A team from Condé Nast Traveler, hailing from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, the Czech Republic and Germany, ventured last spring into the stunning Alpine scenery of Salzkammergut. Its lofty peaks, expansive lakes, and historic villages provided the perfect backdrop for photographing the autumn-winter collections. The weather’s volatility, which seems to sweep through all four seasons in the span of a day, inspired a wide range of looks, from faux fur to silk georgette. Leather and knitwear, paired with pearl and diamond embellishments, fit seamlessly with the sophisticated audience of Salzburg, who didn’t seem at all surprised to see our model, Ustyna, strolling along the cobbled streets as if on a runway, flaunting the first collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Fendi. This was our behind-the-scenes experience.
Traunkirchen, Lake Traunsee
The town of Traunkirchen, situated on the western shore of Lake Traunsee, faces the Traunstein, a peak that rises imposing above the water. It’s not surprising that this remains one of visitors’ favorite spots for chasing that perfect shot. The mountain’s best viewpoints are found at Das Traunsee – Das Hotel zum See, a hotel with its own pier whose owner, Wolfgang Gröller, collects vintage boats. From time to time, he takes a lucky guest out to cruise the lake, and Ustyna was among the chosen. She first boarded a more traditional craft, wearing a denim ensemble, and later moved to a motorboat wearing a Stella McCartney moiré silk suit.
Beyond its water’s edge cottages and charming shops, Traunkirchen’s town center possesses undeniable appeal thanks to its stone buildings and the pristine expanses of green meadows. Don’t miss the Belétage bar-restaurant, part of the Post am See hotel, another property belonging to the Gröller family. We recommend the basil cocktail as an aperitif for a dinner in pure Austrian style.
