What is Caroline of Maude Couture inspired by? The answer is everything. Her family, her faith, the beauty of women’s bodies, and the world we live in — just to name a few. Caroline takes this inspiration and weaves it within eco-friendly fabrics, luxurious silks, and heirloom laces to create custom gowns that are truly one-of-a-kind. If you’re on the hunt for a unique wedding or party dress, Maude Couture takes your ideas and turns them into something unforgettable. It was an honor working with Caroline at the first and 2nd Charleston NotWedding events, and we can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
“Caroline of Maude Couture is one of the sweetest ladies we know! If you want a special-designed gown with every detail an intentional choice and thought (and if you want to look absolutely stunning) then this is the lady for you. Caroline has an amazing eye for design and a talent to match her creative vision.”
The Charleston NotWedding Team
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Describe your style in five words or less.
Celebratory, Eclectic, Spirited, Inquisitive & Inspired.
How did you get into design?
Practically speaking, I got into design because I could not seem to get it out of me. I have been designing since my earliest memories…recycling anything into clothing. I did my best to follow a practical path, but I kept coming back to my love for creating. I graduated from the College of Charleston with a BS in Business; but I still had such a heart for design that three days after graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue my dream. I got my Fashion Design and Millinery degrees from F.I.T. and returned to Charleston five years later with a wonderfully supportive husband to begin living happily ever after.
Who or what inspires you?
Everything. Absolutely everything inspires me. I love life. The world is such an amazing place and people are incredible. I thank God everyday for my life, the people in it and all of the tiny miracles I cannot fully grasp…for sleep, for breath, for children, for food, for books, for heartbeats, for art, for bodies, for water…everything! The world is the most amazing and awesome puzzle imaginable. Nothing could be more inspiring to me than these perfect imperfections. Some days I feel like I can barely be in the world because I am overwhelmed by my awe of it. Life is just so beautiful.
And I love women. All women. All shapes, sizes, ages and stages of women. The fairer sex is at once delicate and graceful, yet powerful and life-giving. We can literally grow human beings in our bellies, then deliver them and nourish those new beings with just our own bodies…that is SO incredible! Women have such great, innate potential in their bodies. I am so inspired by the female figure and the stories that go along with it. I so revere its purpose, form and power. I love bodies and I want my customers to love, honor and respect their bodies. I feel honored to dress women; and I want women to feel as beautiful as I see them. Women inspire me. Whether it belongs to a young bride, a new mother or a mature cancer survivor, our bodies tell a huge part of our stories as women; and I celebrate that story with design.
What are you most proud of?
Hm, tricky. The most honest answer is my children…they are the most amazing things I have ever had a hand in creating. I say “a hand” in full acceptance that they are not “mine” or “things” I created; but they are, in fact, the most amazing gift a mother could ever get. I am so honored to be their mother.
Inside that answer is another, more recent truth I am proud of…and that is surrender. I have reached a wonderful point in my life where I really understand that I am not in control of my life and that THAT is a good thing. I feel so freed by surrendering to God, opening my heart, listening for His Plan for us and trusting Him. I am so honored by His gifts and so eager to use them for His glory. I feel so real and restored in my surrendering to the Lord. I feel relieved and most fully myself; and in a real way I feel it for the very first time. I am ever so grateful to be here…in this magical world, with its amazing people and our loving God. I am so excited about our future and cannot wait to see what God has in store next for MAUDE COUTURE, for our family and for me.
What is your favorite part of The NotWedding experience?
The people. There is a faithful, positive and glory-filled undertone of The NotWedding; and it is so incredible to see so many fabulously different people’s gifts in motion at once. It is truly awesome!
Photo Credits:
Virgil Bunao (1 +4) | Angela Cox Photography | Candice Benjamin Photography | Riverland Studios
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