Clifford Lilley
Find out how Clifford masters the art of hosting, why he sees life in Switzerland as a great opportunity and what his role as Master of Ceremony at legendary events at The Dolder Grand is all about. From New Year's Eve galas to the importance of style and ease, Clifford inspires with his positive attitude and zest for life.
Hello Clifford. Who are you, and what do you do?
I was born in 1951 in a small seaside village called Simonstown, the naval base of South Africa. It was an idyllic place where we kids ran around barefoot, went fishing or climbing the mountain, messed about in boats and spent countless hours at the beach, basking under the African sun. My father was originally in the navy, which played a central role in our town. Life was slow but exciting with the fascination of big ships coming and going. A lot of people ended up joining the navy.
But even as a child, I knew that wasn’t the life for me. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, but I felt a strong pull toward something creative and artistic. I loved books and art, classical music, and playing the piano. Unlike my older brother, who was drawn to ships and rugby, I found myself captivated by theater and the world of fashion. The two loves of my life today.
My desire to explore the world also surfaced early on. Though I never imagined I’d end up in Switzerland, that’s where life has taken me. I’m now Swiss, and I consider it a great privilege to live here and hold this passport. It wasn’t part of a grand plan - I’m not much of a strategist. In fact, I initially came here thinking I’d move on to an English-speaking country since I didn’t speak German, French, or Italian - the main languages here. But Switzerland had other plans for me, and I stayed.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats, but today, most people know me as a stylist with deep ties to the fashion world. And more recently as a host. No matter what I’ve achieved, though, I always carry my roots with me. I’ll never forget where I came from.
Clifford, you'll be celebrating a special anniversary in 2024 - 45 years in Switzerland. How do you look back on this time, and what has particularly shaped you over the years?
Looking back on 45 years in Switzerland, I see a journey of growth and self-discovery. One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is how to confront challenges head-on. Once I decided to stay and make Switzerland my home, things slowly began to fall into place, but it wasn’t easy in the beginning.
Moving to a new country demands determination, ambition, and a willingness to adapt without losing your own particular style. Initially I thought I wouldn’t manage the transition, but that mindset began to shift when I was offered a position with Hannes B., the top menswear designer in Switzerland at the time. His luxurious shop in the Zunfthaus zur Meisen was a hub of style and sophistication - THE place to be back then.
This opportunity changed everything. It gave me a stable job, allowed me to take on more responsibility, and most importantly, gain independence and financial freedom. Those early years were a hustle - taking on odd jobs, a constant effort to adjust, understand local traditions, and figure out what it would take to thrive here.
As I met more people and built a network, I began to see how to carve out a life for myself in Switzerland. Over time, I formed a vision of what life could be with a solid job. Switzerland eventually became not just a place where I lived but a place where I found incredible opportunities, made new connections, and built a foundation for my own little business.
These 45 years have been extraordinary. Switzerland has not only given me the chance to stand on my own two feet but also the freedom to truly discover myself and put down roots and form meaningful and lasting relationships. Both privately and personally.
You've been a fixture on the Swiss fashion and lifestyle scene for decades. How has Switzerland developed as a working and living environment for you?
Becoming «a fixture», as you put it, wasn’t something I achieved alone. It took the support and encouragement of many people along the way. And a great deal of good luck!
Working for Hannes B. was a fantastic start, and I had a very informative and educational time there. But with time I found that sales wasn't where I felt I could thrive or contribute best. After 7 years I resigned from Hannes B. and made myself self-employed. I wanted to be my own boss and work creatively. Fortunately I had luck on my side and was hired by the Swiss TV as a stylist to consult and dress the TV presenters. Daytime TV had just been introduced and my hands were pretty full.
I will be eternally grateful to Hannes for the opportunity he gave me to take the next steps in my Swiss life as an independent stylist and image consultant.
Television was a burgeoning industry in Switzerland during the 1990s opening up a wealth of unprecedented opportunities. New TV stations emerged, fuelling the rapid growth of the entertainment sector and creating roles that hadn’t existed before. This dynamic environment provided many of us with exciting new avenues to explore and thrive.
At the end of the 90’s I found myself in front of the cameras on a TV show with the fabulous Michelle Hunziker, this was the start of a whole new life for me and led to TV shows in Germany, Austria and in Switzerland.
Switzerland, with its commitment to high standards and quality, provided an ideal environment for my growth and success. It encouraged me to build self-confidence and pursue excellence relentlessly. The combination of this supportive atmosphere, dedication and determination enabled me to flourish and achieve success in the fashion and lifestyle scene.
Speaking of celebrations, The Dolder Grand is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. You were the Master of Ceremonies at the recent Gala and have also hosted their New Year's Eve parties in the past. How did you come to take on this special role, and what exactly does it entail?
I believe I came to take on the special role of Master of ceremonies for the Dolder Grand’s New Year’s Eve parties and other events largely due to the recognition I gained from my work in television, radio and in the media around the time of the millennium. That visibility created momentum, and the opportunity to present at the Dolder Grand - a place renowned for its style and elegance - was a natural extension of that.
My connection with the Dolder goes back to the early 1990s, when I was working at Hannes B. One of my jobs back then was to decorate the showcase windows that Hannes had hired to display our exclusive menswear.. I always took the little funicular railway to get up there - a journey I loved. The Dolder rose up out of the forest like a fairytale castle, magical.. The Dolder Grand was iconic, a place to see and be seen, drawing the rich and famous from around the globe. So, for someone like me, to step into that world was very special. Those visits were a real privilege and deepened my admiration for the hotel and its surroundings.
Fast forward 30 years, and hosting the 125th anniversary gala for such a legendary establishment was nothing short of a profound privilege and an extraordinary honour. At times I had to pinch myself to truly grasp that yes it was me, from little old Simonstown and I was there, reflecting on the journey and just how far I’d come.
I was grateful for having had the opportunity in my 20’s to attend drama school in Cape Town where I honed my acting skills and learned many valuable techniques. These skills proved invaluable in my role as a Master of Ceremonies, allowing me to engage audiences with confidence and grace.
My first event with The Dolder Grand was, for Virtuoso, a prestigious gathering of the world’s top luxury travel advisors and hotels. This event brought together leading figures from the global luxury hospitality industry, and they needed an English speaking host who could confidently engage and entertain an international audience. It appears I ticked all the right boxes - and the rest as they say, is history.
Talking about the New Year’s Eve celebrations at The Dolder Grand, what made these events so magical?
The magic of The Dolder Grand’s New Year’s Eve celebrations lay in their unique blend of grandeur and laid-back fun. While the venue itself exudes elegance and tradition, the idea was always to create an atmosphere that felt lively and relaxed - focused on enjoyment rather than formality.
I absolutely loved hosting these parties. The event organizer, Bright Entertainment, gave me an incredible level of freedom with my role. While I was given the essentials, like details about the orchestra and the sequence of events, the rest was up to me. That freedom allowed me to infuse the celebrations with my own style and energy.
Each year, we had a different theme, and I’d dress to match - always in a new costume. My signature entrance became a highlight: I’d run up on stage from the back of the ballroom to my chosen music, stopping along the way to greet guests at their tables in a warm, easy-going, and upbeat manner.
The energy was electrifying. My introductions always aimed to set a joyful tone, and the guests’ enthusiasm made it all the more thrilling. Every detail - from the vibrant themes to the lighthearted atmosphere - the exciting count down at midnight, all contributed to making these celebrations truly unforgettable.
What role do style and elegance play at an event like this, and how do you bring your personal touch to it?
Style and elegance are absolutely essential at events like these. You want to create an atmosphere that celebrates the occasion and makes people feel that they’re part of something truly special. As the Master of Ceremonies, I aim to bring that sense of occasion and a touch of flair.
People in Switzerland often approach life with a seriousness that, while admirable, can sometimes overshadow the sparkle and lightness that events like these call for. I don't mean to be flippant or dismissive, but there are moments when we all benefit from embracing a bit more fun, spontaneity, and freedom. After all, a touch of levity can enhance even the most elegant occasions.
When I step into a role like this, I bring a certain sense of occasion and playfulness. I think people see me as someone who embodies that sense of celebration. Clifford Lilley seemed to have the name, the contacts, the voice, and most importantly, the sparkle to bring it all to life.
Whatever sense of style I have, I’ve cultivated it here in Switzerland. The great hotels and institutions like The Dolder Grand have given me the platform to showcase my style and personality, allowing me to «play the part» and bring an added dimension of energy and joy to these grand events.
«Whatever you do, do it with passion.»
You have taken on numerous roles over the last 45 years: Stylist, image consultant, presenter, speaker, personal shopper, and more. Which of these activities are particularly close to your heart - and why?
Whatever you do, if you don’t do it with passion, it’s going to be shallow. I feel especially passionate about presenting because it requires you to bring your whole self - and then some - to the job. Presenting demands tenacity and courage to win over an entire room. It’s a job that involves overcoming the fear of being on stage, managing the pressure of pleasing both the client and the audience, and navigating the stress that comes with it. But there's also immense pleasure in knowing you can do it - and do it well.
Styling is also close to my heart. In that role, I’m in charge of how people look and what they wear, which is a visual task requiring creativity, a good sense of feeling, and in some cases, teamwork. While I work well in a team environment, I tend to be a bit of a one-man show. But, if I had to choose, speaking and presenting are my favorite roles - even though I never actively pursued that path.
As I have already mentioned, in the ‘90s, I did my first television show alongside Michelle Hunziker. It was a new show, Cinderella, on a new TV channel, TV3 and suddenly, I was noticed and attracted attention. People wanted to interview me and take pictures of me. That moment was fantastic because it marked thetrue beginning of my career taking off - a milestone I’ll always cherish.
When you think back to Clifford of 1979, who had just arrived in Switzerland, what advice would you give him today?
Definitely, learn the language as soon as possible and save your money! (laughs) My advice would be to believe in yourself and be open. When you’re coming from another country, you are a guest, and you want to follow the rules! So inform yourself about history and culture. I was quite naive back then, with no clear direction so my advice would be: «Get clear on what you want to do as soon as possible, figure out how you're going to get there, and take it step by step.» Don’t be afraid to take that first step. And never be afraid to ask!
«I go with the flow and let go when I have to.»
125 years of the Dolder Grand and 45 years in Switzerland—both symbolize consistency and growth. How have you managed to stay true to yourself over the years and still keep discovering new things?
I think it all comes down to being open and knowing who you are. It’s important to stay humble and put others first. At the end of the day, there will always be someone smarter or better than you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t treat everyone with respect. I also believe having good friends is essential. Even though I know many people, real friends are few and far between. I’ve been fortunate to make real good friends from day one. They’ve supported me, helped me when I was down, and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. My oldest friend I have here I met in 1979 on the stage of the Schauspielhaus Zürich where we were both glorified extras!
I’m not a strategic person, nor am I a great manager, I simply want everyone to be happy. Mission impossible! My personal recipe for success has always been to go with the flow and let go when I have to. What truly matters is staying true to yourself and, as my mother would say, being friendly and polite. You never know who might be around the next corner or what opportunities they might bring.
How do you see your personal future—perhaps a 50-year anniversary in Switzerland—and what do you wish for the next chapter in the Dolder Grand's impressive history?
My personal future, 50 years in Switzerland… I’m not much of a planner - I prefer to go with the flow, trusting in good luck and positive energy. My hope is to stay healthy, nurture the strong relationships in my life, and continue finding opportunities to present for people and companies. I still love the sparkle, the razzle dazzle of show business as well as the thrill of taking on new challenges. In fact I can even imagine a return to acting, whether on stage or in film. It’s a role I would gladly step into again, embracing the magic of performance once more. There, I’ve said it… I’m open to offers!
Perhaps my 50th year in Switzerland, will be celebrated, where else, at the Dolder Grand!
As the Dolder Grand embarks on the next chapter of its remarkable history, my wish is for its continued success, innovation, and excellence over the next 125 years. This legendary establishment, celebrated worldwide for its iconic status, has set the benchmark for hospitality. I hope it continues to maintain that 5 star position while embracing new ideas and innovations, just as it has done so brilliantly thus far.
Thank you Clifford for the interesting conversation and the exciting insights!
Shine with us!✨
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