17 August 2025  When Value Meets ViennaVienna isn't shy about its cultural self-confidence. Here, an award isn't just a token—it's a valuation of impact, creativity, and elegance. Simply put, if "valuating" were a stock, Vienna would be on a steady upward climb.Not everyone makes it onto the winner's list, of course. The Vienna Awards: Glam with GravitasEnter the Vienna Awards for Fashion & Lifestyle—Vienna's own glamour-powered valuation machine. Established in 2009 by Marjan Firouz, the Awards have become a benchmark for style, innovation, and social resonance in the German-speaking world. Fast forward to 2025, and the 15th Anniversary Gala will unfold this October 15 at the Hofburg, turning it into the most glamorous stage in the city yet.These Awards aren't government-administered—they're privately organized—so they carry the sort of glitter that can't be regulated. Who's Been Shining and Who Will Shine in 2025Previous laureates span a constellation of stylists, photographers, and fashion innovators, such as in 2009 Sammy Zayed (Stylist of the Year), Propaganda (Hair Stylist), Oliver Szilagyi (Make-up Artist), and more (source). Though full 2025 winners aren't all publicly unveiled yet, Glam Communications has confirmed an impressive lineup: Kilian Kerner (Germany) as International Fashion Designer of the Year; Luise Reichert (Austria) as Photographer of the Year; Serena Goldenbaum (Germany) as Hair & Make-up Artist of the Year; Leony as Music Idol of the Year; and Rúrik Gíslason (Iceland), former football professional turned successful actor, as Acting Shootingstar of the Year. Expect more names soon.Glam-OutlookSo, what lies ahead? The Vienna Awards 2025 will take place on October 15 in the majestic Hofburg, and it promises to be as glamorous as a Viennese ball—maybe even more, with star-studded red carpets, media glitter, and a celebration of female excellence. As the city's ultimate valuation mechanism, it'll reaffirm that in Vienna, value isn't just appraised—it's made to shimmer.Vienna prizes what matters. And it's always ready for the next contender. Images: Side-by-side portraits of two 2025 Vienna Awards winners. On the left, fashion designer Kilian Kerner, winner of International Fashion Designer of the Year, sits at a desk surrounded by fabric samples and sketches, wearing a jacket decorated with star motifs, with large black-and-white portrait photographs in the background. On the right, photographer Luise Reichert, winner of Photographer of the Year, poses seated in a modern black chair, dressed in a patterned long-sleeve dress. © Photos: Kilian Kerner – © Robin Kater / Luise Reichert – © Julius Bartz |