Albert Kriemler often finds inspiration in architecture. In Akris Fall/Winter 2021, the unique architecture of St.Gallen, his and Akris' hometown, makes its way onto ready-to-wear and accessories.
"While designing this collection, we had a picture hanging on the wall. It was a view on St.Gallen from above town. Buildings, streets, church towers, and one rooftop that immediately stood out. Tiles shaped in a geometric motif combining tones of terra-cotta, green, and ivory. The roof of St.Laurenzen, a church from the Mid-19th century. It is my architectural spark of the season."
- Albert Kriemler
In 1845, architect Johann Georg Müller created plans for extensive renovations and a renewal of the church. Part of this was the design of this colorful roof. A follower of a Neo-Gothic style, Müller was guided by the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, such as the St.Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which is known for its colorful, patterned roof tiles.
The tiled roof of the church was translated into a geometric motif combining terra-cotta, green, and black. It can be found in three different variations on ready-to-wear and accessories of the season, as masterful St.Gallen embroidery, intarsia knit, prints, and elaborate leather patchwork.
The wool on tulle Tiled Roof embroidery embodies the core principles of Albert Kriemler's design. While fabric is always first at Akris, this embroidery is the epitome of architectural inspiration and the unique craftsmanship that Akris' hometown of St.Gallen is famous for. Created by expert craftspeople in St.Gallen, this fabric is the foundation for unique ready-to-wear items in the #AkrisFW21 collection. There are two versions of this embroidery: one which can be found on the statement coat and fully represents the pattern of the roof and one without ivory tone, which is the foundation for the Elmata jacket.
The motif also comes as a sharp intarsia knit. With this knitting technique, fields of different colors appear to be inlaid in one another, fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle. A similar effect is created with the Tiled Roof patchwork on the iconic Akris Ai and Akris Anouk handbags. Both the intarsia knit and the leather patchwork also come in a muted version, in which the color theme of the roof is reworked, switching orange against the subtle navy.
