All About AIGNER

AIGNER's story began in 1904 when Hungarian-born Etienne Aigner started his career as a bookbinder, working with leather and even making his own paper to perfect his craft. In the 1930s, he and his brother Lucien relocated to Paris where his skills led him to focus more on leatherwork; his talents evolved and he began making handbags and belts for Paris’ elite.

After completing various apprenticeships with Dior, Lanvin and Balenciaga, Aigner moved to New York in 1950 in search of new opportunities. It was here that he presented his first handbag collection to high applause, and in 1959, he opened up his first showroom in Manhattan selling luxury leather goods. In 1965, Aigner returned to Germany to embark on a new venture, founding AIGNER. Although he sold the business in the late 1960s, the brand continues to pay homage to his superior craftsmanship and vision to this day. 

The following decades saw Etienne Aigner's brand grow. In the 1970s, AIGNER introduced silk scarves, perfume and its first fashion collection – items that were perfect to don at the highly anticipated Aigner Racing Days that quickly became prestigious societal fixtures amongst the people of Munich. It was the perfect event for the label to sponsor, given the association of the AIGNER brand with horses. These animals represent strength, grace and beauty, characteristics closely aligned with the design house — not to mention the label’s iconic horseshoe logo.

A symbol of luck, the horseshoe motif is a fitting tribute to the designer's heritage. The iconic AIGNER 'A' monogram can be found in many forms across the collection for children: patch-sewn onto a dress, embroidered across a changing bag, or printed in a stylish repeat pattern on a shirt or tee. 

In 2012, the AIGNER kids' collection was launched, offering a range of high-quality pieces for children, designed for everyday comfort. Now, boys and girls of all ages could sport the Munich designer's distinctive style. Whilst the designs are, naturally, distinctly different from the grown-up collections, the AIGNER quality shines through in the choice of premium fabrics and the beautiful attention to detail. The latest arrivals celebrate the brand's story with nods to Aigner's skill for leather craft — many of the pieces feature colourful handbag motifs, printed across tops and dresses — designed in a collection of easy-to-style neutrals and fun colour-pop peices. And, of course, the AIGNER horseshoe takes centre stage. 

Which pieces will they be adding to their collection this season? 

Images by AIGNER