Allude Around the World: Interview with Elke-Cecilia Riehl from Lodenfrey
If there is a department store - no, a shopping world! – who know and love Ur-Münchner, Zuagroasde as well as tourists, then probably Lodenfrey . Since 1842, the fashion house has captivated with traditional charm, a feel for the present and first-class service. In addition to classic traditional costumes, you will also find cool runway outfits from brands from all over the world. As a luxury label with Munich roots, Allude should of course not be missing from this range, for which Elke-Cecilia Riehl is responsible, among others. In this interview, Lodenfrey's chief buyer tells us what keeps her busy when she's not looking for new fashion hits.
How would you describe the typical Lodenfrey customer?
We don't have typical customers because we have a very high proportion of regular customers. These customers are very quality and fashion conscious and have very close ties to our company. They often came to our house with their parents as children and are now continuing this tradition with their own children. On the other hand, we have a large number of international guests from all over the world who are also fashion-conscious and have very high service standards.
A fashion trend that is absolutely HOT in Munich right now?
Munich has never been so colourful.
What do you appreciate most about Allude?
I like the timeless elegance that keeps reinventing itself. But also the durability, the basics that never go out of fashion, which nevertheless never appear stuffy, but inspire again and again.
The best thing about your job?
What I like about my job is that I can share our common Lodenfrey vision with my buyers, develop it further and decide each season which ranges, events and pop-ups we curate especially for our customers.
First thing you do in the morning?
Meditation, coffee, porridge, language course.
The most exciting fashion trends at the moment?
The combination of many patterns and cheerful colors.
How would you describe your own look?
Clean chic .
You only have five minutes to get ready. What do you choose?
Black wide pants, turtleneck, tuxedo blazer, sneakers.
How did you find out about Allude?
As a college student, I fell in love with a V-neck cashmere sweater. Unfortunately I couldn't really afford it at the time. But after working during the semester break, my first trip was to the boutique!
Your definition of happiness?
For me, joy is … waking up healthy in the morning … having a job that I enjoy and that makes me happy … being surrounded by people who enrich my life.
A piece of clothing you can't live without?
A black cashmere turtleneck.
The funniest experience of your career so far?
I once met Donna Karan in an airport lounge and she told me she liked my style. I wore DKNY.
Online or offline: how do you prefer to shop?
Gladly both.
A place in Germany that you love or really want to visit?
I love the Outer Alster in Hamburg.