REMEMBERING JIM HJELM: A TRUE ICON OF BRIDAL ELEGANCE-MORE MEMORIES

JIM HJELM

Jim Hjelm was more than a designer; he was an artist, a visionary, and a pioneer who transformed the bridal industry with his timeless creations. His fashion shows on Seventh Avenue were nothing short of breathtaking—graced with stately music, stunning models, and a majestic air that elevated every gown into a masterpiece. Each piece was meticulously accessorized, every detail curated with the finest taste. Jim didn’t just design dresses; he crafted dreams. For him, the ultimate beauty was found in a bride adorned in the splendor of his imagination, brought to life through his sketches and his boundless passion.

Anne Barge

“I met Jim in 1969 just before graduation from college. I was hired by Jim and Priscilla to be Jim’s assistant in the design department at Priscilla. In 1981, decided to open Anne Barge for Brides and met up with Jim who was then at Galina…  later, he opened his own line Jim Hjelm. …. He did many trunk shows at my shop - perhaps the most spectacular one was when we sold 57 gowns! He was my biggest cheerleader, and I adored him! Oh, how I will miss him!”

SHARON WEINTRAUB

“I FIRST MET JIM HJELM WORKING AT MODERN BRIDE/BRIDES MAGAZINES, BUT I GOT TO KNOW HIM WHEN I WORKED FOR HIS JAMES CLIFFORD COLLECTION. WE SPENT TIME TOGETHER AT THE BRIDAL MARKETS AND I LOVED SEEING RETAILERS WHO HAD NOT MET HIM BEFORE GET SO EXCITED BECAUSE THEY WERE MEETING AN ICON IN THE INDUSTRY.  JIM WAS A TALENTED DESIGNER AND A TRUE GENTLEMAN. THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY LOST ONE OF THE BEST!”

JENNY CLINE CO-OWNER STARDUST CELEBRATIONS

“JIM HJELM--A BELOVED FRIEND AND RESPECTED COLLEAGUE. WHEN I FIRST MET HIM IN NEW YORK, I WAS A BIT INTIMIDATED BY HIS LOFTY REPUTATION, BUT IT DIDN’T TAKE ME LONG TO SEE THE HEART BEHIND HIS TALENT. AS A GIFTED BRIDAL DESIGNER, HE TRANSFORMED DREAMS INTO REALITY WITH GRACE AND ARTISTRY.  BOTH HIS HISTORY IN THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY AND HIS DESIGNS ARE LEGENDARY.

HE WASN’T JUST INVESTED IN HIS CRAFT; HE WAS DEEPLY INVESTED IN THE SUCCESS OF THOSE AROUND HIM. HIS ADVICE WAS ALWAYS THOUGHTFUL, HIS BAWDY HUMOR INFECTIOUS, AND HIS HONESTY UNWAVERING. ABOVE ALL, HE HAD A HEART OF GOLD, MAKING EVERYONE FEEL TRULY SPECIAL AND SEEN IN HIS PRESENCE. AT 92, HE LIVED A LIFE FULL OF PASSION, LAUGHTER, AND LOVE—A LEGACY THAT WILL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US.  I BID HIM FAREWELL ON THIS HEAVENLY NEW YEAR; WE WILL CARRY HIS MEMORY IN OUR HEARTS AND CELEBRATE THE JOY HE BROUGHT INTO OUR LIVES. REST PEACEFULLY, DEAR FRIEND. YOU WILL REMAIN WITH US ALWAYS.”

MATTHEW SOBLASKI

“JIM WAS A HUGE PART OF MY LIFE. I WAS ONE OF THE LAST DESIGNERS OF THAT ERA IN NYC BEFORE EVERYTHING CHANGED, STARTING IN 1998! I WAS SO LUCKY! I WAS THE YOUNG PUP! 

THE FIRST TIME I SAW JIM HJELM’S BLACK-AND-WHITE ADS IN BRIDE’S MAGAZINE, I WAS IN AWE. GROWING UP IN IOWA, I DREAMED OF BEING PART OF THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY, AND HIS WORK WAS ONE OF MY GREATEST INSPIRATIONS. I MEET HIM DURING MY TIME DESIGNING AT GALINA BRIDAL IT FELT LIKE STEPPING INTO THE PAGES OF BRIDES MAGAZINE. I ADMIRED HIM SO MUCH AS A KID. HIS CHARM AND WIT MADE AN UNFORGETTABLE IMPRESSION, THE DAY I MEET HIM AS HE VISITED THE COMPANY. AND LITTLE DID I KNOW HE MIGHT HAVE BECOME MY BOSS HAD THE COMPANY TRANSITIONED DIFFERENTLY.

OVER THE YEARS, JIM WAS MORE THAN A MENTOR—HE WAS A DEAR FRIEND. WE SHARED DINNERS, PARTIES, MARKETS, AND PHONE CALLS, WHERE HE GENEROUSLY SHARED HIS WISDOM AND ALWAYS MADE SURE I WAS DOING WELL. THOSE MOMENTS WERE TRULY SPECIAL. HE SUPPORTED ME ATTENDING THE LAUNCH OF MY FIRST COLLECTION, MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER, IN 2001, MAKING THE NIGHT EVEN MORE MEMORABLE BY CHEERING ME ON DURING MY RUNWAY SHOW AND CELEBRATING WITH US AFTERWARD.

JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO, WE SHARED A MEMORABLE DINNER, REMINISCING ABOUT THE INDUSTRY AND THE INCREDIBLE PEOPLE WE’VE KNOWN. JIM’S IMPACT ON THE BRIDAL WORLD IS IMMEASURABLE, AS IS THE LEGACY HE LEAVES BEHIND. I’M SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE KNOWN HIM AND TO HAVE BEEN PART OF HIS EXTRAORDINARY LIFE”

ELLEN WACHS

IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT JIM HJELM PASSED AWAY IN HIS SLEEP WITH TED BY HIS SIDE. JIM WAS NOT ONLY A BRIDAL ICON DESIGNER, BUT THE SWEETEST, MOST POSITIVE MAN YOU WOULD EVER KNOW. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY EVERYONE WHO KNEW HIM. I AM SO FORTUNATE TO CALL HIM MY FRIEND FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HE WAS GRACIOUS, HANDSOME, AND WOULD NEVER FORGET YOUR BIRTHDAY OR A HOLIDAY CARD.  EVERYONE WHO KNEW JIM LOVED JIM. HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED BY EVERYONE.

LORI SILVER

“I MET JIM HJELM WHEN I STARTED AT BRIDE'S MAGAZINE IN 1986. I HAD NEVER MET ANYONE LIKE HIM BEFORE, HE WAS SO KNOWLEDGEABLE AND THE KINDEST MAN WITH A WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR.HE TAUGHT ME SO MUCH ABOUT THE BRIDAL INDUSTRY, ALL THE PLAYERS (WHO TO TRUST) AND ALL THE GOSSIP. WE LAUGHED EVERYTIME WE GOT TOGETHER, THERE WAS NEVER A SHORTAGE OF CONVERSATION.HE EXUDED JOY, I'D LIKE TO THINK HE LIVED LIFE TO THE FULLEST. RIP JIM, YOU'VE LEFT YOUR MARK.” 

Barbara Tober - “I remember his fashion shows as among the most elegant on Seventh Avenue. Jim gave every presentation a sense of majesty, pairing each dress with tasteful jewelry and the perfect touch of grandeur. While he loved the bridal business, what truly fueled him was the vision of a bride on her special day, transformed into a work of art through his designs.”

Rachel Leonard - “I first met Jim in the mid-80s when he was designing for Galina. I was new at *Brides Magazine* and worked on his fashion ads. Jim’s warm, fun-loving nature always made an impression. He’d tease me with a knowing wink—we were both Scorpios—and I always looked forward to seeing him at every bridal market.

Jim was the epitome of classical bridal design, pouring his heart into every gown he created. His designs defined an era, including Tricia Nixon’s iconic wedding dress during his time at Priscilla of Boston. He was a true original, and the bridal industry has lost one of its brightest stars. He will be deeply missed.”

Judy Ulberg - “Jim was remarkable, a man whose creativity and warmth touched everyone he met. His journey began at Priscilla of Boston in 1959, and from there, he became a cornerstone of the bridal world. His designs reflected not only his passion but his zest for life.

We met during my time at *Brides Magazine* and became even closer when I worked at Jim Hjelm Bridals. Together, we launched the James Clifford Collection, and our bond only grew stronger over the years. Jim loved old movies, Broadway, and traveling—he embraced life as his oyster, finding joy in every experience.

Every conversation with Jim ended with, ‘I’ll speak to you soon. Love you.’ He wasn’t just a friend; he was a guiding light, whose spirit will forever shine in our hearts. Rest among the angels, Jim—you’ve always been one of mine.”

Lori Allen - “When I think of Jim Hjelm, I think of class. Jim was a shining star in the competitive world of fashion. He stood out not just for his talent, but for his gentle and welcoming nature.

From designing Tricia Nixon’s gown to creating countless others that adorned exquisite brides, Jim was a pioneer. His gowns reflected his elegance, and his legacy is as timeless as the man himself. The world has truly lost a talented gentleman.”

Rosie Fiumara - “James Clifford Hjelm—what a name, what a legacy. A gifted designer and so much more. He was funny, thoughtful, and kind—a wild talent and a constant in this ever-changing industry.

Jim and my late father, Tony Micari, founder of Bridal Reflections, were close friends. For over 40 years, his creations—first as Jim Hjelm Couture and later as James Clifford—were integral to our success.

Jim was an icon, a legend, and a dear friend. His presence in the industry will never be replaced. Rest in peace, Jim. You lived an extraordinary life, and I feel blessed to have known you.”

Jim Hjelm’s legacy lives on in the countless brides who wore his gowns, in the friendships he cherished, and in the inspiration he gave to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a true gentleman, a rare gem, and his impact will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Jim—you will always be remembered.