vis a vis

Andrea Sellemond
about her Vienna

The young designer from VIS A VIS about Vienna's secret sandy beaches and imperial running tracks. In our portrait series "Local Heroes" Andrea gives us an insight into her personal Vienna.

What do you like about the area? Why are you in the 7th district?

I just have the feeling of being in the right place. My neighborhood is a hub of young creative minds. Each little alley features small boutiques, a wonderful variety.

What are you selling? What is the passion behind it?

"Handcraft with Vision". VIS A VIS does not only offer fashion pieces but also gives insights into the production itself. I sew everything myself, right in the shop. VIS A VIS values quality, natural materials and timeless designs and has a heightened awareness of fair production and environtment. I combine the sporty influences from my home Tyrol with urban chic.

Only in Vienna

"Suderer" = Viennese for "grouches", who think that everything was better back then.

Better elsewhere?

Nightclubs and mountains.

Sweet Vienna

A "Nutellapalatschinken" - a Viennese version of a pancake - with strawberries and Nutella at Garda, "Marillenknödel" - apricot dumplings - at Otto Bauer.

Hearty Vienna

"Gulasch mit Nockerl" - Gulash with mini dumplings at Gasthaus Quell or a Classic: Wiener Schnitzel at Skopik & Lohn.

When it gets dark

Enjoy some natural wine at the garden of Landkind, meet friends at the danube channel and enjoy some "Spritzer" - white wine with soda - and fish on the stick at the riverbank and a movie at the Augarten's open air cinema.

Not in any tourist guide

Danube island after kilometre 19,5 - with its little sandy bathing spots.

Your favourite place

The Gloriette with its view at the Schönbrunn Gardens after a morning run.

Must-see

Karmelitermarkt on a Saturday morning - with its recurring farmer's market.

Can be skipped although in the guidebook

Ferris wheel ride, better enjoy a cocktail at a cool rooftop bar.

What do you love about your city?

Vienna often makes me feel as if I was on holiday. This is probably thanks to its diversity.