In an inspiring interview with ELLE Switzerland, jewelry designer Felix Doll offers a glimpse into his creative journey, his philosophy, and the values that shape his brand. Since 2015, the German-born designer has been crafting timeless, gender-neutral jewelry in Zurich, known for its clear forms and minimalist design. His work deliberately breaks with traditional styles, offering a universal vision that resonates with people regardless of gender or age.
Felix Doll explains how Zurich’s architecture and quality of life inspire him, and how the city almost “chose him.” After gaining invaluable experience in fair trade—including a formative time in Nepal—he founded his own label, Studio Félix Doll. Since then, he has closely collaborated with a fair-trade-certified workshop in Kathmandu. Sustainability is especially important to him; he uses only Fairtrade-certified gold and lab-grown diamonds to uphold ecological and social standards.
In his interview with ELLE, Doll shares personal quotes that have guided him along his journey, such as “The present moment is all that matters” and “Be a role model.” He passes these principles on to young designers, encouraging them to stay authentic and to realize their ideas courageously.
Discover the original interview here or read a automatic translation in English
Félix Doll is a German designer who has been creating jewelry in Zurich since 2015. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in fashion, such as Yohji Yamamoto, Haider Ackermann, and Ann Demeulemeester. Rich in wonderful experiences, he brings his own style to life, establishing himself as an independent with his brand: Studio Félix Doll. Breaking traditional codes, he introduces a minimalist style where purity of form becomes a rare commodity. The designer creates gender-neutral, contemporary pieces, offering a universal, boundary-free vision. Doll’s style opens minds, celebrates audacity, and is timeless.
ELLE Suisse: You design your jewelry in Zurich. Why did you choose this city, and what inspiration does it offer you?
Félix Doll: It’s almost as if the city chose me. In 2014, after working for six months with a fair-trade cooperative in Nepal through a scholarship, I started working at a fair-trade company. A year later, in 2015, I founded my own company, Studio Félix Doll. Before that, I lived and studied in Berlin. What I particularly appreciate about Zurich is the peace, satisfaction, and the closeness of friends. As a source of inspiration, I love the architecture and the quality present in everyday life here.
Your products are gender-neutral and timeless. Can you explain your vision of being?
From the beginning, it was important to me that the jewelry had no gender. My creations are characterized by a clear, geometric, and refined design language, which is neither feminine nor masculine, nor follows current trends. It’s more a personal love for forms that do not age.
“FROM THE BEGINNING, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO ME THAT THE JEWELRY HAD NO GENDER.” Félix Doll, jewelry designer (ELLE Suisse)
Before launching your own brand, you worked with major international brands. What is your fondest memory or most significant experience?
One of the most impactful experiences for me was organizing the first Yohji Yamamoto retrospective in Berlin with a small team. Working with this master of Japanese fashion and his team was a true lesson in perfection at its highest level. However, whether international icons or other individuals, every experience has marked me and helped me grow.
You place great importance on fair trade. Can you tell us more about that?
I pay particular attention to fair working conditions. Since 2014, I have continuously collaborated with the same workshop in Nepal, where my jewelry is developed and crafted. Together, we grow, improve, and create new jobs, while our quality constantly improves. Every year, I spend a month in Kathmandu to design my new collection in close collaboration with my talented artisans. For my fine gold collection, it’s also essential for me to use 100% Fairtrade-certified gold from Max Havelaar and only lab-grown diamonds, rather than mined diamonds. In addition to fair working conditions, the ecological footprint is also dear to me: I don’t want to perpetuate practices harmful to the environment but rather be a model to follow.
“I DON’T WANT TO PERPETUATE PRACTICES HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT BUT RATHER BE A MODEL TO FOLLOW.” Félix Doll, jewelry designer (ELLE Suisse)
The beauty of forms and minimalism are close to your heart. Do you think this refined style is easier to match?
I think minimalist as well as maximalist jewelry can be well combined. I don’t have a definitive stance on how someone should wear my jewelry. I equally appreciate clean style and extravagance. In general, everyone should wear what they want—whether mixing different materials or reinventing themselves daily, depending on their mood.
Is there a mantra or quote that accompanies you in your creative process and in life?
There are many quotes that have guided me along my journey. My three favorites are:
- “The present moment is all that matters.”
- “Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.”
- “Be a role model.”
What advice would you give to young designers reading this?
Listen to your heart, stay true to your core idea, and realize it without compromise. Don’t get distracted, showcase your creations as often as possible, and talk about them to as many people as you can. Be honest, and don’t conform.
