JOURNAL

Thomas Koenig is a swiss artist based in Paris. His work starts from a drawing production using alternative technics to mixed media sculptures and installations. In 2012 Thomas starts to use bleach to produce abstract compositions on large canvas. In 2018 he worked in collaboration with ARMES, a swiss design label based in Lausanne, on a special collection with the californian brand 424.
Since 2018, Thomas collaborated with Etudes Studio, Edwin Europe and A Better Mistake Milan.

Thomas Koenig (1983)
Bachelor ECAL, Lausanne, 2008
Master HEAD (WORK_Master), Genève, 2012
thomaskoenig.tumblr.com
thomaskoenig1800@gmail.com 

Photo: Joachim Sommer

ACC. HELVETICA featured in STUDIO MAGAZINE Issue 1
Text: ALREADY MADE von Jörg Scheller

www.magazine.studio

ACC. HELVETICA creates collaborative platforms, where resources are shared and hence new ideas can be developed. Therefore ACC. strongly believes in the power of unity and connects well established companies and creatives, so fluid interaction is possible. It is key to ACC. that traditions are preserved in this time of fast changes and technical revolution. As a result, the idea of all projects is to connect long lived tradition and new, innovational design.
 
The Appenzeller belt is a piece of old Swiss tradition. The straps were made from cowhide and hand-made metal fittings, which depict alpine motifs such as dairies, suns, ornaments and cows. The more decorations on the belt, the richer the wearer.
Today there are only a handful of producers in Appenzell. Daniel Fuchs is one of the few and third-generation alpine farmers. Much has remained the same: the cutting of the leather, the arrangement of the elements, however, the ornaments are only made by hand in individual cases. The golden and silver decorations are pressed by machine, but always according to the respective template of the original.
 
As the two creatives behind ACC sourcing their inspiration in art, design and music, it quickly became clear, that the aesthetic of the 80s and 90s will influence this collaboration. Hence all the accessories developed combine key elements of the traditional belt and codes from the above mentioned centuries. With the range of handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and bags, ACC. aimed to preserve the beauty of the savor-faire and translate it into timeless and modern design.

appenzeller-gurt.com

In collaboration with ACC. HELVETICA Angela Thurnherr realized the first collaboration of the Swiss creative platform: A collection with the Swiss company Appenzeller Gurt. The collection combines the aesthetic of the 80s and 90s with the craftmanship and traditions of Switzerland. The aim of the collection - Translate the savoir-faire of this Swiss classic into timeless and modern design.

P: Sven Bänziger . PA: Linus Bart . H&M: Nicola Fischer . Model: Sahany Liriano