HERITAGE – ETIENNE AIGNER
Etienne Aigner arrived in New York City from Paris in 1949 after a successful apprenticeships with legendary designers including Chrsitian Dior and Cristobal Balenciaga. He began making belts out of his apartment, all in particular shade of burgundy; because one shade of leather was all he, a fledgling designer, could afford at that time.
By 1959, Etienne Aigner opened his first showroom from which he showcased the growing array of accessories that demonstrated the craftmanship he learned in Europe. Besides belts, there were also handbags, gloves and scarves, many in the burgundy color that had now been dubbed “Signature”. Practically every item in the collection was marked by the initial “A”, a symbol that was to provide an inextricable link with all things Etienne Aigner by this growing following of chic women who sought out the fine leathers and sporty, yet elegant mindset of the Brand. The now familiar and easily recognized “A” has continueds to keep pace with the evolution of the collections.
Another hallmark of Etienne Aigner was his creative and highly innovative approach to the use of what were at that time, very unusual materials for accessories. Among the first desginers to pair linen, straw and even fisherman’s net with leather, he also drew inspiration from and was fascinated with all forms of hardware. Mr. Aigner contstantly sought out and acquired on his frequent flea market expeditions in the US and abroad a wide assortment of unusual and other one- of - a- kind decorative hardware items that he translated into finishing touches for handbags and shoes.
Mr Aiger sought to move beyond the product and strove to provide his customer with accessories for her lifestyle, along before such approaches were commonplace. Out of that understanding came a variety of novel, feminine and fun items, including sandals sizes S, M, L and sold as a set with a summer tote perfect fo the beach or strolling along the shopping avenues of the sophisticated suburbs where true Aigner devotees resides.
Mr. Aigner built his reputation on designing the “it” bags of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and the fine reputation of the band has endured. Today the Aigner logo is reconginzed as a symbol representing traditon, innovations and trends. Aigner is proud of a heritage that has evolved to combine modern creations into a cohesive Aigner style with exlusive materials and the finest leathers.
