Beyond the Runway: Ketty Nunez Rediscovers the Art of Couture With “Back to the Roots”

At Zurich's prestigious Dolder Grand, Colombian-born designer Ketty Nunez unveiled a deeply personal couture collection celebrating the beauty of craftsmanship, artistic freedom and the extraordinary transformation of materials.

For Ketty Nunez, the woman behind Swiss fashion house Kenu, couture begins long before a garment reaches the runway. It begins with imagination, a piece of fabric and the extraordinary possibilities of creating something entirely by hand. On October 17, 2026, Nunez presented her latest collection, “Back to the Roots,” during Couture Fashion Night 4.0 at The Dolder Grand in Zurich, revealing a body of work that marked a return to her most instinctive form of artistic expression.

As co-founder, Fashion Producer and Art Director of Couture Fashion Night, Nunez occupies a distinctive position within the industry, creating not only the garments but also the environments in which fashion comes to life. Yet for this collection, her attention turned inward. After years of designing, producing and building her business, she wanted to rediscover the freedom of working with her hands, experimenting with unfamiliar materials and creating without limitations.

The Extraordinary Beauty of Handmade Couture

“Back to the Roots” began with a vision of quiet elegance, drawing on soft beige and nude tones before evolving into a palette of black, white, delicate blues and metallic accents. Across the collection, silk organza, tulle, satin and suede appeared alongside intricate embroidery, crystals and dimensional embellishments. The silhouettes balanced sensuality with structure, revealing the remarkable technical work beneath their seemingly effortless appearance.

Ketty Backstage

 

Among the most compelling creations was a transparent black gown constructed from a textile Nunez developed herself. Beginning with raw nylon, she transformed an industrial material into a delicate fabric, introducing sculptural black details that challenged conventional ideas of luxury.

“I don't only want to design a silhouette. I want to understand what a material can become,” she explains.

Perhaps most remarkable is that Nunez created the entire collection herself, without external assistance. Every garment represents months of meticulous construction, experimentation and handwork, reflecting her belief that true couture lies in the intimate relationship between the designer, the material and the finished creation.

Where Colombian Artistry Meets Swiss Precision

Born from her Colombian heritage and shaped by her life in Switzerland, Nunez's creative identity reflects two distinct influences. Colombia introduced her to color, femininity, sensuality and artisanal traditions, while Switzerland strengthened her appreciation for precision, construction and exceptional finishing.

That combination continues to define Kenu, whose Zurich boutique and atelier specialize in occasion wear, bespoke bridal couture and personalized designs, now extending into custom menswear.

Behind the designer's accomplishments is an equally compelling personal journey. Once a single mother pursuing a creative ambition without outside encouragement, Nunez credits her children, faith and determination with giving her the strength to establish her career.

October 17th, 2026 Couture Fashion Night 4.0

 

For 2027, she is looking toward further international expansion, with Paris, Milan and a possible return to New York among her ambitions.

Yet Back to the Roots is less about looking toward the next destination than remembering where everything began.

“Going back to the roots doesn't mean looking backwards. It means reconnecting with who you are in order to understand where you want to go next.”

For Ketty Nunez, that rediscovery has produced something deeply personal: a collection in which every stitch, texture and silhouette carries the unmistakable signature of its creator.

Designer: Ketty Nunez
Fashion House: Kenu Couture
Collection: Back to the Roots
Runway: Couture Fashion Night 4.0, October 17, 2026
Venue: The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland
Instagram: @ketty.nun | @kenu_boutique