Pre-Owned Pieces by Strenesse

Strenesse – A Small Fashion Company Becomes Internationally Known

The fashion company was founded in 1949 in the southern German town of Nördlingen by the Strehle family under the name "Wohlfahrt & Co." In the late 1960s, the company's name was changed to its current name, Strenesse. The name is a combination of the founder's family name and "Jeunesse," the French word for youth. Strenesse's major breakthrough came in the late 1970s when Gabriele Hecke took over the fashion company's fortunes as head designer. Her signature as creative director shaped the company's success for many decades. From the late 1970s onwards, Gerd Strehle as CEO and Gabriele Hecke as designer expanded the Strenesse collection. Under the leadership of the couple, who would later marry, Strenesse evolved in the following years from a small German fashion company into an internationally known manufacturer of simple, elegant designer fashion made from high-quality materials.

The Successful Years of Strenesse

In the 1990s, Strenesse reached the zenith of its corporate success. In 1993, a slightly less formal second women's line, "Strenesse Blue," was introduced. From 1995, the label presented its womenswear at Milan Fashion Week. During the 1990s, Strenesse also began to have shoes and accessories manufactured under license. Since 2001, fragrances and cosmetics have also been marketed under the Strenesse label. And a year later, a men's collection was finally designed for the first time under the name "Strenesse Men."

In 2000, the brand's economic success was crowned with an IPO. Through expansion in Europe, Japan, and the USA, Strenesse became one of the most famous German fashion brands in the upscale segment over the years, alongside Escada, Hugo Boss, and Joop!. Strenesse also became widely known as the outfitter for Lufthansa's female ground and flight attendant staff. The label's fame was also boosted by the fact that Strenesse was the official outfitter of the German national football team between 2006 and 2013.

German Fashion from Strenesse in the Buddy&Selly Designer Second-Hand Shop

In our online shop, you can shop the entire range of Strenesse to your heart's content. Start with shorts and a blouse, complement the tops with a sweater or a blazer, find the matching skirt or trousers, and complete your Strenesse outfit with a jacket for colder days. The label's serious business look, which at the same time always exudes an extravagant femininity, guarantees you exactly the right impact both at work and in your leisure time, a different aesthetic than the bold styles in our pre-owned Burberry Prorsum collection. Of course, you can also find men's fashion and designer second-hand accessories from Strenesse, such as shoes, bags, shoppers, and bracelets. With your favourite pieces from Strenesse from the Buddy&Selly online shop, you'll always have a stylishly elegant appearance! Pre-owned fashion like new: Discover the trend collection now!

Was Strenesse a luxury brand?

Strenesse was a renowned German premium to luxury brand. It was known for the highest quality, fine materials, and a sophisticated, purist design. Although it was more accessible compared to international couture houses, it stood for a discreet, intellectual luxury that was particularly popular with discerning women, much like the refined pieces in our Jardin des Orangers collection.

Who was behind Strenesse?

The Strenesse brand was founded by the Strehle family in Nördlingen. The style was significantly shaped for decades by head designer Gabriele Strehle, who led the brand to international acclaim. She was the creative soul responsible for the purist yet feminine signature.

What kind of clothes did Strenesse offer?

Strenesse offered a complete wardrobe for the modern, working woman. The range included perfectly tailored blazers and suits, elegant dresses, high-quality knitwear made of cashmere and wool, and stylish coats. Each piece was characterized by clean lines and the highest quality, a philosophy shared by the designers of S.Marlon.

What is Strenesse fashion known for?

Strenesse fashion is known for its purist, timeless, and effortless style. Characteristic are clean tailoring, a muted colour palette, and the use of the highest quality materials. The brand embodied a modern, intellectual understatement that never goes out of style, a contrast to the playful, bohemian vibe of our second-hand Poupette St Barth fashion.

Why is the Strenesse brand no longer around?

After several financial difficulties and insolvencies, Strenesse AG had to permanently cease operations of its main fashion line in the spring of 2020. The brand could no longer hold its own against strong international competition and changing market conditions, which led to its closure and turned the pieces into collector's items.

Where can I buy Strenesse items for less online?

Since the brand is no longer in production, the second-hand market is the best source for Strenesse fashion. At certified providers like Buddy&Selly, you'll find a wide selection of exclusive blazers, dresses, and sweaters in excellent condition at top prices. Here you can purchase the timeless classics affordably and sustainably, alongside other unique finds like a pair of pre-owned designer arm warmers.