sustainable bags made from reused seat belts struck me as chic. I have been a fan ever sense.

Check out our Before Tacky interview with the Italian handbag designer behind the 959 brand.

Paolo speaks about why and how he creates the brand’s collections.

Advertisement: My shirt, courtesy of Esemplare from ThinkInc Communications.

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Feature

Failure into Failure

The systemic failure of many European leaders is not glaring. Last year this time Chancellor Merkel with a her scientist background basked in the glow of keeping Germany safe during the initial stages of the Covid-19 outbreak. Whereas Donald Trump chose to deny, then bluster his way through the crisis. The German leaders calm path through looked to be the wining strategy. What a difference a year makes. 

Suddenly, the technocratic Merkel feels lost, out of touch with the desperate reality. The EU’s largest country is struggling to get a grip on the pandemic. Policies have gone off the rails, from the vaccine rollout, fail tracking apps, to never ending lock downs, Berlin’s plan is murky. As confidence in Germany’s weakening leader takes grip, the question now becomes what is next? Clearly, someone in charge needs to devise a new approach to the always shifting course of the pandemic.

Titanic

Remember the scene from James Cameron’s Titanic? The mighty passenger cruiser hit an iceberg, passenger and crew are in panic while the captain wonders about in a state of shock. Germany is not at this point, but the country cannot take being unsinkable for granted. With politicians giving endless deer in the headlight press conferences, the population is losing faith. Exasperated by the fact that after 12 months of lockdowns, nothing has changed, voters are turning on the CDU. The latest poll places the big tent conservative party only 2 points ahead of the Green party, at 25%.

I have to hand it to the 66 year old head of state, a master tactician to the end. A policy u-turn, an apology, TV appearance, what does she offer? Noting new, but repackaging the same old failed plans with new words. Even her most ardent supporters would have to start asking, “Is Angela Merkel up for the job?” After 16 years in office, a new way of thinking is needed, fast.

Meanwhile, German national elections happen in 6 months. It’s going to be a long summer.