Akris

Akris is a Swiss luxury fashion house specializing in haute couture and ready-to-wear for women, founded in 1922 by Alice Kriemler-Schoch in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The company's name, "Akris," is derived from the initials of Kriemler-Schoch's name. Initially, Akris produced simple dotted aprons that Kriemler-Schoch crafted on a single sewing machine. Each piece is still designed in Switzerland, and the company continues to use the Swiss dot (polka dot) on gift boxes and tissue paper, as well as the Akris Punto logo.

In 1944, Kriemler-Schoch's son Max Kriemler took over the business, and the company grew significantly, beginning to produce ready-to-wear clothing. Following Max Kriemler's lead, Akris also produced clothes for French designers Givenchy and Ted Lapidus.

However, in 1980, Max Kriemler's right-hand man died. Max's son Albert Kriemler had planned to travel to Paris to study fashion and apprentice at Givenchy, but Max asked Albert to postpone his education for two years to assist in the company's transition. Albert could never complete his fashion education; within those two years, he had already begun to take over the company.

In 1987, Peter Kriemler, Albert's brother, joined the company and took charge of the company's financial operations alongside his brother. Peter is now Akris's global CEO, handling management and manufacturing. Peter Kriemler is credited with bringing the Akris collection to Asia with subsidiaries in Japan and Korea, as well as developing the worldwide network of directly operated stores.

Since 2004, the Akris collection has been shown during Paris fashion week - the only Swiss house in the Fédération française de la couture, du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers, et des Créateurs de Mode.

Akris's designs are characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and functionality. The brand's aesthetic is rooted in the Swiss textile industry's heritage, with a focus on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Akris's designs are often unlined, featuring double-face fabrics and invisible seams, which provide a lightweight and flexible fit.

The brand has a long history of collaborating with artists, including Carmen Herrera, Geta Brătescu, Rodney Graham, and Thomas Ruff. These collaborations have resulted in unique and innovative collections that reflect the brand's commitment to creativity and innovation.

In addition to its fashion collections, Akris has also expanded into accessories, including handbags, shoes, and small leather goods. The brand's handbags are known for their simplicity, functionality, and high-quality materials, often featuring the brand's signature double-face fabric.