Hey listeners, I wanted to let you know I am now hosting BrideChilla, a show all about keeping you chill in the wedding planning process, prioritizing what truly matters, and not sweating the small stuff.
New episodes are available each week, packed full of valuable advice from wedding experts, planners, and chillas all over the world.Find BrideChilla wherever you get podcasts and at thebridechilla.com.
Here's our recent episode with wedding dress and shoe designer, Hailey Page. Hello, chillas.Welcome to the BrideChilla podcast, where we celebrate love and help you plan your wedding day.
I'm your host, Leah Hasledge, and I'm thrilled to be here with you.Whether you're just starting to plan or counting down the days, we're here to help you stay calm, cool, and collected throughout the wedding journey.
We've got amazing guests and expert tips for you.So let's get this wedding party started and embrace your inner BrideChilla. Hey, Chilla fans.I'm here with an all-star in the wedding space, Miss Haley Page.Welcome to BrideChilla.Hi.
Oh, you're so kind.Thank you.I'm just so thrilled to have you here.It's such an honor because you really are a rock star and so beloved by everyone that knows who you are.
But for those who may not, please give us a little brief background on who you are and your design background.
Sure, I'm Haley Page and I am most known for wedding dresses.I was on a show called Say Yes to the Dress.It's always been my biggest dream to design dresses specifically in the wedding space, but I've had a very interesting journey.I
launched my namesake collection back in 2011.And it went into this beautiful chapter of tens of thousands of dresses.And I also opened an Instagram that I grew.
And it gave me an opportunity to really connect with my community and kind of grow with them as a designer and human.And then I was coming to kind of a crossroads because my original contract was coming to an end.And I attempted to renegotiate.
And I wound up in a federal lawsuit, which was a little bit terrifying. But that led into like a period of litigation and fighting for my rights as a creator.
And it also kind of produced some unique moments to change my medium and my creative expression.I went into women's shoe design while I was under a non-compete.
I also changed my name publicly for a good two year period until I ended up getting my name back in a legal settlement. And I now own my entire intellectual property portfolio, which is super exciting.
And so I'll be going back into the wedding space and hopefully weaving together some lessons along the way.
I can't wait to get into all the wonderful things that have come about with the situation.But before we get into it, I just have to briefly say, as a fan of yours, that I want to thank you because you have been so inspiring.
Oh, I'm getting a little choked up saying this.Seriously, watching your journey and what you've gone through, you have inspired that you can take a bad situation and find beauty in it.And you went through such a legal battle.
I didn't realize until you posted a video about what you were entering with the legal battle. And you mentioned designers like Kathleen Malendrino and all these people that you wanted to really help advocate for people like that.
And it was so eye-opening, because I come from background with television and news, and you hear about non-competes with journalists.My dad works in grocery, and there's non-compete.It's very crazy.
And then I didn't realize in the creative space until what you went through.And just seeing how the trajectory went, and you you took control of She Is Chival and now you're nonprofit.And I'm just really proud of you.
And from someone that went as just a fan in the wedding space, you've become a shero in a whole other level.So thank you for all creators everywhere.Thank you.
Oh, that means so much.What a beautiful message.And honestly, that is the glue that's kept me together.So the support system has just been something otherworldly in a lot of ways.And I feel so indebted to that.
And I just, you know, I want to make up for lost time, but I also hope to really leave a positive footprint where I can.And knowing that these hardships, you know, it's like uphill is the only way to go these days, it seems.
And so if you've got people willing to grab and pull you uphill or help encourage and give you some wind behind, you know, I hope I can do that.
Well, one of the ways you are doing that is with your foundation.So tell us about a Girl You Might Know foundation.
Yeah, so she was inspired really out of the turmoil and being in litigation and not fully understanding how so much of this was happening.And obviously, there's a big amount of accountability that comes when you get sued.
And you think, OK, well, what did I do wrong?Where did I go wrong?And there's a lot of self-actualization in the whole process.And then the way that things are interpreted can be really complicated versus what's actually said or what's happened.
a lot of complexities, and so I felt pretty overwhelmed, and there were moments where I just felt really stupid.
I didn't know this entire thing, this whole category of contract law, and so I really invested in learning through the litigation and working really closely with my lawyers at Haines Boone to just
fully understand my position and what my options were and also where there were some solid dead ends you know and like really can't do much there I have no control and to focus that energy on positive momentum and seeing that there is a lot of issues similar to my case whether it's a non-compete or there's
you know some form of intellectual property you don't own even though it's technically your art and you know it's really complex and so I wanted to create a platform and a support system advocacy for young creators and entrepreneurs that most of the time are just super hyper focused on their craft and don't also know this business side or this legal side and how to protect
their journey.So that was the fruition of it all.
Oh, that's so awesome.And we'll get into She is Cheval in a little bit.But you mentioned that you're designing again, which is so exciting.So like all of our brides now planning for 25, 26 and beyond, we can have original Haley pages again.
Oh, I love it.Oh my gosh.Thank you.You had mentioned on Instagram something about, correct me if I'm wrong, it was like you were looking back at your old stuff and you were talking about like old to new vibes, up cycles.
It was like up cycles and beautiful blends, I think is how you put it. So is that going to be the inspiration for this new collection coming out?
I feel very inspired by the idea of, OK, I own the intellectual property now, which means I own all of those original designs and just be able to hold that art again.And not that I ever stopped celebrating the Hayley Page Bride.
It has just always been a continuous support of real love and strength and inspiration.But I think in moving forward, I want to carry the spirit and pay respects to what that signature aesthetic was and then move it forward.
So that's kind of where the blend will come in.Like, I've been looking at some of my personal favorite dresses and then also really wanting to collaborate with the inspiration.Like, what was your favorite dress?
You know, and figure out what elements and textures we can pull together and maybe reinvent or upgrade it or, you know, whatever.And so even during my period of litigation where I was really limited in what I could
I did a lot of upcycling in my own wardrobe.You know, just I love these pieces and typically you would like either wear them down or get rid of them.
And instead I was like, let's add some rhinestone work and some feathers or some fringe and upcycle it.And so I loved that concept of taking something that was working or we loved and then kind of remixing it a bit.
So that'll be part of, I think, the collection. So what else inspires you when you're designing?I pull a lot from music.I always listen to music when I'm sketching or doing inspiration work.
And you have great taste in music, FYI, because every time you post something with a song, it's like, ah, this is my jam.I love it.
Thank you.Oh, I love that.I swear, the music is just something that has brought so much nostalgia to my life.And I pull a lot of inspiration from nostalgic moments and trinkets and things like that.
And I don't know how it's interpreted in my brain, but somehow that movement carries through and textures and layers and colors and stuff like that.And so I always just feel real good about it.And I get into like a groove.
So I would say that and then probably personalities, you know, like really thinking about women in their roles and their multifaceted, you know, dreams and all this stuff that kind of makes them who they are.
And it gives you permission to really be specific in your design work.
And so I've always kind of focused on each style individually and the idea of storytelling that one design as opposed to like, this is my lace collection and everything has some version of lace or, you know, an inconvenient amount of florals or something like that.
You know, it's like, I don't always do that.I want one dress to feel like that, you know?So it's, it's interesting, but just part of that process, I guess, for me.
So when someone is first going out to look for their dress or their jumpsuit, whatever their vibe is, what is your advice on where to start?Like how do you start even thinking about where to look, what to pick?
Well, I feel there is a lot of internal dialogue that automatically happens when you become a bride and you're ready and you're like, I'm going to go shopping for that dress.
And there is definitely some conformity that happens, unfortunately, like this idea that, oh, my body shape is going to limit me or, oh, I definitely can't wear all over sparkle.It'll be too much, you know?
And like, so we start to kind of put these limitations on us before we go shopping.And so what I try to do is,
have that expectation barrier broken down a bit and saying, look at it as if you're just going to go play dress up with your friends, you know, and just really enjoy the process and allow yourself to be really surprised or delighted by what you see.
Because even in my experience, I've had so many women that come into their appointment and they're like, I only want to look at fit to flare dresses.
I want something that's form fitted and, you know, I've got great curves and this is what I'm going to do.And then she tries a ball gown, like, halfway through and was like, oh dang, I love this too.
It's kind of like everybody's process is different and you can parallel it to your love story and that is unique to you and your partner.
It's so nice to think that you could be delighted and you could also just know exactly what you want and that's what you want. Yeah, at least we have so many tools these days.
You know, Pinterest and looking at Instagram and how people decorate themselves for weddings.It's very inspiring.
I love the mindset of going in there like you're playing dress up.This is that rare occasion.You can just go in there and play. Absolutely, you can.You have a store at your disposal.
Yeah.And I also understand that it's a boutique that has literally been built on expertise.
And for the most part, you're probably going to end up saying yes in one of your first appointments just because it's a big moment and you'll have these experts around you to help.
So if you kind of take the weight off yourself and pressuring it and leave it up to the professionals in guiding you, that also can be a good rhythm for just a better experience.
And tailoring, you know, is so important because the dress should work for you.I always say you shouldn't have to work for the dress.And so even if in that appointment the dress doesn't fit you because the samples are limited in sizing or whatever,
You know, there's so much magic in the making of that dress and the tailoring, and ultimately, that dress is going to work for you.So.
Yeah, I know.That's such a great point.And then with that, you add accessories.And so before we get into accessorizing your dress, one of the best accessories is shoes.And I love your collection.She is Cheval.Can you tell us about that?
Absolutely. Shia Shavall was really born out of a moment in time where, okay, I have to put this trade set in a box.What else can I do?What of my skill sets are a bit transferable?And what kind of product am I going to be really energized by?
And I realized the design process and coming up with a shoe concept to fruition was a little bit similar to dress wear. There were some major differences in learning shoemaking and just you can't tailor a shoe, you know, stuff like that.Right.
But I found myself enjoying the process and also feeling like, OK, I have some form of a dialogue here.And so that was important.And just the credibility of can I even do shoes or I'm going to suck at this?I don't know.
Um, and of course, again, it helped to have this support system of people that were just, let's do it.Like, let's learn it with you, you know, and be a part of this.
And so she should all really is just about manifesting your destiny and a great pivot.And now that I have this gorgeous collection that I, that, you know, there were some mistakes made.You know, I'm learning curves for sure.
I'm really excited to infuse it almost as a little sister to Haley Page and where there could be some fun collaborations and overlap.
And I think one of the surprising things about going into shoes is most people expected me to go into bridal shoes right away. And I adamantly was trying to stretch my reach and say, let's do a wider assortment.Let's go more fashion based.
And we can always come back to bridal.And so that idea now makes a lot more sense.I could come out with a bridal specific collection. with a bridal collection.
Well, I think a lot of the shoes you offer now, though, can be really rad with your whether it's your wedding dress or your second look or for the bridal shower.Like they're so fun.
I love a good like ball gown with a pair of boots, you know, or something just a little bit funky and playful.
Pair it with like your rhinestone denim jacket or leather jacket. A whole style look, absolutely.So kind of like the chicken and the egg, what comes first?Should you choose your shoes or your dress?
Oh goodness, now it's like a complete toss-up.I don't know.I feel like in my experience, you've seen both.Like the girl comes in, she's like, I actually already have my shoes. So like, these are the shoes, I'm going to get the dress now.
And then you have the alternative where it's, okay, we have this dress and it's got sparkle in it with hints of metallic.How do I get a great metallic shoe to go with it?But I think you kind of get to make your own rules.
Yeah.So what to use the best way to accessorize your look overall?Like when you're choosing your veils and your jewelry and all that, so like you finally get your dress and you pick your shoes, what should you do next?How should you look?
I definitely see it as a decoration of yourself, right?And like completing the look.
But I also feel like there are multiple opportunities, whether it's the day of your wedding, or the weekend, or your bachelorette party, and all these events that kind of go around that, to express yourself.
And what I kind of encourage is this idea of it is a free-for-all, so you don't have to get all these ideas that you want in one single look.You can kind of spread it out and not feel like you're overdoing it with one moment.
Even in the wedding day, having a veil moment versus a tiara and changing up your look and having this idea that you're really evolving in your style throughout that day.And it's such a beautiful thing if that's something that excites you.
And then, of course, you've got brides that just, I want a classic look, and I want to have this all day long, and it's the one day I'm going to wear it, so I want to wear it all day.
So it's really about encouraging and just providing a little bit of advocacy in that. when she feels lost of like, OK, well, I don't I don't know how to style this dress.How would you recommend it?Yeah.
You know, but it's just it's so fun because it's limitless.And every dress that I've designed comes from an inspiration on my end.But how she completes it and how it looks on that wedding day is always super unique and tells its own story.
It becomes something completely different.So I love that passing of the torch.
I love it.That's such an important point, though, about it being limitless.Well, that can feel overwhelming, but it's also so amazing that, you know, you get the veil and you wear it for the ceremony and you don't have to for the reception.
You can put on a cool headband or, you know, wear your hair up and then down.Some people are cutting their hair in the middle of their day now, which is crazy.
crazy to me but do you like you know go for it absolutely yeah it's a crazy trend but um but yeah i think knowing that it is limitless and you can do you is such an important point yeah and not and not feel too controlled in the experiment of it all you know because ultimately things are going to shift during that day you know it could rain or you could be like i need my hair up it's in my way and
There's just a lot of adapting, which is good to go in with that mindset without feeling like you're compromising too much.
We'll be right back after a quick break.So what trends are you loving right now?
I'm always tough with trends because I gravitate toward the idea of personal style over trends because trends are so fleeting.And then they come in and out.And now it's such a hodgepodge, which I love because everybody is so personally expressive.
Whereas if you look back during periods of time, a lot of the wedding dresses look very on trend for that time period.So if you go back into the 70s and look at
you know, what your parents were wearing, you know, and then back into the 30s and 40s, it's like, it felt like there was like a real look.
Whereas now it's so eclectic and I love being a part of the now, you know, like I love this for us because it feels like you could really, again, make your own rules, but have a moment that really is personally expressive to you through your style.
So you don't have an opinion on like the disco balls and the champagne towers and everything that's kind of like trending right now at the moment.
Well, I feel like that's an interesting point is with decor in particular and thematic weddings, once something hits, you know, Architectural Digest or goes viral on TikTok or Instagram and it feels really fresh and unique.
It's only a matter of time before it starts to feel like, okay, everyone's doing this.Everyone has mason jars.You know, everyone is doing the florals with the disco balls, you know?
And so then it becomes this thing like, oh, I don't want to do what everyone else is doing.And then you feel kind of caught in this web of like, what you want versus what everyone's doing and then their opinion of it.
And so it's really hard to pull away from that.But if you can do it and just focus on what you genuinely love, I think it becomes a lot more enjoyable of a process.And so much of wedding planning and picking your dress is being decisive.
So I try to say default to that, like, what do you really want?Do you love this look?It's okay that it's been done before, but like, do you love it and this is what you want?Like, try to trust that.
Speaking of wedding planning, you are engaged to Conrad and I love seeing your love.You've been so public about your relationship and it's so refreshing to see the love between the two of you.Tell us how he proposed.
Thank you.He proposed five and a half years ago. We've been engaged for, we're eternally engaged.We were in St.John, which was an incredible island, and he planned this over-the-top weekend.
It was super secretive, because most of it was a complete surprise, and he really tried to navigate it as if it was a content shoot, because we had been doing a lot of shared content together at that time.
And so I really didn't think too much of it, and earlier that day, we had been on a boat, you know, polish off a bottle of rosé and, you know, it was just very casual and fun.So I really had no idea what a meaningful, you know, day he had planned.
And then when he proposed and we had this magical moment and got some great you know, video of it and some pictures to remember forever.My parents were hiding, my family.It was just, I couldn't have dreamed of a better weekend.
And that's obviously a memory that's been very dear to us and we've been able to hold on to it a lot longer than we ever anticipated because we put our wedding on hold for a while.
And obviously now that we're on the other side of a storm, we're really looking forward to getting back into the mindset of planning and we're gonna set a date.
Well, yeah, because you got engaged and then you got hit with a global pandemic, your legal issues, and Conrad had health issues as well, right?
Yes, he actually had open heart surgery, emergent open heart surgery, this earlier this year from a botched wisdom tooth surgery and
crazy story but like the bacteria got into his blood it went to his heart valve and yeah it was pretty traumatic and it put a lot of perspective on life in general you know all these things that seem to be such big deals and then it's like okay this is a this is the big deal you really know the in sickness and in health part
Yes, we're dealing with the things that a lot of couples deal with just in a different timeline.
So then where are you guys at with your wedding planning process now?Is it back to the planning?
We have not officially got back to planning yet, but I do foresee us setting a date in the next, you know, six months or so.
Which will be so thrilling and I even thought about just re-proposing to him or something.And I was like, oh, that'd be fun.And then I was like, no, I can't because what he did for me, like I would never want to take away from that.
I think we just kind of have to love every part of our journey and be grateful that it has happened for us, you know, not to us.
So, I mean, you've been open about your relationships.You've been previously married and had shared that experience.So for those listening, I'm not engaged yet.Dave's listening.Dave, put a ring on it. I would be a second time.
I know a lot of our listeners, this is not their first rodeo, if you will.
So for those of us out there that are also experiencing this journey and maybe are experiencing feedback from family, friends, societal stigmas, your own personal, like, am I allowed to wear white again?Can I do this?Can I have a big wedding?
What would be your advice for people having that kind of negative mindset?
First piece of advice is it's not a second wedding, it's a wedding. I love that.I would just remove that stigma entirely.And you know, if it helps in your brain, like I always call my first wedding a dress rehearsal.
because I still loved that day in terms of the wedding and family, and there's so much good from that.
Obviously, you know, it didn't work out, but I feel like there is such a thing as being grateful for those moments in your life, and the choices you make, you know, they're not always right, and they're not always going to work out, and we put so much pressure on ourselves.
to get it right the first time.And my goodness, how lucky it is to experience love no matter how many times in your life you get to have it.And I just see it as such a celebration.
While there will always be that noise around it, just really being so grateful for finding that person at that moment in time. having a real strong connection and wanting to make it last.It's like, that's such a wonderful thing.
So just get back to the basics of this is good stuff.
Most people want to celebrate it.Yeah, absolutely.I love that.It's not a second or third.It is a wedding.Preach it.I love it.So when you get to be a guest at a wedding, what is your favorite part?
I have to say it's the aisle because when that moment happens, bride's coming down, everybody's looking, it's, you know, the dress, what is she wearing?
I still would say that that's probably selfishly my favorite because of my design connection to it all.
And a lot of times when I'm a guest at a wedding, I'm lucky enough that I played a role in the fashion, some element of it, and it's just, ugh, it's the best feeling. But I do love a good personal vow moment.
So when the couple chooses to write their own vows, and however they do that, whether it's reading or they're just saying it, I think there is something super special about that.
And being a part of a really intimate moment between a couple, I think that's special.And then I would say one other thing is the progression.So when you have everybody arriving to the wedding,
And they're all like chic and dressed up and to the nines.They got sunglasses on.Everybody's a little awkward.And you flash forward like four hours later and Uncle Jerry is on the tables dancing and everybody's best friends.
And it's like, you just saw like a lifetime move forward and everybody is celebrating.And yeah, it's so fun to see.Best behavior to.
Yes.Tequila shots.Yeah. You know what else I love about the aisle moment is looking back at the other partner, the one waiting for the one walking down the aisle, and seeing their reaction.That's always fun too.Absolutely.
Like them getting all emotional like, oh my gosh, how gorgeous. Truly wonderful.OK, so I love these fun, more pop culture based questions towards the end.So I have to know, what is your favorite wedding movie?Father of the Bride, for sure.
Yeah, I mean, Steve Martin, I think growing up watching a lot of his movies and that, I think, whole setting of that movie concept and then having Franck, you know, as the wedding coordinator.
And like, that's really when I learned about the production of weddings for the first time.I was just a young girl, you know, and what a magical, sentimental moment it was.And yeah, that's that's probably my number one.
But I love pretty much all wedding movies.
Do you think around that age, you already were into like sketching and designing and loving weddings?Or do you think maybe that was something that started the inspiration process?
I think it started pretty early for me because my grandmother had taught me to sew and bake and crochet.And so I started really making things at an early age.And then Disney princess movies and gymnastics with sparkly leotards.
falling in love with the concept of love very early in life, you know, two people coming together and choosing this person forever.It, like, it just is very inspiring.And I don't know, it was ingrained early.
And so then a movie like that, you know, obviously helped kind of put the cap on my, like, we're going to design wedding dresses for a living.
That is such a great movie, though.And so the last one, what is your favorite celebrity and or royal wedding?
This is a tough one because I really have a hard time picking favorites.Only because, you know, when it comes to this day, so many things come together.There's so many elements.No single wedding outperforms another because it...
I mean, if you really go for, okay, billionaire weddings when they're just throwing tons and tons of money at it, of course, it's so much fun to watch how they spend that money, because everything's over the top and it's like the florals and you're just like, wow, this is absolutely incredible.
But I think more so it's weddings that I've been to where you just have this this energy about the wedding and the support system and this feeling.And I've been lucky enough to go to a lot of weddings in my life where you just get that feeling.
And I think some of my favorites are really ones that I've gotten to attend and gotten to design the dress for to make it really special.
But I will say, when there's a big celebrity wedding, I am glued to Instagram or Pinterest, and I want to see all the moments.
Yeah, are there some that inspire you?Like, maybe you don't have a favorite, but are there a few that have inspired you more than others?Like the Gwen Stefani ombre, for example.Oh, I loved that with Gavin Rosdale.
And I loved the Blake Shelton one.It was so gorgeous.She's such a stylish girl that, you know, never disappoints.
I'll say when Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham got married, that was a really unique wedding because they got married in Palm Beach, and we had just moved to Palm Beach.Oh, wow.
And I remember, I think a lot of people didn't realize that Nicola's dad is a billionaire, and he has this incredible property on Palm Beach, and they actually got married there.And it was said that they had this, like,
two week long wedding, basically.And they were like taking the party out onto the beach and just continuing to celebrate and kind of live in this moment.Almost like it was like a seat, like their wedding was a season.
And I just remember what a cool concept to, you know, be at home and be with your family and everything, but continue that party because so many of these, these weekends, like they just go by so fast.And then all of a sudden it's over.
You know, and you want to, like, have it live on forever.And so I thought that was a pretty cool concept.No, that's really awesome.What a great wedding.Yeah, I forgot about that one.That one.
And then the most recent, I had a girlfriend who did the hair for Erica Hammond.I think I'm saying her last name right.But she married a man named Ankur Jain.And they got married in Egypt.And it was, again, like a seven-day thing.
And it was just incredible to watch all these moments, these fashion moments.And they had even, like, a, you know, situation where they had to get ready on the plane.Oh my gosh.I don't know.
It's just so fun to see how unique weddings can really be and creating this experience for your guests and putting a lot of effort and energy into making sure they all, it's a memorable weekend for everyone.
That's awesome.Well, Haley, any final piece of advice for those that are planning their wedding or choosing their look?
My final piece of advice is probably to slow down as much as you can so that you can really be mindful and enjoy that process because a lot of it can be really taxing and having to make so many decisions and hope that this weekend comes together and that everything goes well.
And I think when you can look kind of bigger picture and then take your moment to feel excited and gratitude for the situation you're in is always like a good way to just be present rather than so focused on these details.
Even though I'm a designer and I'm detail oriented, you know, it's like if you can kind of separate the two, I think it's important so that you can savor it because it is a wonderful thing to experience and you definitely deserve it.So, yeah.
I love it.Thank you so much, Haley, for being with us today and all this great advice and sharing your story.How can we get more information on you and your company?I am on good old Instagram.
So that's pretty much where most of my stuff is shared these days.I'm trying to do TikTok, but I'm not as savvy with it.But yeah, Miss Haley Page is my original Instagram.And then I've got all the glitters on the gram.And she is Cheval.
and a girl you might know foundation.I have like a hundred Instagrams.
We'll make sure we include everything in the show notes.So everyone click the link and go right to following you.
Yeah, thank you.And you can shop shoes online.We're all online.So sheisheval.com.
Awesome.Thanks Haley.And we'd love to have you back again soon.Thank you.Dress is coming soon. Thanks for joining us today.Be sure to subscribe wherever you get podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Give us a follow on social media and visit TheBrideChilla.com.To leave a question you'd like to hear answered on the show, head to SpeakPipe.com forward slash BrideChillaPodcast, also linked in the description.
BrideChilla is a production of Evergreen Podcasts.Thanks to our producer and engineer, Grace Deanna Longfellow, and our executive producers, Bridget Coyne and Gerardo Orlando.
And of course, a special thanks to Alicia, our OG BrideChilla, and Megan Ely of OFD Consulting.I'm your host, Leah Hasledge.Until next time, chillas.
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