Emmerling

What Emmerling does

Emmerling Fashion GmbH is a privately held German manufacturer of first-communion dresses, boys' suits, and coordinating accessories, headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria (with a registered address in Hirschbach). Founded in 1950 as a specialist bridal-veil maker with two employees, the company extended into communion accessories after 1968 and broadened into full communion dresses under the 'Communion by Emmerling' line in 2005, launching the Pure White affordable sub-brand in 2015. Following a 2018 corporate split, Wendy Nichols retained the communion business under Emmerling Knorren Nichols GmbH and the bridal distribution was transferred to Euro Mode Donner GmbH; the company today is described as the market leader in Germany for communion apparel with exports to over 50 countries and a 65+ year brand heritage.

The product portfolio spans two flagship girls' collections—Emmerling Classic and a Couture premium line featuring 3D flowers, sparkle tulle, and lace applications—plus the Pure White entry-level range, with up to 17 dress sizes from size 6 to 12XXL and a 4cm seam allowance on each side of every garment to allow in-store growth adjustments. Supporting categories include bolero jackets (Sophie, Stella, Wendy, Sandy), hair accessories (round crowns, tiaras, hairbands, hair vines, curlies), veils, gloves, bags, candle decorations, and a boys' suit line (Louis, Levis, Ludwig, Lenon, Konstantin, Knut, Karl, Kameron). Approximately 30,000 distinct accessory SKUs have been designed since 1950; all designs are produced exclusively by Wendy Nichols and her in-house team.

Emmerling operates a pure B2B wholesale model: products are sold exclusively through specialist retailers (Fachgeschäfte) in Germany and abroad who provide sizing consultation and alteration services, supplemented by a dedicated B2B portal at b2b.emmerling.eu and a presence at European trade fairs (Euromoda, MTC Kindermoden, Wallau Festive, Interbride, European Bridal Week). End consumers cannot purchase directly from the manufacturer. Revenue and pricing are not publicly disclosed; the company is privately held with no parent organization, Irene Wiese is listed as Managing Director alongside Wendy Nichols as design lead and owner, and the firm's scale is anchored by a 12-employee staff, 50+ country export reach, and a 2007 Bavarian Export Prize for Wholesale.

Name

Emmerling

Legal name

Emmerling Fashion GmbH

Website

https://emmerling.eu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Emmerling Fashion GmbH designs and manufactures first-communion dresses, boys' suits, and matching accessories in Bavaria, Germany. Selling wholesale exclusively through specialist retailers in over 50 countries, the firm is described as Germany's market leader with a 65+ year heritage.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Communion Apparel

NAICS

Apparel Manufacturing (315), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (3159)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury Bridal & Occasionwear (CRAAAFAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Bridal & Wedding Party Styling (Attire, Hair/Makeup Coordination) (HSACABAF)

Keywords

• Communion dresses
• Bridal accessories
• Children formal wear
• Wholesale apparel
• Ceremonial fashion

Headquarters

HQ city

Ingolstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Wholesale of Communion Dresses: Emmerling manufactures communion dresses and accessories and sells them wholesale through specialist retailers. Products include dresses, boleros, bags, hair accessories, veils, gloves, and candle decorations.
2. Wholesale of Communion Accessories: Accessories including hair accessories (round crowns, tiaras, hair bands), veils, gloves, bags, and candle decorations sold through specialist retailers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Emmerling designs, manufactures, and wholesales communion dresses and a full range of matching accessories (boleros, veils, gloves, hair accessories, bags, candle decorations). The portfolio includes the main Emmerling collection, the premium Couture line, and the budget-friendly Pure White line, plus a boys' suit range. Products are sold exclusively through specialist retailers (Fachgeschäfte) and a B2B online shop, with exports to over 50 countries.

Product overview

Emmerling is a German manufacturer of communion dresses and accessories offering two main dress collections: Emmerling (main line) and Pure White (budget-friendly), plus a Couture premium line. All collections include matching bolero jackets and accessories. The product portfolio encompasses communion dresses in up to 17 sizes (6 to 12XXL), bolero jackets, hair accessories (tiaras, round crowns, hairbands, hair vines, curlies), veils, gloves, bags, and candle decoration. A boys suit collection provides complete attire including jackets, waistcoats, trousers and shirts. Products are sold exclusively through specialist retailers (B2B) with no direct consumer sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pure White: Affordable communion dress line with many pretty designs, introduced in 2015.
• Couture
• Emmerling Classic

Products and services

• Emmerling Dress Collection Main communion dress collection featuring modern design, high comfort, and quality finish with tulle, sparkle tulle, organza, and chiffon fabrics; available in 7/8 or floor length and up to 17 sizes from 6 to 12XXL including plus sizes. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Couture Collection Premium communion dress line featuring elaborate details such as 3D flowers, sparkle tulle, lace applications, satin and mikado fabrics with high-quality craftsmanship. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Pure White Collection Budget-friendly communion dress line offering pretty designs at accessible prices, featuring tulle, lace trim, and elegant princess dress styles. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Bolero Jackets Communion bolero jackets in various styles (Sophie, Stella, Wendy, Sandy) made from wool, satin, organza, and sparkle fabrics; available in all sizes independently of dress size. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Hair Accessories Communion hair accessories including round crowns, hair combs, hairbands, tiaras, hair vines, curlies, and decorative headpieces. Over 30,000 different accessory products designed since 1950. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Veils Communion veils in various lengths (50–60cm) available in white or ivory, featuring pearls and crystals decorations. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Communion Gloves Communion gloves available in matte spandex and satin finishes in white or ivory colors. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Communion Bags Handbags and bags made from satin and organza, designed to match communion dresses. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Candle Decoration Wax catchers and candle skirts for communion ceremonies, made from satin and organza with pearl decorations. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.
• Boys Suits Complete boys' communion attire including jackets (Louis, Levis, Ludwig, Lenon, Konstantin, Knut, Karl, Kameron), waistcoats, trousers, shirts, and bow ties; available in sets or mix-and-match options. Sold wholesale to specialist retailers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 17 different sizes available from size 6 to 12XXL
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Euro Mode Donner GmbHmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2018Following the 2018 company split, Euro Mode Donner GmbH became the exclusive distributor for bridal mode products. Emmerling Knorren Nichols GmbH continues to handle communion products under the leadership of Wendy Nichols.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• David's Bridal: Largest bridal retailer in the United States offering bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and occasionwear. Comparable end market (communion/bridal occasionwear for milestone ceremonies) though primarily retailer rather than manufacturer.
• Pronovias Group: Global bridal and occasionwear manufacturer headquartered in Spain with extensive wholesale and retail distribution across Europe and internationally. Comparable as a large-scale bridal/occasionwear manufacturer serving specialist retailers and end consumers.

Regional players

• Maggie Sottero Designs: International bridal designer and manufacturer selling through authorized retailers globally. Comparable as a brand-led bridal gown manufacturer distributing via the specialist retailer model in a similar occasionwear category.
• Watters: Bridal designer and manufacturer with multi-brand portfolio (Watters, Wtoo, Love by Watters) distributed through specialty retailers. Comparable as a multi-tier bridal brand portfolio with wholesale channel focus.
• Stella York: Bridal gown brand under the Essense of Australia umbrella, sold through authorized specialty retailers. Comparable as a wholesale bridal brand distributed via the specialist retailer channel.
• Allure Bridals: US-based bridal gown manufacturer with multiple collections distributed through specialty bridal retailers. Comparable manufacturer-wholesale business model serving the same occasionwear buyer.
• Casablanca Bridal: Bridal designer and wholesaler serving specialty retailers across North America and internationally. Comparable as a wholesale bridal gown brand reliant on specialist retailer relationships.
• Morilee: Bridal gown designer and manufacturer (Madeline Gardner) distributing through specialty retailers globally. Comparable wholesale bridal manufacturing model with multi-tier product offerings.
• Justin Alexander: Global bridal designer and manufacturer with wholesale distribution to specialty stores. Comparable as a design-led bridal manufacturer using a similar specialist-retailer go-to-market motion to Emmerling.

Direct peers

• Euro Mode Donner GmbH: German bridal/occasionwear company that took over Emmerling's bridal distribution in 2018 following the corporate split. Operates in the same DACH occasionwear channel with overlapping specialist-retailer relationships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCDUTaL7lHo7tZDmnfn8KaOw
• Facebookfacebook.com/EmmerlingCommunion
• Instagraminstagram.com/emmerlingcommunion
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/emmerling

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Emmerling