Central Track Contributor
Before Her VOD Trunk Show This Weekend, Magda Berliner Tells Us The Story Behind Her Inspired Design
As I walk into VOD this morning, Magda Berliner, the designer behind the beautiful, hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind clothing line that bears her name, is busy hand-sewing some lace pieces to custom fit a customer.
This is the real treat of her design. Not only are her lace pieces stunning works of art in themselves, but she is very much a hands-on, face-to-face person when it comes to dealing with her customers.
“It's just easier when I'm able to see the person that's wearing them, to customize them to their body,” she says, taking a quick break from her work. “I'll even leave some unfinished, depending on who buys it.”
Berliner caught a huge break in the fashion world when Ashley Olsen wore one of her pieces to a 2008 event.
All of a sudden, everyone wanted to know who Berliner was.
“I still own the original dress that Ashley wore,” Berliner admits of her big break. “I still make that dress, too.”
The original, well, it just isn't for sale. But, Berliner says, she'll happily make someone a duplication. Thing is, even if she were to do so, it'd still be somewhat different. Every dress Berliner designs truly is unique, as each comprises of vintage lace, Victorian collars and bibs, and antique panels. She started her famous collection simply because she had been collecting antique lace pieces and clothing from the Victorian era. And, one night, she just decided to try to work with what she had.
“I was sitting down with my dress form and a glass of wine and I brought out this lace and I just started pinning and pinning,” she recalls.
So began the line that made her famous. Initially, Berliner thought this newfound aesthetic would only last her through a line or two, but, eight years later, here she is in Dallas, showcasing those same gorgeous looks. Not that anyone is complaining. Quite the opposite, really. At VOD, actually, they're jumping for joy, as they've booked Berliner for a trunk show to run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday. Not only will those who show up to the event be able to appreciate these pieces in person, but they can even try them on for yourself. The biggest perk, though, is the opportunity to meet the very charismatic Ms. Berliner in person. Tell her we said hello, yeah?
