Gianna is one of the most stylish woman I know. I was lucky enough to meet her last summer after the lockdown desperately looking for some active sports lessons in order to heel my post quarantine depression. Once I attended Gianna’s Yoga lessons at the stunning Roomer’s Hotel in Baden-Baden or at her private retreat center in Alsace/France (20 km from Baden-Baden), La Maison des Temps, Gianna’s work out helped me to take the rest of 2020. With her positive spirit and warm hearted nature she quickly became a friend. It’s not only her inspiring personality which strikes me, but also her looks. Call her a typical inside out beauty. She told me that she owned most of her wardrobe forever, some pieces since she was 12 year old. Think of a classic ‘less but better approach’ towards dressing and buying.

As fashion is closely related to well being and body consciousness, I decided to do a quick and efficient interview which may inspire all of us during these months of quarantine which will hopefully come to an end soon.

1) Do you see a connection between health and fashion?

If we speak about health in a way of wellbeing I think there is a connection, yes. A healthy body makes you feel good and gives you self-confidence - I’m not talking about a perfectly trained, skinny body I’m talking about “your personal feel good body”. I think it's the same when it comes to fashion, if you’re wearing something that really suits you - in your very own understanding - you instantly feel comfortable and move differently. The combination of both plus a balanced mind, makes you sparkle.

2) What is your approach towards fitness and what are your favorite workouts during lockdown?

Moving my body ist fuel to me - I guess that’s also the reason why I became a sports therapist. My regular practice with or without lock down is doing yoga, pilates and jogging. During my teenage and young adult years with my background as dancer and athlete, my workouts were strictly performance driven. Per consequence, my approach towards fitness is completely different these days. I listen carefully to my body and align my workout according to my body needs with zero pressure to perform. Sometimes I may feel like pushing my limits and other days enjoy moving gently. A meditative flow can become the most effective workout.

3) Take us through a day of meals in your quarantine life from waking up to dinner. Do you have any recommendation for quick and healthy dishes?

I’m not a breakfast person, so I skip this meal every day. First thing in the morning is I drink a glass of warm water with a tiny bit of fresh pressed lemon and ginger juice. I’ll have that while taking my dog for a walk. Afterwards I drink my coffee and only if I feel like my body needs some extra energy I have a piece of seasonal fruit or sometimes a date. Usually my first real meal of the day is lunch. My lunch menu varies from steamed veggies, various salads or bowls mixed with grains and or seeds, feta or goat cheese, pasta with fresh herbs from my garden or just leftovers from the day before. Most of I keep lunch light as I move a lot throughout the day during my classes and personal trainings. I know its not healthy to eat late, but my absolute favourite meal of the day is dinner. I enjoy it most because by afterwards my day feels complete, I can relax and take as much time as I want to eat and spend time with my family. Oh and I forgot, I definitely eat a lot of soups. Therefore, I’d like to share one of my favorite recipes, which suits the season btw.

Creamy Beet Soup with Oven Baked Jerusalem Artichokes

3 large beets (either multicolored or just red beets)

1 apple

3 medium sized potatoes

2 large Jerusalem artichokes

1 onion

2 garlic cloves

100 g soy cream or coconut milk

1 tbsp fresh or dry thyme

vegetable oil or olive oil

toasted black and/or white sesame (optional as a topping)Preheat the oven to 200° C.

Boil the Jerusalem artichokes for about 15 minutes. Pour off the water and let them cool down a bit. In the meantime peel onion, garlic, beets, potatoes and apple. Dice the onion and garlic and set aside. Then chop beets, apple and potatoes into medium sized cubes. Heat up 2 tbsp. of vegetable or olive oil in a pot and carefully sauté the diced onions and garlic. When the onions are translucent add the beets, apple and potatoes and slightly brown it all. Deglaze with water so that all the veggies are covered, season with salt and pepper, put a lid on the pot and let it simmer until the veggies are soft. While the soup is simmering, cut the Jerusalem artichokes into 5 mm thin slices. Place the slices on a baking tray. Drizzle with a bit of oil (approx. 1 tbsp.), thyme and salt and let it roast in the oven until the Jerusalem artichokes turn golden brown. After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes remove the pot from the stove, add the sour cream and blend all the ingredients with a hand blender to a creamy soup. If the texture is too thick add a little bit more water and carefully season again. Serve the beautiful pink beet soup and top off it with the oven baked Jerusalem artichokes, thyme and some toasted black and/or white sesame. Enjoy!

4) What are your favourite lounge/sportswear brands and why?

My favourite sports brands are Casall and Ambilethics. Both are sustainable sports fashion brands with a very high quality standard and cut and fit in a way that makes you feel comfortable while moving. I find my favorite lounge wear at AVMM, Berlin-based and online operated store offering a curated selection of sustainable fashion and accessories from local makers. My preferred brands are Ade Velkon or Maria Morgana, a young designer’s sustainable fashion brand, again Berlin based.

5) Do you follow a daily meditation routine which helps staying focussed and balanced?

Yes I do- to being able to teach mediation I understand it as my job to practice myself. Meditation is key to maintain my healthy work-life balance and really keeps me in the right headspace to live through difficult times like the last months. For me there are two ways of meditation wich I regularly practice. One is an active meditation so as yoga or running - what I like about active meditation is to shift my focus through experiencing movement - an actual physical sensation. Sometimes this is an easier way to find access to “meditation”. But also the silent mindful meditation I practice regularly - it teaches me to stay present in the actually moment and learn more about myself and my emotions. I know when it comes to mediation, we all need to find our own initial-channel to our self, our soul and emotions. So these are just my ways but maybe they are an inspiration.

Classes: 
Mondays: BODY & MIND FLOW 19:00-20:00 live online via Zoom
Wednesdays: BODY & MIND FLOW 19:00-20:00 live online via Zoom

It you’d like to join, text (+49 152 29207567) or email

COMPANY ONLINE CLASSES on request

For more info, have a look at Giannas Webpage and on the homepage of La Maison des Temps

pictured by @stefanarmbruster wearing Casall and Stella McCartney

pictured by Malcolm Gompf wearing Casall

pictured at the beautiful La Maison des Temps by @johannhaehlingvonlanzenauer

As stated in my value proposition, sustainability plays a great role in my styling process. Professionals who preserve the expertise and craftsmanship in order to manufacture a high quality product, are rare. Years ago our society made a big step towards massive quick and cheap consumption. Personally, I see COVID-19 as a chance for change.

In Baden-Baden we’re lucky to have an excellent bespoke shoe maker who has the knowledge to create not only a picture perfect high quality product, but offers services like shoe repairs, maintenance and reconditioning of your favorite bag, as well as distributing high quality care products in order extend the life cycle of your favorite shoe. Vickermann & Stoya now added “Shoe Doc” to their list of services. Shoe Doc is an online shoe repair, accessible to clients who are not based in Baden-Baden. I decided to ask Matthias Vickermann (co-owner) 5 questions about his products, sustainability and how to care for your shoes.

How long does it take to manufacture a bespoke shoe for a client? Which steps are included in this process?

It takes 4 months from initial order until pick up. First the feet of our customer has to be carefully measured. After approximately 4 days the raw mouldings arrive in our work shop. Those are the basis for the final shoe. The end consumer starts testing his own individual sample and according to his feedback, the real manufacturing process starts. As all work steps are being performed with a wet shoe, it has to rest until it dried out completely. Once this is done, the floor is being built. From below, cork lining and joint springs are applied to the insole with adhesive. Afterwards, leather and midsole are sewn into the frame. As a final step, floor construction is being sanded, polished and finished As a final step, foot beds are being covered with leather. With every bespoke order comes a custom-made sedan wood shoe tree, in order to store shoes in the recommended way.

Do you think COVID-19 has changed the attitude towards quality products? So you see a change of mindset from the consumption of cheap mass quantity products towards buying ‚less but better‘

Clearly yes! Of course, there is still massive consumption out there, but I can see many people rethinking buying habits in order to approach a more sustainable lifestyle.

3 pair of shoes which shouldn't be missing in any women’s and men’s wardrobe
Definitely a pair of classic black Heels for women, followed by a pair of Ballet Flats and high knee boots. For men, I recommend a black pair of Oxford’s for official occasions, a pair of dark brown Derbies for casual look and a Penny Loafer as chic summer shoe.

Which shoe care products do you recommend for every house hold in order to extend the life cycle of our shoes?

For smooth leather, you need various shoe creams in matching color. We produce our own, but for people outside Baden-Baden, Saphir shoe care is a trusted brand. You also need one brush to apply and distribute your shoe product. A polishing brush is mandatory and for suede leather I recommend a special cleaning brush as well as velour spray to protect the leather from dirt and wetness.

Why is it worth investing in some bespoke shoes?

Bespoke shoes are made to measure your own individual feet. Per consequence, shoes are anatomically correct. I call it a slice of health, wellness and luxury! Durability obviously plays a major role. Bespoke shoes, considering you take care of them properly, (storage, cleaning etc), will last forever. They’ll make you happy every day, especially if you consider you were part fo the designer process! These shoes only exist once.

Vickermann & Stoya also offer shoe care courses. These course take place in small groups, accompanied by food, drinks and chatting. Individual present, voucher or company event, always an experience. Learn more…

Vickermann & Stoya Bespoke Shoes
Merkurstraße 3-5
76530 Baden-Baden

Tel: +49 7221 392401
E-Mail: info@vickermannundstoya.de