Who is behind ALVEN?
At the beginning there was a desire for better bed linen than you can buy in Switzerland. On a trip to Vancouver in 2007, I discovered yarn-dyed fabrics. Something I had never seen before. No comparison to the often poorly printed fabrics sold in Switzerland. At that moment I thought: I would really like something like that.
But back home I looked for it in vain.
Since I have always been interested in fabrics and design, I have been observing what goods are on offer in Switzerland and neighboring countries. Although there is a large selection of inexpensive bed linen, it almost always comes from the Far East. From countries that generally realize their economic growth at the expense of the environment and population.
The designs are also repeated. For local sleepers there doesn't seem to be much choice other than floral or striped patterns. Jacquard is hardly a thing in Switzerland, and when it is, the fabrics are more reminiscent of curtains than bed linen.
A few years later I became a mother and started working part-time. At some point the idea of making my own bed linen became my heart's desire.
With the support of Swiss textile specialists and Swiss designers, the first collection was realized in 2018. Given my circumstances, it took years from idea to finished product, but no one said it would be easy.
There were several hurdles to overcome. On the one hand, we had to realize that it is impossible to produce jacquard in Switzerland in quantities that are acceptable for a startup. The last remaining Swiss weaving mill requires a minimum quantity of 3,000 meters of fabric. This is a train from Stäfa across Lake Zurich to Richterswil and back.
The assembly was also a particular challenge. We didn't want to have to transport the fabrics too far - for the sake of the environment - and unfortunately we couldn't afford assembly costs in Switzerland. (By the way, most of the bed linen companies in Switzerland produce in Slovakia.) Luckily, not far from the weaving factory in Italy, we found a family business that makes all the pieces by hand and exactly according to our wishes.
If you are interested in beautiful details, please take a look at the workmanship of the ALVEN bed linen. All zippers are hidden sewn, like in "Haute Couture" fashion. The seams are neatly stitched and you will find loops in the inside corners of our duvet covers. With these you can attach your duvet and it stays where it belongs.
We therefore do not shy away from comparisons with other providers. At ALVEN you get the best quality at an absolutely fair price - designed in Switzerland, made in Italy. They also support a Swiss small business run by a mompreneur.
We are looking forward to your feedback. Sleep well.