MODE SUISSE EDITION 16 (2019)

(Images: Alexander Palacios)

Shortly before the show, esteemed guests: Thibaud Guyonnet (Voo Berlin), Sabina Hanselmann-Diethelm (Bolero/Style), Alexis Schwarzenbach (Zürcherische Seidenindustrie Gesellschaft), Raoul Keil (Schön! Magazine), Filip Niedenthal (Vogue Poland), artists Lea Lu and Richard Dorfmeister were gathered at the cultured photo wall which was created as part of a campaign in collaboration with ECAL/Ecole Cantonale d'Art de Lausanne.

Opening the show, Julia Heuer (Stuttgart) added a new meaning to the word Superbloom. Bringing a blast of vibrancy to the night’s proceedings, Mourjjan (Zurich, Mykonos, Beirut) fittingly named their SS20 collection Circus of Life. Forbidden Denimeries’ (Geneva) sensuous designs were inspired by their exploration of the simplicity of the co-existence of the masculine and feminine; while HEAD – Geneve’s students (Ania Marincek & Lora Sonney), as well as representatives of the Institute of Fashion Design from the HGK FHNW (Basel), unveiled powerful debut collections. 

In an exciting development, Maurice Lacroix, partnering with Mode Suisse, will be supporting a young emerging designer from each edition from now on. After Work Studio (Basel) wowed the audience with the strength of their dynamic patterns perfectly off-setting the iconic Maurice Lacroix AIKON timepieces.

For Jacqueline Loekito (Basel), Picasso’s Acrobat and Young Harlequin was the inspiration for her work placing emphasis on “the liberation of sexes and combatted heteronormative prejudices”. Nina Yuun (Basel), partnering with Swiss-Korean jewellery brand Hana Kim (Zurich), explored her fascination with the meaning of Heimat (Homeland) in today’s society. “Will spring come for me too?” was the question on Amorphose’s (Lugano) runway; their collection centered on exquisitely handcrafted sculptural showpieces inspired by the mental and physical metamorphosis of a young woman. 

As powerful finales go, a capsule collection MADE VISIBLE® x ArchivesTM (the young designer collective: Tiffanie Bellenot, Justin Person, Victor Prieux from Geneva), enthralled the audience with its hi-vis pieces that lit up the ramp as the dark night drew in; spectacularly driving the trend for stylish visibility in road traffic further forward. 

Among the international models walking the Mode Suisse runway were: Swiss-international model Nadine Strittmatter, model-entrepreneur Diana Gaertner and German starlet Toni Dreher-Adenuga  – all styled by Charles Aellen and his team in co-operation with Dyson and make-up partner MAC Cosmetics. Following the show, guests headed for the after-party to Photobastei, Zurich to cap an evening’s exciting entertainment.

On Sunday, 1 September, the sixth TALKS/workshops series, Swiss and International Supporting Structures and Organisations for Independent Fashion Designers, will be hosted by Swiss designer Lela Scherrer including panelists: Alexandra Pisco (Pisco & Co.), Camille Boyer (Austrian Fashion Association, AFA) and Elke Ttimmermann (MAD Brussels). The fifth Unisex Le Shirt– Les Archives au Goût du Jour ZSIG, by Lilla Wicki (Monochrome Studio) will launch at the new Mode Suisse pop-up boutique at the Landesmuseum Zürich, and will also be available at mooris.ch and via info@modesuisse.com. To close Mode Suisse’ fashion weekend, there will be an exclusive presentation by Julian Zigerli at the Greulich Design & Lifestyle Hotel. 

September will see Mode Suisse head to New York Fashion Week: Swiss Touch Presents: Mode Suisse at New York Fashion Week; to Paris Fashion Week DACH Showroom, and in November Mode Suisse returns to Geneva as part of the HEAD Fashion Show supporting programme.

Mode Suisse would like to thank the partners: Engagement Migros, The Zurich Silk Association ZSIG, the Hulda and Gustav Zumsteg Foundation, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, edition partner MADE VISIBLE®, automobile partner Mercedes-Benz Schweiz, and new watch partner Maurice Lacroix for their generosity. Finally, we would also like to thank hair partners Dyson and Charles Aellen Company as well as MAC Cosmetics for their strong support.