Meet Our Stockist: Brautfreundin
At Catherine Deane, we’re endlessly inspired by the incredible women who bring our designs to life around the world. From our creative brides to the passionate boutique owners who help them find ‘the one’. This month, we’re delighted to shine a light on one of our cherished stockists, Brautfreundin, a bridal boutique in Mönchengladbach, Germany, where modern romance meets heartfelt connection. We caught up with Melanie to uncover the story behind the boutique, her philosophy on bridal style, and why she believes every bride deserves a moment of calm, joy, and authenticity on her wedding dress journey.
Tell us the story behind your boutique - how did it start, how long have you been open, and what inspired you to start working in the bridal industry?
Brautfreundin was born out of a deeply personal love story. After my own engagement, I felt a strong desire to create a place where other brides could experience the magic I felt when finding my dress, but in a way that was warm, personal, and free from the pressure often found in traditional bridal shopping. I had worked in the fashion industry since I was sixteen, and opening my boutique allowed me to bring my expertise and passion into a world full of love and meaningful moments.
From the very beginning, it was important to me that Brautfreundin represents a carefully curated selection of designers, exclusively women designing for women, who share a strong commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity. These are designers whose values align with mine and who create pieces that celebrate femininity in all its beauty.
Brautfreundin opened its doors in 2020, and ever since, it has been my heartfelt mission to offer a space where every bride feels truly seen and celebrated.
How do you curate the designers in your store - what makes you connect with the brands that you carry?
I carefully select designers who share my values - authenticity, craftsmanship, and a modern, yet timeless aesthetic. Every label in the boutique tells a story; I look for pieces that evoke emotion and allow brides to express their individuality. I’m drawn to designers who celebrate femininity in an elegant, effortless way and who approach bridal fashion with both artistry and heart.
How would you describe the style and atmosphere of your boutique?
The atmosphere at Brautfreundin is calm, elegant, and intimate, like stepping into a beautiful, serene home where you’re instantly at ease. There’s a warm living room feeling, just like being among friends. That’s exactly what the name Brautfreundin stands for: a place where brides feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated, as if they were with their closest friends.
Our boutique blends modern minimalism with soft romantic details. It’s a space where brides can slow down, breathe, and fully immerse themselves in the special experience of finding their dress. Every appointment feels personal, warm, and joyful.
What do you love most about working with brides?
Every bride brings her own story, energy, and dreams, and being a part of that journey is an honour. What I love most is making women shine and showing them how truly beautiful they are. I treasure the moment when a bride sees herself in ‘the dress’. Her shoulders relax, her eyes light up, and everything suddenly feels real. Creating that moment of connection and joy is the heart of what I do.
What is one piece of advice you give your brides during their wedding dress shopping journey?
Trust your feelings. It’s so easy to get lost in opinions, Pinterest boards, and trends, but the most meaningful decision is the one that resonates deeply with you. And remember, the feeling of “this is the one” doesn’t have to mean bursting into tears. Take that pressure off yourself and simply listen to your heart. When you find the dress that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and authentically yourself, that is ‘the one’.
What bridal trends or styles are inspiring you right now?
I’m inspired by a modern, effortless aesthetic that combines clean silhouettes with delicate, romantic details. Brides are increasingly embracing minimalist elegance. Soft crepe fabrics - refined cuts, and timeless shapes - and elevating them with unique elements like intricate pearl embellishments, sheer layers, or statement tops. It’s all about creating a look that feels personal, contemporary, and beautifully feminine, very much in line with the Catherine Deane style.
Do you have a favourite Catherine Deane piece/s? Tell us what draws you to this garment/s.
I absolutely love the way Catherine Deane pieces combine timeless elegance with modern femininity. One of my favourite looks is the combination of the beautifully tailored crepe skirts with the intricate beaded tops, such as the Anya Topper. For me, this combination perfectly embodies what Catherine Deane stands for: effortless sophistication, delicate detailing, and a sense of modern romance that allows brides to express their individuality in the most graceful way.
What is one thing you think brides absolutely must have on their wedding day?
A moment to themselves. Whether it’s taking a deep breath before walking down the aisle, or stepping aside to soak in the joy around them. That little pause becomes a beautiful memory. It grounds you in the magic of the day.
Are there any exciting dreams or opportunities you are looking forward to in the future for you and your boutique?
Yes, absolutely! One of my biggest dreams is to deepen the connection with our brides and community. We’ve recently started a new series of events focused on empowerment, creating spaces where brides can come together, share, and feel inspired beyond their wedding day. At the same time, I look forward to strengthening the relationships with our designers and growing together with them. Collaborating closely and building something meaningful as a community is a vision that truly excites me.
Where can brides find you, and how can they book an appointment to visit your store?
Our boutique is located in Mönchengladbach, Germany. Brides can discover our world through Instagram or visit our website to book their appointment online. Each fitting is private and exclusively reserved. During your appointment, the entire boutique belongs to you. This allows us to create a calm and personal atmosphere where you can fully immerse yourself in the experience of finding your dress.
