1907

In the year 1907, Maria Kunert, born Worm (1873-1950) opened a hosiery factory in Warnsdorf, Sudeten Germany (today Varnsdorf, Czech Republic), in order to commence commercial production of stockings and other knitwear on the hand knitting machine she had acquired two years previously - the foundations were laid for the international Kunert brand.

1920

In the early 1920s, she was joined first by her husband Julius Kunert senior (1871-1950) and later by her two sons Heinrich and Julius junior, who all had a hand in expanding the factory. It were the two sons Heinrich (born in 1899) and Julius (born in 1900) in particular who brought new life into the business. They had recognised the spirit of the times. After the First World War, fashion underwent an astounding liberal revolution. Legs were displayed, and suddenly there was enormous demand for elegant fashion items for the legs.

1924

The invention of the cotton machine had made it possible to manufacture stockings with a perfect fit, whose shape was modelled to the natural form of the leg. Without a moment's hesitation, the Kunerts bought themselves some Cotton machines and founded the "Wirkwarenfabrik J. Kunert & Söhne" (J. Kunert & Sons Hosiery Factory) in June 1924. Work commenced in October with eighteen employees at an initial daily production rate of around 300 pairs.

In 1924, Kunert became the first company to print its name onto its packaging so that satisfied customers could be sure they were getting Kunert stockings whenever they bought a new pair. The Kunert brand thus became synonymous with elegant and stylish hosiery.

1930

In addition, Julius Kunert junior, a graduate in business studies, recognised the European potential of the brand and made export a priority. His decision paid dividends. The "Elites" were the first stockings to be made of "Bemberg silk" (a material advertised by the seductive Marlene Dietrich) and were Europe's best-selling stockings in the thirties. The Kunert company became the largest hosiery manufacturer in Europe, employing over 5,000 staff.

1937

After popularising fine stockings, the company also successfully turned its hand to the luxury end of the market, bringing out a truly high-class model of finest natural silk stockings in 1937. Because their quality seemed worthy of royalty, they were named "Juliana" after the freshly crowned Princess and later Queen of the Netherlands, whose picture also decorated the packaging.

1945

In 1945, the company seemed consigned to the past. After the end of the Second World War, the Kunert family was expelled from their home and it was only by risky and adventurous means that they managed to flee to the West. Julius Kunert junior initially moved to Munich. He knew exactly what he wanted, and that was to rebuild the once globally renowned Kunert company.

1947

Together with some former employees from Warnsdorf, he set about this seemingly impossible task. On the advice of Ludwig Erhard, who would later become minister for economic affairs, the picturesque lakeside town of Immenstadt in the Allgäu region of southern Germany was selected as the most suitable location. Initially, the company produced what its machines and material allowed it to produce: ladies underwear, for instance, or circular-knit stockings. Following the 1948 currency reform, it finally became possible to obtain cotton machines again and the company was able to take up production of fashionable stockings once more.

1950

Around 1950, the "Mariana" then came onto the market, the first stockings from Immenstadt to be to be sold under the Kunert brand name. They were the right product at the right time, because "nylons" had developed into quite a cult in post-war Germany.

1959

Afterwards, Kunert experienced its own economic miracle. The power the Kunert brand still possessed shone through. In 1959, a workforce of around 1,300 people produced approx. 240,000 pairs of stockings per week. Fashion conscious customers were always delighted by new materials, styles, and colours. This quickly spread to the rest of Europe. Julius Kunert spoke of the success with his usual ease: "We didn't worry once about how we would rebuild it from scratch."

1971

In 1971, Rainer Michel, his nephew and newly appointed second-in-command, managed everyday operations, as Julius Kunert took care of strategic issues.

1988

After the company went public in 1988, Julius Kunert held close ties to "his" firm until his death.

1993

Julius Kunert died on 7 february 1993 at the age of 93 years.

2007

In 2007, the long-established company celebrated its centenary as well as a success story, which is now more than hundred years old. Thanks to the adjustment of the corporate structures and the constant change in favour of the requirements of the particular times, Kunert is appearing as a successful, European brand.

2008

Concentration on the main business with the brands KUNERT, JULIUS KUNERT and HUDSON. Consolidation of the German manufacturing and distribution companies under KUNERT Fashion GmbH & Co. KG.

2010

Launch of the new run-free KUNERT CHINCHILLAN – the KUNERT sensation.

2011

The innovative KUNERT Effect series is expanded by a shaping series called KUNERT Forming Effect. The KUNERT Effect series comprise stockings which cool in summer (KUNERT Fresh Up) and warm in winter (KUNERT Warm Up) as well as products which have a run stop function (KUNERT Chinchillan). There are also stockings which support and prevent tired and swollen legs (KUNERT Fly&Care).