German Bridal designer Kerstin Mechler first established her own label “Küssdiebraut” (Kiss the Bride) in Mandau Germany in 2009. Her goal is to combine top quality, modern look and a fair price-performance in her designs. Bridal Times spoke with the ambitious designer about her career and the perfect wedding dress.
Kerstin, how did you first get started in bridal?
The design of bridal dresses is of the most demanding and supreme disciplines. It fascinated me and the wedding dress itself. Even as a child, I played with my mother’s wedding dress for hours until it fell apart. I think that probably influenced me. After completing my fashion design studies, I gained 10 years of experience in the field of women’s apparel. I was not only responsible for design, but also for worldwide production and trend scouting. After acting as Head of Design & Marketing and Management, I felt ready to start my own company: That’s how Küssdiebraut in 2009 was established.
What did you want to achieve with Küssdiebraut?
During the start-up phase of the brand, I noticed that there were very few European bridal labels that could combine a modern design, a high quality standard and a reasonable price-performance ratio. I wanted to be able to close this gap with Küssdiebraut.
And were you able to achieve that?
Yes, I have! I am able to work very freely and creatively with the best materials and finest fabrics. Love is really in the details, as the saying goes. And the price calculation is also fair.
What inspires you?
I collect my inspiration consciously and unconsciously, all the time and everywhere. I draw and take notes, and they all go in a big collection box. When it’s time to get into the creative phase, I have many great ideas that I can implement with fabrics and the just right ingredients.
Are there fast-paced trends in bridal fashion like in women’s apparel?
The trends in bridal fashion are not quite as short term as they are in women’s apparel. Here it is slower. There are, of course, various fashionable styles: The nature-loving hippie bride, the nostalgic bride in the style of “The Great Gatsby”, the cheerful-cheeky retro bride with a petticoat in the fifties style or the popular princess bride look. For me, I am rather more concerned that the bride is not “dressed up”, but feels comfortable in the dress all together. It has to be authentic.
Which trends and styles have you implemented in your current collection?
The typical Kussdiebraut look is simple, modern and straightforward. I love the 1970’s Boho chic wedding dresses with light, delicate, and different laced fabrics – especially in the casual combination of our cool denim jacket. In general, our wedding dresses have a simple, demure style, which is individually designed with matching accessories for every bride.
Kussdiebraut offers a Plus Size Line with sizes starting at 48 – are there any differences?
I don’t make much difference in the cut or material selection. So there is no special collection, but the motto is “Same dress for all”, which means that I have simply expanded our size range to size 52. These brides get the same beautiful vintage look with the same noble materials.
What do you think makes perfect wedding dress?
A bridal gown is perfect when the bride suits the dress and doesn’t looked “dressed up”. She has to feel wonderful and comfortable in her gown so that she can be carefree and enjoy her big day.
Do you have a tip on how you sell bridal fashion and what to consider while keeping the bride’s best interests in mind?
A natural, friendly and honest togetherness is the most important thing. The fitting of a bridal gown is something very special and quite intimate – In these days, how often is a person dressed and undressed by another person that you don’t know? It’s with fun and absolute joy in this wonderful product, that nothing can really go wrong.
Further information on KüssdieBraut in the German language: https://www.kuessdiebraut.de/
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