Think Switzerland and many cliché images come to mind—healthy hikers in romantic postcard sceneries, flourishing investment funds, hearty cheese, chocolate and Ricola. But fashion? Probably not. But located directly next to Italy and France with their globally established fashion epicentres Milan and Paris just a short plane ride away, up and coming Swiss designers are stepping out of their neighbour’s shadow by creating the scene they’re missing themselves. Connecting and celebrating Swiss fashion creatives, the 16th edition of Mode Suisse was held earlier this week with this season’s event featuring the pioneering labels putting Switzerland on fashion’s international radar.
A holistic platform that seeks to enrich the Swiss fashion ecosystem while advocating for its expansion, Mode Suisse brings fashion designers and schools, the textile industry, retail market, media and other fashion-related industry players together for an inclusive event held semi-annually in Geneva and Zurich.
From daring designs to avant-garde aesthetics, we review our top collections from this year’s Mode Suisse.
NINA YUUN
Eternally inspired by her Korean-Swiss heritage, Nina Yuun creates subtle, clean and unmistakably modern womenswear. Debuting at Mode Suisse in 2018, this year’s collection reflects the label’s evolution with precise craftsmanship and elegant details.
JULIA HEUER
Not many labels are known for making artisanal handmade plissé, but then again, not many labels are like Julia Heuer. Technically masterful yet undeniably playful, Julia Heuer remains one to watch.
AFTER WORK STUDIO
Feminine elegance meets sporty sensibility at After Work Studio. Informed by the multidisciplinary approach of its co-founders—fashion designer Karin Wüthrich and the graphic designer Matthias Fürst—After Work Studio is a place where form meets functionality.
HEAD – GENÈVE
Created in 2006 from the merger of two prestigious schools, the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the Haute École d’Arts Appliqués, HEAD – Genève draws on a rich cultural and artistic heritage to nurture young creative talent nationally and internationally. The two women’s collections of the Bachelor Design Mode 2019—Ania Marincek’s collection TEARS OF LAVA, a dive into a surreal and fantastic universe, as well as Lora Sonney’s ÇA SENT LA SUEUR, L’HERBE ET LA FATIGUE—highlighted the creative force and innovative approach that is thriving at HEAD – Genève and offer a glimpse into the future of Swiss fashion pioneered by its up and coming young designers.
FORBIDDEN DENIMERIES
Only founded last year, Forbidden Denimeries has already left its mark on the Swiss fashion scene with uninhibited and sustainable garments. Challenging gender boundaries with denim as its medium, Forbidden Denimeries is both aesthetically and culturally intriguing.
