The cycles are getting shorter
October 31, 2024
Interview with Hanna Beck, Head of Design at Christian Fischbacher Switzerland
Interview: Nicolas Gattlen
Images: Christian Fischbacher Switzerland
Bed linens always reflect the spirit of the times. Which trends are currently dominating? What does the near future hold? An interview with Hanna Beck, Head of Design at the bedding brand Christian Fischbacher Switzerland.
Ms. Beck, in fashion, trends follow one another at an increasingly rapid pace. Does this also apply to bed linens?
We’ve noticed that the cycles for bed linen trends are becoming shorter as well. While a design used to remain popular for five years, today interest often wanes much sooner, sometimes after only two years. However, there are trends that remain popular for much longer. Floral patterns, for instance, are a classic at Fischbacher. Of course, the motifs, their sizes, or color schemes may vary, but the overarching theme has endured for decades.
An individual motif can also become a classic. For example, the dandelion. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Fischbacher launched the iconic dandelion design alongside the new Dandelion collection in a limited edition. Why is this motif so well-loved?
The dandelion is a delicate symbol of transience, while also representing hope and new beginnings. It’s also associated with childhood memories—carefree spring days, walks across meadows. Watching the feathery seeds float through the air and turn into new plants simply brings joy.
Fischbacher has gained a reputation for whimsical motifs on high-quality fabrics, such as feathers (design “Le Piume,” launched in 1997), skiers (“Engadina,” 2016), or birds on branches (“Haiku Nouveau,” 2019). The designs appear light and cheerful.
- The current "Midnight Moon" collection by Fischbacher features a Magic Forest motif, creating a mysterious atmosphere between dream and reality. The designs on Fischbacher's bed linen originate exclusively from the brand's in-house design studio.
- Hanna Beck (39) has been Head of Design at Christian Fischbacher Switzerland since 2018. For the past five years, the Christian Fischbacher bed linen brand has been part of the French Fremaux-Delorme group.
- Traditional craftsmanship techniques, such as weaving and the Shibori dyeing method, are incorporated into new designs.
- "Vienna" is inspired by the iconic coffeehouse chairs and their rattan weaving.
Certainly. The bedroom is a place of retreat. People want to feel safe, light, and refreshed there. This also explains why simple white dominates bedrooms, followed by beige and gray.
And yet bed linens also reflect the zeitgeist. Which trends are currently shaping the market?
We’re experiencing a revival of the 1960s—with soft shapes and colors like orange, red, green, and brown. Eggshell-colored bouclé yarn is also making a comeback. A revival could also be on the horizon for floral silhouettes that were popular around the turn of the millennium. Nature-inspired motifs and colors, such as subtle beige and earthy tones with accents of green and apricot, have been trending for some time.
Currently, terracotta hues and textures reminiscent of dry earth, rocks, sand, deserts, and natural materials are particularly prominent. I believe this is also influenced by designers’ growing engagement with climate-related issues. Another noteworthy trend is the renewed integration of traditional craft techniques, such as weaving and the Japanese dyeing method Shibori, into modern designs.
Is this return to traditional methods a response to AI-driven design?
It’s interesting to see that today, both are often combined. This can lead to something entirely new and unexpected. Our design team is actively exploring these possibilities.
Fischbacher bed linens are sold worldwide. Do Swiss customers have different preferences compared to those in Spain or Singapore?
Swiss customers generally prefer simpler designs compared to those in Asia or southern countries. However, they’re not as strictly minimalist as is often assumed. Our current, expressive collection “Midnight Moon,” for example, has been very well received in Switzerland. It exudes a dreamy magic, something perhaps missing from our everyday lives.
Hotels tend to be more restrained in their designs and colors. Do you cater to them with specific collections?
We offer a dedicated hotel line with various white models. Most hotels use white bed linens because they’re often washed chemically and pressed by machine daily. Colors fade faster under such conditions, and the fabric needs to be more durable.
