1923
We are family! We have always been. Ever since glove maker Otto Kessler followed his passion and founded his own workshop near the town of Wetzlar. Then as now, the product took center stage, and fashionable leather gloves were crafted for the ladies and gentlemen of society, either from our own designs or entirely customized according to customer requests.
1946
The post-war period marked a new beginning for the family business Otto Kessler. Werner Hofmann, the founder's son-in-law, joined the company. Full of ideas, he reoriented the company and laid the foundation for the transition from a workshop to a professional glove production on a larger scale.
1973
In the 3rd generation, Claus-Dirk Hofmann took over the management of the company, bringing a fresh breeze once again, this time towards internationalization. With global sales, international production facilities were established. With an eye on the best sourcing and expertise in glove production, the company became involved in Pécs, Hungary, the traditional location for the production of high-quality leather gloves.
2004
With Wilm Hofmann, the great-grandson of the company's founder, the 4th generation of the family joined the company. Together with his father, he expanded the company's production in China according to demand. Now, large department stores and international fashion brands manufacture their glove collections at Otto Kessler.
2009
Time to pass the baton. After years of training at various locations of the Otto Kessler Group and international universities, Wilm Hofmann took over the leadership. He has a particular affinity for new technical solutions. His focus is on the perfect implementation of designs using excellent materials and modern functionalities. Under his leadership, the company has established itself as a reliable partner in the development and production of contemporary gloves, such as those with touchscreen functionality or made from 100% sustainable materials.
2015
After decades of experience as developers and producers for different markets, the idea emerged to return to the market with our own brand. In the KESSLER® collection, you'll find both the tradition of the family business and our guiding principle: Product first!
With enthusiasm and curiosity about what's possible, our team creates small masterpieces for women and men that find admirers not only in the cold season.
TODAY
Together with our trading partners, ranging from fine individual boutiques to international department stores, we distribute our KESSLER® collection throughout Europe and North America.
Additionally, our company manufactures glove collections for international fashion brands, department stores, and professional needs, which are distributed worldwide.
As specialists in leather gloves, we employ staff in our own production facilities and sales offices in China, Hungary, Germany, Hongkong, the United Kingdom and the United States.
And of course, we are delighted that you appreciate what we do. For that, a heartfelt thank you!