“Luxury You Feel Every Day” – Kristina Falke on Heritage, Craftsmanship and the Future of FALKE

For more than 130 years, FALKE has combined German craftsmanship with timeless design. In this interview, Kristina Falke reflects on joining the family business by chance, the values that continue to shape the brand, and why true luxury is found in quality, comfort and pieces that last for years.

text by Ulrika Lindqvist

 UL: Hi Kristina! Could you start by telling us a bit about FALKE? What was the original idea behind founding the company?

KF: FALKE is a German family-owned company with a history of more than 130 years, now run by the fourth generation. Today, we offer everything from socks and knitwear to underwear and also sportswear. What I love about our story is how simple it began. Our founder, Franz Falke-Rohen, was originally a roofer who started knitting during the winter months to earn extra income. There was no grand vision at the beginning, just craftsmanship and practicality. In many ways, that spirit still defines us today.

UL: How does it feel taking over a family company with such a heritage as FALKE?

KF: I don’t have FALKE in my blood. I married into it. But after more than 30 years, it truly feels like part of my life. Today, the company is led by my husband Paul and his cousin Franz-Peter, representing the fourth generation of the family. What makes it special is the continuity. Many employees, and even their families, have been with us for so many years. That creates a rare depth of knowledge and a strong sense of responsibility for what has been built over time.

 UL: Did you also know that you wanted to work in the family company?

KF: Not at all. My husband and I met by chance in New York, so joining a business was certainly not part of a long-term plan. Looking back, life sometimes has a better sense of direction than we do ourselves. Before joining FALKE, I never looked at a sock twice. Now I know how much thought, engineering and craftsmanship can go into something people wear every day. Seeing the brand evolve from a company known mainly for men’s socks into an international lifestyle and fashion brand has been incredibly exciting.

UL: What would you say are the core ideas and values that define the brand today?

KF: We believe in a quieter form of luxury. Not something that demands attention, but something you feel every day through fit, comfort and quality.

Quality, craftsmanship and trust have guided us from the beginning. Today, we combine that heritage with modern technology while keeping the same mindset. For me, luxury is having something in your wardrobe that you still love years later.

UL: Looking back on your career, are there any projects or moments that stand out as especially memorable or formative?

KF: What has shaped me most is realizing that some of the best opportunities cannot be planned. I’ve always enjoyed meeting new people and staying curious about the world around me. One of my favourite examples is a conversation on a beach during a holiday that later developed into a professional collaboration. It reminded me that being open-minded and authentic often leads to opportunities you could never have predicted.

UL: How do you source your materials and manufacturers?

KF: With a lot of care. And probably a bit of obsession, to be honest. At the same time, we have kept a significant part of our production in Germany and Europe, which allows us to closely oversee quality and craftsmanship. Quality never happens by accident. It is always the result of conscious decisions.

UL: Can you tell us about a crazy idea that didn’t leave the drawing table?

KF: There are quite a few, fortunately. I always think a good idea should make at least one person in the room slightly nervous. Every creative company needs ideas that go a little too far. But if something doesn’t feel authentic to FALKE, we let it go. Sometimes creativity is simply knowing when not to do something.

UL: Looking ahead, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you’re especially excited about?

KF: This autumn, we will be expanding our Body Collection with refined classics and new styles that bring together elegance, comfort and modern femininity. At the same time, there are a few conversations around potential collaborations that are particularly inspiring at the moment.  I would love to say more, but for now it has to remain a little secret. Ask me again in a few months.