Giardino Ascona Debuts First Fashion Show with Ginny Litscher

On June 16, 2025, the heart of Giardino Ascona transformed into an open-air runway, showcasing the vibrant and sophisticated designs of artist and designer Ginny Litscher. A graduate of the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, Litscher has established herself as a creative force in the world of fashion and art. Her career includes collaborations with luxury brands like Armani, Liberty London and the renowned glass and crystal manufacturer Lalique. In 2011, she launched her own hand-painted scarf collection. Her work has captivated celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Keira Knightley and Florence Welch. Litscher’s unique aesthetic – chic, timeless and full of playful color – appears not only on clothing and accessories but also in her artworks. Her attention to detail and narrative-driven design has earned commissions from museums, private collectors, hotels, restaurants and concept stores.

It is no surprise that her artful designs caught the attention of Giardino Ascona, a five-star boutique hotel in southern Switzerland. Located in the picturesque Ticino region, the hotel offers a Mediterranean-style escape, where la dolce vita meets refined sophistication.

From gourmet Italian cuisine and pristine golf courses to scenic hikes, boat rides on Lake Maggiore and award-winning spa treatments, Giardino Ascona is a destination of elevated leisure. Guests can choose between mountain or garden-view rooms, enjoy breakfast and Mediterranean dishes at Hide & Seek or savor top-tier cuisine at the Michelin-starred Ecco. Poolside refreshments and evening cocktails in the lounge complete the relaxed, elegant atmosphere.

It was in this idyllic setting – surrounded by blooming flowers, lily pads, the sounds of frogs and a path winding over the garden pond, harmoniously combining flora and fauna as reflected in Litscher’s designs – that Marketing & Public Relations Manager Philipp Hendelkes envisioned the perfect location for the hotel’s first fashion show. He approached Litscher last year, and she drew inspiration from the venue for her new collection. On June 16, that vision came to life. The gardens of Giardino Ascona became the stage for Ginny Litscher’s latest collection, where haute couture and hospitality merged in a remarkable fusion. Each design appeared as a wearable work of art – textile stories woven into the scenery.

The evening began with a warm welcome from General Manager Wolfram Merkert, who introduced Ginny Litscher to the audience. Media representatives, seated in an exclusive front-row section, and hotel guests from all over the world filled the outdoor restaurant area, ready to experience a first-of-its-kind event. With the sun still shining and energy in the air, the show came alive to the upbeat sounds of DJ Werner Zweifel. One by one, models walked the runway, each wearing pieces that expressed life’s vibrancy through bold colors, delicate craftsmanship and storytelling fabrics. The show was brought together under the creative direction of Yannick Aellen, director of ModeSuisse – a leading Swiss platform fostering collaboration among fashion designers, schools and industry professionals – and his team.

Litscher’s signature style – colorful, expressive and rich in depth – stood out brilliantly. Her process begins with a large-scale, hand-drawn illustrations that are transformed into textile creations. The result wearable poetry, turning garments into emotional experiences that tell stories.

That is exactly what this evening became – an immersive journey for all the senses. As the show concluded, the models joined Ginny Litscher and her team for a celebratory finale, marking the success of a magical evening.

Guests then enjoyed a stylish aperitif at Hide & Seek, where Chef Francesco Leone’s Mediterranean menu beautifully reflected the refined spirit of the collection. The evening continued with a VIP dinner at Giardino Lago, the hotel’s sister property on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where media and special guests gathered to celebrate Ginny Litscher’s newest collection in an atmosphere of elegance and joy.

Though this was the first-ever fashion show at Giardino Ascona, it certainly will not be the last. With its Mediterranean charm, relaxed luxury and stunning setting, the hotel has proven itself to be a perfect stage for future artistic collaborations. A beautiful beginning to a new tradition.