As a senior manager with JWT, one of the world’s largest advertising agencies, Chandana Sen knew how important it was to look good in her job, working in product planning for some of the world’s most well-known, profitable brands. Based in Mumbai, but traveling extensively across Europe and Asia, fashion played a major role in her everyday life, and she soon came to realize that if you shop carefully, then good quality, fashionable products need not be expensive at all.
So when she came to Switzerland in 2008 to start a new life with her husband and son, she recognized almost immediately the huge marketing potential of the fashion items that she had come across on her travels in Asia. Each time she went back there, she was constant reminded about the amazing variety of beautifully designed, colorful clothing and accessories that can be purchased at infinitely more affordable prices than similar items in Switzerland.
And so she decided, with her husband, to launch Chicbags.net, an online outlet for a new range of largely handmade bags, ethically sourced from all corners of the world. The site was launched officially to the public at the beginning of November, 2012. Chandana told knowitall.ch,
Is your wardrobe overflowing with clothes but you still feel that you have nothing to wear? Are there items in there that you simply haven’t worn for years, perhaps because they are too big or too small? Or do you simply just fancy a change – but can’t afford to splash out on any new clothes or accessories?
If so, then clothes swapping is the new, economical and eco-friendly solution that may be perfect for you! In the US, Germany and France, the concept of Swapping has been around for ages – now it is the time for those of you living in Switzerland to give it a try!
Swap-Party@St-Prex is the first event of its kind in this area to be launched by organizers, Katharina Vaquero, Désirée Quagliara and Katharina Peters. Taking place on 26th November at the Foyer au Vieux Bourg, in the small medieval village of St-Prex on the shores of Lac Léman, the event is described as “a ladies night out, all about fun and fashion, in a nice and relaxing atmosphere.”
If you are looking for an original Christmas gift that reflects the unique traditions of Switzerland, then we recommend you head on down to the special Open House, being held in Nyon on 29th November, by local design company, Desalpes.
Desalpes designs and produces a wide range of interior and lifestyle items made from authentic Swiss Army Blankets. Now in limited supply, these blankets were produced in Switzerland from the end of the 19th century until the early sixties, and are handmade using pure sheep’s wool in a variety of grey-brown shades.
The full collection features a range of original items including footstools, pillows, cushions, bags, pencil cases, purses, keyrings, candleholders, and notebooks – all designed using sections of material from the Swiss Army blanket.
A new online boutique offering high quality, British-made products for children up to 5 years has just been launched.
Called Britchicuk.co.uk, the new boutique is targeted at customers looking for original, beautiful products that have been made in homes, studios, workshops and factories throughout Britain. Britain has a rich history of producing and manufacturing some of the best materials and products in the world.
Co Founder, Alison Phillips-Pearce, told knowitall.ch, “As an expat living in France, I know only too well how difficult it is to source locally high quality products that have been hand-crafted using traditional manufacturing techniques. We are offering Brits in Geneva and neighboring France the opportunity to buy something that is original and not mass produced. But it's not just Brits who will appreciate our products - they will also appeal to locals and other expats, who are looking for something that is a bit different, and essentially very British!”
If you love the colors and selections of pumpkins that are avaiable today, then wait no longer! You can buy a great assortment and even make it to a festival as well. Most restaurants will be serving pumpkin soup around this time of year but see bottom of page for Lisa's recipe. If you want to see the largest pumpkin in Switzerland 2011 (not broken since), then click on this article to see Beni Meier of Zurich's 702kg monster!
