Swiss model and Miss Universe Switzerland finalist Tessy Bucher embodies elegance, resilience, and ambition. From navigating personal challenges to launching her own fashion line, she shares the journey of building confidence, honouring her heritage, and empowering other women through beauty and strength.
Tessy, you are a successful model and a finalist of Miss Universe Switzerland. What inner qualities do you believe are most important to move toward victory in this competition? What has been the most challenging part of this journey for you?
Being part of the MUS journey was an empowering experience that helped me regain confidence after a very difficult period in my life. One of the most demanding moments came shortly after undergoing surgery: I had reached the MUS finals and was required to walk the catwalk and change outfits — all while coping with a swollen breast. It was both physically and emotionally exhausting, but I pushed through with resilience.
You studied medical aesthetics. Do your specialised skills help you feel more confident in your modelling career? How do you take care of yourself during intense photoshoots and show preparations?
I worked for several years as an assistant in a dermatology clinic, where I gained in-depth experience in cosmetic treatments and medical laser technology. I later transitioned into the field of plastic surgery. These roles equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge, which continue to support both my modelling career and personal self-care.
Tell us more about your Madagascan and Kenyan roots: what have they taught you, and how do they shape your inner strength?
I was born and raised in Switzerland, with Madagascan and Kenyan heritage. I was adopted by my Swiss father while still in my mother’s womb, though she remained my biological mother. Tragically, both of my parents have since passed away. I now live independently in Switzerland, carrying their legacy with pride and inner fortitude.
Your personal designer collection will be launching soon. Describe the women who will be happy to wear your pieces — how do you envision them?
My fashion line is scheduled to launch next autumn, accompanied by exclusive runway shows in Milan and Gstaad. The collection speaks to women who are elegant, confident, and unapologetically themselves. I envision them as bold yet refined — women who embrace their identity and radiate effortless strength. I’ve already released my own perfume, currently available in select stores across Switzerland, which complements the spirit of the upcoming collection.
What emotions do you feel when you see your photos taken by your photographer? What is most important to you in this creative collaboration?
Working with photographer Oleg Pylypenko has been a truly enriching artistic partnership. He intuitively understands my vision and brings tremendous expertise to every shoot. As I continue to build my brand, he remains an essential part of my creative journey — my right hand, both behind the lens and within the process.
Photographer: Oleg Pylypenko
Oleg Pylypenko is a Ukrainian-Swiss director, cinematographer, photographer, and art director, best known as the founder of Zurich-based Flava Production and the AI platform Flavatars. Since 2009, he has directed more than forty-five music videos that have collectively garnered over 300 million views and earned three national award nominations.
His photography has graced the cover of Vogue Monaco, adding fashion prestige to a portfolio that already includes work for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Ukrainian Fashion Week, and collaborations with stars such as Loboda, Vasyl Lomachenko, and Oleksandr Usyk. In 2025, Oleg won the Higgsfield Creative Challenge, solidifying his status as a visionary in AI-driven filmmaking. Today, he merges cinematic storytelling with next-generation neural networks to create standout content for global brands and artists.
Key Credentials & Achievements
- Cover photographer, Vogue Monaco
- 45+ music videos | 300M+ YouTube views
- 3 national award nominations (including YUNA – Best Video)
- Winner, Higgsfield Creative Challenge (2025)
- Founder of Flavatars – Swiss AI-avatar platform
- Speaker & curator, Runway ML Meetup, Zürich
- Collaborations with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Loboda, Vasyl Lomachenko, Oleksandr Usyk
- 15+ years in video, photography & AI innovation
Model: @chocoolatessy
Stylist: Tessy Bucher
Photographer: @alegpilipenko
Hair: Gladys International hair salon
Beautydoc: @swiss_plasticsurgeon
