Our interview takes us on a journey through time – back to the golden age of the 1920’s. We listen to jazz, drink champagne and ladies with neatly wavy hair dance the Charleston in lavish swinging dresses!
We have the honor and the special pleasure to accompany entrepreneur and owner, Virginie Henzen of Tilda Knopf on a fashion journey into the past.
The Dazzling Dreams Collection takes brides back in time to jazz age of the 1920’s. What inspired you to go for this kind of style?
I have lost my heart to the 20’s when I started to create evening gowns for my label Tilda Knopf. When we started with our bridal collection, there was no question about it that we would stick to this time period.
We wanted to create gowns which are dazzling and elegant. The 1920’s touch give us exactly this style. The bride feels classy from the way the gowns are cut and unique with the play of Art-Déco elements. There is simply nothing more dreamy than the great style of the jazz age and this is what we wanted to portray with our gowns.
What kind of unique features do the Tilda Knopf gowns have that makes them true to this era?
We play a lot with tassels and necklines which were typical for that period. Also the embroidery elements are inspired by the geometrical Art-Déco design or the floral motifs of Art Nouveau.
Tilda Knopf dresses are entirely handmade. Can you tell us about the creative process and materials used for the collection?
The creative process usually starts with the embroidery that we want to implement and we then source the perfect fabric for it. We work a lot with georgette, taffeta and mesh. For the slip dresses we use viscose spandex to give it a comfortable feel.
Describe the kind of bride wears a Tilda Knopf wedding dress?
We have a lot of brides who are getting married in the 20’s theme but also others who look for a comfortable classy gown with a special touch to it.
What has been the response from brides now having the option to choose this kind of style for their wedding day?
The feedback has been amazing. They are over the moon that the gowns are extremely comfortable enough, though they are embroidered heavily.
What is your personal favorite gown from the current collection?
My personal favorite is our gown “Gertrude”. If my partner hadn’t already seen this gown, I would get married in it myself. I love the details – especially the sleeves.
What is your advice to brides in search for the perfect wedding gown?
Listen to your gut, you will know when it is the right dress. Also, I am strong believer in bringing only a few people to the fitting. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Last but not least: be open and not too fixed of what the gown should look like. We often have brides leaving our showroom with a dress which they did not have in mind at all. Just because it looks good on an image does not mean it will be the right fit for you.
Since launching your collection in 2016, what has been the most rewarding experience?
Seeing how happy our brides are when they see themselves in the mirror for the first time.
Lastly, what can a retailers do if they are interested in carrying your collection?
Contact us via: office@tildaknopf.com
We would like to thank Virginie Henzen of Tilda Knopf Bridal for this interview.