St. Gallen, October – Once again, numerous refined embroideries by Forster Willi were showcased on the runways of Paris Fashion Week (Prêt-à-Porter Spring 2026).
This edition of Paris Fashion Week was particularly palpable for Forster Willi, reflecting a new dynamism within the industry. The major transformations within fashion houses, the unprecedented reshuffling of creative directors—which began approximately eighteen months ago with Virginie Viard’s departure from Chanel—have now settled. These changes signify a new era in fashion, defined by fresh energy, visionary ideas, and redefined industry standards.
Observing with Curiosity and Humility
“For us, this means learning to understand our clients anew, observing with curiosity and humility what they are doing during this period of upheaval, while simultaneously reflecting on how we ourselves can evolve,” explains Fabio Di Silvio, Managing Director of Jakob Schlaepfer. “Even the color palettes long associated with the major fashion houses are changing. Designers are exploring new hues, giving color a completely new significance,” adds Elisheva Senn, Creative Director at Forster Willi.
Selected Looks – Paris Prêt-à-Porter Spring 2026
Forster Willi for Louis Vuitton
For the Louis Vuitton Spring 2026 collection, Forster Willi created an exclusive design combining white Guipure inspired by lotus blossoms with a variety of floral elements, executed in spatula, Bluecut, and classic Guipure techniques. The overlaying of textures creates a dynamic interplay of transparency and density. Embedded in Nicolas Ghesquière’s vision of a collection “in praise of intimacy, for an art de vivre,” the look reflects craftsmanship, luxurious sensuality, and intimate elegance, as presented at the Louvre.
Forster Willi for Akris
For Akris, the only Swiss fashion house at Paris Fashion Week, Forster Willi produced multiple designs. Look 23 and 33 feature an elegant combination of matte and glossy surfaces in Wave-Guipure with a refined leather-like finish. Highlights include Look 49 and 55, trapeze models featuring precise Bluecut all-over embroidery in trapeze structure. Albert Kriemler’s collection, inspired by the geometric works of minimalist painter Leon Polk Smith, is characterized by clear lines, bold colors, and lightweight materials.
Look 23: Akris / Look 33: Akris / Look 49: Akris / Look 55: Akris
Forster Willi for Miu Miu
For Miu Miu, Forster Willi developed thirteen creations celebrating Guipure in all its facets. Macramé Tec, Macramé Anemone, and Macramé Flower represent a modern interpretation of classic embroidery. Notably, Macramé Tec, made from recycled polyester, combines sustainability with fine textile artistry. Creative Director Miuccia Prada presented a collection engaging with the aesthetics of the working world, highlighting workwear such as aprons, smocks, and overalls.
Look 20: Miu Miu / Look 21: Miu Miu / Look 22: Miu Miu / Look 36: Miu Miu / Look 39: Miu Miu / Look 41: Miu Miu / Look 42: Miu Miu / Look 44: Miu Miu / Look 48: Miu Miu / Look 49: Miu Miu / Look 50: Miu Miu / Look 51: Miu Miu / Look 52: Miu Miu
Forster Willi for Cecilie Bahnsen
For the current Cecilie Bahnsen collection, Forster Willi designed five creations, all using an extraordinary spatula-fold-sew all-over embroidery on silk organza. Each flower was individually spatula-ed, folded, and sewn by hand, requiring approximately five hours of meticulous labor per meter. This work exemplifies the artistic refinement that Forster Willi contributes to the international fashion scene.
Look 9: Cecilie Bahnsen / Look 10: Cecilie Bahnsen / Look 27: Cecilie Bahnsen / Look 30: Cecilie Bahnsen / Look 31: Cecilie Bahnsen
Selected Media Coverage:
