AUSTRIA INSIGHT
by publisher Karin Sawetz January 2011
Karin Sawetz is journalist, media researcher and fashion scientist (Mag. Dr. phil.).

The Tyrolean Style

From 21 to 23 January 2011, the Hahnenkamm race will happen in Kitzbühel (Tyrol, Austria). This annual race with accompanied society event is so much celebrated on TV and in print magazines each year that I could pre-write an article about it. Last night (17 to 18 January), I even dreamt that I am in the snowy mountains on my skis in between the race course and making the 'Einkehrschwung' (Austrian keyword for taking a drink in a cottage). Probably this dream summarizes the annual society reports best, because the VIPs are interviewed mostly after they have followed the race and before they are taking one, two, three... drinks.

If I would write a pre-story about the event, I think I have to replace two main roles, because the male part of the couple with the shiniest glam-factor is currently engaged in a legal inquiry, which is monitored by the Austrians with interest as it is about legal or illegal use of public funds (the money of each Austrian). The case is in the meanwhile so hot that the University of Vienna hosted yesterday a 'lecture'-cabaret about it. They have to repeat it because the University hadn't enough room for the thousands of guests. (Report and video on the web publication of the Austrian daily news paper 'Kurier' on kurier.at/kult/2065870.php).

But there are many other wellknown VIPs who can fill the TV screens and print pages during the next days - and probably my dreams at night! Even last night, I was accompanied by someone on my way to the cottage...

Video: Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel, Tyrol (Austria).