Photograph: Mirjam Kluka

Meet YVY: The Swiss Design Label Creating Statement Leather Pieces

Yvonne Reichmuth, founder of the innovative luxury fashion label YVY, will be in San Francisco at Switzerland’s Innovation Outpost, Swissnex, during the Swiss Design Accelerator.

Swiss craftsmanship stands for precision and the highest quality, that is undisputed – however, the image of fashion and accessories that come from Switzerland is not sexy. YVY is completely different: With her label, Swiss designer Yvonne Reichmuth produces the finest leather accessories that innovatively embrace the body.(...) A striking number of celebrities love Yvonne Reichmuth for her designs: social media style icons like Kylie Jenner and musicians like Gwen Stefani have already shown up in YVY. Yvonne Reichmuth told us in an interview how the designer managed to do that, why YVY also works so well commercially, and how you can teach yourself the leather craft.

—VOGUE GERMANY

Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Innovation

The label YVY was founded in Zurich by Yvonne Reichmuth in 2015 and developed into one of the leading independent brands for innovative, hand-made leather accessories within just a few years. Creating timeless designs where traditional craftsmanship meets innovation, YVY is blurring the lines of traditional leather accessories and clothing. The range of pieces varies from bracelets to body harnesses and full dresses. Every piece is hand-made out of the finest Italian leather and brought to life in Yvonne’s studio in the heart of Zurich and by artisans of her production partner in Tuscany, Italy.

Away from mass production, YVY has developed its own nontraditional strategies to stand out. Each collection is entitled and seasonal-independent. It can be released any time throughout the year with no limit of time. Creating more carry-over pieces instead of collections allows YVY to invest time in refining the design, fit, and quality of the products and fulfilling bespoke orders. The specialization combined with a clear aesthetic made YVY instantly distinguishable and resulted in a high recognition. YVY is proud to have invented pieces that had never before been seen on the market and have seduced Hollywood celebrities and renowned editors.

YVY stands for durability, fair conditions and transparency throughout the entire manufacturing process. Each decision takes the people they work with, the conditions of the animals their skins are sourced from, and the environment’s best interest into account. With compassion for living beings, all the leather used is a by-product from the food industry. The majority of the leather is vegetable-tanned, a century-old tradition based on the use of natural tannin extracts. This means only natural oils and dyes are used, providing a safe process for the workers and the environment.

Photograph: Nura Sina Deon

Yvonne Reichmuth - Wearing the UNI Harness

Photograph: Nura Sina Deon

YVY has quickly become a coveted brand for A-List celebrities and fashion forward women alike. The pieces are sought after by Hollywood stylists and influencers for their uncompromising design and their ability to turn any outfit into a showstopper. Products have been spotted on Kristen Stewart, Billie Eilish, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kelly Wearstler, Monica Bellucci, Willow Smith, Camila Cabello, SoKo, Troye Sivan, Gwen Stefani, Taylor Swift, Janelle Monae, just to name a few.

YVY has been invited to show at fashion weeks and galleries in Paris, Milan, NY, London, Dubai, Beijing, and Zurich. Among the prizes won are the Swiss Design Prize (for Young Entrepreneurs), the Young Talent Award by Premium, and the fashion brand has also received funding by Pro Helvetia.

For Interview Requests, please Contact Swissnex Communications:
Julia Kuhn Mirza, Sr. Communications Manager: [email protected]
Sophia Burri, Communications Associate: [email protected]

Website
https://yvy.ch/

Swiss Design Accelerator
The program is a collaboration by the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and Swissnex in San Francisco. Pro Helvetia under the label Design Switzerland, aims to connect emerging Swiss designers with the international markets at key industry events, and enable them to gain visibility, build professional networks and reach their business goals. Swissnex’s experience and established network will enable the studios to access key industry experts from the US West Coast and to reach their entrepreneurial goals.

More about this year’s Swiss Design Accelerator

Related Event

Design for the Bay

Join us on Wednesday, November 9, for an exciting networking evening with design and innovation enthusiasts and meet the three selected Swiss design studios participating in the Swiss Design Accelerator at Pier 17.

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Photograph: Jagoda Wisniewska
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