“Twice Upon a Time” – a collection that reflects the beauty of new beginnings and pays tribute to doors once shut, now opening again…
In the bridal industry, we all remember Hayley Paige as a leading bridal designer and beloved celebrity on the U.S. hit TV show, “Say Yes to the Dress”. Then came a lengthy court battle with her former employer, a well-known New York bridal fashion house, over the rights to her own name. After stepping away for a number of years to launch a line of shoes and handbags, Hayley has recently succeeded in reclaiming her name and is now making a bold comeback. And this time… she’s back in bridal.
Bridal Times had the great honor to speak with designer Hayley Paige to talk about her comeback in bridal and the creative journey ahead.
Designer Hayley Paige
Hayley, how does it feel to be back in bridal?
A bit of a time capsule – and also that moment when a dream dress magically appears in Cinderella. There’s a sense of homecoming, but it’s not about returning to what was. It’s about reclaiming the joy, the drama, the artistry of designing for one of life’s most defining entrances. There’s a new electricity in it. I’m designing with more freedom, more intention… and way more grit.
After designing shoes and handbags over the last few years, how did you know it was the right time to get back into bridal?
Designing shoes and handbags gave me just enough distance to appreciate how sacred and skilled these spaces really are. I like to think that I never left bridal emotionally, there was always that little pilot light on. The timing wasn’t so much a strategic decision as it was a cosmic one. The moment I regained my name, it was like the sketchbook reopened itself and the gowns were there waiting for a revisit.
Ashlee Mintz Photography @ashlessmintz
What has been the response so far?
The response has been humbling, with a sprinkling of surreal. We debuted the first glimpse of the collection in New York at an underground speakeasy with candlelight, peeks of couture, and celebratory cocktails. There were tears, group hugs, and a general feeling of an old friendship reunited. It was truly special to share in the revival.
What can you tell us about your very first Hayley Paige collection after all these years?
This collection is called “Twice Upon a Time”, the homage to opening a door that was once closed. The gowns feel like memories I hadn’t lived yet. There’s mythology stitched into the seams, childhood nostalgia reimagined, and silhouettes that reminisce whimsy French couture. Each dress has a little story, but also a statement of selfhood. I wanted the collection to feel like an echo and a new verse all at once.
Are these new designs something you’ve been dreaming of for a while, or did the inspiration come more recently?
A little of both. Some sketches have been living in the corners of my imagination for years, as I like to say: doodles in dream sequences. Others came to me in this beautiful creative rush once the legal fog lifted. I think when you go through something that shakes your identity, you cling tighter to what makes you you. These gowns were the tether back to my truest self.
What are some bridal trends you’re embracing in your collection at the moment?
I love that we’re entering a bold era of bridal rule-breaking. I’m leaning into floral texture, dramatic sleeves, mini moments, convertible overskirts, and sculptural corsetry. But what I care about more than trend is emotional silhouette—dresses that capture a feeling rather than a formula. Every gown should feel like a decision, not a default.
After everything you’ve experienced over the years, what three words would you use to describe what kept you going to where you are today?
Imagination. Gratitude. Humility.
Lastly, will retailers have the pleasure of viewing the Hayley Paige Collections in Europe?
Yes! I’ve missed my European retailers dearly and can’t wait to share this next chapter. We’re building toward a thoughtful rollout with trunk shows, showroom previews, and lots of cheeky surprises. The first event is on September 5th at Fawlsey Hall in the UK.
We would like to thank Hayley Paige for this interview.
For further information on the brand, visit Hayley Paige.
Photo Source: Alyssa Ryan Photography @alyssaryanphotography