Let’s discuss Swiss Fashion

There’s this long debate about how much Swiss Fashion cares for comfortability and whether Swiss women are more practical than fashionable. However, I have the feeling this is not a theme worth debating and the focus should be somewhere else. Considering how much fashion is being made in Switzerland we can’t think of this country as rural or a private bank Heimat. In the past ten years there has been a lot going on on the Swiss Fashion Scene and Swiss Designers have been working harder than ever, becoming more visible and world known. Since a certain public awareness have been raised the desire for dressing up and glamour have gone reciprocally up. Plus there’s been so much more going on at the Swiss Fashion Scene: The once Charles Vögele Fashion days have turned into Mercedes-Benz Fashion Days, the seventh edition of Mode Suisse this year, the second edition of the Fashion Hotel this spring and etc.

Since I started this blog I made a promise to myself to post regularly about Swiss Fashion. I have many good reasons, but let’s say the main is that I am based in Zurich at the moment. I remember starting my blog with a Swiss Designer, who is also half Japanese. This post was symbolic to me because I have been traveling for many years and I have had the constant feeling that I live on the verge of two cultures: the Bulgarian and the one of the country which has become my temporary home. Today in my focus is another one from the many talented Swiss Designers, who deserves much attention. Her name is Claudia Bertini and here’s what you can learn about her work based on her own words.

StyleDiaries: How did you become involved into fashion?
Claudia Bertini: Ever since I can remember I’ve been attracted by pictures, clothes and precious materials. One of my first memories connected with fashion were all these Vogue magazines that my mother used to buy from all over the world, and she still does. I could look through the pictures for hours. I also remember my grandfather’s atelier and playing with his excellent quality fabrics. He was the Opera- and Congress Orchestra tailor.
After my „Matura“ exams, I decided to study fashion design at the ZHdK (today HdKZ). This is the Zurich Kollege of Art. In Summer 2014 I made the first Popup shop with “Linck Ceramcs” at Talstrasse, and the other one took place at “Rost und Gold”, behind Paradeplatz installed by Cristian Andersen.

StyleDiaries: What’s your philosophy as a designer?
C. Bertini: I love clear, visible statements, mixed with very good quality of fabrics and comfort-ness. I feel strength and calmness in all this and it reflects my philosophy and yearning for serenity. I hope that women also feel that way wearing my clothes.

StyleDiaries: What’s the inspiration behind your current collection?
C. Bertini: I am inspired by nature, high quality fabrics, the energy of subcultural movements and a free state of mind.

StyleDiaries: Who do you admire the most in fashion?
C. Bertini: No one in particular. I admire passionate craftsmen and innovators.

StyleDiaries: What makes you a Swiss designer more than a global brand?
C. Bertini: Swissness is not relevant to my creative process and the clothes that I make.

StyleDiaries: Can you describe the creative process behind your work?
C. Bertini: My work has a lot to do with intuition. The beginning of a creation can be the fabric, a certain mood or anything else.

StyleDiaries: What’s the best comment you’ve heard or read about your work?
C. Bertini: „Thank you for your collection.“

StyleDiaries: Why did you decide to be part of Mode Suisse?
C. Bertini: The opportunity presented in the right time.

StyleDiaries: What’s the hardest part about your work?
C. Bertini: I don’t see or feel anything that’s hard about it.

StyleDiaries: What’s the best part about your work?
C. Bertini: Happy clients

StyleDiaries: What lesson you will never forget in life and who gave it to you?
C. Bertini: Just make your thing (Nico Canzoniere, my biggest supporter)

StyleDiaries: What’s the most important thing to remember about your brand?
C. Bertini: Timeless pieces with a modern twist in precious materials.

StyleDiaries: Can you define your own style as a woman?
C. Bertini: Modern, classic, timeless.

StyleDiaries: Whom do you trust the most when you have to look at your final collection before showing it on the runway?
C. Bertini: hmmm….I don`t want to be overbearing but I don`t think that somebody else knows better about my visions than me.

StyleDiaries: If you were not working in Switzerland where would you like to be as a designer?
C. Bertini: Take the best of all great cities and create a new one – maybe there? But I am happy where i am.

StyleDiaries: Your greatest challenge at the moment?
C. Bertini: My homepage.

See Claudia Bertini latest collection here.