10 QUESTIONS WITH HEADPIECE & ACCESSORIES DESIGNER MARIA ELENA

Maria Elena and her daughter, Marile

1) What is the story behind the start of Maria Elena Headpieces and Accessories?

The MARIA ELENA brand was born over 20 years ago as a bridal headpieces and accessories company when my daughter, Marile, was getting married. Back then, in 1991, bridal headpieces weren’t captivating or luxurious. They were simple accessories mostly made out of monotone wreaths and combs made out of fish wire and plastic imitation pearls. We were searching for a one-of-a-kind piece—something that emulated royalty, resembled crown jewels, and appeared to have been passed down for generations. At the time, I was an accountant by trade, but had grown up in 1950’s Cuba shadowing my mother, Carmela—a canastilla seamstress who designed and sewed fine, heirloom-quality clothing for the newborns and toddlers of Havana’s elite. Therefore, when we didn’t find a headpiece we adored, I turned to my daughter and said: “Don’t worry, mi amor! We’ll make one ourselves.” The headpiece I created was the delight of everyone in the room so my daughter had the brilliant idea of turning it into a business and so we did, primarily selling to the finest bridal boutiques in Puerto Rico and Miami. Now, almost 25 years later, with the help of a marvelous team, MARIA ELENA has expanded to be a global, million dollar business and has launched two separate lines, MARIA ELENA FASHION and MARIA ELENA MEN, to cater to the ready to wear accessories and men’s accessories markets. 

2) How would you describe the aesthetic style of the brand?

From our bridal line to our fashion line, MARIA ELENA is known for a vintage and sophisticated aesthetic that incorporates forward-thinking design by utilizing never-before-seen materials. My designs are heavily inspired on nature, its colors, shapes, and movement. The careful mix of these elements are what gives my designs their timeless, heirloom style. 

3) Where are you based and where are your pieces made?

MARIA ELENA headpieces and accessories are handmade in our design studio in Miami, FL. They are made-to-order for each customer by a team of artisans who first soldered components to create the intricate metal bases. They are then plated in the customer’s choice of plating, after which the artisans hand-place hundreds of luxury crystals and pearls to complete the design. 

4) Do you have a favorite metal or material that you like to work in?

Choosing a favorite is just too hard! When it comes to creating the base, our pieces are primarily made out of metal to give it that “crown jewel” aesthetic, although in the past, we’ve incorporated ribbons and, recently, padded headbands. In terms of the components, if I’d have to choose, I would say ivory cream crystals because their color and sparkle gives designs dimension and softness. However, I am a firm believer that mixing components of different types, shapes, colors, and sizes is what truly makes each design truly one-of-a-kind.

5) Describe some of the process for designing a collection.

My design process is definitely unconventional compared to other designers. You see, we often get requests from brides for me to sketch out pieces because that’s what most people associate with designers, but the funny thing is I don’t sketch. My design process is hands-on, with the materials laid out in front of me. The designs for the metal bases materialize in my head (usually in my dreams), and as soon as I get to the design studio, I start looking for the right components, working hand-in-hand with the artisan who solders, and even trying the pieces on my very own head to make sure they’re comfortable and properly made. Then I sit at my table with thousands of crystals, pearls, and crystal fabrics/rocks laid out, glistening at me their true shades. I can’t explain it, but in that moment, components call at me. It’s a gut feeling. I instinctively pick them out and arrange them over the base in often intricate patterns. 

6) What is your inspiration for the current Unbreakable Collection?

Fall Romance, MARIA ELENA BRIDAL’s Fall/Winter 2021 Collection, was designed to bring a love for life, beauty and people to the world because we believe the world needs more of that during these challenging times. For that reason, you’ll see an array of diverse designs that are meant to inspire love among people with different tastes, styles, and wants. The collection features lavish crowns for regal brides who have always dreamt of glamour and sophistication juxtaposed to ethereal combs and halos for romantic brides looking for softness, beauty, and inspiration.

7) What comes first, the hair accessory or the hairstyle for a bride?

Ah, the classic chicken or egg scenario for the bridal accessories world! This is a question we get a lot from brides. We definitely get brides who don’t know how they want to wear their hair, and our Design Representatives are able to get to know brides and work with them to learn more about their style, chosen dress, and desired overall wedding day look to pin-point the perfect accessories. However, we always advise women to go on Pinterest, Instagram or their favorite platform to get inspired and bring to their accessory appointment some photos of possible hairstyles. This allows for a more seamless experience. In fact, just knowing if you want to wear your hair up, down or half-up/half-down is a game-changer!

8) What do you suggest for brides to wear who are having a micro ceremony?

Although some brides are having micro ceremonies and keeping their same aesthetic, we’ve gotten a handful of brides going a lot more minimalistic for micro ceremonies, but we always advise them to still make a statement with their headpiece and/or jewelry. If you think about it, your headpiece and earrings is the one thing that’s going to be in every single one of your shots (even those close-up ones!). For achieving a softer look, we suggest an ethereal headband that is muted in color and very flowery like our Lucille headband. If a bride seeks a feminine, sleek look to pair with a pantsuit or short dress, we suggest a more modern piece such as the Harlow headband. Both are from our Ode to Women collection.

9) Have you collaborated with bridal designers to showcase your collections?

Yes! We have collaborated with an array of designers over the years to create pieces for their runways during Bridal Fashion Week. These designers include Lazaro, Ines Di Santo, Sareh Nouri, and, most recently, Berta, for which we made a stunning, rose gold padded headband that sold-out immediately and is called Balilti. 

10) What is your favorite part of the business?

This answer is two-fold. As a designer, my favorite part would be the actual design process. I feel most “at home” when I’m inspired and seated at my table. However, the part I enjoy the most is seeing the photos from all the beautiful brides across the globe wearing my designs and making them theirs. I love to make their dreams come true and be a small part of the wonderful memories and life they’re building. At the end of the day, it’s like we say at MARIA ELENA: “Every piece of jewelry tells a story”. Because that is exactly what we want our pieces to represent for those that make a MARIA ELENA their own: memories. We want these brides to store their headpieces and look at them years later with their spouse and children and remember the moment that family’s story began.