Future of Fashion at F+F's 2026 Graduation Show
PublishedAs a creative director always on the lookout for fresh talent, I find that some of the most exciting discoveries happen at graduation collection shows. This year's event at the...
As a creative director always on the lookout for fresh talent, I find that some of the most exciting discoveries happen at graduation collection shows. This year's event at the F+F School for Art and Design in Zurich was nothing short of inspiring, showcasing a diverse array of emerging designers who embraced the freedom to express themselves in ways that are increasingly rare in today’s fashion landscape.
The F+F School stands out as Switzerland's only private art and design institution, offering a hands-on educational approach that nurtures creativity. The school provides an environment where personal expression and career-oriented education coexist beautifully.
Featured Collections
Annika Javet – Women of Glass
Annika employs fashion as a cultural narrative through surreal silhouettes and textile structures. Her work emphasizes emotions and feminine perspectives, crafting immersive environments that transport viewers into dreamlike realms. The freedom she felt in her creative process is palpable, allowing her to challenge norms and explore the depths of imagination. A true gem for any editorial project!
Ganna Starykh – Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors
Ganna’s collection takes a deep dive into Ukrainian mythology and traditional clothing, merging ancient symbolism with contemporary design. Her garments serve as vessels for cultural identity, embodying the personal narratives that shape her experiences. It’s a powerful statement on the importance of heritage and the freedom to reinterpret it.
Daniel Frank – manifest 5: perturbationes
Daniel reflects on personal and generational fears through his designs, creating a visual language that captures vulnerability and emotional depth. His collection illustrates how he has harnessed the freedom to explore complex themes, allowing for a raw and authentic expression of self. Very neat work!
Juan Adami – OUT$IDE PARADEPLATZ
Inspired by Zurich's street-style photography, Juan's work highlights urban aesthetics as expressions of belonging and economic realities. His designs resonate with the freedom of urban life, merging street culture with high fashion in a way that feels both fresh and relevant.
Maryam Silvia El Dabboussi – Sehnsucht nach Heimat
Maryam’s collection engages with themes of origin and belonging, transcending national and geographical confines. Drawing from her own experiences of migration and longing, her garments manifest personal narratives and emotional traces. The sense of safety she conjures emphasizes the body as the original form of home, embodying a freedom to express deep, often difficult, truths.
Arwen Aylin Andenmatten – DIVA
Arwen’s collection dives into the figure of the diva, exploring her cultural ambivalence between iconization and societal devaluation. Drawing from historical silhouettes like the crinoline, Arwen skillfully examines how clothing not only shapes the female body but also serves as a medium for identity. The collection captures moments of empowerment and disruption, highlighting the freedom that comes with self-expression.
Artistic Practice and Freedom
As I watched each designer ushowcase their collections, one thing became abundantly clear: they were given an extraordinary level of freedom to express themselves. In today’s world, where creative boundaries often feel constrained, this environment allowed each graduate to explore and experiment without hesitation.
Choreography, production and casting: Yannick Aellen from Mode Suisse
Each collection not only showcased individual talent but also reflected a broader cultural dialogue. The theme of "Past Futures - Future Pasts" positioned the graduation project as a space of possibilities, where personal narratives and future visions were interrogated and reimagined. The graduates challenged familiar images, extending existing narratives while introducing new perspectives, thereby expanding the realm of what is imaginable in fashion.
The diploma exhibition at F+F is not merely a culmination of studies; it is a celebration of creativity, and the boundless potential of young designers. Their work invites us all to reconsider our perspectives and embrace the complexities of identity and belonging.
I left the show feeling inspired and hopeful for the future of fashion. This generation of designers is not just creating clothes; they are crafting stories that resonate deeply with our collective experiences. What a privilege it is to witness their journeys unfold!
