"Women With a Voice": Simone Züger, Designer, Artist, and Entrepreneur

We spoke to Simone Züger about "Design for Impact". For her, design is a cultural practice - one that challenges norms, opens new perspectives, and makes a reflective, responsible attitude visible. And of course, we also learned about her favorite outfit for a powerful appearance.

ABOUT SIMONE

Simone Züger is a designer, artist, and entrepreneur. Her work moves between art and design, between gallery and living space – characterized by reduction and a poetic visual language.

Her approach sees design not only as an aesthetic discipline, but also as a form of social responsibility – Design for Impact. She understands design also as a cultural practice: a means to question existing norms, open up new perspectives, and make a reflective, responsible attitude visible.

In addition to her own design studio, she is a co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the fintech start-up ellexx.

OUR QUESTIONS

What’s the most important issue or cause that compels you to raise your voice, and why?

The continuing inequality between women and men. Women still earn less than men, receive lower pensions, and carry a disproportionate share of unpaid work. Our economic and political structures still do not sufficiently support a true work–life balance, leaving many women financially disadvantaged throughout their lives.

The consequences are serious: in Switzerland, 56 percent of women are unable to support themselves financially. This is not only unjust, but also entirely avoidable.

Can you share a moment when speaking up made a real difference – for yourself or others?

After studying and gaining work experience, I realized that I always looked up to design studios run by men – female role models were largely missing in my industry. To change this, I started organizing evenings for women in the creative sector to connect and share experiences. Later, I joined Medienfrauen Schweiz and co-founded ellexx, focusing on closing financial gaps for women. Speaking up and building these communities and companies has made a real difference: it has allowed me to feel supported, connected with like-minded women, and empowered.

What challenges have you faced when speaking up, and how did you overcome them?

One challenge I face when standing up for my beliefs is the realization that, while it feels completely natural in my own circle to advance gender equality and explore this topic artistically and through activism, there are still many diametrically opposed opinions and perspectives outside my circle. This makes me soberly aware that there is still a long way to go to achieve true equality. Yet the sense of solidarity among us women, and the determination of my two co-founders in particular, inspires and motivates me to keep going.

What outfit makes you feel the most powerful when speaking up, and why?

One in which I feel comfortable. In both design and personal style, I often follow a “less is more” approach – but with a special twist. That’s why I feel especially confident in the Protagonist blouse by LUKKA: it is high-quality, comfortable, and minimal, yet carries a sense of poetry and presence that reflects my attitude. I’ve worn it many times because it makes me feel both confident and authentic.

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Simone wears:

PROTAGONIST Blouse & ADVOCAT Trousers in black