Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/262375
When Albert Kriemler walks into a room, he doesn't exactly turn heads. Tall and lanky with salt-and-pepper hair and thick-rimmed glasses, he can easily blend in with a crowd. But then, ever so slowly, his understated elegance, refined manners and calming presence begin to draw people to him, like moths to a flame. That same subtle heat could also describe the clothing that Kriemler designs for Akris. The house has built a sterling reputation for producing evergreen pieces in luxe fabrics—designs that satisfy the needs of women seeking outfits that have a classical foundation with just a touch of edge and ingenuity to make them feel modern. "There is only one house like it," says Didier Gumbach, president of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the French fashion body that for the past decade has invited Akris to show its ready-to-wear collection during Paris Fashion Week. "Albert is passionate about the métier, fashion and above all quality," adds Gumbach. It's a passion that has been passed down through generations of Kriemlers. Back in 1922, the family-run business got its start when Kriemler's grandmother, Alice Kriemler-Schoch, began making aprons in her home on a single sewing machine. Her simple and straightforward "Swiss dot"-patterned aprons became known for their quality and durability. The name Akris was born as a derivative of Kriemler-Schoch's first and last names. "I grew up amidst patterns and seamstresses in the fashion house my grandmother had founded, during a time when my parents were transforming it into an international brand," acknowledges Kriemler. "I started to draw clothes at a very young age. I've always loved fabrics and I traveled to shows with my parents. It was a natural thing—fashion is in the roots of my family." From those humble beginnings, three generations of the family have helped turn the discrete Akris brand into a worldwide fashion powerhouse. Kriemler joined the family business in 1980 and today is its creative director, setting the sartorial course for the house, while his brother Peter, the company's CEO, deals with the financial side of the business. "It's close and fast and loyal," says Kriemler about the advantages of working with family. The ability to move quickly without having to worry about backlash from investors (or the risk of a third party trying to take control of the house) has given him a creative freedom few designers ever experience. Kriemler considers the unique location where his brand is based to be a major asset and one of the key contributors to Akris' success. Situated in the mountain city of St. Gallen, Switzerland, Akris takes full advantage of the town's heritage as a center for the textile industry. Since the 15th century, the city has produced quality textiles and has been at the forefront of innovations in the field. It has a particular expertise in the arenas of lace and embroidery. In fact, it was in St. Gallen that the first embroidery machines were put to use. "Some of the most advanced companies creating fabrics are based here," says Kriemler. "Design teams from Paris and Milan travel here to check out what's new. We are here every day. That generates a different level of cooperation." The house may be based in Switzerland, but it seems to be 180 BAL HARBOUR Akris' Albert Kriemler brings passion and inspiration to his family's storied fashion brand, invigorating it for the 21st century. BY JESSICA MICHAULT PORTRAIT BY FRANCO P. TETTAMANTI A SWISS LEGACY Akris' signature Ai medium messenger bag