First steps on the international catwalk

Every year the global fashion market gets flooded with new designers. How tough is it for young Swiss to get a foothold in the business? (SRF/swissinfo.ch)

Earlier this year, ten young Swiss fashion designers presented their work during London’s fashion week.

One of them was Julian Zigerli, who is based in Zurich and considered to be the shooting star of the Swiss fashion scene. Invited by Giorgio Armani himself, he was the first Swiss designer to present his fashions on the catwalk in Milan. Yet the nod from a veteran designer is no guarantee for financial success. How hard is it to set foot in the business?

Ginny Litscher started with illustrations, and did internships with famous designers such as Vivian Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Two years ago she started her own business specialising in silk scarves. Her collection is small but nice, and it sells well on Regent Street. Unlike many other young designers, she makes money. Today Litscher lives in London.

Competition in the international fashion world is huge, and every year, the market gets flooded with new designers. It’s a tough business for young people to make a name for themselves.