It's that lovely time of the year again to take out the Dirndl and Lederhosen! Our columnist took the chance and was not only at one, but two Oktoberfest-Partys in Frankfurt. O'zapft is ...

Day 1
Like the years before, I was wearing a new custom made dirndl, designed by my friend Shanty Sutadji of Shanty Couture. Last week I had the pleasure to attend the opening event of the Frankfurter Oktoberfest, and let me tell you, it was fabulous! Watch out Munich, you have some serious competition here in Frankfurt. Not only can we do skyscrapers and apple wine, but we can also do one hell of a wild and fun Oktoberfest!

I was very excited because I had two evenings of Oktoberfest openings back to back. First came Thursday night, as we made our way into the huge tent to Box Nr. 4 - where all the hot celeb action was happening! Frank Kuhlmann of Kuhlmann Beauty Consulting was already there with his beautiful girlfriend Nina, greeting us with his bright, open and friendly smile. He organized this evening for us, along with Kai Mann. We were seated next to Liliana Matthäus - the face of the Frankfurter Oktoberfest for 2016, along with some lovely ladies from the German Bachelor TV show. I was astounded to see how much press was at our box, TV cameras and flashes going off every few seconds. After a while of “meet and greet” with the people, a sudden big bang came from the stage, the lights dimmed and the show started.

Introductions were made and the first drop of beer was tasted for the Anstich! The Oktoberfest has officially started! I couldn't help but notice the happy people running around everywhere, the Hendl being brought out with a savory flavor, along with the traditional Weißwurst, sweet mustard, Brezel by the kilos, plus tons and tons of Maß beer! For those who don't drink beer - like me - there is also wine, prosecco and delicious champagne available. With every passing hour, the guests were getting happier and wilder. The first couples have started dancing on the tables already. At that minute, I knew it shall be a night to remember!

I was happy to see some friends there, whom I haven't seen in a while. It was lovely to catch up and talk a bit about life. Later on I had a chance to meet the lovely Chany Dakota, who took my interview for the Rheinmaintv television channel (See video below). The band was rocking it on the stage, singing all of the best and beloved Oktoberfest songs. I have to admit that as a Canadian, I don't know all of the songs, but I love dancing to them, because they put me in a wonderful mood! The hours were running away from me and slowly I realized that it was time to go home. Tomorrow was Day Nr. 2, and I had to be fit and fabulous for the evening. I bid my friends, the Hausmann family and all the lovely new people I met farewell, and made my way out into the romantic warm Frankfurt evening.




Day 2
Tonight was the opening of the Oktoberfest at the beautiful Kempinski hotel in Frankfurt. My friend Shanty Sutadji invited us to see her glamorous new Dirndl collection. When we arrived, we were greeted with drinks and many familiar faces. Shanty was running around, making sure her models were perfectly prepared for tonight's show. As expected, all the ladies arrived wearing Shanty's glamorous 2016 collection, included me.

Shanty was born in Indonesia, and what I love most about her style is the combination of Asian and European fashion influences. Her Dirndls are not typical traditional ones, but rather a fancy creation that combines both cultural elements. She always includes lots of lace, silk and unique flower arrangements on her designs. Last night I was wearing my pink dirndl and tonight I was wearing the lovely green one she made especially to match my eye color. Shanty has a passion for details, which I admire very much, being a perfectionist as well.

We were served our delectable meats and wines and the men had maß beer. The food was absolutely delicious and I couldn't get enough. Finally the anticipated time came for the fashion show and everyone around us was excited to see what shall be presented. The lights grew dimmer and the music came on. One after the other, the beautiful models came out, strutting their way between the guests, showing off Shanty's glamorous creations.

The ladies were definitely turning their heads to look at the colorful Dirndls being shown. The materials and patterns were magnificent, and one was better than the other. It was very hard to choose my favorite one, because all of them were so unique and gorgeous. They are all custom made and there are never two which are the same! I was feeling very happy in my new forest green Dirndl. The fashion show was a big success and there was lots of dancing and singing afterwards. Shanty and the guests were all very happy with the positive reactions.

I felt very satisfied after my two eventful and cheerful Oktoberfest evenings. It was slowly time to make my way back to my favorite little city with a big attitude. Stepping out of the taxi, I looked at the skyline and realized again for the 100th time, how truly lucky I was to live here and now.