#01 Studio Talk Munich

Munich, March 26, 2026 – An evening exploring materiality, relationships, and attitudes in an age of reproducibility

What is actually real?

The first evening, focused on the theme “The Experience of Authenticity,” explored this question. Together with Philipp Hoflehner, host and co-creator of the event series, Markus Riedel of RIEDEL Real Estate and Oliver Jahn, former editor-in-chief of AD and now with House of Manus, a conversation unfolded about quality, authenticity, and the renewed relevance of handmade items—not as a counter-movement, but as a conscious stance in an era in which so much has become producible, reproducible, and interchangeable.

The Authentic as a Question of the Present

In a world where AI generates language, produces images, and even simulates spaces and atmospheres, the question of what is real takes on new significance. The event was not intended as a pessimistic critique of culture, but rather as a practical assessment: What does authenticity mean today—in design, in craftsmanship, and in our relationship with customers?

The evening centered on three concepts that shaped the discussion: materiality, relationship, and attitude. Materiality refers to the handmade, the unique, and what cannot be scaled arbitrarily. Relationship stands for genuine exchange, trust, and the kind of attention that is the very foundation of quality in the luxury segment. Attitude describes the commitment to doing things right—even when it requires more time, care, and consistency.

A central question of the evening was: What can no algorithm replace? The discussion centered on those moments that arise not solely through technology, but only through human experience, intuition, and empathy. When does a service become an experience that leaves a lasting impression? And how do people recognize authenticity—through small decisions, through attitude, through precision, or through the way something is meant?

Craftsmanship as a Way of Life

It became clear that craftsmanship today is not just a technique, but a mindset. It stands for care, responsibility, and the willingness not to rush quality when it takes time. Especially in a world where styles can be imitated and aesthetics can be generated, personality, heritage, and continuity are gaining importance as values that cannot be copied.

The evening made it clear that many people today are looking not only for beauty, but also for substance and honesty. For things and spaces that endure. For experiences defined not by volume, but by authenticity, dignity, and depth. Authenticity often reveals itself not in the effect, but in the experience.

The “The Experience of the Authentic” series brought together perspectives that view quality as a cultural value. Special thanks also go to Katja Kussmann and Nicola Sacher of Kussmann Sacher, who conceived and designed the event series.

Authenticity isn't a trend. It's an attitude.

Photos: Elishua Bachor