Founder & Creative Director
Christine Carlson
Designer. Mother. Advocate for a more beautiful, more sustainable future in bridal fashion. Christine's life's work is woven into every gown Maybelle creates.
A Life Shaped by Fashion
Long before Christine Carlson arrived in New York City, fashion was already her language. Growing up in Minnesota, she spent countless hours meticulously reconstructing vintage dresses — captivated by the stunning costumes in Hitchcock's timeless classics, entranced by the architecture of a perfectly draped silhouette.
That childhood devotion carried her to Parsons School of Design, where her dedication was met with the rigorous training she'd always sought. From there, her career unfolded inside the showrooms of the industry's most celebrated names: Vera Wang, Arnold Scaasi, and Jenny Packham. These weren't simply jobs — they were masterclasses. Each experience sharpened Christine's eye for detail, deepened her understanding of silhouette, and perfected her skills in intricate garment construction.
These formative years became the foundation on which Maybelle was built: a brand shaped by a lifetime of watching, learning, and creating with intention.
Career Highlights
| Milestones | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Parsons School of Design, New York City |
| Industry Experience | Vera Wang · Arnold Scaasi · Jenny Packham |
| Founded | Maybelle Atelier, Maplewood, NJ |
Beauty with Purpose
The vision for Maybelle grew from a deep love of design and an equally powerful commitment to sustainability. As a designer and a mother, Christine's mission extends beyond the gown itself — it is about crafting a better future, one bridal moment at a time.
Her Gen Z daughters opened her eyes to the urgency of eco-conscious practices, and that awareness became the guiding principle for everything Maybelle does. No mass-produced dresses shipped from across the world. No synthetic fabrics that outlive the landfills. Instead: restored vintage pieces, local craftsmanship, and materials that honor both the bride and the planet.
At the heart of it all is Christine's belief in the "second act" — the transformative art of giving a beautiful garment a new life, a new story, and an unforgettable moment.
100% Vintage & deadstock materials
Local Expert craftspeople & drapers
0 Harsh chemicals in restoration
Choose Your Vintage Bridal Experience
Two ways to find your perfect vintage wedding dress at Maybelle.
Custom
Create or reimagine a wedding gown.
Redesign a family wedding dress or create a one-of-a-kind vintage-inspired gown made just for you.
Curated
Try one-of-a-kind vintage gowns in person.
Explore our hand-sourced collection during a private appointment at our atelier.