It's getting cold outside! May we help you getting trough the cold months with timeless yet stylish clothing? German brand Merz B. Schwanen´s knitwear is not only made of good natural materials but also uses traditional honest craftsmanship with true passion to produce the clothing.
We love the classic colours that go with any outfit and the precious and soft materials like the warm and breathable merino wool that´s gentle on your skin yet keeps you warm. Pair the sweaters or cardigans with jeans, leather pants, wear them over a skirt or under your favourite coat - they work well with whatever you decide!
Most of Merz B. Schwanen´s clothing is made on authentic circular knitting machines from the 1920s to 60s, the old way of crafting clothes. The idea to use authentic worker’s clothes from the 20s, 30s and 40s as model and inspiration and blending them with a modern design has since been an unbelievably huge success.
Loopwheeler Machines/image source: Merz B. Schwanen
Owner & CEO Peter Plotnicki
Peter Plotnicki, a professional designer and menswear tailor, accidentally stumbled upon an authentic worker shirt by Merz B. Schwanen and instantly knew that this flea-market-find was a very special piece, destined to alter the course of his life. His wife and business partner Gitta Plotnicki was equally fascinated.
accidental flea-market find the henley shirt
The company was originally founded in 1911 by Balthazar Merz and employed more than 2,000 workers over several decades – a rarity in the Swabian Alps, an otherwise poor region. Unfortunately globalisation ended the success story of the family-owned business three years before Peter Plotnicki found his flea market treasure – the heirs closed the manufactory due to a lack of orders.
Gitta's and Peter’s idea was to revive the old factory in order to fabricate new, but traditionally made circular knitware. In January 2011, right on time for the company anniversary, Merz B. Schwanen presented its first new collection at the international fashion fair “Bread and Butter” in Berlin.
Come by and discover our comfy knit sweaters, cardigans and T-shirts in our store in Zurich!