Vicky Jung, together with a previous winner, shares her experiences
Shopping Queen is a popular German reality TV show where host Guido Maria Kretschmer accompanies contestants from different cities each week. The show centers around a shopping and styling competition in which participants must put together a complete outfit based on a specific theme within a set timeframe and budget – including clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, and hairstyle.
In each edition, usually five female participants – occasionally also men – compete against each other to secure the title of “Shopping Queen” of their city.
The show recently made another stop in Darmstadt. Vicky Jung secured the victory. She was supported by, among others, Diana Baloh, who won the first Darmstadt Shopping Queen title in 2015.
DA.news hosted both participants. In the interview, they shared their personal impressions, challenges, and special moments surrounding their participation in the TV show.
DA.news
Congratulations on winning Shopping Queen! Vicky, have you already spent all of your €1,000 prize money?
Vicky Jung:
No, I won't receive the 1,000 euros until after the show airs, but I'm already looking forward to going shopping again!
DA.news
You will be accompanied by Diana Baloh, just like on the show. Diana, you were the Shopping Queen 2015 in Darmstadt?
Diana Baloh:
Yes, I still get asked about it very often today.
DA.news
What's it like, the feeling when you get on this pink shopping bus?
Vicky Jung
Cool. I thought it was totally awesome.
Diana Baloh:
I've been there twice already. First as a contestant myself, and then as a shopping companion. It was great. And I won both times.
DA.news
You know each other from working at a private language school. So it made sense to choose an experienced shopping companion?
Vicky Jung:
I didn't even apply; the production team called Diana: "We're looking for someone for Darmstadt. Do you know anyone?" She suggested me. And because I've always loved Shopping Queen, I naturally agreed. And I'm all the more thrilled to have won!
DA.news
What guidelines did you have from the show's producers?
Vicky Jung:
On the Sunday before the recording, the day before the broadcast, the production team came for a meeting and to inspect the premises. I didn't know the other contestants. They also made sure that we only got to know each other during the broadcast. My biggest worry was that I might not get along with one or two of the contestants.
Diana Baloh:
There are always very different personalities there. That's intentional. Ages and body sizes vary as well. There's always someone who is plus-size.
DA.news
On television, you always hear a voiceover that leads the conversations or asks questions. Does this person really exist?
Vicky Jung
is the producer, a member of the editorial team. The voice is dubbed for the broadcast. This is just one voice.
DA.news
You met at the first candidate's place. What was the initial meeting like?
Vicky Jung:
It was exciting and unusual, especially because there were two camera crews. And the first contestant had a very small apartment. All five of us were crammed onto one tiny sofa; the place was just too crowded and hot. The producer helped us out with spontaneous questions, or we asked each other questions.
DA.news
What does it feel like when strangers explore your wardrobe in your own home?
Vicky Jung:
I tidied up beforehand. (Laughs) My house is usually open, well, not my wardrobe, but my house. But it was clarified in advance what could be shown. And it's absolutely okay if you say, "I don't want that." Everything was taken into account; it was really great.
DA.news
You didn't dance during the introductory interview, which is usually customary on the show?
Vicky Jung:
I said I wasn't going to dance here. The others danced, I didn't.
Diana Baloh:
There wasn't any dancing in my performance. We had a special edition because the James Bond premiere was in theaters. Our entire Shopping Queen week was themed around James Bond films. The winner got tickets to the premiere in Berlin, including a partner, hotel accommodation, and flights. That was great!
DA.news
When did you first meet Guido in person?
Vicky Jung
: In the second week, we all went to Hamburg. That's where we met him. He was very nice; he had such kind words for each of us. Guido is truly a kind-hearted person. He did the scoring and the crowning. Afterwards, we had some time to talk to him.
DA.news
Were you able to choose where you wanted to go shopping in advance?
Vicky Jung:
In advance, I submitted a list of 20 shops, from which we were assigned three.
DA.news
You were also at the “Henschel” restaurant in Darmstadt?
Vicky Jung:
The show's theme was "Gelato Glam – Create an irresistible look in the pastel color of your ice cream!" The "opposite" was on my list, but unfortunately, I didn't find anything suitable there. I was a bit frustrated because there was nothing, but then I was allowed to go over to "Henschel." That's where I got further. I also had a discount store on my list.
DA.news
Diana, you were very decisive in your choice of clothing.
Diana Baloh:
I was surprised myself that I was so strict. Was I really like that?
Vicky Jung:
"Once a queen, always a queen," Guido said. "But the election was good, too."
DA.news
When it came to awarding points to the candidates, everyone was always very enthusiastic, but then gave 7 or 8 points.
Vicky Jung:
Actually, you don't want to say anything negative, even if you don't like something. We held back a lot. But we should also criticize; however, not everything was shown.
DA.news
Do you still have contact with the other candidates?
Diana Baloh
Only in the first few months, not anymore.
Vicky Jung:
We tried to meet for a whole year, which we didn't manage to do, but now we've met for the broadcast.
DA.news
Do you still wear the clothes from the show?
Vicky Jung:
I wear the blouson jacket, but not the skirt as often. It's not really suitable for everyday wear, more for formal occasions. Unfortunately, I don't wear the shoes because they're uncomfortable. It's a shame, I actually think they're great.
DA.news
Thank you for the lovely conversation
Photos: Fabian Vollrath, Arlene Bortoli
