Mode Suisse 2023: More Than Just Clothing

In today’s world, fashion is more than just an assortment of fabrics and designs. It’s a reflection of the zeitgeist and a medium for making sociopolitical statements. This was vividly demonstrated in this year’s Mode Suisse, held at the Walter-Haefner-Foyer in Kunsthaus Zurich.

The Show Begins

The unmistakable sound of breaking glass shattered the tense silence that filled the hall before the show began. Yet despite this small hiccup, the event proceeded seamlessly.

Since its inception in 2011 by Yannick Aellen, Mode Suisse has evolved into a significant platform for Swiss fashion designers. What started as a modest event has grown into an annual spectacle, bringing together emerging talents and established brands alike.

Atelier 1985

SÉLECTION MODE SUISSE (JURY), MORE TO COME

Anastasia Bull (newcomer)

Ba Si (newcomer)

DANZ (newcomer)

KAZU

MOURJJAN – Winner Miele x Mode Suisse Award for Positive Impact 2023

Sarah Bounab

FRIENDS, MORE TO COME

ADAPT by SPF

Atelier 1985

BERNINA x Rafael Kouto

BONGENIE GRIEDER

DOING FASHION Basel, HGK FHNW

HEAD – Genève

Louis Origine

Pardessus19

A Medium for Statements

One thing was clear in this particular edition of Mode Suisse: fashion is no longer just clothing. It’s an expression of the designer’s soul and conscience. Sociopolitical statements characterized many of the collections, with designers using their platform to address important topics like gender norms, consumerism, and social justice.

The evening kicked off with an impressive showcase by 16 Master and Bachelor students from the Fashion School DOING FASHION Basel. Later, DANZ took the stage with their collection “If you don’t let us dream we won’t let you sleep,” presenting their specialty: vibrantly colorful hand-screen-printed fabrics.

Another memorable moment was the capsule collection “ADAPT by SPF,” developed in collaboration with the Swiss Paraplegic Foundation. This collection, specially designed for wheelchair users, demonstrates how fashion can be inclusive and revolutionary.

ADAPT by SPF

Support and Thanks

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of many partners. Mode Suisse is particularly grateful to their main partner Miele, as well as all other supporters including BERNINA, DS Automobiles, VIU Eyewear, and many more. Mode Suisse 2023 was not just a fashion show; it was a testament to how fashion can be used as a medium for communication and expression. It showcased the diversity and creativity of the Swiss fashion scene and reminded us that fashion truly is more than just clothing. It’s art, it’s expression, and most importantly, it’s relevant.