Othman at Mode Suisse: Where Friendship Meets Fashion

Othman is an emerging Swiss fashion label that unites contemporary design with a strong narrative vision. Following its showcase at Mode Suisse in Zurich on September 1, 2025, the brand reflects on its creative journey, design philosophy, and the path ahead.

MAG42: Congratulations on showcasing at Mode Suisse in Zurich this September – how would you describe the journey leading up to that moment?

KEIHAN: I would like to begin by thanking the entire team and the audience at Mode Suisse for making the event so special. The journey leading up to presenting the collection was not easy or
straightforward, the timeline was very short, so I had to carefully plan every stage of the production process.

For me, the selection of fabrics is one of the most important phases, as it determines how the silhouettes can be shaped and how the garments will fit. It was a challenging journey, but ultimately a very rewarding one.

MAG42: Othman was founded by the three of you — Keihan Rezgar Othman, Ezgon Beshiraj, and Agan Beshiraj. How did the idea of starting a brand together first take shape?

KEIHAN:: Othman started from the idea of three friends, just as you mentioned in your question. I had often thought about creating my own brand, but those thoughts always remained in the background. Over time, as we spent more moments together, we realized how many interests and visions we shared. Ezgon and Agan were the ones who constantly encouraged me to bring an apparel brand to life, they were the real supporters of this project. Honestly, without them, I probably wouldn’t have started my brand so soon, so a big thank you to Egzon and Agan.

The decisive moment came during a personal trip to my home country, where I had the time to reflect and find the right balance to make this vision real. A few weeks later, I came back to them and said: “Okay, I’m in! Let’s do it!” We are still very good friends today, but due to different work needs, our paths have separated when it comes to the brand. At the moment, I have a new partner who takes care of the financial and administrative side of the business, allowing me to fully focus on the creative direction.

MAG42: Could you walk us through the concept and inspiration behind the collection you presented at Kunsthaus Zürich?

KEIHAN: My style follows a very deliberate choice, it is rooted first and foremost in my past life experiences and the different phases I have gone through. One key aspect of my stylistic direction, which I always try to emphasize, is the concept of anonymity. This anonymity is meant to highlight the garment itself and the message it wants to convey. Even though in my last show the model was visible, I usually follow the idea that obscuring the person wearing my pieces allows anyone to feel free to wear them, without fear or hesitation.

Over time, I want to transmit this message in a meaningful way: that my work aims to include every form of diversity. In a few words, I would describe my collection as having a dark undertone, combining deep, muted colors that bring focus to the shapes of the garments. It’s a mix that blends loose silhouettes with a redefined sense of elegance.

Editorial Photo credits: Roberto Padovani from Hypno Studio

MAG42: How would you define the DNA of Othman Lab — what makes your brand stand out in today’s fashion landscape?

KEIHAN: The DNA of Othman is built on three pillars: innovation, sustainability, and emotional storytelling. We’re not just creating garments, we’re crafting experiences that connect people to now depths of their identity, culture and responsibility.

MAG42: Sustainability is a growing focus in fashion. How does Othman Lab integrate sustainable practices or philosophies into your work?

KEIHAN: Of course! I believe fashion should be innovative, responsible, and future-conscious. That’s why we integrate sustainable practices at every stage of our work, starting from the material
selection; following a circular mindset, so keeping in mind the longevity of the products and leading with responsibility all the research behind the innovation of the collections.

MAG42: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in preparing for Mode Suisse, and how did you overcome them?

KEIHAN: One of the biggest challenges was balancing creativity with logistics, experimenting with new sustainable techniques while making sure everything came together on time. I’m glad that in the end, our dedication and flexibility helped us turn challenges into opportunities, and as a result the collection felt even truer to Othman vision’s.

MAG42: How did the Zurich audience respond to your collection — were there any reactions that stood out to you?

KEIHAN: The feedback has been very good. It was our first time as a brand participating and showcasing our vision, which made the experience both innovative and a real team effort. The different comments we received were constructive, honest, and overall very positive. As I mentioned earlier, being able to exchange ideas with other designers was a motivating challenge.

Looking ahead, I hope the impact of this experience is that we managed to make our voice heard as an emerging brand, and that it will open the way for us to grow and express our identity even more strongly in the future.

MAG42: For those who want to explore or purchase your work, how can they connect with Othman Lab — is othmanlab.ch the main hub?

KEIHAN: Exactly, othmanlab.ch is the main hub where people can explore our collections, learn more
about our philosophy, and stay updated on new projects. We also share some behind-thescenes stories and updates through our social channels – mainly Instagram, which is another great way
to connect with our community. We are available physically in one store in Lugano, named Stach. For the future we hope we can being present at more boutique around Switzerland and abroad.

MAG42: Looking ahead, what’s next for Othman Lab — are there projects or collaborations you’re especially excited about?

KEIHAN: For the future, I expect to focus on staying true to my vision, maintaining quality, and creating collections that can be worn by everyone. In addition, we aim to have a stronger physical presence both across Switzerland and internationally. I want to share with you that we are in the final stages of our winter capsule, where we’ve been experimenting with new fabrics and bold silhouettes. We are working with leading companies in Italy, and very soon you’ll see updates on our social channels!