We had the good fortune of connecting with Iris Delruby Ruprecht and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iris, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My personal journey has been dedicated to intertwining the threads of my work in a manner that is both mindful and purposeful. From my earliest years, an insatiable curiosity and an enduring compassion for the world have guided me on a path where I can channel my creativity while contributing to our human well-being.

My conviction grew stronger as I saw the conditions in which workers were treated and the environmental toll of unethical practices. Leaving my lucrative position marked a pivotal decision – a personal commitment to prioritize dignity, fairness, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Collaborating with artisans in Nepal, I found a deep sense of purpose and unity, akin to the intricate weaving of threads in a cloth. For me, weaving extended beyond the creation of fabric – it evolved into a symbol of bridging tradition and modernity, intertwining stories across different times and places. Just as each thread contributes to the fabric, all aspects of our work are intricately connected, symbolizing the interconnectedness that envelops Delruby’s mission.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey, which led to the founding of Delruby in 2018, was inspired by a deep desire to create an inspiring space where tradition and innovation thrive in unison, where the echoes of ancient craftsmanship find meaning with modern designs. My mission goes beyond crafting high-quality textiles. It’s about nurturing a profound connection between creation, consumption, and cultural preservation. At Delruby, mindfulness, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless beauty are the essence of every creation.
Through my collaborations with local artisans in Nepal, I have had the privilege of contributing to the sustainability of their age-old weaving practices and communities. Delruby stands as a bridge, allowing me to unite these artisans with the global community while deeply honoring their cherished traditions.
It’s about personable interactions, fostering reflective dialogues, and creating space for diverse thinking patterns to flourish. My belief in the power of listening, asking questions, and courageously opening doors enables us to harmonize our efforts, aligning with the rhythms of the natural world.

Rather than disruption, Delruby is about adaptation, gracefully taking on the tone of others, and embracing the sensorial aspects of creation, from the touch and scent to the sight and flow.

Studying tailoring, pattern making, costume design and fashion design, I felt a deep pull to understand the stories held within each thread and the values that bring creations to life. My experiences, from bustling city life in New York to a prominent position with a Swiss fashion brand, exposed me to the complexities and challenges hidden behind the wastefulness, poor working conditions, and ethical dilemmas that often lurk within the industry.

My conviction grew stronger as I saw the conditions in which workers were treated and the environmental toll of unethical practices. Leaving my lucrative position marked a pivotal decision – a personal commitment to prioritize dignity, fairness, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Stepping away from familiar paths, I founded a publishing house that united art, fashion, and science. During this time, fate led me to Nepal, where I took part in establishing a farm as a tribute to heritage and sustainability, with a deep commitment to preserving the land and its people from exploitation. It was there that I encountered skilled women weavers, whose dedication to their craft and communities deeply resonated with me.

During this time, the concept of ‘Sustained-Ability’ took shape in my mind. I envisioned creating a legacy that not only preserved heritage but also offered families the opportunity to stay in their villages, utilizing their expertise and preventing the gradual disappearance of their cherished traditions. I wanted to uphold the values of ethical trade while celebrating the artisans and ensuring the continuity of their craft across generations.

My roles as a professor, my position on the board of Fashion Revolution Switzerland, and my dedication as an entrepreneur reinforce my dedication to nurturing a world where ‘Sustained-Ability’ isn’t just a term – it is a guiding principle. It weaves together education, advocacy, and the art of mindful business practices, reflecting my deeply ingrained way of life characterized by subtleness and an open-hearted invitation for others to journey with me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Zurich boasts of Dadaism and art, more than 100 art galleries, several renowned museums, like the Kunsthaus (Museum of Art), Haus Konstruktiv, Kunsthalle etc. But for those who aren’t art enthusiasts, Zurich also offers a number of active pursuits that range from swimming in Lake Zurich or the river Limmat (best in the warm months) to hiking on nearby hills and mountains. I personally love the hidden alleys in old town with the many local craft places and shops, leading up to Lindenhof (square/park) with a spectacular view of the old city and river. Local historic treasures include the Fraumunster, Old Town and Grossmunster that you can climb to reach for another fantastic view.

No visit to Zurich would be complete without checking out the haute couture shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, sampling Swiss chocolate, or indulging with a Mousse au Chocolat at the famous Kronenhalle where you can expect a stunning, museum-quality art collection, with works by Picasso, Miró, Rodin, Giacometti and several more – many of whom once dined there.

Switzerland ist small and offers great public service so that you can hop on tho other cities to enjoy culture, nature and great institutions such as the wonderful textile library on the first floor of the Textile Museum. Here you can find a rich selection of books, catalogues and models devoted to the theme of textiles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Zurich boasts of Dadaism and art, more than 100 art galleries, several renowned museums, like the Kunsthaus (Museum of Art), Haus Konstruktiv, Kunsthalle etc. But for those who aren’t art enthusiasts, Zurich also offers a number of active pursuits that range from swimming in Lake Zurich or the river Limmat (best in the warm months) to hiking on nearby hills and mountains. I personally love the hidden alleys in old town with the many local craft places and shops, leading up to Lindenhof (square/park) with a spectacular view of the old city and river. Local historic treasures include the Fraumunster, Old Town and Grossmunster that you can climb to reach for another fantastic view.

No visit to Zurich would be complete without checking out the haute couture shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, sampling Swiss chocolate, or indulging with a Mousse au Chocolat at the famous Kronenhalle where you can expect a stunning, museum-quality art collection, with works by Picasso, Miró, Rodin, Giacometti and several more – many of whom once dined there.

Switzerland ist small and offers great public service so that you can hop on tho other cities to enjoy culture, nature and great institutions such as the wonderful textile library on the first floor of the Textile Museum. Here you can find a rich selection of books, catalogues and models devoted to the theme of textiles.

Website: www.delruby.com

Instagram: @delruby

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-delruby-ruprecht-55811b64

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delruby

Image Credits
Photographer: Beatrice della Volpe, www.beatricedellavolpe.it

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