24 May 2025  How is Viennese elegance woven? It's not only in silk and wool, but in a refined interplay of heritage, craftsmanship, and aesthetic restraint. Once again, Fashion.at received curated insights from a Viennese insider – someone with a seasoned eye for style and a flair for the understated. This time, the selection revolves around Father's Day, with a hand-picked collection of refined gifts that celebrate fathers with taste rather than pomp. The essence of this edit lies in subtlety, quality, and roots in Vienna's enduring design and artisanal traditions. From a broad palette of luxury offerings, Fashion.at focused on four highlights that stand out for their connection to Vienna – whether through their design philosophy, use of local materials, or place of production. These carefully selected pieces honor not just the figure of the father, but also the city's unique balance between history and innovation. LEATHER AND MOUNTAIN SALT: LEDERHAAS COSMETICSLederhaas is more than just skincare – it is sensory storytelling. Founded by philosopher and cosmetic designer Wolfgang Lederhaas, the brand crafts beauty with meaning, combining natural ingredients with artistic concepts. For Father's Day, the Rock Salt Edition is a fitting choice: inspired by the alpine clarity of Altaussee, it mirrors the tranquil, powerful presence that many associate with fatherhood. The Hand & Body Wash brings a subtle, invigorating blend of Douglas fir and lavender, grounded by Austrian mountain salt and botanical extracts like rockrose and chamomile. It's a gentle clarifier, suitable for all skin types, and particularly appreciated by men for its quick-absorbing, non-sticky nature.Paired with the Body Lotion, which is enriched with daffodil extract, apricot oil, and shea butter, the duo offers understated luxury. The lotion hydrates and nourishes while leaving a faint, elegant trail of scent – perfectly suited to the quiet Viennese elegance. A LIGHT TOUCH ON GLASS: LOBMEYR'S ENGRAVED FEATHER SETThe second treasure is from Lobmeyr, a venerable Viennese glass manufacturer founded in 1823 and still run by the Rath family. Their work has always balanced form, function, and finesse, and the Trinkservice No.267 – engraved feather is a poetic update to a mid-century classic.Originally designed in 1952 by Hans Harald Rath and influenced by a baroque copper cup from Vienna's MAK museum, the Alpha set remains iconic. In 2025, Susanna Rath reinterpreted it with delicately engraved feathers – a nod to lightness and grace, etched line by line onto the glass. These stackable glasses fuse past and present in a subtle but striking gesture – ideal for fathers who appreciate detail and timeless design. SCULPTED STRENGTH: THE SCHULLIN BANGLEOn Vienna's prestigious Kohlmarkt, Schullin has long been synonymous with contemporary jewelry art. Each piece is conceived and crafted in-house, often beginning with the gemstone itself as muse. For Father's Day, Fashion.at's source for style insider tips highlights the Martelé 1.00 Blanc bracelet.Forged in 18-karat white gold and set with a one-carat Princess cut diamond, the piece blends rugged texture with polished elegance. The hand-hammered exterior contrasts with a smooth inner surface, creating a wearable object. Genderless in design, the bangle emphasizes substance over spectacle – a gift of permanence. LIGHT AND SHADOW: PALATIN'S PORCELAIN SCULPTURESRounding off the selection are two exceptional lamps by Studio Palatin. Drawing inspiration from folded brown wrapping paper, the Charta Collection transforms ephemeral materiality into durable elegance through porcelain and bronze.Collaborating with Vienna's Augarten Porcelain Manufactory, one of Europe's oldest and most revered, Palatin achieves intricate forms that celebrate imperfection and light. The Charta Aura and Charta Nera lamps form a visual Yin and Yang. Aura, in bronze-gold, and Nera, in deep black patina, each crowned by a handcrafted leather shade, embody contrast and balance. More than just lighting, they are sculptural statements for the discerning eye. A MOMENT, NOT JUST A GIFTIn Austria, Father's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in June – in 2025, that falls on June 8. Unlike its more commercial counterpart across the Atlantic, Father's Day here is quieter, more personal. It was first introduced in the mid-20th century, following Mother's Day, but has since evolved into a more symbolic occasion.It is not obligatory to give gifts. Time – often the rarest commodity – may mean more than any material offering. A shared walk, a conversation, a quiet afternoon together: such moments can't be wrapped or priced. Gifts, when given, should carry meaning – not as duty, but as gesture. Fashion.at views Father's Day as a gentle reminder not to forget the silent foundations laid by fathers, and the role they continue to play, even when their children are grown. Because while time cannot be wrapped in gold or crystal, it is the one gift that always fits. And there are, after all, 365 days to say thank you. Images, from left to right: 'Charta Nera' table lamp by Studio Palatin; 300ml 'Hand & Body Wash' and 200ml 'Body Lotion' from the 'Rock Salt' series by Lederhaas Cosmetics; 'Martelé 1.00 Blanc' bangle by Schullin; and the 'Trinkservice No.267 – engraved feather' by Lobmeyr (Lobmeyr photographed by Klaus Fritsch Photography). |