Saus & Braus

When five Zurich women opened Saus & Braus in the mid-nineties, Aussersihl was not a desirable destination for Zurich locals. Creative minds took advantage of cheap rents in the area to establish spaces where they had the freedom to create. According to shop manager Baba Rüegg, Aussersihl has only become a trendy district in recent years – with lots of new cafés and shops opening.

Baba founded Saus & Braus together with four other women. They all had their own labels. They saw the shop as an opportunity to showcase their products. They refurbished the premises themselves – money was scarce in the early days. None of the founders could be said to be living in the lap of luxury. They all had part-time jobs on the side. ‘The shop was an expensive hobby for a long time,’ says Baba with a smile.

Saus & Braus sold high-quality products right from the get-go. Baba believes that this means people can enjoy them for longer. But this also means they can be a bit more expensive: some customers save up for a long time to purchase one of the special products on offer. This is also because they love the shop’s philosophy: even back in the mid-nineties, sustainability and fair-trade were key issues for Baba.

The Saus & Braus label is also sustainable and fair, which is a key selling point for the store. You can choose from any cut and any material. Baba designs and tailors every item in the workshop underneath the shop. The clothes are sewn by her neighbours in the Zurich highlands.

Baba can unveil new designs every week. If a particular fabric has run out, it is replaced by a new one. With their own label items, a maximum of ten of the same pieces are sold. ‘They are almost unique,’ says Baba. Very few customers buy entire outfits from Saus & Braus. They are more likely to choose individual pieces to freshen up their wardrobe.

This is why there are lots of bright, easily combinable individual items and accessories; bags, purses and backpacks from Bag’n’Noun, for example, or from Baggy Port, a small Japanese manufacturer. Other labels include Ina Kent, which produces high-quality leather bags. Or Electronic Sheep, which creates unique knitted scarves and jumpers. ‘Thinx’ menstruation underwear from the United States is an exclusive at the shop. Saus & Braus is the only place in Switzerland where fans of zero waste can buy this product.

As well as items from their own label, unique pieces and bags, this attractive shop offers exquisite necklaces and sunglasses. There are also household items, such as special soaps, straws made of glass and woven tea towels. And glossy, colourful ceramic fish jugs that bubble as they pour water.

Saus & Braus has also sold children’s clothing and toys for some years now. There are glasses full of pencils and a colouring book on a little table. The colouring book is another exclusive. It was created by a friend of the store, illustrator Anna Hilti.