Handmade Black Silk Grosgrain Cummerbund
$195
The Field Trip: An Austrian Getaway with WM Brown x Sacher Hotels
Vienna greeted me with open arms and the kind of luxurious ease that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a winter dream. My adventure began at Vienna International Airport, where the driver—a polished gentleman in a beautiful S500 Mercedes—whisked me away to the legendary Hotel Sacher. Christmas had arrived early, even though Thanksgiving hadn’t yet passed (but let’s face it, the Austrians don’t care about that).
Luxury today can feel a little predictable, but this? This was next level. Ultimate luxury, for me, is ease—a frictionless experience that makes life feel perfectly in tune. It’s a driver waiting at the airport, seamless check-ins, and little personal touches like the famous Sacher Torte cake, customized with my picture and a nod to one of my most recent drops. My pillowcase even had my name hand-stitched into it. And the pièce de résistance? My room overlooked the Vienna State Opera—truly an experience designed for someone who has an obsessive love for classical music.
This trip, however, was not simply a holiday—it was a curated affair inspired by my dear friends Matt and Yolanda. After attending the storied Vienna Opera Ball last year, they decided to create their own tailor-made experience for a select group of fashion and lifestyle tastemakers. I was honored to be one of just two Americans invited—and the only sartorial menswear designer among the group. If you know Matt Hranek, you know he’s a master storyteller with impeccable taste, so every meal, activity, and dress code was orchestrated with incredible precision and thoughtfulness.
Day 1: A Sweet Arrival and a Taste of Vienna
From the moment I stepped foot in the Sacher Hotel, I knew this wasn’t your average getaway. The famed Sacher Torte, the luxurious linens, and the view of the opera house—every detail whispered sophistication. After settling in, I joined the group for cocktails to toast our arrival. Vienna, with its grand architecture and old-world charm, set the perfect stage for what was to come.
Day 2: Dinner at J. & L. Lobmeyr
One of the standout moments of the trip was dinner at J. & L. Lobmeyr, a historic Viennese purveyor of glassware and fine china. Founded in 1823, Lobmeyr has a storied past as a supplier to the imperial court and a contributor to the city’s artistic legacy. From the outside, it appeared to be an unassuming china shop, but stepping inside revealed a fully transformed dining space just for us. It was a stunning surprise.
The dress code was cocktail attire or black tie optional, but in my world, there’s no “optional.” It’s black tie or bust. I chose to wear our ikat dinner jacket from the current collection, styled in classic black-tie fashion. It’s a piece that effortlessly bridges old-world charm and modern sartorial elegance—perfect for the occasion. The evening was a testament to the power of fine craftsmanship, from the glassware to the meal itself.
Day 3: The Grand Finale at the Sacher Hotel
For the final evening, Matt pulled out all the stops with a white-tie dinner in honor of the Sacher Hotel and Vienna’s rich cultural heritage. White tie is the pinnacle of formalwear—it’s what you’d expect to see at the Opera Ball, with strict rules about tailcoats, waistcoats, and shirt studs. Naturally, I wanted to bring an Angel Ramos twist to the classic look.
Instead of sticking to traditional white tie attire, I chose to reinterpret it with a touch of our signature louche style with a white tie jacket with unconstructed shoulders for a softer, more relaxed silhouette. I also designed a custom waistcoat inspired by Fred Astaire’s iconic performance pieces, bringing a touch of vintage glamour to the ensemble.
The evening began in the hotel’s presidential suite, where we clinked martini glasses on the balcony overlooking the opera house, as the music of an Austrian maestro played softly in the background. Then we descended into a masterpiece of a dining room—deep green walls with mahogany wood panels, emerald drapery, and Austrian crystal accents sparkling from every corner.
Of course, Vienna is incredible, but let’s be honest: one can only eat so much schnitzel. That night, the culinary experience was as decadent as the setting, every bite paired with impeccable wine selections.
Final Reflections
This trip was more than just a getaway—it was an exploration of elegance, storytelling, and the kind of attention to detail that inspires everything I design. To Matt, Yolanda, and the Sacher Hotel: thank you for inviting me on this extraordinary field trip.
It was a journey steeped in history, luxury, and camaraderie, leaving me with memories as rich as the famous Sacher Torte itself. Vienna, you’ve outdone yourself.
Cheers to more adventures ahead.
