BRIGITTE SELY ON STYLING, FASHION AND AUTHENTICITY
THE MORE DIGITAL WE BECOME, THE MORE IMPORTANT AUTHENTICITY BECOMES.
"You must have the courage to be who you really are without worrying about what others think," Sely emphasizes. This attitude has accompanied her throughout life and shapes her professional activities. She has always preferred to surround herself with people who truly engage with others. "I would rather spend my time with deep people than with superficial acquaintances from society," she says.
For the Hamburger, fashion is more than just clothing; it is a form of expression that conveys deeper meaning. Sely emphasizes that fashion today primarily means emotion. "We sell emotions and a sense of well-being, regardless of whether someone is young or old. It's about appealing to all the senses," she explains. This approach has changed over the years due to digitalization. While physical contact with fabrics and materials used to be in the foreground, today visual and emotional stimuli must be intensified to achieve the same effect.
Sely reflects on the changes in the fashion industry and the increasing importance of authenticity in a digitalized world. "There used to be more artificiality. Today, people want products that come from the heart," she notes. She sees a clear trend towards more authenticity, especially in contrast to influencers who often do not appear genuine. This change is also reflected in sales strategies.
AESTHETICS AND SELF-PERCEPTION
A central point of her philosophy is self-perception and feeling comfortable in one's own skin. She emphasizes the importance of loving oneself, regardless of age or figure. "It doesn't matter if you are thin, plump, tall, or short. If you wear what you like, you will always look good," she believes. She criticizes societal expectations and the pressure, especially on women, to conform to a certain ideal. "Why shouldn't we look good as we get older? Why can't we embrace our wrinkles or say we have flabby arms? That's normal," she says – urging us to accept aging with dignity and style, without succumbing to societal expectations.
She’s seeing fashion as a tool to express one's personality. An example of her own style is her participation in the Blue Ball in Hamburg. Instead of a traditional ball gown, she chose black silk trousers and a blazer. "It's all about imagination. You have to feel comfortable and express your individuality," she explains. Her appearance was admired by many – showing that true elegance comes from confidence and originality.
CHALLENGES OF THE DIGITAL WORLD
Sely repeatedly emphasizes the importance of being authentic, especially in a digital world. "The more digital we become, the more important authenticity becomes. People want products and stories that are real," she says. For Sely, this is the key to success, both in the fashion industry and in private life.
Digitalization is the major variable in our conversation with Sely, a factor that must be reckoned with. Digitalization poses particular challenges, especially for the fashion industry. Sely talks about the need to translate the senses digitally. "We have to meet the challenge of digitizing the senses and conveying the feeling that you can touch, smell, and taste a product," she explains. This is especially important to offer customers a comprehensive experience that goes beyond mere sight.
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE
The Hamburger sees the future of fashion industry in the combination of technology and authenticity. She believes that brands that manage to create an emotional connection with their customers will be successful in the long term. "It's about selling emotions and reaching people on a deep, personal level," she explains.
Her perspective on fashion and authenticity is inspiring and pioneering. It shows that fashion is not just about appearance, but about the feeling associated with it. Sely's insights and experiences are a valuable contribution to the discussion about the future of the fashion industry and the importance of authenticity in an increasingly digital world.
