Zurich After Midnight: Fashion Reimagined
- hazeldclarke
- Sep 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
It’s always a pleasure to encounter an initiative whose mission mirrors that of THE GAZE– one that champions design talent and showcases their artistry. Zurich Fashion Week (ZFW) is one such example. In our shared commitment to creative expression, we each aim to celebrate the voices shaping today’s visual culture.
This past week, I had the honour of attending ZFW’s VIP Fashion Night—staged in the heart of Zurich at the bewitching hour of 1am.
The event marked a new chapter in the countdown to the inaugural Zurich Fashion Week 2026, bringing together a standout lineup of designers. Apolline Emery, Amato Moda, Modeco, Ombre and Selva Huygens unveiled collections that embodied artistic diversity, innovative tailoring, and bold aesthetics. Jewellery partner PURELEI added a sparkling accent, complementing each look with its signature designs. As an official partner, Landquart Fashion Outlet supported the evening, highlighting the strong link between Swiss fashion, international style, and a unique shopping experience.
Strikingly, the setting fostered a genuine creative atmosphere, sparking vibrant conversations throughout the night. Up-and-coming models illuminated the runway, bringing each collection to life with energy and poise.
Designers in the Spotlight
The kaleidoscope of styles offered a choreographed unfolding through fashion’s many dimensions.
Apolline Emery conjured timeless elegance with floating gowns shimmering in the night, reminding us to cultivate our inner aura—a beauty that is silent, yet forever sovereign.
Amato Moda's collection, rich in nostalgia and fashion expression, transported us to 1960s and 1970s Sicily. Each piece seemed designed to evoke the scent of the sea and citrus blossoms, blending memory with modernity in cuts that felt both romantic and cinematic.
Modeco showcased artisanal excellence through a collection entirely crafted by hand—from initial sketch to final button. Traditional techniques played into contemporary design through garments where precision tailoring was matched only by the depth of hues—a testament to the school’s dedication and reverence for the craft.
Ombre embraced slow fashion with a handmade, genderless collection rooted in Colombian heritage and shaped by a philosophy of sustainability and care. The designs, made from nature’s own materials, offered a tactile and emotional connection to the earth’s spirit.
Selva Huygens pushed the boundaries of sustainable fashion with raw, structural, and uncompromising designs. Discarded car parts, industrial waste, and found materials were transformed into sculptural garments and footwear that echoed brutalist architecture—pieces that blurred the lines between survival-like gear and up-to-the-minute couture, evoking the kind of fearless fashion we associate with icons such as Lady Gaga.Together, these collections didn’t just showcase fashion—they helped redefine its possibilities.
President's comment
“We wanted to transform Zurich into a metropolis of inspiration for one night – a place where fashion transcends boundaries and tells new stories. The secret venue was part of this staging: the unexpected is what makes fashion truly exciting,” explains Tamy Glauser, President of the Zurich Fashion Week Association. “Zurich’s main station as a secret stage is a statement: fashion belongs at the heart of life. This night proved that Switzerland not only has outstanding designers, but also the ability to surprise the international fashion scene with unexpected staging.”
Watch my conversation with Tamy Glauser, President, Zurich Fashion Week, recorded just before the event. Keep watching this space as I add further bite-sized interviews from behind the scenes and footage from my front row seats so you can experience the event right up close for yourself.
© Copyright Hazel Clarke 2025
Fabulous
Remarkable works 😍
Thrilling creativity 😍