10 Years of the Modern Dirndl

A Ten Year History of the Modern Dirndl Dress

Since starting Rare Dirndl in 2010, as the founder and designer, I’ve had my pulse on the Dirndl and its trends. In this blog, I'll dive into the topics of the modern dirndl design and how it has evolved over the past 10 years.
July 13, 2021
One Dirndl - Nine Ways to Wear It

One Dirndl Outfit and Nine Ways to Wear It

In a time in history where we unfortunately find ourselves with few events to wear our dirndls to, I’ve found joy in wearing my dirndl to everyday places and to do everyday things. 
April 13, 2021
Customer Spotlight: Celebrating our German Heritage by wearing Dirndls at Home

Customer Spotlight: Celebrating our German Heritage by wearing Dirndls at Home

We are all acutely aware that since 2020 our lives have been turned upside down and things we considered “normal” have  shifted. Our favorite events have been cancelled, our habits changed dramatically and the way in which we communicate also shifted. Zoom is a common app, suddenly we all new hobbies, new ways to manage our mental health and we appreciated our healthcare workers more than ever. 

January 18, 2021
One-of-a-Kind Dirndls for a One-of-a-Kind Gal: That’s Vicki!

One-of-a-Kind Dirndls for a One-of-a-Kind Gal: That’s Vicki!

Hello Everyone, I am Victoria Schwager from the Detroit Donauschwaben. I have my graduate Degree in Social Work and get the pleasure of working in the mental health field everyday. When I am not enjoying work, I am spending time with family and friends. 
January 13, 2020
Kickass Tuba Player with a Stars Dirndl? YUP that's Lauren!

Kickass Tuba Player with a Stars Dirndl? YUP that's Lauren!

Well it all started in China... Not your typical start to a Dirndl story.
January 28, 2019
I Design Dirndls for a Living... but am I even German? My DNA test results

I Design Dirndls for a Living... but am I even German? My DNA test results

When the DNA ancestry tests came out I was immediately intrigued... but I resisted for a long time. There was one commercial that straight up made me not want go through with the test. "Growing up we were German. We danced in a German dance group. I wore Lerderhosen... I decided to have the DNA tested... the big surprise was we weren't German at all." AH WHAT?! Hell NAH! I wasn't going to pay someone to turn my life upside down. I was convinced that if I took this test... I was going to have to throw in the dirndl towel and start my life over.
January 04, 2019
Custom Branded Dirndls for the Gals of the Wine & Crime Podcast!

Custom Branded Dirndls for the Gals of the Wine & Crime Podcast!

At the beginning of this year, my assistant at the time, Sam, was occasionally listening to the Wine & Crime podcast while she was sewing in the studio and a few times I would catch a listen. When I eventually was able to listen to a full episode, I was hooked. These girls kept me laughing and as an avid watcher of Law & Order SVU, NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds, etc… this true crime comedy podcast was right up my alley. I am well aware that this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure is mine!
October 15, 2018
She wore the same dirndl all year long!

She wore the same dirndl all year long!

At the beginning of the year, Layne decided that she was going to spend the year “In Bloom”… meaning she would wear her In Bloom Dirndl to every German event throughout the entire year, and never repeat a look. I thought this was a truly amazing challenge and I was honored to have been able to be a part of it and see all of her looks throughout the year.
April 17, 2018
Sisters in Dirndls: Sister who ROCK the matching dirndl look

Sisters in Dirndls: Sister who ROCK the matching dirndl look

One of the great things about having a sister is that sometimes you can share clothes! But when it comes to these sisters... they'd rather just have their own dirndl (even if it's the same as their sister!).  

Wearing matching dirndls, even if they are not exact matches, is so much fun! I love matching my sister and honestly when the whole family get's involved... I love it even more! 

April 10, 2018
Gerti's Dirndl Revamp: Keeping all of the Memories and None of the 90s style

Gerti's Dirndl Dress Revamp: Keeping all of the Memories and None of the 90s style

Last year my mother-in-law noticed that I had done Up-cycle Project using a vintage dirndl for a customer and she was wondering if I would be able to do the same for her. Of course I was super excited and was totally ready for the challenge!
January 30, 2018
Rare Dirndl Brides - Custom Made Bridal Dirndls

Rare Dirndl Brides - Custom Made Bridal Dirndls

Working with brides is truly one of my favorites things about my job! I have created a lot of unique bridal dirndls over the years and each one was such a pleasure to design and make. While some brides chose to wear their dirndl for their German-themed rehearsal dinner, others wore theirs for the wedding ceremony and others just for the reception. Every bride was different and their wedding matched their personal style. Here is a look at some of our brides and what they had to say about their wedding. 
January 02, 2018
Sam's Volkswagen Beetle Inspired Dirndl

Sam's Volkswagen Beetle Inspired Dirndl

Hi everyone! I’m Sam, and you may recognize me from many of the fun behind-the-scenes photos & videos at Rare Dirndl! I love my job with Erika, but today I’m going to jump on the other side of things and write my version of a Customer Spotlight about my Volkswagen-inspired dirndl! 
October 24, 2017