Switzerland’s high-quality lace and materials have a long heritage, dating back centuries, and are sought by top designers and clothing manufacturers around the world, including, most recently, by renowned designer Isabel Toledo who used Swiss etched lace for Michelle Obama’s stunning inauguration dress. Michelle Obama's Inauguration Dress and Coat were made of Swiss fabric produced by Forster Rohner of St. Gallen. "I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine," Isabel Toledo said. "I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody." 

Fashion designer Isabel Toledo showed her spring collection at the home of the Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler and his wife, Ronit. Toledo became a household name when Obama choose to wear her yellow wool lace dress and matching overcoat at the inauguration. "She has a few more of my pieces, actually from the Swiss lace company, I'm happy to say," Toledo told POLITICO in an exclusive interview. One dress in Obama’s possession is a pleated jersey number with some real swing. "It's very Marilyn Monroe," Toledo said. "It's beautiful, it's got a beautiful flow.”

Guests, including Reps. Ed Royce (R-Calif.) and John Tanner (D-Tenn.), were treated to a fashion show that had many women gushing. Models strutted in a back-yard tent that contained various raised platforms and was splashed with graphic black and white designs painted by Toldeo's husband, Ruben. Following the show, guests sidled up to a lavish buffet featuring plenty of cheese and Swiss specialties.

Partners:

Isabel Toledo came into the world’s eye with her creation of Michelle Obama’s inauguration dress. Toledo’s work reflects a distinct design sense and a keen understanding of garment construction and appreciation for the geometric intricacies of pattern shapes. Along with her husband, Ruben Toledo, Isabel was the recipient of the Cooper-Hewitt Design Award for their work in fashion in 2005.

Forster Rohner has successfully supplied the most famous fashion houses of the Paris Haute Couture as well as the best ready-to-wear designers of the world. Isabel Toledo is a longtime client in the United States.

The Swiss Residence: It’s innovative architectural style and green design, the Swiss Residence—home to the Ambassador of Switzerland—reflects Swiss commitment to both avant-garde design and ecological sustainability. Part of the Embassy of Switzerland in Washington, D.C., the Swiss Residence provides an elegant setting for the Toledo fashion show and for many  events throughout the year.

Nordstrom is one of the nation's leading fashion specialty retailers, with 180 U.S. stores located in 28 states. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 112 full-line stores, 65 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques and one clearance store.

ThinkSwiss: This event is part of the U.S.-wide program ThinkSwiss—Brainstorm the Future. Switzerland is among the global players in the textiles industry, in particular in the segments of luxury fabrics and high-tech materials. ThinkSwiss promotes exchanges and the sharing of know-how related to "design & materials" between the USA and Switzerland.