Since 1941 Kleinfeld Bridal helps its brides find the perfect dress, for that special day that is the wedding. And it is also within the walls of the most famous wedding dress store in the world, that the program Say Yes to the Dress is recorded or as it is better known in Brazil and distributed by Discovery Home & Health "O Vestido Ideal". And for this interview, I talked to no one else, none other than the program's wedding dress designer, Israeli Pnina Tornai.
• Can you tell us a little about your story? While I never considered design as a career, I always used to make clothes for my friends from my mother’s tablecloths. My dream was to become an actress, which I also am now in addition to being a designer. During a very difficult time in my life, I had a dream where I saw bridal gowns falling from the sky, and I knew that this was a calling from God. I’ve been designing bridal gowns ever since. • Do you think the place where you were born influenced your style? My passion for design was inspired by my Moroccan mother and Egyptian father, who exposed me to elaborate cultural ceremonies and celebrations from a young age. I like to incorporate embroideries, fabrics, and design elements that are a nod to those cultures. • Have you been in a military career for a while, during this time did you already want to work in fashion or was it a passion that came later? While I always tried to make my military uniform look more stylish, my passion for design came later. • And how did you start working with wedding dresses? Where is it why? I had a store where I sold clothing, but after having a dream where I could vividly see the wedding gowns falling from the sky, I knew that it was my calling. I soon transformed my store into a bridal store. • How is your creative process, from idea to creation? My dresses tend to come to me in dreams, but I am also inspired by my travels, my brides, and life in general. Every design starts with a sketch, then a pattern is made, and then the construction process begins. If it’s a runway gown, sometimes the design changes before the final piece is complete. • Do you have your own boutique within Kleinfeld, in addition to other businesses, what is the most difficult part of all this? I do have my own boutique within Kleinfeld, my atelier in Israel, and many stores around the world that carry my gowns. The most difficult part is not being able to meet all of my brides. I would love to help each and every one find her dream gown. • Who inspires you in fashion and in life? I’m very much inspired by my brides and the feedback they give when trying on the gowns. Sometimes when I customize a dress, I end up making a similar style as a sample piece after the bride is married. • And is your production internal or outsourced? My production is internal. I have an atelier in Israel and my own factory in the Ukraine. • Do you create for Kleinfeld too, what is it like to have your pieces in one of the most renowned stores and in one of the most famous programs (SYTTD)? Does this influence your career? My gowns are exclusive to Kleinfeld in the United States, and it is truly the best bridal store in the world. I am so grateful to be in a partnership with them. I communicate with my boutique manager there to see what styles are trending and what pieces they need to fill gaps in the assortment of gowns. Being given the opportunity to sell my gowns at Kleinfeld over 20 years ago has truly changed my career. What's not to be missing in your wedding dress? An eye for detail, quality fabrics and embellishments, and an amazing structure. • I am completely in love with your pieces used by Danielle Jonas, how was the choice? And how do you choose the best piece for a customer? Thank you so much. Danielle is beautiful inside and out, and it is always a pleasure to work with her. Choosing a gown for her was an easy process. While I always give my opinion if asked, it is truly up to the customer when it comes to purchasing an important gown, whether it be for an event or a wedding. Do you perform trunk shows? If so, what are the advantages? If not, why not? I do hold a trunk show at Kleinfeld Bridal about once a month, and the other boutiques where my gowns are carried have trunk shows as well. The advantages to shopping at one of my trunk shows at Kleinfeld is that there is usually a discount on the gowns, and I am able to help each and every bride customize her gown if she wishes. • The bridal wear market has suffered a little from the pandemic, due to the canceled events, do you think it will affect the demand for dresses? That it will end the marriage-related industries? at least for a while.
I think that brides will still want to wear wedding gowns, but they may want to spend less because of the financial strain of the times. While I think that the wedding and event industries are struggling, weddings are still going to be happening. They may just be smaller and more intimate until couples feel more comfortable and it is safe. • Any tips for those who want to work with bridal fashion? Go for it! Research what it takes to succeed and do that. Practice your sketching, sewing, or if you want to work in sales, try to get a job or internship to gain experience. And remember to always have a positive attitude. It will get you far in business and in life.
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