Founder and designer Celeste Reingans-Lee grew up on a small farm in Oregon. As a kid, she would rush to the store to buy the newest bridal magazines, but only after gathering eggs or making a fresh bouquet of flowers from her mother’s garden. Hours were spent pouring over over the glossy issues as she pondered how she would accessorize each gown. She sketched ideas of her own. Art and craftwork were a huge part of her family’s way of life, and she and her siblings were encouraged to "make it yourself" instead of simply buying something new. When she learned to sew, ideas blossomed. But she felt far removed from the fashion world she yearned for.
Celeste left the West Coast (and her family’s little farm) behind to pursue fashion in New York City. She studied special occasion dressing and couture sewing techniques at the Fashion Institute of Technology. After school, jobs designing for well-known fashion houses honed her eye for fine workmanship and luxury standards.
She was working in ready-to-wear women’s design, but the day she designed her sister's wedding gown, she knew she would follow her dream to design only for brides. She began making one-of-a-kind couture accessories for friends to wear on their wedding day. Celeste launched her namesake collection in 2019, bringing her love of romance and feminine details to contemporary wedding veils and capes.
Celeste New York is for the modern bride who likes a bit of fashion whimsy in her bridal ensemble. Weightless tulle veils are adorned with 3-D silk flowers that add depth and texture. Unique lace appliques frame the face. Brides glow in ruffles, bows, sheer layers and romantic hues like champagne, gold and blushing pink.
Bold, modern, whimsical and fashion-forward, the Celeste New York bride wants to express her truest self ---- and feel beautiful on her momentous day.