Léanne Claude
Weaving Connections
Léanne Claude
50% Substitute Teacher, Geneva; 50% Fashion Designer (30 % Afterski SNC, 20% Knitting Workshop), Geneva
Master, fashion design and accessories, HEAD, Geneva, 2024; Bachelor, fashion design and accessories, HEAD, Geneva, 2022
Weaving Connections
2023–2024
Geneva
Diploma, Master, Fashion and Accessories design, HEAD, Geneva, 2024
• Production: Steiger Participations SA, Vionnaz • Spinning Mill: Laines d’Ici, Cernier • Spinning Mill: La Filature de l’Avançon, Bex • Wool: Swiss Merino, Huttwil • Wool: Fiwo, Amriswil • Linen: Swiss Flax, Willadingen • Stylist/Artistic Director: Nadine Sterren, Geneva • Stylist/Artistic Director/Photographer: Alaa Alaradi, Geneva • Model: Jehanne Guionneau, Geneva • Model: Chloë Fournier, Geneva • Model: Apolline, Geneva • Photographer: Raphaëlle Mueller, Geneva • Interviews: Nathalie Guinnard, Vionnaz • Jean-Luc Lepieszko, Vionnaz • Martine Gerber, Bex
Nicolas Fontaine, Sierre • Mentors: Aude Fellay, Geneva • Christine Rösch, Geneva
• LOOK 1: Merino Knitted Dress, Merino Knitted Top, Nez Noir & Embroidered Leather Handbag, Alpaca Crochet Socks, Alpaca Crochet Necklace • LOOK 2: Merino Knitted Long Sleeve, Mixed-Wool Knitted Panties, Upcycled Leather Mini-Bag, Upcycled Leather Shoes • LOOK 3: Flax Knitted Top, Flax Crochet Bra, Alpaca Knitted Mini Skirt, Mixed-Wool Alpaca Necklace, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather Mini-Bag, Flax Knitted Mini Bag, Leather & Wool Embroidered Boots• LOOK 4: Merino Knitted Long Sleeve, Mixed-Wool Knitted Panties, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather Mini-Bag • LOOK 5: Mixed-Wool Knitted Dress, Alpaca Crochet Panties • LOOK 6: Alpaca Knitted Top, Mixed-Wool Knitted Shorts, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather Bag, Blanc des Alpes Crochet Socks • LOOK 7: Upcycled Leather & Knitted Handbag, Merino Knitted Long Skirt• LOOK 8: Nez Noir Knitted Jumper, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather & Nez Noir Bag, Merino Knitted Mini Skirt, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather Belt Bag, Blanc des Alpes Crochet Necklace, Merino Knitted Foulard, Brun du Jura Crochet Socks • LOOK 9: Mixed-Wool Knitted Top, Brun du Jura Knitted Bodysuit, Alpaca Crochet Shoes, Upcycled & Embroidered Leather Mini-Bag • LOOK 10: Flax Transparent Knitted Dress, Mixed-Wool Knitted Top, Mixed-Wool Knitted Panties
Various
Wool: Nez Noir, Brun du Jura, Blanc des Alpes, Alpaca, Merino, Mixed WoolFlax
Upcycled Leather (Old Leather Carpet)
• Nez Noir: Filature de l’Avançon, Bex, Switzerland
Brun du Jura: Filature de l’Avançon, Bex, Switzerland • Blanc des Alpes: Filature Laines d’Ici, Cernier, Switzerland • Alpaca: Filature Laines d’Ici, Cernier, Switzerland • Merino: Swiss Merino - Spycher Handwerk, Huttwil, Switzerland • Mixed Wool: Fiwo, Amriswil, Switzerland • Flax: Swiss Flax, Willadingen, Switzerland
This collection is part of the growing wool ecosystem. It challenges the image of the designer, often perceived as a “creative genius” and the presumed sole author in the fashion industry.
As a young knitwear designer, Léanne Claude has come to recognise the essential role of other actors whose expertise is too often rendered invisible in favour of image-focused professions. The creative approach is founded on a fundamental principle: to shine a light on and honour these artisans by revealing their contributions within the production chain.
A hybrid methodology blends research and design practice. The exploration of the wool ecosystem has been carried out through active participation in meetings and workshops, as well as direct collaboration with spinning mills and craftspeople.
The collection merges references to mountain craftsmanship with a minimalist contemporary sensibility. It exclusively utilises yarns in their natural tones, highlighting their raw and imperfect texture. This approach emphasises the material in its original state, celebrating the craftsmanship behind it.
The ambition is to contribute to this network through creations that respect and value local craftsmanship, integrating into a contemporary and sustainable production dynamic.
