Joshua Amissah works as a picture editor, editor and curator at the interface between photography and text. The creative is currently freelancing between Berlin and Zurich for documenta, VOGUE Germany, Migros Magazin, Akut Mag and photoSCHWEIZ.
"Joshua, why are you wearing an Appenzeller belt?"
For me, the "Chüeligurt" combines simple product design with a unique tradition of craftsmanship. To be honest, it is simply iconic and somehow reminds me of where I come from. Even though I grew up in the city and not among dairymen, it means home to me. I also like to bring opposites together and like to combine the belts with modern and simple items of clothing. Experience has shown that the question: "Where are you really from?" is usually superfluous when wearing the Appenzell belt.
The question "Where are you really from?" is superfluous with an Appenzeller belt.
Joshua Amissah
"What is the story behind your belts, how did you get there?"
I have been fascinated by Appenzell belts since I was a child and have always wanted one. The shiny and finely crafted metal fittings - especially with the smiling Sünneli - appealed to me. Back then, it was an accessory that was mainly worn by Swiss grandpas. I never actually saw the belts in migrant or post-migrant family circles during my childhood. That has changed a lot in the meantime. A few years ago, I shared this observation with a friend and told him that I thought it would be great if people of color wore such a belt. A little later, he gave me my first Chüeli belt and we've been inseparable ever since.
Comments on the belt?
In my closer social circles in Switzerland, many people actually have one and it's something of a charged fashion piece. But as soon as I leave these spheres, I get different reactions. But they are usually very positive and I have often received compliments from strangers about my belt. Just last weekend I was smiled at by a strange lady and she asked me: "Why does a young gentleman like you wear such a belt? My answer was, "Exactly because of that!"
Feature from @coucoumagazin
Shot by @mina_monsef
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