Fashion house PKZ celebrates 140-year anniversary

The history of PKZ is a family story: Maurice Burger, a fifth-generation descendant, now sits on the Board of Directors. Founded in 1881 by Paul Kehl, CEO Manuela Beer today leads Switzerland's largest independent fashion house operationally into the future. In recent years, for example, PKZ has successfully established itself as an omni-channel company; its 40 stores throughout Switzerland are now interlinked with a steadily growing online store. Last year alone, sales in the online store doubled.

Fashion house PKZ focuses its roots

When founder Paul Kehl opened the first clothing factory in Winterthur at the end of the 19th century, he laid the foundation for a success story. With foresight and a portion of courage in his luggage, he moved the business to Zurich and renamed it PKZ. His initials and those of the Limmat city still stand for the entrepreneurial spirit that has always characterized PKZ. Until 1974, PKZ operated two factories of its own and exported its prestigious men's collection throughout Europe. In the meantime, the fashion house - which has also been selling women's fashion since 1997 with the acquisition and consolidation of Feldpausch - focuses on its roots, Switzerland.

Economic times are challenging. Nevertheless, the fashion house PKZ is swimming against the tide - a strategy that has proven its worth: "We invest anti-cyclically, go our own way - and our success proves us right," says CEO Manuela Beer. In the spring, the 40th store was opened with the PKZ MEN store at Zurich's Löwenplatz. Further expansions are planned. Beer attaches particular importance to the experience character of the stores. The wide range of top labels complements the own brands Paul Kehl, Paul and Burger, and in the anniversary year the young Pauline line will be added. Two Paul Kehl capsule collections for men and one for women have been specially designed for the anniversary. At the same time, the made-to-measure segment, one of PKZ's USPs, is being continuously expanded.

Artist campaigns and cooperation with ZHdK

It is still the same attributes that characterize the PKZ fashion house, even after 140 years, according to the company itself: Innovation and pioneering spirit. PKZ offers fashion for every occasion - staged early on by later top models such as Patricia Schmid, Sarina Arnold and David Gandi. Even the internationally successful photo artist Rankin photographed a campaign for PKZ in 2005. Founder Paul Kehl already knew about the power of images. Over the years, PKZ has commissioned more than 150 poster designs from renowned artists such as Karl Bickel, Niklaus Stoecklin and Emil Cardinaux. Today, the posters are traded as collector's items, fetch top prices at auctions, and even hang in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Since PKZ is particularly keen to promote young talent, a young generation of artists is being called upon to mark the anniversary: PKZ has commissioned students from the Zurich University of the Arts to create a campaign around the 140th anniversary. The posters, prints and videos will be awarded prizes and presented at an exhibition, and two limited-edition T-shirts will also go on sale. Future generations are also being promoted in-house. On average, PKZ trains 75 apprentices per year. External training opportunities also ensure excellent development prospects.

Double reason to celebrate: anniversary events and a sustainable strategy

Customers can look forward to the anniversary year in particular, with lots of attractive offers and a digital fashion show from the Toni area, at which the new fashion trends will be presented on September 16. Already on September 11, an aperitif was held in all stores to toast the anniversary. "We are proud of our history and what PKZ has achieved in 140 years - we want to share this joy with our customers. At the same time, we are giving a preview of what the future holds," says CEO Manuela Beer. Because the anniversary also marks the start of a new fashion era. PKZ has hired a sustainability expert to support the company on its way to a greener future. As part of the "WE CARE" initiatives, which ensure greater transparency with regard to materials and production, sustainable labels such as Armedangels, Lanius and Calida complement the range. PKZ has done pioneering work over the past 140 years and has always looked ahead - now the success story is to be continued.

Source and further information: PKZ