“At Revario, high-end translates as the wow effect on our customers when they realize, from the first try-on, that our fabrics are nothing like what they’re used to,” explains Michael Ingram, the founder of the Fribourg-based technical mountain and trail clothing brand. “Once you’ve experienced quality like this, it’s hard to settle for less!”

The numbers speak for themselves: Revario boasts a repeat purchase rate of almost 70%, “compared to roughly 20% for most online retailers”.

In 2020 the young entrepreneur challenged himself to buck the ultra-fast fashion trend by offering sustainable and locally made products. “I wanted to prove that, even in the outdoor sector, you can aim for the high end of the market without compromising on quality and sustainability, all while remaining competitive on price.”

Mission accomplished. Revario does not keep finished goods in stock: its shorts, jackets and caps are made to order in a local workshop. It also sources its supplies from the Alpine region, “within a 600-kilometer radius”.

Today, Revario’s order book is full and international interest in the company is growing. “We are looking to take our first steps into the export market, but not at the expense of our quality and sustainability principles.” As the company scales up, it has plans to expand its workshop team by re-skilling and employing career changers.

Immaterial value

Louis Origine, another Fribourg clothing brand, is also fast weaving itself into the region’s economic fabric. “It is really important to us that our company has a strong local base,” notes Laure Gallay, director of the fashion house. “For me and my husband (and co-founder) Steve, this also means being rooted in the region’s customs and traditions, which are themselves part of the broader concept of cultural heritage.”

The heritage dimension even extends to the company name: Louis for the couple’s eldest son; Origine for the return to an object’s essence. “Our philosophy is to create clothes that become much-loved pieces that have a positive effect on the wearer and support them in bringing their plans to life.” These are pieces with high material and immaterial added value thanks to the use of 100% natural fabrics and the fashion house’s distinctive sartorial fit.

“For us, the notion of luxury is predicated on this immaterial value,” Gallay adds. “In Switzerland, luxury is discreet, understated, and focused on authenticity, which suits us perfectly.”

It is a vision that attracted the attention of Mode Suisse, Switzerland’s flagship platform for the fashion industry. In 2024, Louis Origine was named a permanent contributor to the event.