Additional Coverage:
- Bridal designer Hayley Paige is making her comeback. Here are 5 lessons she learned after her yearslong legal battle with JLM Couture. (businessinsider.com)
Hayley Paige Returns to Bridal Scene with New Collection and Hard-Earned Wisdom
After a five-year hiatus from the bridal industry due to a legal battle with her former company, designer Hayley Paige has returned with a stunning new collection, “Twice Upon a Time,” and a wealth of business knowledge gained from her challenging experience. The 30-piece collection, showcasing Paige’s signature voluminous skirts, intricate lace, and innovative pops of color and silhouettes, debuted with a trunk show at Kleinfeld Bridal.
Paige’s legal dispute with JLM Couture, which revolved around ownership of her name and social media accounts, significantly impacted her perspective on business. Now, she emphasizes caution and integrity in her online presence, focusing on her designs and interactions with brides rather than chasing viral trends. She believes longevity in branding is more valuable than fleeting viral moments.
The designer credits her time away from the industry with fostering a more defiant and fearless approach to her work. While acknowledging the importance of considering her customer – the bride, whom she calls her “muse” – Paige feels less constrained by the fear of disapproval. She recognizes that as a designer, not everyone will appreciate her vision, and she’s comfortable with that.
Paige’s experience also underscored the importance of protecting one’s talent as intellectual property. She stresses the value of creative control and the necessity of implicit trust within her team.
Her long-standing relationships with her business partner of 12 years and her tech designer, along with her connection to Kleinfeld Bridal, have been instrumental in her relaunch. She describes the Kleinfeld trunk show as a “poetic” homecoming.
Perhaps the most significant shift in Paige’s approach is her newfound preparedness. She now operates under the assumption that things could go wrong, a contrast to her previous, more reckless style.
This proactive mindset allows her to anticipate potential challenges and implement safeguards for her business. She acknowledges a “dark side to business” and emphasizes the importance of being realistic, even while maintaining optimism and joy in her craft.
Finally, Paige stresses the crucial role of legal counsel for anyone in business. She recommends assembling a strong legal team early in one’s career to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure long-term success. While acknowledging the value of progress over perfection, she cautions against rushing into ventures without proper preparation.