The Forster Willi Archive documents the creative, technical, and material evolution of the house across generations. It comprises over two million embroidery designs, ranging from early pattern books and hand-stitched échantillons dating back to 1883, to the first Schifflistickmaschine by Isaac Gröbli from 1886.
An Active Working Tool
The archive is not merely a historical repository; it serves as an active reference tool for the team, providing guidance on materials, stitching techniques, and motifs, while simultaneously offering clients a source of inspiration. In this way, it remains a constant foundation for the designs of tomorrow.
Couture and Prêt-à-Porter Books
Since 1938, Forster Willi has produced carefully bound books documenting Haute Couture and Prêt-à-Porter embroidery. These volumes record embroideries showcased on international runways. Each entry includes the corresponding embroidery, accompanied by details on the collection , designer, runway, and year. The books provide insight into the creative achievements of past decades and serve as historical testimony to developments in fashion, aesthetics, and technique across generations.
The Doris Forster Collection
The archive also houses an impressive collection of over 100 couture dresses featuring Forster Willi embroidery from 1951 to 2001, originating from renowned fashion houses such as Givenchy, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Schiaparelli. Each dress illustrates the evolution, diversity, and craftsmanship of international Haute Couture over five decades.
