About us
Founded in 1862, the “Erste-Costüm-Leihanstalt Lambert Hofer” is today managed by Peter Hofer and his daughter Cornelia in the fourth and fifth generation. Together, they continue to manage the traditional Viennese family business in the spirit of its founder. Despite the many technical and economic developments of the past century, the philosophy of Lambert Hofer remains unchanged: to produce and rent costumes from all eras at the highest level of quality. Lambert Hofer meets the demanding requirements of leading designers, costume designers, directors and producers in the film branch, theatre and television – both locally and internationally.
Our History
Lambert Hofer I, the future founder of the costume rental house, gained his first experience in the world of costume at the Theater an der Wien, where he began working as a tailor in 1848. By 1850, he was already employed as a master tailor at the Imperial and Royal Hofburg Theatre.
Following creative disagreements, he left the theatre in 1862 and founded the first dedicated mask and costume rental business. At the time, the inventory consisted only of a single pair of black trousers and a floral curtain.
Austria’s very first address for costume rental began as a modest 35 m² shopfront in the Magdalenenstraße. But the business quickly proved successful: by 1870, it had moved to Margaretenstraße 35 – into a bright workshop with four rooms and large windows. The growing stock soon filled over 100 m², focusing primarily on theatre costumes and the popular parades of the time.
With ongoing additions from in-house production, the next relocation followed in 1913 – to Margaretenstraße 19 – where the space had already tripled in size.
A milestone in the company’s history was in 1920 with the costume supply for its first film project, working with Count Sascha Kolowrat. Buoyed by success, the company continued to grow and moved in 1938 into a spacious 800 m² premises in the Margaretenstraße number 19.
In the 1950s, Lambert Hofer acquired “Wiener Theaterkunst” and opened an additional location in the Capistrangasse. Branches in the Hackengasse 10 and Zinkgasse 9 soon followed. The company expanded again in 1972 with the purchase of the “Ella Bei” workshop and stock. In 1983, Lambert Hofer officially merged with Wiener Theaterkunst, growing so large that the fragmented structure across multiple locations was no longer practical.
In 1989, Peter Hofer – then fourth-generation owner – decided to consolidate all locations under one roof. For this purpose, he acquired a run-down property in Simmering and supervised its extensive renovation and transformation into the company’s current headquarters. The move and consolidation were completed in 1990.
Austria’s entry into the European Union in 1995 opened new international markets – and Lambert Hofer expanded accordingly.
In 2019, the company joined the Peris Group, a global network of leading costume hiring houses, further strengthening its position in the international market.
Team
At Lambert Hofer, we place great value on teamwork and cohesion.
Thanks to our long-standing collaboration, we overcome every challenge together. Our motto: “There is nothing we can’t do – as long as we do it together.”
Our team brings combines a wide range of expertise: the women’s and men’s workshops, the women’s and men’s costume departments, millinery, white tie and black tie rental, marketing, administration, and management.
We look forward to getting to know you!
Careers
At Lambert Hofer, we offer the opportunity to work on exciting projects covering various areas. We place great value on an open, positive, and collaborative environment, as well as good working conditions.
As a young and dynamic team, we are always on the lookout for new colleagues.
If no suitable position is currently advertised, we warmly welcome your unsolicited application at: office@lamberthofer.at
Currently Open Positions
Master Tailor (f/m/d) for managing the Women’s Costume Workshop including pattern cutting – Full-time
We are looking for an experienced master tailor for the creation of both historical and contemporary costumes for theatre and film.
You have completed training as a dressmaker and have professional experience in pattern cutting. You are passionate about historical garments and are looking for a permanent position with regular working hours.
We offer:
- Diverse and engaging tasks
- Opportunities to work on international film and theatre productions as well as serve private clients
- A supportive working atmosphere with flat hierarchies
- A well-connected location with public transport and private parking
Minimum salary according to the collective agreement: € 3,211.28 gross/month (paid 14 times annually), classification: Group M2 – Master Tailor with completed technical college education and four years of experience, based on a 40-hour work week.
The actual salary will be determined based on your qualifications and experience.
We look forward to your application:
office@lamberthofer.at
Tailor (f/m/d) for the Men’s Costume Workshop – Full-time
We are looking for a skilled tailor for the creation of historical and contemporary costumes for theatre and film.
You have completed your training as a tailor, have experience in men’s tailoring, and are looking for a stable, full-time position with regular hours.
We offer:
- Interesting and varied tasks
- Work in both film and theatre productions as well as for private clients
- A young, friendly team and excellent working conditions
- A central location with good public transport links and on-site parking
Minimum salary according to the collective agreement: € 2,061 gross/month (paid 14 times annually), wage group IV with completed apprenticeship and three years of experience, based on a 40-hour work week.
The actual salary will be negotiated individually depending on your qualifications and experience.
We look forward to your application:
office@lamberthofer.at
