October 28, 2025 |
Karla Otto – Alexander Werz, CEO, and Lissy Von Schwarzkopf, chief business officer
Date founded: 1982
Founding partner of The Independents: 2017
Company description: a full-service communications agency representing the best of fashion, beauty, design, lifestyle, arts and culture.
What’s a project you’ve worked on lately that you’re proud of?
It’s never easy to single out just one project. The real thrill lies in seeing bold ideas come to life, especially when driven by the incredible talent of our teams across the globe. That said, Cannes was a standout this year and on a par with a fashion week. A perfect collision of cinema and fashion, it gave us the chance to dress and host incredible people and connect in ways that felt both effortless and electric. We had teams from all our international offices there to support. Equally special was the launch of House of Craft, the first-ever UBS x Dior exhibition in New York. A celebration of true artistry, it brought together visionaries like Carine Roitfeld and Brigitte Niedermair, alongside the brilliant teams at Dior and UBS. Together, we shaped a programme of conversations and experiences that left a lasting impression.
What are you most excited about, looking ahead for your business?
What drives us is the next challenge, idea, moment, anywhere in the world. As the lines between luxury, art, hospitality, beauty and entertainment continue to blur, the definition of culture evolves.We have a 365-day calendar for creating storytelling and experiences at hand to evoke emotions, a sense of belonging and true connection.
Photography by Kevin Hatt. Taken from 10 Magazine Issue 75 – BIRTHDAY, EVOLVE, TRANSFORMATION – out on newsstands now. Order your copy here.
