Hayley Paige is Back
This week on Weddings-ish with Jove, we welcomed back one of our most beloved and frequent guests—the extraordinary bridal designer Hayley Paige. Her journey over the last five years has been one of hardship, resilience, and ultimately, triumph. After being sidelined by a lengthy legal battle that left her unable to design under her own name, Hayley has emerged victorious, reclaiming her creative freedom and stepping boldly back into the world of bridal fashion.
Photo Credit: @megankayphotography
When we last spoke with Hayley, she was in the midst of a grueling contract dispute that stretched on for years. Beginning in 2020, her agreements were interpreted in a way that amounted to nearly seven years of unpaid non-compete restrictions. For someone who had poured her heart into design, who had become synonymous with whimsical, sparkling gowns that defined countless weddings, this was more than a career setback—it was a loss of identity. Many would have walked away, but Hayley chose to fight.
That fight even took her to Washington, D.C. We loved hearing her describe her “Elle Woods moment” when she testified before the U.S. Senate alongside Senator Elizabeth Warren, advocating for a ban on unfair non-compete agreements. Dressed in pink, speaking to lawmakers in a historic chamber, Hayley told her story with courage and vulnerability. It was an unforgettable moment, not just for her, but for every creative and entrepreneur who has felt trapped by contracts that limited their potential.
Video by: @senwarren
Now, Hayley is free and her comeback is nothing short of dazzling. She recently debuted her first new collection at Kleinfeld, an iconic homecoming that felt deeply symbolic. The gowns are eclectic, sparkly, and full of personality—classic Hayley—yet imbued with a renewed perspective. She told us that each dress has its own story and that the collection is a testament to the idea that life doesn’t offer just one shot. Even when everything seems lost, there is always room for reinvention. Her return to Kleinfeld was especially poignant. To see her gowns once again on display at such an iconic destination felt like the perfect full-circle moment. Hayley told us that she is most looking forward to seeing the first bride step into one of her new designs—that will be the real moment when her comeback feels complete.
One of the most exciting innovations she shared with us is her brand-new sizing system. Rather than using outdated bridal charts that often run small and create discouraging experiences for brides, Hayley has replaced numbers with flowers. Brides are orchids, roses, or bluebells, each equally beautiful and worthy. We were so inspired by this approach—it’s a thoughtful and empowering change that removes the stigma of traditional sizing and celebrates individuality during one of the most emotional shopping moments of a lifetime.
Hayley has also taken what she’s learned and transformed it into advocacy. She launched a nonprofit dedicated to educating and protecting creatives, offering guidance on contracts and helping others avoid the pitfalls she faced. She wants young designers and entrepreneurs to feel empowered to ask questions, recognize red flags, and know their value. This mission resonated deeply with us because it underscores how personal adversity can spark change for an entire community.
We also loved catching up with Hayley on her personal life. She and her fiancé, Conrad, have been together for seven and a half years and are now exploring venues for their own wedding across New York, California, Italy, Spain, and beyond. At the same time, they are embarking on the journey to parenthood through surrogacy in Austin, Texas—a chapter filled with hope and joy. While Conrad has stepped away from the spotlight of social media, Hayley honors their boundaries while sharing her own career milestones with her million-plus followers.
Her shoe line continues to thrive, though currently on cruise control as she devotes herself to rebuilding her bridal brand. What struck us most in our conversation is how much more involved Hayley has become in the business side of her work. She now understands P&L statements, tariffs, and sourcing at a level she never did before. She’s not just designing—she’s in the driver’s seat, building a business with clarity, strength, and full control. Starting over has meant remaking patterns, resourcing fabrics, and beginning below zero financially after years of costly litigation. But her perspective is different now. She sees the process as an opportunity, not a setback.
Throughout our conversation, we felt Hayley’s deep gratitude. She spoke with warmth about the support she has received from her family, her partner, her team, and her fans. The enthusiasm surrounding her return has guided her every step, fueling her creativity as she reinvents her brand and herself.
Hayley Paige’s story reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there can be light, joy, and reinvention. When everything falls apart, what remains are the strongest pieces of ourselves—and from that strength, something extraordinary can bloom. Her comeback is not just a return to bridal fashion, but a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the courage to never give up.
In this week’s Ask Jove Segment, Sloan + Jove chat rehearsal dinners!
LISTEN NOW!