Fashionable old man
Photographer Bjorn Akstinat couldn’t take his eyes off the elderly gentleman. He was so stylish in his skinny jeans, waistcoat and lace-up boots that he wanted to take a picture. The stranger combined the main features of classic and casual in his look, creating a unique style. That’s why he stood out from the crowd.
The old man was not very happy when he noticed the photographer pointing the camera at him. He tried to refuse to take the picture and asked what Axtinat was going to do with the photos. But as there was a language barrier between the interlocutors, they did not understand each other.
The photos of dandies from Berlin, which were taken on the Admiralty Bridge and near the Kottbusser Gate, spread quickly on social media. Internet communities published them on their pages, and their followers were simply delighted. The Berlin fashionista created an incredible impression on the entire public.
‘Cosmopolitan’ even dedicated an article to the Berlin dandy. Everyone was delighted with the fashionable grandfather’s sense of style, who really became famous.
Publications literally competed with each other to come up with a nickname for the elderly man. Some called him the coolest grandpa in Berlin, some called him a hipster pensioner, and some called him a hipster old man. The hero of the publications was always presented in different ways, but this did not embarrass him.
Along with popularity came various fictions. In the network there was information that this German is 104 years old. Journalists stirred up hype and did not even think about checking this fake. In magazines appeared articles with sensational headlines, trying to attract more readers. And it worked!
What a stylist!
Anton Krabbenhoeft comes from Hannover. He was born into an ordinary family with many children. As a child, he never thought of being connected to the fashion industry. And at that time he only had to think about how to earn his bread.
Journalists asked him why he didn’t decide to become a designer or a model. Gunther would have liked to, but he had to adjust to his parents. He was not a rebel and never made his own rules. At their request he became a chef and little by little he got used to this profession.
For half a century he gave half a century to this profession and all this time he did not differ from ordinary people. He lived in marriage for 10 years and even brought up a daughter by himself. The man was always against authoritarian methods of education and adhered to the principles of progressive pedagogy. In the first place at him always stood the rights, freedoms and independence of his daughter.
Now Gunther has adult grandchildren – 24 and 30 years old.
The man had lived in West Berlin since 1968. In 1986 he moved to Kreuzberg. This is not a normal place to live, as there are frequent street riots, raging at night and squatting.
‘I dress for myself.’
Krabbenheft lives in an ordinary communal flat. Before his popularity, the man worked in the medical field and cared for AIDS patients. He eased their last days of life. All in all, not an easy job.
He had fulfilled all the important roles and now he could finally live for himself. One day he was the dutiful son, the responsible parent. Now he has the opportunity to live his life the way he likes. It’s his turn to be happy.
The Berlin dandy is an active user of social media. He has about 300,000 followers. People love to watch him travelling, creating imposing looks and sharing stylish finds.
Krabbenheft was shocked when he learnt that journalists had attributed 104 years to him. He ironically replied that he was half that age.
Nor did the man remain silent when he was accused of deliberate theatricality and ostentatious extravagance. He points out that he dresses for himself, not for anyone else. He wants to look at his reflection with a smile, because in the mirror he sees not only the outer shell, but also his whole self. Clothes help him to achieve harmony between his outer and inner world.
Grey hair doesn’t get in the way of style
We can say that the man is an ideal role model, because he not only dresses stylishly, but also spends modest amounts of money on clothes. He admits that most often he buys things in second hand shops. However, he does not spare money on basic things, as they serve him for years.
Gunter admits that he has always liked to be the centre of attention. He used to love dancing, but after 50 he realised that he had to look for something else to do. He didn’t want to be stopped one day at the fashion control and offered to go to a nursing home.
The man hadn’t danced for two decades, and then he took up again. Two strangers approached the Berlin dandy and offered to go clubbing together. According to him, he danced for about 8 hours straight and then went home happy. He felt as if he was floating on a hovercraft, because he was charged with positive emotions.
Of course, at first he felt awkward when he was among young people. However, as he grew older, he realised that there is no need to accentuate the attention of others, because it is much more important to love yourself. He understands that some people consider him crazy, but he does not want to limit himself in something and deprive himself of freedom just for the sake of leaving someone. The man values freedom and will not let anyone take it away.
In principle, the inhabitants of Berlin are not so easy to surprise. It is full of different freaks and informals, but Günter is beyond competition. He differs from the representatives of typical cultural trends and stands out from the crowd.
Grandpa’s personal life
Of course, this glamorous man has a stylish companion. They attend fashion shows and social events together.
The woman he has chosen for himself is, naturally, appropriate. In Berlin, she is called The Grande Dame. But, of course, everyone is most amazed by their paired outings. These stylists know how to surprise!
Britt Canha was formerly a dancer. She was born in 1951. She toured for many years, and in the 80’s she opened a nightclub with her partners, where creative bohemians hung out and organised various important events.
Even at her age, Britt doesn’t mind making some noise at a party. She is not averse to a boisterous creative life and loves a night out.
Her refined taste and elegance deserves special attention. As commentators write, her images harmoniously combine traditional Chinese qipao dresses and the unique grace of Audrey Hepburn.
By the way, the chosen one of the British dandy designs and sews her own dresses. That is why she manages to combine the elegance of the 50s and Hollywood glamour. Such outfits can’t be found in free sale. And her make-up is a separate story, as the woman likes to apply cosmetics in the style of theatre make-up.
Despite the fact that these two people are of age, they live a life of pleasure. They attend theatre premieres, go to discos and take part in fashion shows. Gunter loves cycling and his woman loves ice skating. That’s the kind of old age everyone should have!
When this spectacular couple appears in public, it’s hard to hide your admiration. Absolutely all cultural events in the German capital are attended by them.
Gunter even wrote a book called ‘Just be yourself’. As the man says, it does not matter what happens in your life, because even failures can be perceived as strength. However, he didn’t manage to rethink everything until years later.
At the moment, he is doing his best to fill his heart with sincere feelings and positive thoughts. Every day is a beautiful journey through life. Take an example from Gunther!
