Dirndl At Home
For those not in the know, a Dirndl is the traditional female dress found in the German-speaking parts of the Alps. Consisting of a bodice, blouse, wide high-waisted skirt and apron, the Dirndl originated over 400 years ago as a humble peasant dress and has evolved over the centuries. No other national costume in Europe has retained its wearability and integrity into the 21st century as the Dirndl dress has.
Inspired by the Dirndl’s colours, patterns and the history of the fabric, Dirndl at Home’s founder Ellen Berkeley has spent over two years working with highly talented soft furnishing and decoration professionals to bring her vision to life. Over 130 years of combined experience have been passionately poured into handmaking Dirndl at Home’s introductory collection, which will be available to purchase in late summer 2022 via www.dirndlathome.com
The first products to launch will be a stunning collection of Christmas decorations, including stockings, as well as cushions – in both square and rectangular styles, lampshades – featuring handstitched gathered and scalloped bottom hems, photograph frames, tissue boxes and hot water bottle covers.
Sustainability with design
As a brand that firmly believes in developing a sustainable future, every part of the Dirndl dress, including its pockets and buttons, is used to create Dirndl at Home products. However, given the limited amount of fabric used for the Dirndl’s bodice, skirt or apron, each Dirndl at Home piece has had to be carefully constructed to take into consideration the available fabric. Where possible, every scrap of material is utilised, meaning some fabric is used in multiple designs as trims or seasonal decorations. That said, the breadth of pattern designs available means that most pieces are truly one-off designs and will only be available in highly exclusive, limited-edition collections.
Unlike Indian Sari, Uzbek Suzani or Indonesian Ikat, Dirndl fabric has largely been overlooked by the interior design world to date. However, with the renaissance of pattern and pattern clashing within the home now firmly taking hold, there is a growing interest in using textiles with a history. Coupled with this is the increased awareness of textile waste and the fact that millions of tonnes of materials are sent to landfill; Dirndl at Home wants to highlight these conversations and provide lasting pieces for the professional and home decorator.
Bespoke service
Recognising that many unworn Dirndls may be destined for landfill or attics where they will remain untouched, Dirndl at Home is also set to offer a bespoke service for those that would like to generate a new chapter for these unworn or unwanted Dirndls. Reimagined as soft furnishings or as home décor, these unique pieces will see new life breathed into the fabric, creating an heirloom rich with history and cherished memories.
Behind the brand
Of course, behind every great brand is a person bubbling with passion and enthusiasm for their vision. In the case of Dirndl at Home, this is Ellen Berkeley.
Ellen has had a strong association with the German-speaking world for over 30 years, especially in Austria, where she has lived, worked and visited much of the country. Additionally, Ellen studied German literature and contemporary studies as well as culture and arts management and has since worked extensively in Europe and other regions of the world.
Ellen’s love of textiles has been inherited from her mother and grandmother, whilst her father’s pioneering career in the British travel industry made her fascinated with travel and different cultures. For over 15 years, Ellen has followed the interior design world, building up an extensive library of books, magazines, and fabric samples.
ELLEN BERKELEY
Find out more
Further details regarding the stunning new collection from Dirndl at Home, including bespoke design services, can be found at www.dirndlathome.com or via Instagram; follow @dirndlathome
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