EuroVox_12082008

Piece Description

This week: “Border Crossing”. Businessmen make over Madrid’s Red Light District, Russians settle “Little Europe” on the outskirts of Moscow, Chinese designers showcase cross-cultural creations and victims remember the Children's Transport.

Designers Patchwork Chinese Roots and European Styles

While China is known for manufacturing much of the world's clothes, it's not really known for designing them. But a recent exhibition in Vienna showcased the talents of up and coming contemporary Chinese fashion designers. The creations ranged from fantastical wearable creatures to experimental chic to "archaeological sculptures" created from pyjamas, dresses, and shirts from China from the 1970s to the 1990s. (Report: Cinnamon Nippard)

Madrid Gentrifies Red Light District "TriBall"

Can you turn a "bad part of town" into the new "in" district? Yes, if you have the cash. Everyone has seen this happen in cities like Berlin, London or Paris: artists and other creative types move to a cheap part of town, set up galleries, cafes and bars, and in just a few years, the ghetto has become a chic arts district. In Madrid, a couple of private investors with business smarts and a good marketing strategy are trying to do the same. EuroVox  took a tour of the Spanish capital to check it out. (Report: Julia Macher/Catherine Graue)

Russia Elite Settle for "Europe" in Moscow's Outskirts

"Emigrate every evening" is the headline of the full page advertisement in Russia’s leading business newspaper "Wedemosti", enticing its wealthier readers. For those who can afford luxury homes on the outskirts of Moscow, European Kitsch is the best money can buy. Entire housing developments are appearing out of nowhere. And while the Kremlin may be playing out its anti-Western sentiments, the Russian elite are living their dream of Europe, right at home. (Report: Erik Albrecht/Sam Edmonds)

Berlin Commemorates Young Holocaust Victims

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the "Kindertransport" operation. The program rescued thousands of Jewish children from Germany and Austria, by evacuating them to England right before the start of World War II. To commemorate this, a new memorial has been dedicated in Berlin. The children who were rescued are now in their 70s and 80s and EuroVox met one of them. (Report: Susan Stone)