In Zurich's liveliest district, Viaduk, among shops, boutiques and bistros
Under the arches of a completely regenerated former railway viaduct from the end of the 19th century, two store-destinations with high-end vintage and artisanal brands from all over the world.
by Lisa Corva
Under the arches of a former railway viaduct from the late 19th century, which has been regenerated and now houses shops and bistros, there is now an area known as Viadukt, one of the liveliest in Zurich: here is Cabinet Zürich, a boutique for fashion and beautiful things opened exactly ten years ago by Nina and Jeroen van Rooijen.
"We have never been particularly interested in the best known fashion houses: rather in niche, special brands, and we will remain true to this tradition. Over the years we have chosen, among others, Roberto Collina from Italia, Girls of Dust from Antwerp (jeans, chinos and casualwear from 270 euro), Cordera from Spain, Modern Weaving from the USA and by-bar from the Netherlands (trousers and shirts from 150 euro). In the spring we will also add Lilia Litkovska from Ukraine and Vladimir Karaleev from Berlin: we think they are also very handmade and heartfelt, i.e. crafted and sincere, which is our motto'. Jewellery can also be found in the shop. "As with fashion brands, we look for pieces that have character, uniqueness and a distinctive style. At the moment, our focus is on De Parel van Karel, with its delicately pink baroque pearl earrings (from EUR 350). And to the Tweek duo from the Netherlands: they are twins, Roos and Geertje Eek, the daughters of a famous designer, Piet Hein Eek; we chose, for example, their Gray Pat bracelet, which adapts to the shape of the wrist (170 euros). Finally, Charlotte Wooning, from Rotterdam'. Am I wrong or is your surname also Dutch? 'Yes: my parents, van Rooijen, came to Switzerland in the 1960s,' says Jeroen. 'I grew up here, and I met Nina because we studied fashion design together in Zurich. We have been together since 1986: half an eternity! Then, ten years ago, we entered the world of retail, almost by chance. We wanted to open a pop-up store with some designer friends for three months: it went on longer than expected. We are very happy, the Viadukt in Zurich, with its 53 arches - we are under arch 23 -, is a pleasant area, very liveable'. Cabinet is also a vintage shop. "That, however, is located at another address, Josefstrasse 144, in an elegant neighbourhood, and now accounts for a third of our total sales. Only high-quality brands: we check, evaluate and recondition everything. Sometimes we even get clothes with our own label, because we have created a small clothing collection: selling something twice is a special pleasure'. Their brand includes no-season dresses, such as Origami: a one-size, chic and floaty dress. "We focus on a decidedly relaxed style: the garments have generous cuts, are comfortable, often without specific sizes, gender distinctions or seasons. Everything is loose, elegant and fluid, characteristics that are highly appreciated by our customers. Everything is developed in our in-house atelier, and then produced by small workshops in Switzerland'.
Apart from the Viadukt, a favourite spot in the city? "The café and bistro of the Landesmuseum, the Swiss national museum, which is right opposite the Central Station: it is spacious yet cosy, the public is truly international and it is a pleasure to watch the constant stream of people of all ages passing through".
