Julia Rep (38) is the owner of a very special fashion boutique in Elviria. She come from Germany, but now has been living in Marbella for 11 years. I-Marbella found out what made her come here and what else she does in her life.

1. What made you come to Marbella?    

After I finished my studies in Cardiff, Wales, I went back to Germany for a year. Thinking, before life was getting to serious I wanted to spend a year in Spain to learn Spanish. This one year has been a very long year - as I'm now already 11 years in Marbella and having the center of my life here!

2. What is your favourite part of living here?   

Needless to say that it was at the beginning above all the climate! By now certainly as well my business, friends and family.

3. What do you miss most from your home?   

My most-beloved brother and some precious friends.

4. What are your hobbies? 

After working so hard I'm about to get back to my hobbies like swimming. Sailing I haven't done for many years so I might need some lessons again. Apart from scuba diving - everything you can do with, in and on the water.

5. Describe a few ways how you spend your time here? 

My business is my main concern and that dominates - in a positive way - my day. During the spare hours which are left, I love being together with my family, which is my source of energy, organising parties and dinners for our friends. Great are lunches and famous Sundays at Nikki Beach or spending hot summer nights at Suite del Mar. Suite in winter is a great place to be as it's very intimate, special DJ acts at Dreamer's are highlights as well! Shopping for clothes I do with passion in my own shop FASHIONVILLA and I wished I could organize myself better to have some "ME-hours", but that will happen as well.

7. Do you holiday in other destinations now that you have relocated to a luxury resort? If so, where? 

I don't even know how to spell the word "holiday" ;-) but to spend some exciting time I love to go with my boyfriend to the Formula1 in Monaco and I would love to spend with him this year at least 2 weeks in some relaxing, exotic and recreative places such as Thailand or Seychelles.

8. What are the difficulties for someone o f your profession working in Marbella?  

Here we feel very strongly which economies of which countries work well or bad respectively. For a while the Irish buying power was strong, then the English, now the Scandinavian. Meaning that my clientele changes constantly and I'm always walking on a thin line to meet clients' needs, which has absolute priority. However, so far we have been quite successful. People are even flying in just to buy with us - that honors us and our work.

9. Do you have any favourite designers?  

I'm the wrong person to ask - I could write essays about it! Especially as my preferences change from season to season as many of the collections are not constantly great in design! Talking couture or haute couture: To go crazy I admire "Vivienne Westwood", "Karl Lagerfeld" is an absolute trendsetter and "Cavalli" has been very constant over the years, trendy, wearable, great materials. Armani is one of the very few big designers whose collections are perfect in cut, design and material, very wearable and mega chic - it suits almost every woman.

I don't like Missoni as collections bearly show something new. Chloé is a label that has tried very hard to be trendy over the last years and has missed to transmit a convincing sparkle - for me: there is no wow-factor. As international newcomers I love "Talbot + Runhof" - design ranges between classic chic and extravagance. "Ella Singh" is pure glamour and let shine every woman.  Both labels we sell at Fashionvilla. If we look at collections which cover daily expectations I favour "Airfield" - very strong in blazers and jackets - always new materials and accessories and "Cambio" is the "Pope" among the manufacturers of trousers. Also available at Fashionvilla.

10. What are your dreams and aspirations?  

A dream would be to have my own small collection or to be able to work for some of the biggest designers in terms of organising their events and fashion shows.   

11. How are you involved with the Rotary club? 

For a long time I have been asked by Rotarians to join the club. But as I'm not a club-person and I also didn't want to have the obligation to join meetings on a regular base (every week), I needed a long time to decide. But as many things, the view has changed: it's different when you look from outside in comparison to actually forming part of it. I'm member of the Rotary Club Benahavis, my mother of the Rotary Club Fuengirola-Mijas and my boyfriend of the Rotary Club Marbella. Both have been presidents of their clubs. As a member you follow the goals and philosophy of Rotary which are in summary: friendship among each other and doing as much charity work as possible. It is amazing to witness what each club is contributing towards making this world a bit better. There are local but also international charity projects. Not to mention the possibilities and achievements of Rotary International.

12. When will the next events take place and what are they? 

We've just organised a big gala dinner including event and fashion show in March. I've been asked to organise some special happenings and events for this summer, but nothing is 100% confirmed yet. However, at Fashionvilla we have little fashion teas and presentations where we invite 5 to 10 women, which happily join in. We have a lot of fun togehter. Those ar e the moments we get to know each other better and our clients feel confident to try, enjoy themselves, chosing and trying clothes. It's a great success.

13. What is your beauty secret? 

If I had more "ME-time" I probably had many. I love everything what the beauty section has to offer (if it's done perfectly). At the moment I have extensions, when times are too hectic and stressful I love facials. Lots of fun and laughter with friends, my boyfriends love keep me happy and being happy means being beautiful!

14. Do you work out? 

No, but that is one of my goals I'm starting THIS month! Thank God, that there are still some days left ;-)

15. Name a few of your favourite restaurants or cafes here. 

My absolute favourite is Sushi des Artistes - the location is unfortunately wrong, but the food IS artistic. I also love Messina - especially because of the warm-hearted service of the owners and their creative cuisine. New on my list is La Moraga with its little delicious hamburgers! And not to for get Terra Sana and Passion Café - simply love it!!

16. What is good to do in springtime in Marbella?hat is good to do in springtime in Marbella? 

Springtime is magic in Marbella. Whatever you wish to do is possible. Walking on the beach, eating out but sitting outside, cruising on the motorbike, sailing along the shore, picnic in the mountains, even skiing in Sierra Nevada is still possible - well, you choose!