SHE IS CHEVAL was created out of chaos, creativity, and comradery.
CHEVAL (aka: Hayley Paige) is a byproduct of reinvention and an impassioned advocate for artists. The name represents a fresh start, an outlook of responsible optimism, and a determination to run against the wind.
C H E V A L, AKA HAYLEY PAIGE
TITLE: Chief Inspiration Officer
BASED: Palm Beach, Florida
INSPO QUOTE: “When one doors closes...KICK DOWN ANOTHER ONE (in sparkly shoes).”
PET: Winnie @misswinniepaige
WHAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW: I was a competitive gymnast growing up… and considered making all the shoes closed-toed because of my crooked toes! Instead, I’ve embraced the wonky-irregular feet that have kept me moving forward and incorporated all kinds of toe box silhouettes.
BEV OF CHOICE: Skinny Spicy Margarita *UP* with Tajin on the Rim
PET PEEVE: Telling myself I will remember that as opposed to writing it down.
INSTAGRAM: @sheischeval | @allthatglittersonthegram
As the friendly designer and America’s bridesmaid on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress,” Hayley Paige has dressed countless brides and female icons like Dove Cameron, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carrie Underwood. She was named in VOGUE'S TOP TEN as one of the most sought-after luxury bridal designers in the world. In 2017, she entered the tech space by developing and launching a wedding focused emoji app, Holy Matrimoji, that landed in the AppStore’s top 100 downloads on its debut. In 2018, she helped secure a licensing deal with Hearts on Fire diamonds becoming their brand ambassador.
In December of 2020, she unexpectedly found herself in the struggles of a lawsuit where she was unable to use her birthname in any business or commerce, lost control of her social media accounts, and was restricted from practicing her trade under a noncompete. Despite these challenges, she decided on a reinvention. She started identifying
under the new name, CHEVAL, debuted a women’s specialty shoe brand under SHE IS CHEVAL, and launched a nonprofit called A GIRL YOU MIGHT KNOW to provide legal resources and advocacy for young artists in the formative years of their career.
SHE IS HAYLEY PAIGE
Most recently, she announced the settlement of her litigation and acquisition of her intellectual property. She now owns all rights to her name, social media accounts, and intellectual property under the Hayley Paige brand. She plans to reenter the bridal industry under her namesake with the debut of a brand new collection...likely with shoes to match.
Elyse Gilreath
TITLE: Chief Experience Officer
BASED: Burlington, NJ
INSPO QUOTE: "Do what you love but call it work."
PET: Someday….but not today.
KIDS: Surrounded by boys!! Three to be exact.
WHAT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW: I will make any song a sing-along song. Anywhere. Anytime.
BEV OF CHOICE: Moscato (I prefer my wine not to taste like wine)
PET PEEVE: Handwashing clothes or dishes!! That's what the machines are for, people.
BIO: Fashion (and shopping) has always been her passion, and for many years also her profession. Early in her career, Elyse held a variety of positions in the women's fashion retail space: spending time in luxury accessories, personal shopping, visual merchandising, and retail management. When she landed in bridal fashion wholesale, that just felt like the perfect fit. In 2012, Elyse met Cheval as they worked for the same house of brands, and in 2013 they began what would become a decade-long professional partnership and a lifelong friendship. Sometimes referred to as "the dynamic duo," her time with Cheval in the bridal space was inspiring, fulfilling, exhilarating, and exhausting. Together they built a successful brand that most importantly made people smile. To have the opportunity to work together again, this time building with even greater purpose, is truly a dream come true.
Elyse lives in her home state of New Jersey with her husband and three little boys. You can check out just how wild (and wildly cute) they are @elyseocchi.
Our story has only just begun
We are so grateful to be a part of the women’s footwear industry and look forward to taking up thoughtful space. But most of all, we look forward to building a creative expression that speaks to many kinds of people in all walks of life; one that cultivates inclusivity, kindness, and unbridled creativity.
Thank you for inspiring us to put our best foot forward.
