1904
Forster Willi is deeply rooted in St.Gallen, a textile city that has been one of the most important centers of embroidery craft since the 18th century. When Conrad Forster Willi founded the embroidery company Forster Willi & Co. in 1904, embroidery was Switzerland’s most significant export product. At that time, St. Gallen served as the hub of the embroidery industry and played a key role in shaping the region’s economic development.
1960
Fashion in the 1960s became shorter, more modern, and increasingly futuristic. Design evolved into something more wearable and became an expression of a young and self-confident generation. With the rise of the Rive Gauche movement, a new and less exclusive fashion culture emerged—one that seamlessly connected style with everyday life.
1965
In 1965, the third generation - Peter, Tobias, and Ueli Forster (from left to right) - took over the company. At that time, the St.Gallen embroidery industry faced challenges such as increasing international competition and rapid technological change. Yet, new machinery and growing global demand also created opportunities for growth and specialization.
1988
In 1988, the then Forster Willi & Co. AG acquired the Swiss textile company Jacob Rohner AG, which had achieved notable success in the lingerie market with its embroidery products. The gradual integration allowed for an expansion of the product range and the optimal combination of both companies’ strengths.
2006
In 2006, Tobias Forster became the first non-French recipient of the title “Créateur de l’année,” awarded by the Mayor of Paris. This prestigious distinction is presented annually to designers who stand out through exceptional creativity, innovation, and influence within the fashion world. The award recognised Tobias Forster’s visionary design approach and his significant contribution to international fashion and the art of embroidery.
2007
The entry of the fourth generation—Emanuel and Caroline Forster, both children of Ueli Forster - occurred in 2001 and 2006, respectively. In 2002, the product portfolio of Forster Rohner AG was ideally complemented by an investment in Inter-Spitzen AG in Oberbüren. In 2007, Emanuel assumed operational management of Forster Rohner AG, while Caroline took over leadership of Inter-Spitzen.
2009
In 2009, on the occasion of her husband, U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration, Michelle Obama wore a dress by designer Isabel Toledo, crafted from exquisite wool Guipure embroidery by Forster Willi. For Forster Willi, it was a special honor to be part of such a historic and globally celebrated moment.
2012
In 2012, the Forster Willi Archive was newly established to preserve and make accessible the company’s historical heritage. It documents the creative, technical, and material development of the house across generations and comprises over two million embroidery designs—from early pattern books and hand-stitched échantillons from 1883, to the first Schifflistickmaschine from 1886.
2013
Forster Willi has inspired numerous young designers, including Christopher Kane, Erdem, JW Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, and Peter Pilotto. Many of them discovered through these collaborations that embroidery is not “old-fashioned,” but modern, versatile, and relevant. The insights gained from these designer perspectives have had a lasting impact on Forster Willi’s positioning within the fashion industry.
2014
Amal Clooney, the internationally renowned human rights lawyer, married George Clooney, the American actor and director, on 27 September 2014 in Venice, Italy. For the wedding, she wore a bridal gown by Giambattista Valli from the Couture Spring/Summer 2014 collection, adorned with embroidery by Forster Willi.
2016
In 2016, Forster Willi became the first supplier to create Guipure logos for Gucci, which have since appeared regularly on the brand’s runways. Under Creative Director Alessandro Michele, Gucci increasingly emphasized bold logos and expressive embroidery, providing the perfect stage to showcase Forster Willi’s craftsmanship and precision.
2017
The wedding of Pippa Middleton, the well-known sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, to James Matthews took place on 20 May 2017 at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire. The bridal gown, designed by British designer Giles Deacon, was notable in particular for its elegant embroidery by Forster Willi.
2021
In 2021, Amanda Gorman graced the cover of Vogue wearing a stunning Dior gown, adorned with intricate embroidery by Forster Willi. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz for the May 2021 issue, Gorman, as a young and influential figure in literature and activism, made a global impact not only through her words but also through her style.
2022
“Colour is the most direct way to change perspective.” – P.P. Piccioli. In 2022, Forster Willi was commissioned to create a special embroidery for Valentino’s Prêt-à-Porter Fall/Winter 2022 collection. Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli deliberately reduced the color palette almost entirely to a single hue: a vibrant magenta-pink, named Pink PP, developed in collaboration with Pantone.
2024
British actress Maisie Williams, known for her modern style, graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar wearing a Christian Dior creation featuring classic Guipure embroidery. The monochrome design referenced the timeless Toile-de-Jouy motif, combining traditional embroidery craftsmanship with iconic elegance.
