Our Fabrics

8000+ years of heritage

St. Gallen is a byword for exquisite lace, high quality fabrics and inspired fashion. The region has a long tradition of textile production and processing, which began in the Middle Ages and continues to this day.

  • Since 1200 AD, the region is known for producing fine linen with the abundant availability of Flax, the raw material used.
  • By the 15th century, linen products from St. Gallen were known for their high quality across Europe and exported across the globe.
  • In 17th Century, Hand embroidered decoration became highly popular and the first hand embroidery machine was introduced to the market by 1828.
  • In early 20th century, St. Gallen embroidery became Switzerland’s largest export branch and over 50% of worlds emroidery production came from this area. However, World War I and the Great Depression caused a severe crisis for St. Gallen embroidery which led to a decrease in mass production. Since then, the industry has recovered with a focus on high quality luxury textiles that require the highest of quality.
  • TODAY, fabrics from St. Gallen are used for expensive Haute Couture creations and count among the most famous textiles in the world. Big names such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Givenchy, Nina Ricci or Saint Laurent work with embroidered fabrics from St. Gallen and favour these fabrics because they are known for its etching embroidery or Guipure. No important fashion show in Paris, Milan or New York is without St. Gallen textile creations.

 

Creating fabrics of the highest quality requires excellence across FOUR criteria

a)PRODUCT – Raw Materials used
Using the highest quality raw materials is a given at the manufacturers at St Gallen but what truly sets them apart is the diligence in ensuring the selection and appraoch of raw materials bear in mind the impact to our planet as well.
For example, while most of the world uses dyes made from fossil fuel based chemicals which consumer excessive energy and water while causing toxic wastes, the manufacturers at St Gallen use sustainable dyes using colors from microorganisms. This biologic dying approach creates vibrant colors and is also much better for our planet.

b) PROCESS – advanced crafsmanship techniques
St Gallen suppliers are the pioneers in fabric production and techniques. For instance, Sequins, which are now used practically everywhere in mass-manufacturing, was invented in St Gallen in the 1960s.
It continues to be a place for innovation with new materials and techniques being created to get intense and eye-catching fabrics, different from anything else in the world. This success stems from a unique combination at St Gallen: combining the handwork of high skilled professionals with best-in-class Swiss manufacturing capabilities.
A key differentiator is the commitment to sustainable methods:
- Made to Order vs mass production ensures less wastage
- Leveraging multiple digital processes such as 3D prototyping in the value chain ensures less wastage
- Use of Recycled fabrics, reduction of harsh chemicals, and well thought through sustainable production.

C) PLACE – high quality, hyper clean facilities
Swiss manufacturing is well renowned for clean, high quality That’s not only true for Swiss watches, machinery, in fact it all started with highest of qualities in textile manufacturing in the St Gallen plants. Our suppliers have impressive accreditations, ranging from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS V6.0) to Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX® Certificate.

D) PEOPLE – highly skilled, in a comfortable working environment
Last but not the least, the biggest difference is made by the people who work all through the value chain. Not only do the people come with deep personal heritage and passion for high quality textiles, they are also among the most skilled in the world. Furthermore, the working environment is maintained to ensure everyone works in an environment that respects the individual. While it may be more expensive than other places, we strongly believe this goes a long way in creating the best fabrics & solutions for our consumers.