Wearing a custom couture gown isn’t reserved for Hollywood starlets. One up-and-coming Minnesota fashion designer is making a name for herself as she joins the legions of designers bringing the same high-fashion experience to local brides.
You could say Caroline Hayden was destined to work in fashion. Growing up with a mother who owned a quilt shop in central Minnesota, Hayden recalls sewing at a young age, experimenting with quilting cottons and making dresses for her girlfriends. Today, brides are benefiting from her head-start in fashion design with her custom bridal gowns.
“I love working with the fabric and exaggerated silhouettes of bridal gowns,” says Hayden, who favors natural white silk—a universally flattering color—as well as silk chiffon and silk taffeta.
Hayden describes her gowns as having a “feminine look but without the ruffles and bows,” while showcasing an appreciation for high-end fabrics and quality construction. “It’s important to me that each gown is something special and, in my opinion, that means a lot of hand-sewing and great attention to detail.”
The timeline for a custom gown depends on the size and complexity of the design, but brides can generally expect the process to take three to five months from start to finish. While Hayden is based in Crookston, she works with brides across the Upper Midwest and is flexible about arranging meetings and fittings.
In addition to designing custom bridal gowns, Hayden is working on a collection of ready-to-wear pieces suited for rehearsal dinners, less formal or destination ceremonies, and other important moments for the fashion-forward bride. “These days, a wedding gown can be any style, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less special.”
Prices start at $5,000 and vary by style.