The only thing better than a stunning jacket, is a stunning jacket with a story. Caitlyn Paige reincarnates beautiful memories by giving beloved quilts a second life as wearable art.
Originally from Georgia, Caitlyn moved to Tuscaloosa 4 years ago and married her sweetheart, Russell. Together they spoil their precious pup, Molly (you can swoon over Molly’s IG here: @mollytheshopdog) and own a barbershop in downtown Tuscaloosa.
When she isn’t being the fairy godmother to our Cinderella, Caitlyn is also a full time photographer who finds the most joy in capturing real life moments and memories. Forever on a search for the best street tacos and margaritas, Caitlyn loves to travel and spend time with her friends and family.
““My mom taught me how to sew when I was like 5 years old. I was constantly creating little outfits or bags and just begging her to sew any chance I got.””
From the time Caitlyn was sewing beautiful little dresses, she always dreamt of one day starting a clothing line of her own. Her sweet sketches filled her notebooks all through middle and high school.
““I can remember sitting in class doodling on paper different dresses, outfit ideas, and of course the logo for my brand.””
Shortly after Caitlyn married Russell, she said goodbye to her full time job in order to start photography full-time.
““During the early months of starting my photography business, I found myself to be really stressed and felt like I was lacking something. I was lacking a creative outlet that was just for me. So, I started sewing again.””
For anyone who enjoys thrifting, you know that sometimes the most extraordinary discoveries happen in your local thrift store. When Caitlyn locked eyes with her first quilt, she knew it needed some major TLC, but also felt a creative vision coming to life. Caitlyn began creating upcycled clothing, exclusively using previously loved vintage quilts. She makes a very intentional decision to never cut any quilt that is in perfect condition. Almost every quilt she uses takes a minimum of 24 hours to get cleaned or repaired.
““I know that the quilts I use were made by someone before me and at some point the quilts were passed down from generations. I want to do my best to honor the people who originally made the quilts by turning them into something new so that they can be loved for even longer.””
Right now, what inspires Caitlyn the most is the idea that things have the ability to gain value over time. Whether that be physical things or moments that are only tangible by the heart. Caitlyn is captured by memories. The ability to remember good moments is a kind of magic that is indescribable to her.
Caitlyn’s favorite piece that she’s created is this pink heavy-weight kimono jacket. The quilt itself is the oldest quilt she has worked with thus far. Which made this project one that was full of challenges.
““Honestly it was so fun to work through those challenges, learn from a few mistakes, and create something that looks worn but also new at the same time. It’s a really cool piece with fun colors, some holes and tears that were naturally created from being loved and worn in its previous life. It’s actually the jacket that made me believe that other people would want one.””
If Caitlyn had the glorious opportunity to style any celebrity in one of her designs, she would choose Mr. and Mrs. Bieber. Caitlyn loves the idea of a couple that could share a jacket and wear it different ways!
““My hope is that people will wake up and put on their jacket with slippers while they drink coffee, then wear it while out and about with sneakers. Wear it while traveling out west with their cowboy boots and hat. I want it to be something so versatile that it’s the only thing you really want or need in your closet for those colder seasons. Then eventually, I hope these pieces are so loved that they only look better with time and one day will be passed down to the next generation.” ”