Honorary Companion: Christoph Hefti – Crossing the border between design and art
The "Honorary Companion ZHdK 2023" goes to the Swiss Christoph Hefti. This crossover artist between the disciplines of design and art graduated in 1989 from the former Zurich University of Art and Design as a textile designer and then studied fashion at Central Saint Martins in London. His professional career as a textile and fashion designer took him to houses such as Dries Van Noten, Lanvin and Balenciaga. At the same time, Hefti created music, videos, performances and stage costumes. Since 2015, he has focused mainly on designing and developing carpets hand-knotted in Nepal, specially made ceramics and large printed curtains, which can be seen in renowned design and art galleries worldwide. His work has won several awards, including the Swiss Grand Prix Design.
Companion: Vicky Krieps – Passion for acting
Actress Vicky Krieps, who is being honored with the "Companion ZHdK 2023" award, is also making a name for herself internationally. Her career began alongside Daniel Day-Lewis in "Phantom Thread", and from October she can be seen in Margarethe von Trotta's "Ingeborg Bachmann". Krieps received the European Film Award for her portrayal of Empress Sisi in the film "Corsage", in which she also acted as executive producer. In 2023, she was awarded the "Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" by the French Ministry of Culture. She can next be seen in the feminist western "The Dead Don't Hurt", which has just won her the "Tribute Award" at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. The Luxembourger completed her acting studies at ZHdK in 2008.