Elna-Magret zu Bentheim is most certainly one of the most dazzling figures currently in the German papers. The Communications graduate worked for agencies including Bel Epok for fashion clients, before following her heart and moving to a princely castle in dreamy Münsterland, Germany. Overnight she became princess heiress to Bentheim und Steinfurt, soon gave birth to her first child and was made CEO and partner of the Unrath & Strano fashion label, a position which she quit mid this year. We quizzed the SCREENINGS 13 judge on her glamorous everyday life and fashion, and asked her to share some personal recommendations for Berlin.
What was the last big event you were spotted at?
Last Wednesday I attended the opening of the Topshop floor at Karstadt Düsseldorf. It was a great event, attended by celebrities such as Dita von Teese and Poppy Delevigne. The next event is the DKMS Dreamball in Berlin this Thursday.
How many invites do you receive and how do you choose which to accept?
I have several invites a week. I make targeted selections according to their context, for example, fashion events or charity events. They have to interest me or else I might as well stay at home. Then I look at where the event is taking place, where I am travelling to next and if it’s a match.
As the saying goes, noblesse oblige – are there certain fixed dates in your diary?
Big weddings are an example of fixed dates that are made far in advance. This is followed by several balls that we attend on an annual basis. It is here that we meet with members of other royal houses and catch up in a pleasant atmosphere.
You have been working in fashion for over a decade. Is it still your dream?
Definitely! I never tire of the subject. Every morning at breakfast my day starts with me clicking on my favourite blogs and sites. I love exploring Style.com, fashionweekdaily.com, fabsugar.com and net-a-porter.com. This is where I find the inspiration for looks, which I then wear myself. You can see these and find out what I get up to all day by following me on Facebook www.facebook.com/ElnaMargretZuBentheim or Instagram www.instagram.com/elnamargretzubentheim. I see fashion as an essential means of expressing my personality. The fashion world has something light and glamorous to it, however one must bear in mind that there is a tough business behind it.
What was your most recent fashion highlight? The photo with Giorgio Armani? Care to share?
Meeting people like Giorgio Armani or Dita von Teese are real highlights. I am really interested in what is behind these souls that manage to inspire so many people in different ways. I recently met Giorgio for an ARD report on him and Milan Fashion Week. He influenced an entire era of fashion and when you stand next to him you immediately sense this overwhelming energy. I have met him several times and he recognised me every time – and always noticed when I was wearing Armani – even if they were vintage pieces (she says laughing).
You can be spotted in various magazines. How much control do you have over this?
It has come to a point where I am photographed at all public events I attend. The photos then end up via photo agencies in a variety of editorial boards – I don’t have any influence over this. It is a different case of course when I have a shoot with an interview for a magazine, for example in October for L´Officiel Russia, the photos of which will be published in the December issue. I am sure it’s going to be marvellous.
As a princess with a middle class background you are living the dream of many a girl. A rose tinted life?
From a distance it may come across like a rose tinted petticoat dream (laughs). In reality the two worlds often collide. It all comes down to different approaches to upbringing, traditions and belief systems. It often requires compromise. At the end of the day I work in an industry that is very fast paced, whereas the aristocratic world plans over generations. However, I see myself as a sort of pioneer and the whole thing as a sort of lifetime’s challenge to unite the two worlds. After all, as we know, opposites attract.
I place great importance on staying true to myself and loyal to my values. This authenticity has to date enabled me to pass within aristocracy, even though I don’t have the same background. Ultimately I have a wonderful family and I don’t want to have to lie about my background.
What are your professional plans for the future? TV, magazines, production?
There is a lot in the pipelines, but nothing is quite ready to announce just yet. I am currently working on several projects including one for TV. Unfortunately, I can’t give away any more than that right now.
We are delighted you accepted our Screenings Award jury request. Is it the first time you will be confronted with photography on such a large scale? After all there are over 80 portfolios to get through in the first round…
I have always enjoyed working with photographers and have gained a lot of experience in photography, in front of the camera as well as on various campaign shoots. As a fashion person one is in daily contact with photography. So I am all the more excited to see what inspiration and new photography awaits me.
The final jury decision will be made at the Ritz-Carlton in Berlin at the UPdate. Will you also be taking a look round the event and will we see you at the big after party?
Most certainly. I think it is exciting that at the UPdate you get to meet the people that are behind the creatives, especially since I have never attended the UPdate – and a party is of course always a nice ending.
We know you have a great weakness for Berlin. What are your haunts in the German capital?
Well, of course I love good old Borchardts but I most prefer discovering places I have never been to before. These can be temporary pop-up restaurants, or a backyard Thai restaurant that only has three daily specials. That’s what’s so great about Berlin, it’s all so mixed. Berlin is buzzing 24 hours, one is free to explore at leisure. I always get the feeling that it is unrivalled in how so many groups mix and are tolerant of one another at the same time. You either love or hate Berlin. There’s not much else in between! I currently like going to The Grand, Dudu and Rocco & Sanny.
And as a Berlin expert: where do women go to buy suitable attire?
It really depends on what you want. I really like to browse through Galerie Lafayette and KaDeWe. There are a lot of small boutiques in Mitte around Hakeschen Höfe. It is worth going there if you have a lot of time to spare for rummaging around the stores. Then there is of course Friedrichstrasse and Ku´damm and the little streets just off these. Berlin is a fashion hot spot without imposing itself as such. Lots of great designers such as Tomaszewski and Blame are based in Berlin and have their studios there – within touching distance.
What hairdresser would you recommend? Or spa? Or manicure? Beautician? Last minute gifts? Best restaurant?
I am pretty accomplished when it comes to hair, make-up and styling – I do 90% of it myself, because it is often quicker than sitting around somewhere for hours. If I need a special look though I go to Shan Rahimkhan on Gendarmenmarkt, they do great updos. When it comes to make-up I only trust my dear friend and make-up artist Betty Amrhein and stylist Jan Luckenbill is a real ‘truffle pig’ when it comes to styling.