rampstyle #29:
All Summer
Long

So here we are, having a perfect, wonderful and – if we’re lucky – memorable summer with plenty of impressions that we will remember and cherish for a long time to come. I say “lucky” because forgetting is, unfortunately, one of our brain’s most common “processing functions”, as neuroscientists explain. But we can do something about it. For tips on how to approach this matter, we turn to Meik Wiking. The Danish happiness researcher is director of the prestigious Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen. The results of his studies: attentiveness is the key. If you’re not attentive in a situation, you won’t remember it. The goal must be to understand the moment as something priceless and precious. We tend to be particularly attentive, by the way, when we do something for the first time or far outside our usual comfort zone.

Otherwise, memory is like communication: you cannot not remember. Though, unfortunately, our memory is imperfect. We are constantly deciding, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously, which memories we wish to present as our stories, as Wiking explains. Well, and if we always remember somehow anyway, then better to deliberately choose the beautiful memories.

We hope that you will have fond memories of this issue of our magazine!

In Barcelona with Alvaro Soler

Most people associate Alvaro Soler’s songs with warm, light-hearted fun and sunshine. So it’s only fitting that we met him in Barcelona. In our exclusive interview with the Spanish-German singer, we talk about the power of music, his Porsche – and clichés.

Keanu Reeves, the Saint

A journalist for The New Yorker once called Keanu Reeves “too good for this world”. Not to mention that he does seem to be surrounded by an air of mystery. Honestly? Our interview confirms his reputation.

The Cult of Van Nuys Boulevard

In the early seventies, young people could be found cruising Van Nuys Boulevard in Los Angeles, celebrating their cars – and each other. Photographer Rick McCloskey was there with a unique eye for capturing the spirit of these cruise nights. Perhaps because he was a cruiser himself.

The Newest and Latest Watches

On the subject of summer time, we first thought long and hard about the topic of daylight saving time, then about the purpose of changing the clock back and forth and when you have to go which way. In the end, we decided to just show off the most beautiful watches for the summer. Just seemed like more fun.

Filling YSL’s Shoes

Yves Saint Laurent changed the world of fashion forever. After his death, his legacy was continued by Hedi Slimane and, most recently, Anthony Vaccarello. But how do you replace one of the greatest designers of the twentieth century?

The Story of House of Spoils

Once upon a time, there was an art director by the name of Max Samis who turned a newsletter into one of the hottest offline and online galleries. Its name: House of Spoils. We’ve got the photos for you to see.

Luc Donckerwolke’s Garage

Luc Donckerwolke is considered one of the most important automotive designers of our time. As chief creative officer, he is not only responsible for the design of Genesis vehicles, but also for an entire brand world. We met him for an exclusive interview. 

Udo Kier’s Hunger

Thirty years ago, Udo Kier went to Hollywood, starred in blockbuster movies and arthouse films, worked with Andy Warhol, Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Christoph Schlingensief. And he loves furniture. And art. And life in general. A portrait.

The Best Summer Styles

The great thing about summer is that you don’t have to wear a lot of clothing. Which also means that you should think carefully about what you put on before you go out. We’ve got a few ideas.

Psychology Way Up High: An Interview with Jan Mersch

He’s a psychologist and a climbing and ski guide. Jan Mersch’s coaching concept combines both of these competencies. Mersch has scaled some of this world’s tallest peaks, so he knows what kinds of experiences count as an adventure.

An Interview with Saralisa Volm

With her book Das ewige Ungenügend [Eternally Insufficient], Saralisa Volm has published “an inventory of the female body”. We met with the actress and producer to ask her about bodily self-empowerment and a relaxed attitude to aging – topics that are incredibly relevant to both women and men, we thought.