

Why Your Next Dress Should Be Custom-Made | EP 248
Happy Fr-YAY, Fashion Besties!! This week on The Fashion Crimes Podcast, Holly is joined by the incredibly talented Caroline Leary Brown, the founder and creative director of her eponymous couture house in Philadelphia: Caroline Leary Studio.
Caroline designs each piece for women who command both boardrooms and ballrooms, offering garments that exude confidence and elegance.
After trading scrubs for silk, Caroline pursued a Master’s in Fashion Design, training under master couturiers in Paris. There, she honed her craft, focusing on reviving 1940s silhouettes with modern precision and incorporating thoughtfully sourced deadstock fabrics.
Caroline’s work has graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar and dressed the iconic Maye Musk—proving that her designs age as gracefully as the women who wear them.
In this episode, Caroline takes us through her inspiring journey—from her early days in the medical field to following her true passion for fashion.
She shares how her vision for couture is rooted in the idea of empowering confident, mature women and why custom clothing is the ultimate expression of self.
HOT TIP:
Watch this fantabulous interview on our YouTube Channel! Seeing Caroline showcase her designs is a must! You won't want to miss it.
Key Talking Points:
• Career 180: Discover how Caroline transitioned from a career in biomedical sales to becoming a fashion designer, including her training in Paris under master couturiers. • Design Philosophy: Hear her unique approach to reviving classic 1940s silhouettes with modern precision and why she focuses on the confident, mature woman. • Craftsmanship and Couture: A look into the artistry of custom design, including the meticulous process behind sourcing deadstock fabrics and sculpting each garment. (We love this!) • Empowering Women Through Fashion: Her belief in clothing not only enhances your physical appearance but also guarantees originality no one else will compare to. • Fashion Industry Insights: We dive into the challenges of being an independent designer and how Caroline’s designs have earned recognition in publications like Harper’s Bazaar.The philosophy is simple but powerful: fashion should be a statement of confidence. Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone pursuing their passion, regardless of how unconventional the path may seem. She is living proof it can be done.
Fashion Besties, you do not want to miss this episode! We love to support small businesses like Caroline's. If you are in the market for a custom piece, you've come to the right place.
Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel. Please consider subscribing to our YouTube (Fashion Crimes Podcast) so you don't miss a single interview.
Links & Resources:
• Follow Caroline on Instagram: @CarolineLearyStudio • Visit Caroline Leary Studios: www.carolineleary.studio
In Conclusion:
The Fashion Crimes Podcast is your best fashion friend you never knew you needed!
Hosted by ‘the only Holly You Need to Know’, Holly Katz, we bring you the latest trends and fashion tips for free every single week.
Tune in every Friday for fresh episodes wherever you listen to podcasts, and join the Fashion Crimes Podcast "Fashion Besties" online!
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