“Maintaining a healthy distance from what you do is essential.”
Nazan Eckes is one of Germany’s most renowned presenters. With her Turkish heritage and unmistakably vibrant, energetic persona, she epitomises the success of a modern career woman navigating two cultures; she is the daughter of Turkish immigrants from Eskişehir and has a brother and a sister. In an interview, she responded to whether she used to constantly jump between two worlds:
“It’s impossible to settle when you grow up in two cultures.”
In 2012, she was awarded the “Plattino” prize for her contributions to German-Turkish relations. In 2017, the presenter received the Merit Medal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, followed by the Order of Merit of North Rhine-Westphalia in 2021.
In her 2012 book, Guten Morgen, Abendland (“Good Morning, Occident”), she describes life in an immigrant family. Nazan has since hung up her TV career hat. Yet, even in retirement from television, the former RTL host continues to enchant nearly half a million fans on Instagram, where she regularly shares glimpses of her vibrant life. In an interview with NOBLE&STYLE, she talks about her start in her early 20s, daily rituals, her love for jogging, family, her favourite designers, Alexandre Vauthier and Christopher Esber, and her favourite spot at home — the terrace.
Nazan Eckes embodies the art of balancing a high-profile career with personal authenticity and family love. Her journey is a testament to staying true to oneself amidst the ever-changing tides of the media world. That's why we love her!
Were there moments in your career that have left a lasting impact on you?
You can’t really pin it down to one specific moment. It’s more a collection of countless moments and experiences, both good and bad. Throughout my career, I’ve continuously learned about who I am, what I am, and especially what I’m not.
Have your professional goals and ambitions evolved over the years? Which experiences have been particularly significant for you?
I started at RTL in my early 20s and just let everything come at me. When you’re completely inexperienced, you initially place a lot of value on others’ opinions. You think they know better what’s good for you and what’s not. Over time, you discover more about which formats, stories, and presentations truly suit you and which don’t. For me, it was always important to feel genuinely fulfilled in my work, and I had promised myself from the beginning: if it stops being fun, I’ll leave. And that’s precisely what I did.
The film and media industry is fast-paced and full of changes. How do you manage to stay true to yourself while remaining relevant?
The most significant thing is not to try to stay relevant at all. Especially in this fast-paced world, each of us should strive even harder to stay true to ourselves. I’ve always loved my job and the dazzling world of television. I had the opportunity to present fantastic formats, travel a lot, meet great people, and make friends. But I’ve also always known that real life is family and home. Maintaining a healthy distance from what you do is essential.
Young people often dream of a career in the media. What advice would you give them?
Careers today can be built overnight. A hit on TikTok, and everyone in Germany or even the whole world knows you. It’s crazy. We old-school presenters used to host tirelessly until someone took notice, 😉 and I had no control over how I was portrayed in the media. Today, I can spread a statement or my thoughts on Instagram within seconds. However, back then, the focus was on content, shows, and broadcasts. The standard was entirely different compared to today’s social media landscape. Now, the person themselves is in the spotlight, with much more personal stuff being shared, which naturally makes you more vulnerable. I can only advise everyone to draw a clear line between real life and the outside world.
When you think about the next five years, what visions do you have for your future?
I still have one or two projects that I’ve dreamed about for a long time. I’ll pursue them, but slowly… when the time is right.
Which designers and brands do you particularly admire and why?
Not only that, but I love the dresses by Alexandre Vauthier and Christopher Esber. Sexy, strong, feminine. I enjoy being a woman and showing that.
How do you decide what to wear for public events and which collaborations to engage in?
I usually plan well in advance and then throw everything over the fence at the last minute. It’s absolutely dependent on how I feel that day. I always have multiple options on hand. I consider collaborations carefully—it has to fit and feel authentic.
Is there a piece of clothing or an accessory that is indispensable for you?
Furthermore, I take a black blazer on every trip, regardless of where I’m going. It can save any outfit in a pinch and always looks polished.
Do you have a favourite room at home? What makes it so special for you?
My terrace… After jogging, I immediately settle there with a tasselled coffee and enjoy every second before waking up my children.
What is your favourite item in your home in terms of interior decoration? Is there a particular piece you’ve bought, like a painting or a lamp, that holds special meaning for you?
I’ve bought so many wonderful things on my travels—vases, candle stands, sculptures, and cutlery. Each piece is a lovely memory. The most beautiful and largest souvenir I have is a wooden ‘Goddess of Fertility’ that I bought 15 years ago at an art market in Malawi. It stands right at the entrance and welcomes every visitor… haha… 😉
Are there any family rituals that you regularly maintain?
First, we have a very lively family chat that’s never quiet, and we always meet for each other’s birthdays. Especially when our mother celebrates her birthday, we go to Turkey for a week every year.
Do you have a life motto that guides and inspires you?
Life is short. I only make short-term plans, not for the next 10–20 years…
Is there a particular hobby that helps you unwind?
I’ve been a passionate jogger for 20 years, and now I’m addicted. Not only that, but I can’t live without it any more. I need it to unwind and to start the day sorted. Plus, I love the feeling of powering myself up physically once a day and then enjoying breakfast. That ‘I’ve earned it’ feeling…
What five things are absolutely essential when you travel?
A good book, headphones, running shoes, my skincare products, and a black blazer.
How do you define luxury in your life, and has this definition changed over time?
It has changed quite a lot. Previously, classic luxuries like a big house and a fast car were important. Today, time itself is true luxury for me. I’ve become a big fan of Slow Living. I try not to let socially imposed, supposedly important ‘to-dos' stress me out. When you look closely, nothing is so critical that it can’t wait a bit. My priority is time for my children, sports, travel, and spending time with cool people.
Can you tell us about your involvement in charitable organisations and why these causes are important to you?
Initially, many organisations approached me. It just happened that way, but over time, I understood how significant it is to engage as a public figure and use your voice to highlight injustices. It’s the least we can do. Especially, women’s and children’s rights are my main concerns.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
The first thing that comes to mind is my kindergarten bag… It was red, with a picture of Maya the Bee. It’s a shame I don’t have it any more. I also remember that I truly enjoyed going to kindergarten. And I think of the shared TV evenings with my parents—the cosy ‘campfire’ feeling that so many talk about today, which no longer exists.
How strongly do you trust your gut feeling?
Very strongly. For all major decisions, I always go with my gut feeling. Even after a hundred pieces of advice and warnings from others, my gut ultimately decides. And it has proven to be right in the long run, with one or two exceptions, of course. 😉
After a long day, what do you crave the most?
I just want to cuddle on the sofa with my two children and watch a movie together, like I did with my parents when I was younger. I love it. My two sons are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love them above all else.
Thank you, Nazan!
