We've all been there: After lunch, everything is sticky, children's hands are covered in food scraps, and then there's the flimsy plastic tableware that's supposed to help. One October day in 2016, after my then two-year-old daughter had finished lunch, it was clear to me: "This can't go on!" I wanted an alternative – away from plastic, towards robust, sustainable products that are gentle on both children and the environment. That's how YIV was born.

YIV – Your Ideal Vintage – is much more than just a label. It's a passion project: Our products are free of harmful substances, crafted to a high standard, and designed for long-lasting use. Each piece of tableware is easy to care for, versatile, and equally popular with children and parents. Thanks to natural materials, our products can be recycled or creatively repurposed.

As a mother, educator and hotel management school graduate, my wealth of experience – and my passion – flows into every piece.

New YIV products are created according to the principles of the circular economy: consciously designed, durable and designed to ultimately flow back into the material cycle.

We are continuously working on further solutions to increase the circularity of our products.

Our guiding principles are clear: sustainability, locality, authenticity, quality, durability, and functionality. That's what I stand for – and that's what YIV stands for.

With every piece we make, we contribute to ensuring that our children inherit a world that is still worth living in and loving tomorrow.

Starting out in the family basement (at this point, I'd like to say: "thank you, amazing neighbors, for your tolerance."), I gradually built YIV as a one-woman business. In the beginning, I personally delivered every product to the post office by cargo bike. This allowed my label to grow slowly but steadily. For six years, I also funded YIV with a second job to maintain my independence. Despite many difficult times and numerous challenges, I held fast to my vision. Between self-employment, family life, and securing a livelihood, my passion project grew into a sustainable family business.

Today, I continue to actively manage YIV: I oversee our shop and shipping, handle communication and the website, develop new products, focus on sustainable solutions, and maintain close contact with our customers.

Now, four wonderful women support me, allowing us to further develop our company together. This ensures YIV remains personal, responsible, and true to the values that have shaped it from the beginning.

For our children. For our earth. For your everyday life

YIV stands for cleverly designed enamel pieces that simplify your everyday life through their multifunctionality – durable, sustainable, full of heart, and full of timeless values.

YIV at a glance

YIV – Your Ideal Vintage – was founded in Switzerland in 2016 by Melanie Kohler. Our product range includes enamel mugs, children's plates, bowls, and sets – handmade by RIESS in Austria since 1550, CO₂-neutral, and free from BPA and harmful substances.

What is YIV? A Swiss label for sustainable enamel tableware – free of harmful substances, durable, and for the whole family.

Where is YIV made? Handmade by RIESS in Austria – one of Europe's oldest enamel manufacturers since 1550.

Who is YIV suitable for? For families, children from birth, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare centers, and anyone who wants to consciously avoid plastic.

Where can I buy YIV? Online at yiv.ch and in our physical store – available with Click & Collect.