Empfohlen

Germany is a country of ideas - and many of these ideas come from people with a migration background. Statistically, their start-up rate is twice that of people without a migration background. But what motivates them to become entrepreneurs? And what challenges do they face?

“HOUSES WILL ALWAYS BE BUILT”

Three years ago, Constanze Boss would never have dreamed that she would one day become the HWK Düsseldorf's "Apprentice of the Month" - the 20-year-old actually wanted to go to university. She is now in her second year of training as a carpenter.

A LITTLE ISLAND OF DELIGHT

He has been consistently breathing new life into the Düsseldorf event scene - for the last 15 years, Marc Thiele has been connecting creative and tech-savvy people who want to think outside the box at his "beyond tellerrand" conference. He talks to VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst about how this unique format came about, how it has evolved over the years, how he balances it with his family life and where the journey is still heading.

WHY DÜSSELDORF –DENIZ SEN

Deniz Sen has been working for Stadtwerke Düsseldorf for 22 years. He started out in the accounting department and, after holding a number of positions and completing a postgraduate course, has now found his way to Employer Branding - where he can let his creativity run wild. In his spare time, the 41-year-old, who was born in Solingen, is a passionate collector of vinyl records and art objects, as well as boxing and football enthusiast.

Empfohlen

NOTHING IS WITHOUT LIGHT

We meet in the backyard in Friedrichstadt. This is where it all happens, where Mischa Kuball creates and lives. His works are archived here and stored in transport crates. The designs for his architectural light installations are created in a studio with metres of bookshelves. He switches on the predominantly white light, puts places, people and nature in the spotlight and aims to provide political and social impetus. The 65-year-old is a bundle of energy, someone who finds it hard to take no for an answer, a restless spirit who prefers to be on the move – physically and mentally.

SHAPING SOUNDSCAPES

Düsseldorf has a vibrant music scene that has much more to offer than electronic beats and legendary names. With festivals and events, music is also an important economic and tourism factor for the city. The association Music Düsseldorf was founded in 2024 to strengthen the positioning of the industry and brings together the key players in Düsseldorf's music industry. Board member Melanie Schrader talks about the diversity of the scene, the challenges and opportunities for musicians, and how the association plans to work with the city to strengthen its vibrant music culture.

“GAMING IS AN INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE”

He is a pioneer of the German gaming scene: as Managing Director of Ubisoft Blue Byte and Zone Managing Director, Benedikt Grindel is jointly responsible for the development of worldfamous games such as "The Settlers" and "Anno". He talks to VIVID editor Rainer Kunst about his fascination with gaming, his career moves, the importance of the gaming industry for the economy as a whole and the particular advantages of Düsseldorf as a business location.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – CLARA HUNNEBERG

At the age of 14, Clara Hunnenberg already knew she wanted to join the family business. She is now 32 years old, has a degree in event management and together with her mother, Heike, is running Hunnenberg GmbH, a flooring wholesaler in Düsseldorf-Flingern. In conversation, her passion for her job and her trade is obvious - as is her love for her home city.

Empfohlen

THE FUTURE OF FOOD

With his food growth fund ZINTINUS, nutrition expert Fabio Ziemßen helps finance start-ups in the clean food, alternative protein and functional food sectors and heads the German Association for Alternative Protein Sources. The investor and lobbyist spoke to VIVID about how we will eat in the future.

FUSION AT ITS BEST

One tiny slip can set things in motion and turn your life upside down overnight. When Philipp Lange stumbled and hit his foot on a door frame, he had no idea how much this injury would throw him off his stride. Despite lengthy treatment and operations, he was only able to stand for a limited time – and in pain. This was particularly brutal for him as an experienced professional chef who usually spends hours a day on his feet in the kitchen. He took a year off, shouldering the agonising uncertainty of what would happen in the future and whether he might have to change jobs. In the end, the man who grew up on Maui managed to make a new start as head chef at The Court on Mühlenstraße in the Old Town.

RULING THE MARATHON

Sonja Oberem is a three-time junior world champion in the short distance triathlon and a two-time Olympian in the women’s marathon. At the Uniper Düsseldorf Marathon 2025, she is the race director for running. She spoke to VIVID editor Rainer Kunst about her athletic and professional career, what makes Düsseldorf so special as a marathon venue, and her experiences as a top athlete that help her in her job.

WHY DÜSSELDORF, DR. ALICE MARTIN

Dermatologist Dr Alice Martin is the co-founder of dermatology app dermanostic, one of Düsseldorf's most dynamic healthcare startups. At dermanostic, she provides digital care for people with skin conditions - from diagnosis and treatment recommendations to prescription of medication. As a passionate communicator of dermatology issues, she shares the story and benefits of telemedicine with the outside world - via social media as well as on stage and at events.

Empfohlen

IT‘S EASY, JUST DO IT

When she was offered the position of CEO at Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, her husband said, "Go for it, take your chance!” As far as her 10-year-old daughter is concerned, Charlotte Beissel is the boss. She is the first female board member in the more than 155-year-old company. A fact about which the lawyer makes no fuss. Although she is aware that she is sending out a strong signal in favour of female managers. VIVID spoke to the woman who gave up her civil servant status, entered a male-dominated industry and is now mastering the energy transition and digital transformation.

„FOR ME, DÜSSELDORF IS THE WORLD IN POCKET SIZE“

VIVID recently celebrated its 25th edition. From the very first issue, the VIVID team has worked closely with the Office of Economic Development Düsseldorf. In this 26th issue, its director Theresa Winkels looks back on this successful magazine collaboration in an interview with VIVID editor Rainer Kunst, provides insights into her work and the development processes involved, and describes her close ties to the city.

WHY DÜSSELDORF?

A key player in the midfield, Oliver Fink helped Fortuna Düsseldorf win promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2011/2012 season. Following relegation, he captained the club back to the top flight in the 2017/2018 season. Shortly before his 40th birthday in 2022, the native of Oberpfalz played his last professional match. Today, the father of two boys is committed to Fortuna's youth work and strategic development.

Empfohlen

YOU CAN HEAR A PIN DROP AT AUCTIONS

Auctions have become increasingly popular: While they used to be a sales tool for the trade, many more private individuals are now taking part, with wines, watches, jewellery and even sneakers being auctioned off alongside art. In an interview with VIVID, Benny Höhne, the NRW representative of the Grisebach auction house, provides an exciting insight into the world of auctions.

“WE NEED ART THAT DOESN'T JUST REVOLVE AROUND ITSELF”

Louisa Clement's work has been displayed in numerous exhibitions around the world and she has been honoured with several awards, most recently the Bonn Art Prize. VIVID editor Rainer Kunst spoke to her about her training with Gursky, dealing with pressure and her own vulnerability, the power of art in the world and Düsseldorf as a centre for the arts.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – SOPHIE RAMIREZ

With her self-designed outfits, Sophie Ramirez aka Soffpoffssharedlove stands out even in the city of fashion. As an " interdimensional artist", the 26-year-old creates interdimensional bodies in order to generate interactions and experiences so that people "do not remain locked up in their own heads". After living in Cologne, Seattle and London, she came to Düsseldorf about eight years ago to study at the Kunstakademie - and has found a beloved home here.

Empfohlen

WE ARE WORKING GARD TO CREATE THE BEST POSSIBLE FRAMEWORK CONDITIONS FOR BUSINESS

Christian Zaum has been Düsseldorf's Head of Economic Affairs since August 2023, having previously spent six years as the city's Head of Public Order. VIVID spoke to the 46-year-old about how he intends to tackle some of his most important new tasks, such as maintaining economic strength in times of crisis, promoting start-ups and attracting foreign skilled workers.

GOURMET GOALS

When international luxury hotels and top restaurateurs are looking for chefs, restaurant managers and sommeliers, they call Patrick Nottebaum. The Düsseldorf-based headhunter recruits ambitious talent for the Michelin-starred restaurant industry.

“COLLECTING IS AN ACTIVITY THAT ALSO PRESERVES MY INNER CHILD”

With his exhibition "Wonderwalls. Art & Toys" at the NRW Forum in 2022, Selim Varol has become known to many people as a passionate art collector. He has also made a name for himself as a restaurateur, formerly with Café Toykio and, for a few years now, with the burger restaurant "What's Beef". In an interview with VIVID editor Rainer Kunst, he talks about what family means to him, his first business experience at as a trader at the flea market, the importance of hospitality in his life, being a life-long collector and his definition of success.

WHY DÜSSELDORF, ELLA GEMÜND?

Her heart beats for Düsseldorf's start-up scene: Ella Gemünd runs Techhub K67 which is located in Kasernenstraße. Born in Frankfurt to Rhineland parents, she moved to the city four years ago - and has found her new home here.

Empfohlen

THE GLUE OF THE FAMILY

Picture books create moments of closeness and at the same time open our eyes to the diversity of the world, says Martin Baltscheit, author and illustrator of children's books. A conversation about the foundations of our cultural education, about idiosyncratic characters and the obligation to create a happy ending.

“THERE IS NO SINGLE MODEL FOR SUCCESS”

As Chief Growth Officer at the marketing agency Publicis Groupe in the DACH region and founder of the Creative Hive platform, Christoph Pietsch is very well connected in Düsseldorf's creative scene. He spoke to VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst about his favourite football club KFC Uerdingen, spectacular new business campaigns, the importance of a well-functioning city society and his deep roots in Düsseldorf.

WHY DÜSSELDORF? MARIUS HELLE

Marius Helle is an artist, nature enthusiast, educator – and a resident of Düsseldorf with a passion. In May 2023 his innovative, sustainable design concept for the public space Urbatur (see info box) was among the five winning projects and was awarded by creative.nrw, the creative network of The regional government.

Empfohlen

NEW CONCIOUSNESS

Nachhaltigkeit und Avantgarde verflechtet die Designerin Angelika Kammann zu ihrer unabhängigen Fashionbrand Société Angelique. In ihren konzeptionellen Kreationen stecken viel Handwerk, Erfahrung und die unerschütterliche Vision, ein neues Bewusstsein für Mode zu schaffen. VIVID sprach mit der umtriebigen Kreativen, die vom Mönchengladbacher Atelier aus eine ganze Branche verändern will.

LOOKING BACK AHEAD

Mario Keine knew early on where he was heading. At the tender age of 13, he decided to become a fashion designer. In the schoolyard of the grammar school in Attendorn, Sauerland, all eyes were on him wearing silvercoated jeans trousers or smart jackets with ties and collars. Today, at 30, Mario Keine's childhood dreams have come true. His first fashion collection has been launched, he presented it at the Press Days of the Fashion Council Germany in Berlin. His label is called MARKE, an acronym of his first letters, and he already won one of the two prizes at the first strike a pose festival in Düsseldorf in cooperation with the artist Manuel Graf with his very first launched product, a chain necklace, which he showed as an artistic contribution to the gender debate. In an interview, the former student of the Düsseldorf Design Department reveals how he prepared himself for the challenges of the fashion market and why the journeys of his childhood play a key role in his first collection.

“YOU CAN SET ALOT IN MOTION HERE IN TERMS OF FASHION”

Sarah Vieten has been the new managing director of Fashion Net e.V. for a few months now. She spoke to VIVID editor Rainer Kunst about Düsseldorf as a fashion location, the plans and visions she has for her networking work, her fascination with the fashion industry and the topic of failure.

WHY DÜSSELDORF

Her work has made it onto the catwalks in Paris, and her straightforward, understated design has many fans worldwide. In September 2020, designer Stephanie Hahn opened her own multi-label concept store with green luxury approach LIVE LAB STUDIOS in her home city of Düsseldorf - a clear statement in favour of the fashion location.

Empfohlen

"WE ARE SUCCESFUL BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS SPECIAL ECOSYSTEM"

Since mid 2022, Mona Neubaur has been Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy as well as Deputy Minister President of the State of NRW. The minister spoke with VIVID editor Rainer Kunst about how climate neutrality and secure, affordable energy supply can go hand in hand, how NRW can remain competitive and how she maintains her own enthusiasm and optimism in the face of all the challenges.

WHY DÜSSELDORF OLIVER GROSJEAN

In late 2022, Olivier Grosjean became the founder and owner of the delicatessen “Chez Olivier”. At Hermannstraße 24 in Flingern, he presents selected natural and organic wines, champagne, raw milk cheeses from the Haut-Doubs as well as artisanal delicatessen products – all of which come with an intriguing tale, because Olivier gets the products from trusted contacts in his native France, which he regularly travels to. Olivier made Düsseldorf his home, however, some 20 years ago.

“IT’S THE SPACE THAT CREATES IDENTIFICATION”

There is no question that Walid El Sheik is a big name in Düsseldorf. The entrepreneur and art lover, investor and consultant is one of the best-known and most successful restaurateurs.

Empfohlen

OUR NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRE

Since autumn 2022, the Langen Foundation, a renowned address for art exhibitions on the grounds of the former NATO missile station near Neuss, takes a closer look at our warming planet: Julian Charrière, an artist for whom nature and its transformation is the basis of his work, has come on board. In his exhibition “Controlled Burn”, he explores in multimedia form - whether as film, photography, sculpture or opulent installation - the ambivalent fascination with fire: as a symbol of destruction and genesis. A conversation with the artist about his work, his approach to the world and the sovereignty of nature.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – MICHAEL MÜHLIN

Since early 2021, Michael Mühlin has been the owner of Rhein-Taxi, a Düsseldorf taxi company with more than 150 vehicles and 500 chauffeurs. Born in Upper Franconia, he has travelled the world a lot, including living in the desert near Dubai and sailing the Mediterranean for four years - but for good reasons he was always drawn back to the Rhineland.

“IF YOU DONT THINK BIG, IT SIMPLY WONT WORK”

As co-founder and former CEO of Just Spices, Florian Falk has achieved multi-million turnovers within ten years. With the sale to Kraft Heinz at the beginning of 2022, the Düsseldorf-based spice mix start-up continues to grow and progress in becoming a global brand. So it came as a surprise to many people when Florian announced his exit from Just Spices at the end of 2022. VIVID editor Rainer Kunst was keen to find out what prompted his decision, how the entrepreneur is now reinventing himself and where sustainable investments come into play.

Empfohlen

Home Is at The Brewery

Altbier is a family affair in Düsseldorf. Local breweries embody the great beer tradition of the state capital. Schumacher Alt has been drunk since 1838 - at carnival, after work and just for the joy of it. A conversation with boss Thea Ungermann about the current challenges facing the hospitality sector, about family and management style, about home and life as a restaurateur.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – CRISTIANE OXENFORT AND ANDREAS DAHMEN

For over 30 years, the “Düsseldorfers of the Year 2021” Christiane Oxenfort and Andreas Dahmen, organisers of the Düsseldorf Festival, have been providing a stage for dance, theatre and modern circus from all over the world. Their white tent in the centre of the old town draws in the crowds at the annual autumn event.

“SHOOT FOR THE STARS!” -

A truly creative mind buzzing with energy and hip hop in his veins. This sums up Phillip Böndel, the Co-Founder & CEO of “The Ambition” and Managing Director of Digital Consulting at the agency BUTTER pretty well. It was no surprise then that he and VIVID editor Rainer Kunst had lots to talk about. How hip-hop can define your philosophy of life, for example, why agencies should be more courageous and Düsseldorf‘s need for more subculture.

Empfohlen

BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

She is the woman to whom celebrities like Nazan Eckes, Franziska Knuppe and Liz Mohn entrust their beauty and have relied on her beauty and fashion sense for many years. Laila Hamidi doesn‘t like to talk about her celebrity clientele. Styling means discretion. As a self-employed beauty artist, she handled numerous glamorous events and travelled around the world, to the Cannes Film Festival, the Bambi awards, the parties surrounding the Oscars in Hollywood, Fashion Week in Berlin or the Rose Ball in Monaco. All that changed with the outbreak of the pandemic: during the times of COVID-19, the stars stayed at home and the previously successful business concept lost its very foundations overnight. But Laila Hamidi soon devised a new plan. We meet her in the Steigenberger Parkhotel on Königsallee, an environment in which the Afghan feels at home today.

WHY DÜSSELDORF? Ariane Ernst

The individually crafted pieces of jewellery by Ariane Ernst Jewelry enjoy great popularity: there are often long queues of eager customers for specials such as the annual birthdays in the store on Bilker Allee. But it‘s not just business that‘s going well in Düsseldorf; Freiburg native Ariane Ernst now loves living here, too.

“WE HAVE GOOD SOLUTIONS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS”

The street magazine fiftyfifty, founded in Düsseldorf, is known far beyond the region and has many prominent supporters. VIVID editor Rainer Kunst spoke with managing director Hubert Ostendorf about entrepreneurship, the current Housing First project, civic engagement and the future of fiftyfifty.

Empfohlen

”THEATRE IS A HIGH-PERFORMACE SPORT“

Moritz Führmann is a TV and theatre actor and a familiar face at the Schauspielhaus Düsseldorf. A conversation about rehearsals in times of Covid, new projects and the trip of a lifetime.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – DEMIS VOLPI

Since the beginning of the season 2020/2021, Demis Volpi (36) has been director of ballet and chief choreographer at the Ballett am Rhein, since early 2020 he has also been living in Düsseldorf. In this short time, the German-Argentinean, who has been awarded numerous cultural prizes, has taken to the city with great affection.

“ITS ALL ABOUT DOING WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY”

Aida Rizvo describes herself as a down-to-earth free spirit. Growing up as a child of so-called guest workers in the Ruhr region, she had a steep career at Henkel and C&A, among others, founded her own consulting company in Asia and is now CEO of the medium-sized company JEMAKO in Münsterland. In the “Beyond Gender Agenda” network, she is a strong advocate for diversity in business. VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst talked to the Düsseldorf resident about taking advantage of career opportunities, the challenges of finding a successor, the purpose of women's quotas and her love for the state capital.

Empfohlen

FROM MASTER BAKER TO DEPUTY MAYOR

Due to a flour dust allergy, he has not set foot inside the bakery for some time. And even in his shops, he will rarely sell Hinkelsteine, Kifferkruste and Elsässer bread from behind the counter due to a lack of time: Josef Hinkel has been deputy mayor of the state capital for more than a year and he will leave his mark as a CDU politician. With apparent ease, the 62-year-old former chief of- and Prinz Karneval has so far taken on a number of different roles and changed costumes accordingly. He is an entrepreneur, has become a brand in its own right and is an excellent networker with many connections. And now the Düsseldorf-born man with the cheerful smile so typical of the Rhineland region (“jeck und nett”) is aiming for a serious political career. We meet Josef Hinkel at the Town Hall, in the office he “inherited” from his predecessor Friedrich G. Conzen.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – JONAS VAN BLANKEN

Jonas van Blanken is quite a diverse entrepreneur: he is a perfumer and founder of the brand OSKAR Natural Skincare, managing director and co-founder of the film and photo production company CIRCL Studio and managing director and co-founder of the event studio CIRCL Space. The 36-year-old has lived in very different places around the globe – until he lost his heart in and to Düsseldorf.

“FOR US, IT’S STILL A BIT LIKE A START-UP“

After a career of more than 20 years in the beauty industry, Marie-Eve Schröder moved to Facebook, now Meta, in 2019. As Group Director DACH Region, she is part of the global company’s top management. Born in France, she has lived in Düsseldorf for 14 years and has found her home here. During a walk in Benrath’s Schlosspark with VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst, she spoke about plans and visions of Meta and the Metaverse, about data protection and fake news on the internet, the role of sustainability in a tech company – and about her love for the state capital.

Empfohlen

“I BELIEVE THAT CLIMATE-NEUTRAL AVIATION IS POSSIBLE”

How does an international airport deal with a global pandemic and the restrictions it imposes? Why is this place a key hub for all forms of transport? What role does climate neutrality play? And how can an airport become digitally transformed even further? VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst discussed this and much more with Thomas Schnalke, CEO of the international airport in Düsseldorf.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – LUCAS SAUBERSCHWARZ

Lucas Sauberschwarz is Managing Director of the strategy consultancy Venture Idea, Director of the Centre for Innovation at the SGMI Management Institute St. Gallen and best-selling author. Because the Düsseldorf native wanted to be at the centre of innovation in Germany, he founded his company in Berlin in 2010. After five years, he moved Venture Idea's headquarters to Düsseldorf - for good reasons.

STAR COOKING

She learned how to cook and run a household from her grandmother in Poland, but to make a profession out of it? Agata Reul veered between cook and florist. However, when she came to Germany, she trained as a cook in the legendary high-class restaurant “Victorian” a few steps away from Königsallee. Only a year after opening her own restaurant “Agata's” in Düsseldorf, her cuisine was awarded a Michelin star in 2013. Since then, she has been the only Polish woman in Germany to own a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Empfohlen

KUNST MEETS OBERBÜRGERMEISTER STEPHAN KELLER

Düsseldorf's Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller (CDU) has been in office for about nine months. On a joint racing bike tour, VIVID editor Rainer Kunst spoke with him about a very special start in office, future transport and economic policy, the importance of table tennis for Düsseldorf's health and the need for a 700-million-euro opera house.

WHY DÜSSELDORF? TIMO BOLL

Since 2003 he has topped the world rankings four times, at the European Championships he won seven titles in singles and five in doubles, at the World Championships he came third in singles and was runner-up in doubles: Timo Boll is the most successful German table tennis player of all time so far - and a star in China, the country of the table tennis world champions. The 40-year-old is not only popular for his fair play in sport, but also for his great social commitment to people in need. He has been under contract with the top German League team Borussia Düsseldorf since 2006.

FIGHTING BRAIN POLLUTION

Every year, about 200,000 people in Germany develop Alzheimer's disease, a condition that is as of yet incurable. Scientists from all over the world are searching for the causes in order to decipher the disease and develop effective drugs. One of them is Annette Limke. She has a doctorate in biology and is investigating the effects of ultra-fine particulate on the risk of Alzheimer's disease. An interview with the 32-year-old about exhaust fumes, the goal of her research project and her love of nature.

Empfohlen

PIONEER IN LIFE-SIZE FORMAT

One of the women who have achieved great renown in the art scene is Katharina Sieverding. Since the 1970s, she has been creating large-format montages on current social issues. Her best-known works include the photographic work “Schlachtfeld Deutschland” (Battlefield Germany) from 1978, a statement on the RAF era, and the poster campaign “Deutschland wird deutscher” (Germany becomes German) in 1993 in Berlin, which addressed the radical right-wing attacks after the fall of the Berlin Wall. An interview with the artist about art in times of the pandemic, her teacher Joseph Beuys and her political statements.

WHY DÜSSELDORF – DAI UEDA

As Director General of the Japan External Trade Organization JETRO Düsseldorf, Dai Ueda acts as a link between German and Japanese cooperation partners. In October 2020, the Tokyo native was sent to the state capital for the second time to promote foreign direct investment to Japan as well as the export and expansion of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises in foreign markets. The 58-year-old passionate hobby violinist and Robert Schumann fan lives here with his wife and daughter.

“WE ARE THE CONCERT HALL FOR EVERYONE”

As artistic director, Michael Becker has since 2007 provided the Tonhalle Düsseldorf with a profile that is unique in Germany. VIVID editor Rainer Kunst spoke with the musician and journalist about concert hall business in times of the pandemic, the art of simple communication and a rather loyal international audience.

Empfohlen

WOMAN OF THE WORLD

The InterContinental on Königsallee is one of the top addresses in Düsseldorf, especially for international guests. Since 2016 Britta Kutz is its hotel manager. In an interview that took place beginning of November, at the start of the second lockdown, she talks about crisis management, cultural diversity and the desire to pack your bags.

“THE ENTIRE BUILDING IS READY TO BE REDISCOVERED”

Since October 2017 Felix Krämer has been General Director of the Kunstpalast. Against the backdrop of a huge building site, VIVID-editor Rainer Kunst was in conversation with him about plans for the future, the museum business in the times of lockdown and the engagement of companies and people.

Empfohlen

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT EMOTIONS DOESN’T WORK

Andrea Hendrickx is curiosity personified. The 52-year-old manages the German operations of the Indian technology company Infosys. In her private life, she is committed to environmental protection and development aid - and collects medical lasers. That in turn has made VIVID curious. Time for a chat!

"GOOD COMMUNICATION IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY "

For almost 140 years, the Breuninger brand has stood for high-quality fashion. It can be experienced at Düsseldorf's Kö-Bogen in Germany's second largest flagship store since 2013. Andreas Rebbelmund, its Managing Director, spoke with VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst during a running session about leadership, multi-channel strategies and lessons learned during the Corona period.

WHY DÜSSELDORF? CHRISTIN SCHMIDTFRERICK

Having grown up in a tiny village of no more than 900 people in the rural Emsland region in northern Germany, Schmidtfrerick moved to Düsseldorf in 2018 for a work placement at Saatchi & Saatchi. And as the advertising agency offered her a fabulous job opportunity straight after, she decided to remain loyal to her beloved adopted home. As a talent manager, the 24-year-old ensures that other young people get enthusiastic about Düsseldorf – among other things through the initiative ‘Beyond Königsallee’.

A LIFE AT THE TRADE FAIR

For almost four decades Werner M. Dornscheidt has passionately shaped Messe Düsseldorf - most recently as Chairman of the Board. In an interview with VIVID, he talks about the most important achievements during this time, his relationship with the city – and what an Honorary Consul of Mexico actually does.

Empfohlen

THE FUTURE OF FASHION

Social activist, entrepreneur, research scientist – Dr Monika Hauck, the founder of Open Innovation based in Düsseldorf, is aiming to lead the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future. She spoke with VIVID about the responsibility of an entire industry.

“CREATIVITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT VALUETO OVERCOME THIS CRISIS”

With pen computers, tablets, pads and digital ink, Wacom is making the world a whole lot more creative – especially in Corona times. Stefan Kirmse, Senior Vice President Corporate Brand & Communications of the Düsseldorf-based driver of innovation, spoke with VIVID publisher Rainer Kunst during a running session through the media harbour about his job mission and the importance of creativity in this crisis.

GLOBAL THINKING IS KEY

How can we assume more social and economic responsibility? And what is the pandemic’s effect on our path to a more sustainable society? Interview with Dr Estelle Herlyn, Professor of Sustainability at FOM Düsseldorf.