Describe your approach to design and your aesthetic .
In school , I was the student that REALLY needed to study to know the material . I was also a gymnast that relied heavily on repetitive practices , and this is something I ’ ve relied on in progressing as a designer . I always say that creativity is something that needs to be exercised and nurtured every single day , just like a sport . You aren ’ t just born a designer ; you grow alongside your craft and evolve through feedback , as well as unique self-assessment . For me , there really isn ’ t some end goal of an empire as there is a daily striving for joy in my work and with the people I serve . With regards to aesthetic , I am forever dazzled by color and panache because magic is found in exploring the unexpected . I believe in novelty fabrics , unique dualities of embellishment and “ baking from scratch ” when it comes to artwork and illustration .
How have you seen the wedding industry adapting to COVID-19 ?
Celebrating love is a moment that should never be taken away , canceled or overly compromised , which is why I ' ve been encouraging brides to follow their heart when it comes to their dress . In the case where a bride already has that big and bold ball gown sitting in her closet , I ' ve found it to be a glamorous juxtaposition when she still chooses to rock it during a virtual or micro wedding . However , there is also that bride that hasn ' t found a dress yet and is on the hunt for something more accessible , affordable and effortless . In this situation , I ' ve been directing her to my newest pricefriendly collection at BHLDN . com . These gowns are slightly pared down in volume , but they are still offering something novel , fresh and fun .
Micro ceremony or not , I find that most brides still want to feel like their wedding dress has that special quality and can carry their love story . It ' s important to note that it ' s difficult to really generalize or categorize brides during this unprecedented time . Some are making major changes to downsize and cut costs , some are postponing and staying optimistic , and some are trying to keep calm and carry on . As a designer , it ' s important to be available in whichever category the bride finds herself .
How have you been coping with planning your own wedding at this unprecedented time ?
I could not be more excited to swan dive into a whole new gambit of gowns for our wedding . My fiancé Conrad is super creative and has fabulous taste , so I ’ m inspired to really throw in everything AND the kitchen sink . We haven ’ t set a date just yet but love the idea of creating a destination ( likely on the west coast ) that brings guests into a desert dance party .
“ We are living in a world of bridal unbridled , so there are no rules in playing up your wardrobe , mixingand-matching , having something detachable … we are here for all of it !”
Hayley Paige x BHLDN Ricci Gown
DESTINATION BLISS 25 continued ...