Talk event with Kazu Huggler in dialogue with Kazushige Ogawa

Gathering more than 60 guests, the evening began with opening remarks from Ambassador-Designate Roger Dubach, followed by a presentation by Vitality.Swiss Ambassador and fashion designer Kazu Huggler, where she shared insights into her work as well as her short documentary, Hodoku – Unstitch. The talk then transitioned into an insightful discussion with Kazushige Ogawa, a Creative Producer of HEARST made, before concluding with a reception where attendees continued their conversations in a more informal setting.

Cultural Identity and Cross-Cultural Influence

Kazu Huggler’s identity as a Tokyo-born, Swiss-based designer from a Swiss-Japanese family deeply informs her work. During her presentation, she spoke about how her cross-cultural upbringing shaped her path as both a designer and a cultural mediator. Drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Swiss craftsmanship and her heritage, Kazu weaves elements of precision and quality into her designs. Notably, Huggler’s work seems to reflect inspiration from the Swiss tradition of St. Gallen embroidery, as seen in her use of intricate embroidery to inscribe the words of a famous Japanese poem by Yosano Akiko onto fabric. The fabric was then crafted into a striking suit for her project, Unstitch and Liberate, exhibited at Zurich’s Rietberg Museum in 2023.

Fashion as a Medium for Social Change

The conversation between Huggler and Ogawa underscored how fashion, often dismissed as superficial, actually plays a deeper role in shaping identity and making social statements. Fashion can communicate values and historical narratives, revealing the rich tapestry of both individual and cultural histories. Huggler’s brand TAN, derived from the kanji 反 of 反物 (tanmono), plays with the idea of both tradition and rebellion, embodying a dynamic tension between preserving the old and embracing the new. One of the highlights of the evening was viewing three of her kimono works up close, including a modern jacket and pants ensemble crafted from crafted from a meisen kimono—a material emblematic of female empowerment and modernity in 1920s Japan. Through her creations, Huggler bridges the historical and contemporary, encouraging viewers to see garments as more than artifacts but as symbols of resilience and transformation.

Empowerment and Gender Equality

Both speakers also explored fashion’s role in shaping social narratives as well as the perception of women in Switzerland and Japan. Raised in Japan, Kazu initially struggled to express her opinions when she first started living in Switzerland. Immersed in a society that values open dialogue and self-expression, she learned to articulate her thoughts confidently, which has greatly influenced her vibrant identity as a designer today.

Sustainability in Fashion

The conversation also focused upon the importance of sustainable practices within the fashion industry, particularly the potential of giving new life to traditional garments like the kimono to inspire more environmentally responsible approaches compared to fast fashion. Through her work, Huggler highlights the importance of giving new life to cultural heritage through contemporary fashion.

Closing remarks:

The conversation between kazu Huggler and Kazushige Ogawa highlighted how fashion intersects with broader societal issues like sustainability and gender equality. Drawing from his experience in men’s fashion journalism, Ogawa contributed insights on how fashion can be a force for social change. The event concluded with a reception, where guests continued to exchange ideas, embodying the spirit of the Swiss Vitality Days—celebrating cultural exchange and envisioning a more sustainable, inclusive future.

Photos by © Ayako Suzuki

This event is part of the Swiss Vitality Days 2024, celebrating the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Japan, and takes place in the framework of Vitality.Swiss, Switzerland’s public diplomacy program on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka – Kansai.

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