Walter Sonderegger (Junior) is the fourth generation of his family to work in embroidery in the Appenzellerland. For decades, he has continued and modernised the family business, working alongside his father, Walter Sonderegger (Senior), who dedicated his life to the craft. Together, they created unique artisanal embroideries for international haute couture fashion houses, some of which were showcased on international runways by renowned models such as Kate Moss. Working among embroidery machines, punch cards, threads and fabrics and after years of maintaining the family business despite profound structural changes in the embroidery industry, Walter Junior ultimately made the decision to close it in 2026. His decision marks the end of four generations of family practice and the last remaining artisan embroidery workshop in the Appenzellerland. Their story is documented in the 52-minute film „Das Ende einer Ära – Stickerei im Appenzellerland“ premiered on 27. September 2026, which follows father and son during the final months before their workshop closes. The film captures the disappearing industrial culture and the knowledge embodied in their practice. Walter (Junior) and Selma collaborated to create the prototype for PHANTOM ORNAMENT through the TaDA- Textile and Design Alliance programme and the TaDA partnership with Saurer Museum Arbon. Their collaboration was among one of the last works embroidered before their workshop closed.
