(openPR) - ZURICH, July 2009 – The doormen at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts are to have an eye-catching new uniform: the prominent Swiss fashion designer Ida Gut has created an original doormen’s uniform for the international hotel chain, which reflects the company’s Swiss roots and quality ethos.

“Doormen are a hotel’s calling card and the first person the guest comes into contact with”, says Lilian Roten, Vice President Operations, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. “So we are delighted that the new uniform reflects the individuality of Swiss craftsmanship as well as our dedication to quality.”

The aim was for the new livery to draw on Switzerland’s textile and craft heritage and reinterpret it to meet the needs and requirements of the hotel chain. To achieve this, Swiss fashion designer Ida Gut worked in collaboration with the well-known Appenzell-based goldsmith and traditional Alpine craftsman Sebastian Fässler. Fässler not only produces bell straps, belts and buckles using techniques learned from his father, but also makes jewellery to order. For the new porters’ uniforms, he brought his characteristic style to the silver-ornamented shoe buckles and the silver buttons. “The elaborate embroidery on the shirts, which Sebastian Fässler designed exclusively for Swissôtel, is another typically Swiss element”, says Ida Gut. She also mentions another fascinating detail: “We also have to take account of the climate conditions in Swissôtel’s very varied locations when choosing materials. The uniforms therefore have detachable fur collars, both felt and straw hats are available, and in addition, different weights of fabric can be used for hot or cold climates.”

Ida Gut, born in 1964 in Zürich, is one of Switzerland’s best-known fashion designers. She initially completed an apprenticeship as a tailor before attending art school where she studied fashion design. After a traineeship in Paris, she set up independently and since 1993 she has been designing her own collections under the “Ida Gut” label. She received her first commission for a clothing concept for the World Exhibition 2000 in Hanover, and later developed other uniform concepts, including for the supermarket chain Migros and Therme Vals spa hotel.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today’s discerning business and leisure travellers, combining the renowned Swiss touch with a fresh, contemporary and modern design. Each Swissôtel hotel offers personalized service with charm and efficiency. Located in main gateway destinations and city centres, the hotels have convenient access to business and shopping districts, and local attractions. Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts worldwide have won prestigious awards and accolades.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 91 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also manages Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts under development:
Swissôtel Dresden, Germany (2011)

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts
Balz-Zimmerman-Str.7
8302 Koten, Zurich
Switzerland

Eva-Maria Panzer
Director Communication
evamaria.panzer@swissotel.com