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You like to experience how diverse craft and art can be?! Discover the exhibition Spitzenbegegnungen on July 10th and 11th in the boutique hotel das TSCHOFEN in downtown Bludenz, Austria: 10 artists, 10 rooms, one weekend – curated by KEX Spitzenkultur designer Anita Keckeis and Wolfgang Burtscher.

Art is more like enjoying beautiful things. It is not a luxury, but shows what and how we are. “The artists and what they create are an important part of our identity. That’s what we want to make tangible again with this Spitzenbegegnungen weekend” emphasizes curator and designer Anita Keckeis.

The boutique hotel das TSCHOFEN, located in Rathausgasse 2, Bludenz, offers the perfect setting for the exhibition since it combines a collective culture of enjoyment and the connection to the people of the region around Bludenz.

Participating artists:
Anita Keckeis – KEXspitzenkultur 
Birgit Sargant – Leuchtobjekte
Christine Dünser – Manufaktur 
Jutta Pregenzer – Mode 
Daniela Peter – Papier & Ich 
Karak – Fliesenmanufaktur 
Marco Spitzar – Künstler 
Maria Gabriel – Künstlerin 
Michaela Ortner Moosbrugger – Künstlerin 
Thomas Hofbauer – Der Brillenmacher

Opening hours:
Saturday July 10th from 10:00 through 18:00
Sunday July 11th from 10:00 through 16:00

Anita Keckeis is not just the founder of KEX SPITZENKULTUR, she is the creative mind and soul of her label for exclusive textile jewellery. Meeting her is a real inspiration and I had the pleasure to talk to Anita for the Superior Magazine Designer Talk.

Anita, before we talk about your label KEX SPITZENKULTUR could you please tell us a bit about your professional background and how it came that you create textile jewellery?

Vorarlberg/Austria, my “home”, was a textile stronghold until the 1980s, including the embroidery industry. In addition, my mother worked in an embroidery factory. So, I knew relatively early that I wanted to design beautiful lace.

I attended the Technical College for Textile Industry in Dornbirn/Vorarlberg.

And now I’m walking my “Spitzen” path for 35 years!

You are a modern and cosmopolitan woman. Lace seems to be an old and traditional textile material. How did it come that you have chosen especially this material?

Yes, many people see something old-fashioned in embroidery, and sometimes it is. Table runners, curtains, bed linen or plain underwear…. But I aspired to create modern lace and I think I succeed very well.

And where do you get your lace from?

My embroidery designs are produced in the embroidery factories in Vorarlberg/Austria for two reasons. First, I rely on the experience these factories have. And secondly, it’s nice to have this sort of connection to the place where I grew up.

You call your creations “textile jewellery”. What are the characteristics of your textile jewellery? What’s the KEX SPITZENKULTUR DNA?

Even after 15 years in the embroidery industry, it was my opinion that the potential of this “fabric” is still not really recognized. You can create such a lot more with it. The KEX lace creations give WOMEN an attitude. They can shine confidently on any occasion.

Where do you get the inspirations for your creations from?

I am a Flaneur!

I love to travel and I like to be seduced by a variety of impressions, be it art, theater or music.

I have a great enthusiasm for the art of the 16th and 17th centuries and an affinity for Japanese designers and much more ….

After living in Berlin for a long time you moved to Bludenz in Austria some months ago. Why?

After two years in Vienna and 17 years in Berlin, I wanted to be close to my family for the years to come.

You just opened your new studio where you also meet clients personally. How important is this close contact to women who wear your jewellery?

It was my experience during the past 15 years that I’m the best ambassador for KEX.

In a personal conversation I manage to sensitize customers to my textile jewellery so that they feel that I live and love my mission!

How would you characterize “typical” KEX SPITZENKULTUR women?

Women, of course also men, who like themselves and who are open to do something BEAUTIFUL for themselves.

Although a lot of things happened this year, I know you as a very energetic woman who is always up for new things. Any next plans you already can disclose?

I just opened my new “Spitzen Salon” in Bludenz beginning of November.

Now, I’m looking forward to finally taking a break, to design new lace creations and to great encounters with art-loving people!

Thank you so much for the interview Anita!