Aenne Burda Creator of 'Burda moden' magazine Date of Birth: 28.07.1909 Country: Germany

1. Anna Burda: The Creator of Burda Moden Magazine
2. A Passion for Fashion and Family
3. The Birth of Burda Moden
4. Legacy and Passion for Sicily

Anna Burda: The Creator of Burda Moden Magazine

Anna Magdalena Lemminger, known to her family as Enne, was born on July 28, 1909, in the town of Offenburg in southwest Germany. From a young age, Enne knew what good fashion should be: it should show a person their true self, the way they want to be seen. While dreaming of expensive dresses from Dior was pointless without a penny to her name, Enne realized she could sew for herself, according to her own taste and with her own money. This revolutionary idea was exactly what was needed at the time.

A Passion for Fashion and Family

After completing her trade school education, Enne married Franz Burda. Although Franz had a doctorate degree and a small book printing company, they were both equally poor. However, this didn't mean that Enne had no desires. She wanted to be a mother, but not just a housewife. At the age of 17, she already knew what good fashion should be: it should show a person their true self, the way they want to be seen. While dreaming of expensive dresses from Dior was pointless without a penny to her name, Enne realized she could sew for herself, according to her own taste and with her own money. This revolutionary idea was exactly what was needed at the time.

The Birth of Burda Moden

In 1949, the entrepreneur, who started her career at the age of 40, gave her name to a new publishing company. In 1950, the first issue of the illustrated monthly magazine "Burda Moden" was released. Within fifteen years, its circulation would reach one million copies. During a trip to New York, she discovered a small boutique on Manhattan. In the modest surroundings and dimly lit fitting rooms, this woman, who could afford anything, tirelessly tried on models, testing their suitability and effectiveness. She didn't just grab what she liked; she tried on every item, bought it, wore it a couple of times, and thereby stayed in direct contact with the fashion for millions that made "Burda Moden" so popular. Today, the magazine is published in nearly 100 countries in 20 languages.

Legacy and Passion for Sicily

Ten years ago, Anna Burda stepped away from the business, handing over the reins of her fashion empire to her three sons, who successfully continued her work. Currently, the publishing house is headed by her son Hubert, to whom the other two brothers sold their shares. Frau Burda personally led the publishing house for 45 years. Besides fashion, Enne Burda had another passion - Sicily. She especially loved visiting the island during the winter.