Christie’s mom, Denise Leli, started designing custom bridal veils and headpieces in 1990 and named her brand after her daughter, Christie Lauren Leli. Throughout childhood, Denise always dressed Christie up in elaborate attire with fun details and bright colors. Christie was always decked out in big bows, and fabulous hats. She had a great sense of style at a very young age. And thus, “ Fairytales by Christie” was born. Denise expanded the business in bridal accessories shortly thereafter, and changed the brand to “Denise Leli New York” to appeal to a more sophisticated client in the bridal market.

As Christie grew older, she admired her mom as a confidant, a businesswoman and as her very own fashion icon. Spending time amongst brides with her mom in the bridal salon, and creating bridal headpieces at the kitchen table with Denise, further inspired Christie’s passion for the fashion/ bridal industry. She decided to develop her career in fashion and studied at Parsons School of Design in NYC. Christie started designing wedding headpieces of her own. After a few years working side by side with her mom, little by little, Denise passed more responsibilities of the business onto Christie and Christie took the lead.

Sadly, in 2018 Denise passed away. Christie was heartbroken and determined to carry on her mother’s legacy, by dreaming of opening multiple locations and selling her work to salons around the world, which indeed has come to fruition. In honor of Denise Leli, Christie Lauren opened her second location in Queens, NY in 2021. 

Today you can find Christie Lauren Collection at the world renowned, Kleinfeld Bridal in New York, in North Carolina, Texas, Lebanon and Turkey, to name a few- in addition to the flagship store in Manhasset, NY. Christie Lauren has been a staple in the bridal industry for over 30 years and over the last ten years, Christie has broadened her clientele to include some of the most opulent brides among the luxury wedding scene. Christie prides her business on building relationships and giving her brides a fun and honest experience.