From May 11^th until May 15^th 2011 the Lake´s Fashion Days will take place in Pörtschach, Carinthia, Austria. Lake´s – my lake hotel & spa, opened in 2010, will organize a unique fashion show at the breathtaking lake Wörthersee.

4 DAYS PACKED WITH FASHION FROM AUSTRIA, GERMANY, ITALY AND SLOVENIA

More than 30 designers from the area around the Alps and the Danube – Austria, Germany, Italy and Slovenia – will present their fashion during 4 days.

The collections shown at the Lake´s Fashion Days follow the motto of “the new interpretation of a summer hideaway” – an expression from the 19^th century, meaning a relaxing stay in the country of the nobility and the wealthy bourgeoisie during the summertime. Glamorous dresses and summer casual wear are also part of the show as beachwear and accessoires.

A HOTEL IS TURNED INTO A CATWALK

The setting of the fashion event is the nature, the Karavankes and the Carnic Alps, the lake Wörthersee, but also the modern architecture of Lake´s – my lake hotel & spa. The building as well as its infrastructure is directly implemented into this great happening; they are the platform, stage and setting for the presentation of fashion.

The way of presenting the collections differentiates the Lake´s Fashion Days from already known fashion shows. Parts of the hotel such as the lakes bridge or the hotel terrace with lake view are turned into the catwalk.

Just take a look at the recently launched website of the Lake´s Fashion Days: fashiondays.mylakehotel.com and become a part of it.

FASHION-HIGHLIGHTS & SHOPPING – 4 consecutive days long at 1 place

1. Who are you?

My name is Suzanne Urpecz. I’m the creator of The Hungarian Girl which is a dedicated blog/website about Central & Eastern European food and culture.

I’m currently studying Culinary Arts at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. I’m preparing to open my own authentic Hungarian restaurant in the near future. As well, I operate a specialty cake business that offers the very best in Central and Eastern European desserts.

In addition, I have a background in Journalism – Broadcasting and I’m a graduate of Seneca College. Previously, I worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in their newsroom.

2. What do you like about what you do?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business. I now have the ability to combine two of my greatest passions which is cooking and writing. I also enjoy meeting new people and travelling.

3. What don’t you like about what you do?

The downside of running your own business is that it can be difficult and stressful at times. You’re the “captain of the ship” and that means you’re responsible in making all the necessary decisions. It’s also tough trying to manage a business without proper financing but it also encourages me to find different and unique strategies. Regardless, I always look forward to undertaking new challenges with my business.

4. Please tell us about ‘The Hungarian Girl’ and your aims?

The Hungarian Girl aims to be the #1 portal of information about Central and Eastern European food and culture. In the future, I hope to have my own authentic Hungarian restaurant under the same name. I would also like to have my own television show that focuses on the food and culture of these regions.

5. Are you working with other blogs and if yes, which ones and why?

I’m currently working in a partnership to launch an official website called the Friends of the Tokaji Renaissance. The website will feature information, news, events, articles and reviews about Hungary’s famous sweet wine.

6. Your TOP 3 hotel experiences and why?

One of my most memorable hotel experiences was staying at a bed & breakfast located in the township of Haliburton in Northern Ontario called Swiss Acres. My fiancé and I were staying in the area to go dogsledding that weekend. They treated us like family and made our stay really special. I’ll never forget their wonderful hospitality.

Another excellent hotel experience was staying at the Hotel Palazzo Zichy in Budapest. The hotel is located in a historical building that was originally designed and constructed in the 19th century. It’s such a gorgeous place and the staff is incredibly friendly. I would certainly return to their hotel on my next stay in Budapest.

I would also really like to mention that staying at The Ring Hotel was fantastic! You’ve got a great concept that combines the best of luxury and casual in Vienna.

7. Your TOP 3 food/restaurant experiences and why?

I live in Toronto which is a very multicultural city. One of the best things about the city is the variety of ethnic food. Little India is a place I often enjoy going to which serves authentic Northern Indian cuisine. The family-run restaurant has a wide variety of dishes and the service is excellent. They also have a great lunch buffet.

Of course, being the Hungarian Girl I’m always looking for the very best in Hungarian food. During my last visit to Budapest, I was highly impressed with Bagolyvar Restaurant. I had their chicken paprikash and it was amazing! I also really liked Callas Café and Restaurant for their incredible cakes and pastries.

8. Which food/restaurant concept would you like to share with us?

Quality and service are the two most important elements to managing a successful restaurant. I also believe that going the distance for your customers is always beneficial. Everyone wants to feel appreciated and when you do something special for a customer such as offering them a free dessert or an appetizer. The customer will most likely remember that positive experience and will want to return again to your establishment. After all, you only have one chance to make a lasting impression in this industry.

9. Any comments you want to share with us?

I would really like to thank my family and friends for supporting me throughout my career.

A great performance, supported by opulent visuals and projections of Kollektive Soundframe and Lichttapete. Life Ball-organiser Gery Keszler, Amadeus-awardee Bunny Lake, fashion designer Petar Petrov, actrice Doris Schretzmayer and Departure-boss Christoph Thun-Hohenstein were visibly enjoying location and music. Highlight was the take-over of the turntables by the artists CEE and Stereotyp, with their “barefoot-sounds” they brought the party crowd to “cooking on the dancefloor”. A fuddling night – a successful compilation.

European Business Express delivers a detailed report about The Ring Hotel in their September issue.