In Conversation with Christine Carlson

Tell us about your background: 
I grew up in Minnesota and knew I wanted to be in fashion when I was in high school. I moved to NYC at nineteen to attend Parsons. I was fortunate to get a paid internship at Geoffrey Beene after my sophomore year, photographing their archives and helping in PR and design. Alber Elbaz was Mr. Beene’s assistant at the time, he was always so nice, at the time (I was young!) I never imagined that he would go on to be so successful. During the school year I dressed fashion shows to make a little money and that is how I landed another internship at Oscar de la Renta. There I worked not just with design but also sales and PR. This led me to my first job as Assistant Designer at Arnold Scaasi. It was not the easiest place to work, but I loved having a hand in creating the couture and ready-to- wear lines. Shopping exquisite fabrics and being involved with the workroom was a dream come true. Scaasi had an exclusive bridal line, through a license with Eva Forsyth, this was my first experience in the bridal category.

My longest career stint was at David’s Bridal, where I worked for fifteen years. During my tenure we grew to be the largest bridal retailer. It was estimated that we dressed 60% of weddings in the US. We then expanded into Great Britain. The travel opportunities were amazing, I went to Europe twice a year, making a few stops that rotated between Paris, London, and Milan. I also worked in Hong Kong twice a year (later the offices were moved to mainland China). A highlight of that time was working with Vera Wang and her team developing bridesmaids and bridal gowns for her White line. I also worked with Zac Posen and Jenny Packham on exclusive lines that translated their aesthetic for the David’s mass market.

When Covid hit, and everything shut down, I really spent a lot of time reflecting on where my life was going. My kids weren't children anymore and their independence gave me the freedom and inspiration to focus on my next chapter. Both my girls are Gen Z and have influenced and inspired me to upcycle my own clothes and now start my company redesigning vintage wedding gowns sustainability. I launched Maybelle in November of 2021. I love creating something new with vintage pieces and deadstock and am learning so much as I navigate being a first-time entrepreneur.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I understood the value of networks, I started my career long before social media and I lost track of many people that I really enjoyed working with but didn't stay in touch.

Best career advice you've ever received?

Don't play small.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Transparency is a big one. I also believe in giving credit to others and not over-directing. I believe in letting people solve problems and execute their vision how they see fit. I think people (me included) perform best when they are not put in a box.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? 

Launching my own company (recently!) has been my biggest challenge, I have to say I'm enjoying it! I worked as a Designer for vertical retailers for much of my career, so doing a business plan, constantly creating content, outsourcing... it's all new to me.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

I'm a pretty 'dressy' person, I don't wear sweats-ever- but I have to say I love my Birkenstocks! I'm on my third pair in five years of the rose-gold color. I love to walk and they are so comfortable, I have the shearling version for winter.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-carlson-oliver/

Website: www.MaybelleNYC.com

Instagram: @maybellenyc