Edgy Mountain Girls
What do the mountains and I have in common? The mountains, with their pointed stones and peaks, are a symbol of strength and beauty. I, too, have an edgy character, a reflection of the rugged beauty of the Swiss Alps. Many people say the Swiss Alps are the most beautiful at dawn, and I look the best when my hair is the brightest pink, a vibrant colour that mirrors the stunning hues of the sunrise over the mountains.
What came to earth at the foot of the mountain either fits in or becomes exceedingly eccentric. This outfit is a combination of many edgy mountain stories: First of all, it is the first time ever I shot pictures in my hometown, Appenzell. The experience was both nostalgic and exhilarating, as I revisited familiar places and discovered new ones. Second, the dress from Mara Danz, a sister from another mountain, just felt right. The screen print has been made in Mitloedi, the pattern is no classical folk print but pure edginess with a hint of mountain legends.
Also, a stroke of luck entered the scene: In a Zurich vintage store, I stumbled upon a belt that seemed oddly familiar, like the typical belts from Appenzell, but like the work of Roger Doerig’s studio. I couldn’t resist and knew it was destined to be part of this look and my life. A few days after the shoot, I took it to Roger Doerig, and he confirmed that it was indeed crafted by his grandfather, featuring a unique design with varying sizes of suns and a distinctive golden buckle. This personal connection to the outfit makes it even more special.
My aim with this look was to craft a new kind of costume, inspired by the deep-rooted significance of the folk costume in Appenzell’s culture. The folk costume, with its intricate embroidery and traditional patterns, is a symbol of our heritage and a testament to our shared understanding as mountain girls. Mara’s clothing, with its perfect balance of modernity and tradition, embodies this vision. It’s a fusion of our individual styles and cultural heritage, a celebration of our unique identity as mountain girls.
