In 2002, Irma Schwegler, a young Swiss tailor trained in textiles and tailoring in Switzerland, France, England and Italy, decided to open an atelier in Florence. She specializes in made-to-measure clothing for men and women using the finest hand-woven materials from linen to wool, hemp to cotton, and corduroy to jute fibre.
The name of her shop, Old Fashion, fittingly suggests the link between the past, present and future, between innovation and tradition: Schwegler combines old techniques and new technology to turn classic designs into something original.
Schwegler’s constant quest for natural fibres has allowed her to understand the Tuscan weaving tradition, which typically uses local produce such as linen, hemp and nettles woven in the Casentino Apennines and in the Aosta and Trentino valleys. Achieving her greatest success, she launched her Campagna Toscana line using Casentino cloth.
In addition, due to the use of natural dyes, Schwegler’s creatively diverse products stand out from the crowd. Her innovative research has included collaboration with Filo e Artificio, the Institute of Biometeorology and the Foundation of Climate and Sustainability Studies. She also teaches creative fashion courses sharing her skills with aspiring young tailors and encouraging the study of traditions, fabrics and respect for natural fibres.
Schwegler annually presents her creations at trade fairs all over Italy and abroad, including the annual Artigianato e Palazzo, held in Florence’s Corsini Gardens of Florence, where she has the chance to meet her customers.
This article is published in collaboration with Artigianato e Palazzo (www.artigianatoepalazzo.it)
