10 Questions with Eisen Stein

Designers Yael Eisenberg and Heli Kalkstein

1) How, where and when did you both meet and decide to work together?

We both met during our fashion design studies in the Wizo Academy in Haifa, Israel. 

Quickly we understood that we share the same design spirit. We are very different, but in the end, share the same vision and each one of us brings herself during the process and the result is a complete mixture of us.

Fashion design studies can be very competitive and once we realized that we could work together in harmony, without any jealousy at all, we knew that we would work together when we graduate.

2) How did you choose to design wedding dresses?

 We both got married during our Fashion Design studies and when we started searching for a wedding gown, we failed to find anything that we liked or that succeeded to express our character. Everything looked old fashioned to us and nothing was innovative. That was the moment we decided that once we graduated, we would open our own atelier where we could fulfill our dreams and bring a new and fresh vision for wedding dresses and make other brides dreams come true. 

3) Where are you based and where is Eisen Stein produced?

Eisen Stein studio and atelier is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. 

Although we sell our gowns around the world, all our dresses are manufactured in Israel.  We believe in supporting the domestic economy and in addition, we have extremely strict quality control, and we must see and touch every gown that we manufacture.

4) Do you design everything together? What is the process?

In the past, we used to design everything together. Each of us completed the other. Usually the process started when one of us had an idea, started to work on the mannequin and the other contributed her highlights during the process. One can start and the other one can finish. We do not know how to explain it, because usually designers have a lot of ego, but in our case, it just works!

In the last two years, after understanding the different needs of each market, I (Yael) am the creative director of the global market and Heli takes care of all the designs for the local market.

5) What is the inspiration for the new collection?

This collection is the second half of the Miracle collection that came out in October. 

This collection is truly a MIRACLE!

This story starts with a simple floral sketch drawn by Yael during the turbulent times of the first COVID-19 lockdown. Connected to the optimistic essence of her artwork, Yael sourced inspiration from it as she envisioned crafting a 2021 collection adorned with fabrics featuring the vibrant spirit of these sensational flowers.

The elegant floral embellishments are symbolic of the beauty around us that can be appreciated no matter how unpredictable life may become.

Bringing this vision to life turned out to be a more difficult quest than expected with factories and embroidery suppliers closed during the quarantine. But we never lost hope and small miracles manifested in a myriad of ways throughout the process.

Life gifted us in many ways from manufacturers returning to work just in time, to fabrics that were produced and delivered at the very last moment. In the end, we succeeded in shooting the collection just two days before the second lockdown! From sketch to reality, romantic gowns come to life with elegant floral ornaments and intricate 3D appliques. Ethereal laces, delicately embroidered tulles and tiered ruffle layers add an ultra-femme touch.

Through this global challenge, it’s essential to align with what brings us joy such as art, nature, and creation. There is a gift within every day that we can discover gratitude for. We hope this collection reminds you not to give up before the miracle happens! You never know what might be awaiting you if you believe in the magic that life always has to offer.

6) The images are so beautiful for the New Miracle collection, where was it photographed?

The New Miracle collection was photographed by the talented world-renowned photographer, Dudy Hasson. We shot the collection here in Israel at the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is known to be the lowest place in the world, and it poetically reflects our feeling of rising up again from Covid -19, from the lowest place back up with hope and new energy. It had extra meaning to shoot in the lowest spot in the world, where we really did feel so low and unknowing of how life will go on, to rise up from there and bring hope to all around us.

7) I love the mix of textures in the gowns. Please describe what materials you like to work with?

I get a lot of my inspiration from materials and fabrics and a lot of the gowns are made as a result of playing with different fabrics and materials. For each collection, we always want to bring something new to the table. However, we are limited in terms of a color palette which is why textures are so important to us.

I like to try different combinations even if at first they seem not to blend together. In the latest collection, we incorporated pearls and feathers through details and accessories and tied the whole look together. There is no greater satisfaction than looking at the gown and feeling that it works perfectly.

8) What would you say is the specialty of the brand?

Designs that are innovative and modern made with immaculate craftsmanship and attentive customer service. The brand is fashion forward while keeping it unique, effortless and elegant. We designed most of the fabric ourselves in order to keep it unique, and to create our vision from scratch.

9) How would you describe the brides who wear Eisen Stein?

This question brings me back to what I’ve said before and the reason why I got into the bridal industry. I want to excite women, make their dreams come true with new and unique designs. The Eisen Stein bride is one who looks for a gown that is a little bit different, classic yet innovative with a dash of sensuality and that says “I’m a modern woman, sophisticated and strong, chic and has style”. A woman that is not afraid to dare, think outside the box and is effortlessly elegant. 

10) Anything new on the horizon for the brand?

Yes! Right now I am working on a new line of short dresses that could be fitting for any of the wedding-related events such as rehearsals, bridal showers, etc. and of course could be great for the dancing portion of the wedding. 

I am always looking for ways to take the brand to the next level, with new designs and creations and I have many more ideas and dreams for down the road.