Vendors I Love: MAYBELLE NYC
photo by JC Lemon
I met Christine at a recent Rising Tide NYC meeting. She explained what she did and I thought, “that’s so cool!” As someone who values sustainability and reusability I loved how Christine took old dresses and clothing and gave it new life. Without further ado, I am excited to shine a light onto Christine Carlson of MAYBELLE NYC.
Photo by Constance Faulk
What was the path that led you to become a dress designer?
Growing up in Minnesota, I was fascinated by clothing as far back as I can remember. As a child, my mom would make most of my clothes, letting me choose the fabrics. With the leftover scraps, I would sew clothes for my Barbies. In high school, I developed a love for vintage fashion and began buying vintage dresses. I experimented with altering and reshaping them to fit my style. This hands-on experience fueled my interest in dress design even more. After graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue fashion design at Parsons School of Design, and I've never looked back!
What excites you about weddings?
What excites me most about weddings is the opportunity to participate in such a significant moment in people's lives. I'm passionate about creating dresses that reflect the individuality and style of each bride. That contributes to making their wedding day truly unforgettable. It is gratifying to me to bring someone's vision to life!
What do you look for in a couple, or I guess in your case a client?
As a dress designer, my primary focus has always been on the individual client rather than the couple. When I work with someone to design their wedding piece, I want to connect with them so they feel comfortable with me. That way I can better understand their style, preferences, and vision for their special day.
What is the greatest compliment you’ve ever received?
The one that comes to mind is from a recent client who expressed their absolute satisfaction and joy with the piece we created together. Knowing I could bring their vision to life and exceed their expectations is incredibly rewarding.
Photo by Yasmeen Anderson
What do you desire for your business?
I desire my business to continue growing and evolving in a way that aligns with my passion for vintage fashion and sustainability. Ultimately, I want to establish a brick-and-mortar space to showcase my designs and offer a unique experience for my clients. I envision having a team of talented seamstresses who share my dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. In this space, I also want to curate a collection of vintage dresses and accessories that clients can purchase off the rack or personalize to make their own.
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for the support of my friends and family, especially my two daughters, Charlotte and Estelle. They inspired and encouraged me to start my business.
Any recent cause for celebration?
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to collaborate with other wedding vendors for a wedding fair in Westchester. It was an incredible experience to showcase my collection alongside a fine jeweler, a hat and headpiece designer, a mixologist, a florist, an event planner and a balloon and streamer decorator. We learned from each other. We exchanged ideas, shared insights, and collaborated to create a memorable event for attendees.
That’s awesome! Thanks so much.
Here now to contact, check out, and follow Christine & MAYBELLE online: