Blog

2020 marked the 10 year anniversary of the creation of Rare Dirndl and as its founder, I, Erika Neumayer Ehrat was really proud, to hit that milestone. But, I might be even more proud to say that we’re still here after 2020! Since the start of Rare Dirndl in 2010, a lot has changed while much has also stayed the same.

If you are a parent of small children, then you probably have had one of these songs stuck in your head for hours… if not days (ask me how I know zis) 

• Sesame Street: “The Letter of the Day”
• Intro song to Paw Patrol
• Bubble Guppies: “It’s time for lunch”
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: “Hot Dog Song”

This post isn’t going to necessarily rid your mind of these unfortunately catchy tunes, but at least it’ll bring in a little more variety. 

So I designed a dirndl. I called it the Ghana Dirndl because it was inspired by my trip to Ghana, West Africa. I made it because A: I think Ghanaian fabrics are gorgeous B: I design and sell dirndls for a living and C: I like to encourage people to learn and think about cultures other than their own… but mostly A. I found a printed fabric in a Kente cloth pattern to use for the bodice, black skirt, and in an effort to channel my inner African woman who can combine prints like no other, I used another wax print for the apron ties and green chiffon for the apron. It was perfect! Edgy, elegant, fun, flirty… all the things I love about a great dirndl!

Every year the runways are full of fashion trends that trickle their way down to our closets and I have been keeping my eye on not only those fashions, but also what's going on in the dirndl fashion world. 

Looking to enjoy the festive spirit of Oktoberfest without the bustling crowds? Hosting your own backyard Oktoberfest is the perfect way to bring the vibrant celebration to a more intimate setting. Whether you prefer a cozy gathering with close friends or a family-friendly event, creating your own Oktoberfest experience at home is a delightful way to embrace the traditions and fun of this beloved Bavarian festival.

Are you ready for a secret? I... Erika "the dirndl-maker" has never been to Oktoberfest in Munich. But recently, our studio manager Maria went on a trip to Germany starting...

Rare Dirndl kicked off Chicago Fashion Week in a big way at the Dominican University Alumni Fashion Show. Featuring six stunning designs inspired by German folklore and fantasy, the collection brought bold, high-fashion energy to the runway. From the Dragon Rider Vest to the show-stopping Weaver of the Woods Dirndl, this show celebrated tradition, creativity, and the power of confident women.

When my husband and I were planning our wedding, one of the things we were passionate about was making sure that we incorporated our Donauschwaben and his Swiss heritage into our big day. Our culture is such a big part of our everyday lives, how could we not include it on our wedding day? From the little details to the major components, there are essentially 6 ways to bring your heritage into your wedding and I’ll use our wedding as an example. These ideas can also be applied to pretty much any culture! 

 

Join us as we revisit the Food Network star, Sunny Anderson's unforgettable trip to Oktoberfest in 2023, where she turned heads and stole the show in three Rare Dirndls. From the sleek Little Black Dirndl to the playful Harlequin Dirndl and the earthy Herbology Dirndl, Sunny's fashion choices added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Get ready to indulge your taste buds and ignite your sense of adventure—because with Sunny, every bite and every outfit is an experience worth savoring.

Explore the captivating world of German folklore, from mythical creatures to timeless tales. Dive into the rich tradition and discover its wonders today!

Are you looking for a unique and stylish dirndl that reflects your personality and essence? Originating in the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the dirndl dress is deeply...

The holiday season is typically associated with joy, love, and generosity. However, amidst the merriment, a chilling figure from folklore lurks in the shadows, ready to unleash its wrath on misbehaving children. We're talking about Krampus, the horned companion of Saint Nicholas, who has become a fascinating and eerie character deeply rooted in Central European folklore. Join us as we delve into the history of Krampus, tracing its origins, symbolism, and cultural significance throughout the ages.