"Women feel that I'm a good friend," explains Guido Maria Kretschmer. "I couldn't imagine life without women."
In 2021, March 8th will mark the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. But do we even need a day these days to draw attention to the rights of women? "Definitely," says fashion designer Guido Maria Kretschmer (55) on the sidelines of the digital conference of L'Oréal Paris "We celebrate Women". "It's important and it's not about celebrating all the women on this day, it's about simply raising your voice and saying: 'What is still not going right?'" The cosmetics company has been involved for years in the area of women's empowerment and is currently focusing on the international training program "Stand Up" against harassment in public.
"I think there are many ways and possibilities to promote female empowerment together," explains brand ambassador Iris Berben (70). However, one must not forget to include the men as well. "We have to push things forward together with the men. We have many good, many strong men by our side," said the 70-year-old.
Kretschmer has been setting a good example here for many years. "I couldn't imagine a life without women," explains the designer and reveals, among other things, which women play a very special role in his life.
In your opinion, what makes a strong woman?
Guido Maria Kretschmer: A strong woman is of course one who knows that she is just as weak as she is self-confident. One who knows about her strengths and weaknesses. One that balances that well. To take life as it is and that is what strong women can do. To do it alone.
They have a strong female fan base. Why do you think you are so popular with many women?
Kretschmer: Oh, you can rely on my girls, I've known that all my life. I couldn't imagine life without women. I like women and I can chat with them well. I like to be by your side, I like your humor and the way you think, because I think alike in many situations. We often agree and I think a life without good girls would be terrible. Of course I also like men. But it is also the case that women feel that I am a good friend. I am "one of you", as my magazine is called. That is a claim that I can also sign. I think I am the only man who has a women's magazine and who is allowed to carry it with his name. I find that characteristic. Women are just very close to me and therefore I am very grateful that I can be part of the "Stand Up" initiative of L'Oréal Paris and thus support them a little more.
Which women have shaped your life?
Kretschmer: I'm very socialized with women. My mother, my grandmother, I have a lot of aunts and a good friend of my mother who I really appreciated. But then there are also role models that I had and that I worked myself up to. I'm a big fan of Hildegard Hamm-Brücher, the founder of the FDP, a really great woman. I always wrote that, and so did a couple of actresses. Very different people who made me think: How great! I'm also a big fan of Jil Sander and designers I've known for a long time. Of course also from Chanel. I also like it when women write. When I think about it now: I've read a lot, a lot of women's literature; also female authors, whom I still value very much.
International Women's Day has existed for 100 years. The celebration is on March 8th, but is that day still needed?
Kretschmer: Oh yes, you definitely need one! It's important and it's not about celebrating all the women on this day, it's about simply raising your voice and saying: "What is still not going right?" And if it's the only day when women are valued, I would love it. There is still Mother's Day, but what do those who are not mothers do then? I think these days of remembrance are needed and a day is needed to show society again that everything is not going well and that not everyone is emancipated.
78 percent of all women have experienced harassment in public. Are you shocked by this high number?
Kretschmer: Honestly not. I even thought that number was even higher. As soon as you move in public, you quickly experience how many people cross borders and I think women in particular will be able to tell a song about it. Therefore I am very happy that the "Stand Up" initiative is taking an important step against harassment in public. Together with the non-profit organization "Hollaback", a training program has been created here that aims to educate women and men about intervention measures for witnesses of harassment situations. This is really a great project and I really hope that it will reach and raise awareness of a lot of people so that this really scary number can drop. The public should also be a safe place where anyone can move around freely without worrying about harassment.
Why do many women still shy away from expressing their opinion publicly today?
Kretschmer: I think that's easy to explain sociologically. It is also often said that women are the weaker sex and that they are often inferior. I think that many women hold back a little so that nothing is said about them or that they appear negatively, for example because they dress provocatively. I also believe that in some situations women tend to disagree or endure attacks because they are simply scared. I think that's a big issue that they shy away from saying: "He did this and that to me", because then the return coach often comes at the same time: "But she has … etc. " There is a danger that it will be a spiral from which one can no longer escape.
Do you also have moments in which you doubt yourself and what do you do about it?
Kretschmer: Yes, of course I also doubt myself. There are always little things that I am unsure about and think: "How do I do this?" I always try to reset myself and think: "What really makes sense now and what kind of feeling is that? Do I really need that? Then I feel better when I think:" Ok, that's not so for Made me. "As a young person you tend to think:" Yes, I'll be there "and later," I would have preferred to save myself that. "Nevertheless, you always do a lot and gain experience with it, and that's part of it It always helps to question things and when I have doubts, also to think of the moments that are going well and give no cause for doubt.
How do you deal with negative feedback?
Kretschmer: In all honesty, I'm not made for negative headlines. Thank god I haven't seen so many negatives either. I don't know how I would deal with it if it were as massive as it is with other colleagues, who are more likely to receive negative criticism. I would probably disappear from the public eye. I wouldn't do that to myself. There are always people who constantly abuse their tones and send nasty letters or emails. It's rare for me, but it does happen. Then it hurts me too and I wonder how you can do that, they don't even know me. But if you hang your head out in front, then you also have wind. But I would also notice if that became too much for me and let it be. My life is much too good for that to be insulted.