Fashion Events in Zürich
DesignGut
DesignGut: A Celebration of Creativity, Craft, and Conscious Design
In an age where design is everywhere from the chairs we sit on to the apps we use there’s something uniquely powerful about coming together to talk about what design really means. Enter DesignGut, an innovative design event taking place at the historic Casinotheater in Winterthur, located in the heart of Zürich, Switzerland. Far from being just another industry expo, DesignGut is a thoughtful and vibrant celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the deep-rooted connection between form and function.
This annual event serves as a meeting ground for designers, artisans, makers, and creative thinkers, offering a space to explore new ideas, materials, processes, and challenges in modern design. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone who simply loves beautifully made things, DesignGut has something to offer.
The Venue: A Fitting Space for Creative Exchange
The Casinotheater Winterthur is more than just a venue it’s part of the experience. Known for its blend of architectural charm and cultural energy, the Casinotheater provides an inspiring backdrop that perfectly reflects the spirit of the event. The setting feels warm and human, not sterile or corporate exactly the right place to discuss what thoughtful design means in today’s world.
As attendees step into the venue, they’re greeted by an environment that sparks curiosity: beautifully designed installations, friendly conversations, and a sense that creativity is not just welcomed here—it’s celebrated.
What Makes DesignGut Stand Out?
DesignGut isn’t about flashy gimmicks or chasing fleeting trends. Instead, the event focuses on conscious, sustainable, and impactful design design that is beautiful, yes, but also useful, responsible, and deeply human.
Key elements that define the DesignGut experience:
Curated Exhibitions showcasing sustainable, small-scale design and craft production
Hands-on Workshops that invite participants to experiment with materials and techniques
Engaging Keynotes from thought leaders and innovators across various design disciplines
Interactive Talks and panels that spark dialogue between creatives and the audience
Product Demos by artisans who blur the lines between traditional crafts and modern aesthetics
A Platform for Designers With Purpose
DesignGut is especially known for giving a platform to independent creators and small design labels those who often work behind the scenes, handcrafting products with care and passion. These designers don’t chase mass production; they aim for meaningful impact, often working with ethical materials, fair-trade practices, and innovative forms.
Visitors can expect to meet:
Furniture designers focused on sustainable materials and ergonomic comfort
Jewelry makers experimenting with recycled metals and unexpected forms
Fashion labels that prioritize ethical sourcing and timeless design
Textile artists blending tradition with modern sensibilities
Product innovators creating household items that combine minimalism with function
The Power of Hands-On Learning
One of the biggest draws of DesignGut is the interactive nature of the event. It’s not just a place to look it's a place to touch, try, question, and create. Workshops offer visitors the rare opportunity to engage directly with materials and processes.
Some examples of past and expected workshops include:
Woodworking basics with local artisans
Natural dyeing techniques using botanical ingredients
Upcycling and reimagining everyday objects
Introduction to 3D printing in product design
Calligraphy and printmaking for modern branding
These sessions are open to professionals and hobbyists alike, and many are child-friendly, making the event inclusive and family-oriented.
Bridging Industry and Emotion
Unlike traditional trade shows that focus solely on business, DesignGut operates in the space between commercial design and emotional connection. Exhibitors are encouraged not just to sell, but to share stories how a piece was made, what inspired it, what challenges came up, and how they were overcome.
As a result, visitors don’t just walk away with a product they leave with a story, a sense of appreciation for the craftsmanship, and sometimes, even a newfound connection with the maker.
A Community-Oriented Approach to Design
DesignGut isn’t just for designers it’s for the wider creative community. Architects, students, educators, entrepreneurs, and everyday design lovers all come together in this space. The result is a cross-pollination of ideas that sparks collaboration and fresh perspectives.
This community approach is reflected in the event’s layout. There are open discussion zones, casual cafés for networking, and quiet corners where you can reflect or sketch out your ideas. It’s as much a space for thinking as it is for doing.
Why Attend DesignGut?
There are many design events around the world, but few have the heart and authenticity of DesignGut. Here, you’ll find more than objects you’ll find conversations, connections, and maybe even a creative breakthrough.
Some reasons to attend include:
Discover new and emerging talents before they hit the mainstream
Find sustainable and ethical alternatives to mass-produced goods
Engage in dialogue about the role of design in a changing world
Shop consciously, knowing that your purchases support small-scale creators
Fuel your own creative journey, whether for work or personal passion
Design With Purpose
In a world flooded with overproduction and overconsumption, DesignGut is a breath of fresh air. It’s an invitation to slow down, to think more deeply about the objects we use every day, and to celebrate the creative minds that make them.
Whether you’re designing the next big product or just trying to make your home a little more beautiful, DesignGut offers something valuable: meaningful inspiration.
It reminds us that design isn’t just about things it’s about people, stories, and the quiet beauty of thoughtful creation.
Stone Worlds (Steinwelten)
The Steinwelten exhibition in Zurich stands as one of the most anticipated annual events for gemstone and mineral enthusiasts. Held every spring at the Gasthaus Albisgütli, a historic yet modern event center nestled in Zurich, the fair has become a significant gathering for experts, collectors, and the general public interested in the wonders of the natural world. This unique exhibition, which first opened its doors in 2012, was founded by Kurt Worni, a well-respected authority in the field of gemstones and minerals. His goal was to create a platform that connects professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering a space where knowledge is shared and precious stones are showcased in all their splendor.
The fair is renowned for its comprehensive display of various types of stones and minerals, offering visitors a diverse array of exhibits ranging from natural stones and decorative gemstones to fossils and crystals. Each year, exhibitors present their finest selections, highlighting the stunning diversity of shapes, colors, and textures that the earth’s rocks and minerals have to offer. The event not only provides a marketplace for these stones but also serves as a rich educational experience, where attendees can learn about the intricate processes involved in stone formation, the different types of minerals, and their potential applications in fields like lithotherapy, where stones are used for their healing properties.
The Albisgütli venue, with its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, offers an ideal setting for this vibrant exhibition. The space is well-suited for both intimate presentations and large-scale exhibits, making it the perfect location for such a dynamic event. Visitors are treated not only to an impressive array of stones and minerals but also to expert lectures and special exhibitions, which delve into the scientific, artistic, and therapeutic aspects of the stones on display. Renowned mineralogists and stone experts often participate, sharing their unparalleled knowledge about the chemical compositions of various minerals, their geological significance, and their uses in different industries.
Beyond the traditional stone displays, Steinwelten offers a rare opportunity for networking among professionals, from gem cutters and jewelers to mineralogists and researchers. This makes the exhibition not only a visual treat but also a vital meeting point for those working within the gemstone and mineral industries. The fair has established itself as a key event, bringing together experts, collectors, and those with a passion for the natural world in an atmosphere of collaboration and learning.
In addition to its core focus on gemstones and minerals, the exhibition highlights the broader cultural and historical significance of stones, often featuring fossils and other geological treasures that connect visitors to the earth’s ancient past. The event also encourages an appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in creating decorative stones and jewelry, showcasing the skill and artistry that transforms raw materials into beautiful works of art.
Through the Steinwelten exhibition, Kurt Worni has successfully created a space where the beauty and utility of stones are celebrated. Each year, the event grows in both scope and importance, attracting a wider audience and further solidifying its place as one of Zurich's most significant cultural and educational events. The fair continues to provide valuable insights into the world of stones and minerals, helping to deepen the understanding of these natural wonders and their many applications, all while fostering a sense of community among those who share a deep appreciation for the earth’s treasures.
INTERNATIONALE MINERALIENTAGE ZUERICH
The Mineral Days Zurich, an annual event held in November in Spreitenbach, is a celebrated gathering for enthusiasts of minerals, fossils, and jewelry. Organized by Kurt Worni, this international fair provides a unique platform where dealers and collectors from across the globe can showcase their remarkable finds and creative works. Visitors are given the chance to admire and purchase rare and valuable exhibits sourced from the Swiss mountains as well as from international locations, creating a vibrant marketplace rich with geological treasures.
One of the defining features of the fair is its diverse offerings and engaging services. Attendees can bring their own minerals for identification, benefiting from the expertise available on-site. Practical activities such as gemstone testing and soapstone grinding invite hands-on participation, enhancing the educational aspect of the event. A highlight for many is the raffle of selenite lamps, highly coveted among collectors and adding an element of excitement to the experience.
The Mineral Days Zurich are closely intertwined with the traditional Swiss practice of 'Strahlen,' which involves searching for and collecting minerals in the Swiss mountains. This cultural connection enriches the fair, providing a platform for 'Strahlers' to present their mountain discoveries. The high quality and rarity of these finds draw significant interest, reinforcing the fair's reputation as a premier destination for mineral enthusiasts.
Set in the Environment Arena in Spreitenbach, the venue adds a contemporary touch to the event while emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection. This aligns seamlessly with the fair’s mission of celebrating the natural beauty and diversity of Earth’s resources. The modern facility not only accommodates the various exhibits and activities but also reflects a commitment to ecological awareness, making the event even more meaningful.
Overall, the Zurich Mineral Days present a fascinating and educational experience for anyone captivated by the world of minerals and fossils, whether they pursue these interests as a hobby or professionally. The combination of high-quality exhibits, interactive activities, and a strong sense of community creates an atmosphere that is both informative and inspiring, drawing people together to share their passion for the wonders of the natural world.
Blickfang Zurich
BLICKFANG Zürich is a highly anticipated event in the world of design, establishing itself as one of the most significant and influential trade and public fairs for creative design in Europe. Held annually in November, the event has built a reputation over its two-decade-long history as an essential platform for independent designers and creatives from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond. BLICKFANG has become synonymous with innovation and originality, offering a unique space for designers to present their work directly to a broad audience.
Organized by Blickfang Messe GmbH, the event is a celebration of independent design across various disciplines, including furniture, lighting, fashion, product design, and jewelry. The Zurich edition, one of several held across Europe, serves as a central gathering point for both established and emerging talents in the design community. The event’s core philosophy centers on fostering direct connections between designers and consumers. This approach allows visitors not only to experience the design in its purest form but also to purchase unique, handcrafted items directly from the creators themselves.
What sets BLICKFANG apart is its focus on the entire creative process. Designers at the fair are deeply involved in every stage of their products, from conceptualization to production, ensuring that each piece carries a personal touch and a story. Visitors are invited to explore a diverse array of designs, from cutting-edge furniture and eye-catching lighting to avant-garde fashion pieces and one-of-a-kind jewelry. The breadth of the offerings speaks to the diversity and ingenuity present in today’s independent design scene.
The atmosphere at BLICKFANG is one of energy and inspiration, where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of artistic exploration while discovering new trends and ideas. This direct interaction between creators and consumers has proven to be one of the key elements contributing to the event’s success. Not only does it provide a platform for designers to showcase their work, but it also nurtures a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity, craftsmanship, and design excellence.
