IN STORE 79
Stringent: the product range only includes important pieces that the boss would wear himself.
T
“Kenner” describes true connoisseurs: Dominik Bachmann enjoys wearing the goods he sells.
he location in trendy “Kreis 4” is good, but not optimal. Situated a little off-centre, the store doesn’t attract many walk-in customers. However, most customers prefer to make an appointment when visiting Dominik Bachmann. After all, he is a specialist in terms of custom tailoring. The fabrics for the suits, gilets, and coats are supplied by Scabal.
Kenner/Zurich
“Gewand” is an old German term for clothing for both men and women. Dominik Bachmann’s first label was called Gewandhaus Bern. Today, he owns a men’s outfitter named Kenner. This man takes names seriously… Text: Dörte Welti. Photos: Kenner, Dörte Welti
PRACTICAL MENSWEAR
A RESPECTABLE PROFESSION Bachmann offers a stringent product range with a few prêt-àporter additions to supplement his custom work and selected accessories. This focus on essentials comes at a price. The fashion enthusiast from Aargau can currently not live off this profession. As if his parents had guessed, they urged Bachmann to pursue a “decent” legal education after graduating from high school. The needle and the thread proved more alluring. He found a partner who has backed him all the way, submitted his own creations to fashion awards such as Prix Bolero, attracted his first orders, and sewed for himself and friends - for both women and men. But everyone needs to eat, so Bachmann still also works as a part-time lawyer for Aids Aid Switzerland and is an active lobbyist for the Gay Leadership network. He even found the time for a cutting pattern course along the way.
QUALITY FOR A HAPPY END The well-dressed beau was always in high demand as a style consultant. Bachmann soon realised that his best option is to pursue the career of a classic men’s outfitter. “At the beginning, I collaborated with partners who sewed to measure in Bangkok,” the 48-year-old remembers. “But it soon became clear that the quality is not sufficient.” During a trip around the world, he formulated the final business idea. From afar, he then looked for and found today’s premises. He signed the lease without even seeing it and started implementing his plan in 2014. His customers are mainly lovers of classic elegant fashion. It comes as no surprise that the term “Kenner” describes connoisseurs. Wedding suits stand for 70 percent of the production volume. “They are suits for life,” Bachmann explains. “I don’t style people to look like princes or ringmasters.” The choice of Scabal as fabrics supplier and production partner requires a base price in the high middle segment. The prices for suits start at 1,500 Swiss Francs. A new liaison is in sight: a young designer of wedding dresses will soon move into the immediate vicinity of Kenner.
Kenner Müllerstrasse 45, 8004 Zurich/ Switzerland, www.knnr.ch Opening: October 2014 Owner: Dominik Bachmann Employees: 2 Sales area: 70 sqm Brands: Adrian Reber, Scabal, Urbam, Weber + Weber Accessories brands: Begüm Khan, Broska, Drake’s, Fox Umbrellas, Francis et son Ami, Kenner, Park, Risa, Silany, Troubadour Goods, Werenbach style in progress 218
