Even before I arrived in New York City, my heart belonged to fashion. From childhood fascination with the stunning costumes in Hitchcock's timeless classics to countless hours as a teenager spent in my Minnesota bedroom meticulously reconstructing vintage dresses, my journey was always leading to this. Parsons School of Design welcomed my dedication, and from there, my career unfolded beautifully within the showrooms of industry icons like Vera Wang, Arnold Scaasi, and Jenny Packham. These invaluable experiences weren't just jobs; they were masterclasses that sharpened my eye for detail, deepened my understanding of silhouette, and perfected my skills in intricate garment construction. This personal journey is the foundation of Maybelle, a brand that reflects my passion, dedication, and love for fashion.
Meet Christine Carlson
The vision for Maybelle truly blossomed from a place of deep love for design combined with a powerful commitment to sustainability. My Gen Z daughters opened my eyes even further to the urgent need for eco-conscious practices, and this became the guiding principle for everything we do. As both a designer and a mother, my mission is to create a better future. We achieve this by crafting breathtaking pieces that help our clients radiate their most beautiful selves, all while honoring our planet. At Maybelle, we don't just design bridal gowns; we bring dreams to life. Our unique selling point is our unwavering commitment to timeless elegance and contemporary allure, combined with our use of the most beautiful vintage and sustainable fabrics. Each one-of-a-kind gown radiates a timeless magic, ensuring unparalleled craftsmanship and a truly unforgettable moment for every bride.
Our beautiful, light-filled atelier, nestled on the upper floor of a historic 1920s building in quaint Maplewood, NJ, directly overlooks Memorial Park. Maybelle is more than a design studio—it's a nurturing, creative space where bridal visions are brought gracefully to life. Our Maplewood home is central to the very fabric of our brand. We can't wait to welcome you to our atelier, share our process, and have you become a part of our growing community. Whether you're a bride-to-be, a fashion enthusiast, or a sustainability advocate, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a more beautiful and sustainable future.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At our core, we are dedicated to the artistic aspect of fashion rather than the commercial. We strongly believe that no one should have to wear a planet-polluting, mass-produced dress from across the world for one of life's most sacred events.
Vintage
All our pieces start with an existing garment. We source the most beautiful dresses that are often unwearable due to stains, damage and their tiny size. We restore them, deconstruct and then re-make them.
Deadstock
Deadstock materials are pre-existing fabrics from production runs that would otherwise be discarded. We choose high-end silks and natural fabrics that are bio-degradable and unlike synthetics they do not harm the planet.
Labor
We work with local expert craftspeople, drapers, sewers, and pattern makers. Utilizing these highly-skilled professionals supports the heritage dressmaking industry.
Packaging
We buy only compostable garment bags for shopping and packaging. Our shipping boxes are 100% recycled cardboard.
Recycling
When we work with a vintage piece we save all the scraps, they can be used to customize a veil or wrap the bride’s bouquet. Any excess lining scraps we donate to Fabscrap.
Cleaning
We’ve eliminated harsh chemicals and use only non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning detergents in our restoration of each delicate piece.
