Alter & Kiss

ALTER & KISS began in 1829 as the leading Central European fashion house which produced custom-made garments for the upper social class. Its clientele included the Austrian royal family. Widely reported by the Magyar Bazár, ALTER & KISS ensured delivery of custom-made garments to their clients within four days upon ordering.

“The whole country is familiar with their reputation. I doubt there is a woman who – under their 35-40 year tenure – wasn’t familiar with the store’s best characteristics. A number of grandmothers bought their endowment garments at the store, and now do so for their grandchildren as well” –reported the Magyar Bazár in 1866. The article also points out that the store was founded by Antal Alter at 10 Váci utca (13 today).

During the ‘50s, the business was handed down to Antal’s nephew, Eduárd, who – together with Kornél Kiss – continued to run the business. In 1866, they expanded their store, which now housed different departments. Upon request, an assistant would model the items that the customer was interested in purchasing. The reason being that, “by having the customer see certain splendid garments on another individual, he/she would be able to more easily make a decision regarding its purchase.” The store remained open until 1888, but it was forced to share its leading role in 1858 when a new store on 15 Váci utca was opened by two of its previous managers, István Monaszterly, and Pál Kuzmik.

References: http://mek.oszk.hu/04500/04534/ http://mek.niif.hu/04500/04534/html/index.htm http://ganymedes.lib.unideb.hu:8080/dea/handle/2437/3593 http://divattortenet.lap.hu/