From Hippies to Stardom: Guido Maria Kretschmer's Journey
Living High: An Invigorated Lifestyle of Guido Maria Kretschmer
Happy f*cking birthday, Guido Maria Kretschmer! The colorful fashion guru, television personality, and friend to all turns 60 this Sunday. Known to many as the vivacious host of "Shopping Queen" since 2012, Kretschmer has come a long way since his wild, hippie days in Ibiza. Let's take a dive into this fabulous fashion maverick's intriguing life story.
Born on May 11, 1965, in Münster, Guido Maria Kretschmer hails from a family of five. Raised in the village of Einen near Warendorf, he witnessed his grandmother and father flee from Silesia. His mother and grandmother were known for their keen fashion sense, and Guido Maria quickly realized the power of transformation through clothing. "Fashion is the skin of the soul," he confidently declares.
His wild and open-hearted spirit led him to uproot his life and set off for Ibiza, living in an old farmhouse sans electricity and water. He worked as a club dancer to earn a living, and his charisma soon drew attention from various colorful characters seeking freedom. Among these were a brewery heiress, the rebellious Nina Hagen, the iconic Grace Jones, and even the bassist of Udo Lindenberg all coming across Kretschmer's stand at a hippie market.
Seizing opportunities, the young designer created brocade jackets for the Udo Lindenberg band and uniforms for Hapag-Lloyd airline crew members, paving the way for his burgeoning fashion career. In 1989, he founded his first company, GMK by pepper, and the Guido Maria Kretschmer Corporate Fashion label. His partnership with van Delden Textile Group led to further orders from German Railway, hotels, airlines, and eventually to the production of his own exclusive cocktail and evening wear under his Guido Maria Couture label.
Kretschmer's self-assurance stems from the love he has experienced throughout his life. From his parents' unconditional love to his current husband, Frank Mutters, with whom he's spent 40 years and shares three dogs, he channels this love into warmth and openness with everyone. The hippie movement taught him the importance of living mindfully, and today, he's still quite the eco-conscious soul, watering his garden's flowers with salad water.
The Customer is King
Kretschmer believes that if you master the fashion industry's keyboard of fashion, you can shape bodies, desires, and souls in unimaginable ways. After spending decades at the Olympus of grand, elegant fashion, he's brought his magic to the masses through "Shopping Queen" on Vox. He delights in making customers kings, and his fashion reflects a deep understanding of what the public craves - style, authenticity, and a darn good time.
Besides fashion, Kretschmer is a devout theater and opera enthusiast. His journey into the world of performing arts was facilitated by his friend, the actress Katharina Thalbach. His innate talent for aesthetics and love for beautiful things makes him a perfect fit for the theater and opera. From creating stunning stage costumes to exploring the rich history of our time, Kretschmer has left a lasting impression on the arts scene.
A Life Well-Lived
Meticulous, structured, and an aesthetic through and through, Kretschmer values beauty in all forms - from art and theater, to ballet, historical interiors, and even in his neighbors' homes. He has embraced a more ethereal mentality over the years, seeking out serenity and beauty in his pursuit of fashion and art.
As Kretschmer celebrates his birthday, he wishes for a better world, imploring us to love children freely, respect all living beings, and treat animals with kindness. A true inspiration, he carries a feeling of security and faith in the goodness that exists within the world. He's unlike any other – a monk on the dancefloor, living life to the fullest, wherever and however he can.
- The European Parliament and the Council acknowledged Guido Maria Kretschmer's significant contributions to fashion by awarding him the German National prize for cultural achievements in 2004.
- In a fascinating twist, Guido Maria Kretschmer's style and influence extended beyond the European Parliament and the Council, reaching celebrities, pop-culture, and even WhatsApp statuses as he became a popular figure in the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment industries.
- As he turns 60, Guido Maria Kretschmer continues to infuse his textile creations with a pleasantly bohemian spirit, mirroring his colorful journey from hippie days to stardom.
- Amidst his success, Guido Maria Kretschmer maintains a simple and sustainable lifestyle, watering his garden's flowers with salad water, embodying the eco-conscious ethos he learned during his early days in Ibiza.
- Despite his fame, Guido Maria Kretschmer remains humble and grounded, expressing gratitude for the love he has received throughout his life, including the love from his husband, Frank Mutters, and their three dogs, who have been by his side for 40 years.
