A touch of glamour

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Gustav Zumsteg, around 1955. Photographer unknown. Hulda und Gustav Zumsteg Foundation

Printed kwana, summer 1967. Silk, printed twill dupioni Swiss National Museum

Collection reference book, summer 1964 Swiss National Museum

A model wearing a dress by Cristobal Balenciaga, summer 1950. Photographer: Willy Maywald Willy Maywald

Couture book, summer 1956 Swiss National Museum

Glimpse of the Soie pirate. The Abraham Textile Archive Zurich exhibition Swiss National Museum

Printed, blistered silk, summer 1985 Swiss National Museum

Printed gazar, summer 1971. Silk and etamine, printed shantung Swiss National Museum

A dress by Christian Dior, summer 1955- Photographer: Forlano. Forlano

Collection reference book, summer 1967 Swiss National Museum

A dress by Yves Saint Laurent, summer 1994. Photographer unknown. ZVG

Couture book, spring 1953 Swiss National Museum

Skaro, Winter 1988/89. Silk and polyester, taffetas with changing lamé, appliqué finish Swiss National Museum

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Bold, bright and luxurious - Zurich-based Abraham's silks conquered the world.

The company’s fabrics were beloved by Haute Couture designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Cristobal Balenciaga. Its success was largely down to its director Gustav Zumsteg, a man of vision and drive, but the firm did not outlive him. Abraham’s archive is now on show at the Swiss National Museum. (Images: Swiss National Museum)