We recently had the chance to connect with Karla Roble and have shared our conversation below.
Karla, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My day begins quite early—usually around 5 a.m.—often with a quiet moment of inspiration: a sketchbook open, a fabric swatch in hand, maybe a few notes from a midnight idea I had the night before. Just kidding! Well, except for the early start part. 😄
I usually roll out of bed, head straight to the bathroom to shower, do my skincare routine, throw on some workout clothes, and pack my things for work—laptop, iPad, patterns, fabrics, and an unfinished dress I worked on the night before. Then I walk my dog, feed her, and drive to an orthopedic rehab center in DTLA to do physical therapy on my knee (I had knee surgery a year ago). That usually takes about an hour and a half.
After PT, I head to my studio, which is conveniently just down the street from the rehab center. I’m typically there just before 9 a.m., around the same time my assistant arrives, and that’s when we begin our workday.
I’ve now been running my business full-time for two years, and it’s been quite the experience—especially working in what used to be my apartment, and is now being transformed into our design studio.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Karla Roble – a bridal fashion designer based in Los Angeles, and the founder of the Karla Roble brand. My work is all about creating intentional, emotionally resonant, bespoke bridalwear that feels as meaningful as the moment it’s worn. I specialize in crafting gowns and pieces that blend softness with structure, romance with modern edge often featuring delicate lacework, clean silhouettes, and thoughtful, hand-finished details.
What started as a creative passion has evolved into a full-time design studio where I get to bring women’s wedding visions to life. I work closely with each bride to make sure every stitch feels personal, and every design reflects her story, her personality and not just her style.
I’ve been running my brand full-time for the past two years, out of a space that was once my apartment and is now a working studio. When I’m not designing gowns, I’m going on walks with my dog, rehabbing a knee injury (a whole journey of its own), going to the gym, getting back into freediving with my fiancé and hopefully dancing again too, soon!
At the heart of Karla Roble is a love for craft, storytelling, and creating pieces that will be remembered forever. Right now, I’m working on expanding into more customizable bridal separates — shawls, and veils — each designed to become part of a bride’s lasting memory.
If you’re into handmade pieces made with a whole lot of heart — you’re in the right place. 🙂
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I would have to say I’ve learned, and continue to learn, from my former boss turned friend and mentor, Michael Costello. Working with someone who’s a celebrity designer and has dressed some of the biggest names in the U.S. and internationally, I learned the importance of visibility and self-belief.
Michael took what could have been a “niche” talent and turned it into a globally recognized brand. He taught me to be unapologetic with my designs and to be clear, confident, and consistent.
He faced a lot of challenges early on, from being underestimated to dealing with rejection, and even unfair criticism from fans. But he kept showing up, not just for himself, but for his family and for us, his team. That level of grit reminded me that in fashion (and life), talent alone isn’t enough – persistence is everything.
During my time working with Michael, we had the opportunity to dress celebrities like Beyoncé, JLo, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and other icons. It was a powerful lesson in how important relationships, PR, and timing are in fashion. But I also saw firsthand that the design itself has to perform, it needs to photograph well, move well, and make the wearer feel powerful.
I learned that while celebrity influence isn’t everything, it can absolutely help. More importantly, I learned that emotion sells. Michael doesn’t just design gowns, he creates fantasy, confidence, and transformation. That’s something every designer, especially in bridal, can take to heart. Brides aren’t just buying a piece of fabric, they’re buying how they’ll remember themselves in that moment.
His career has shown me that consistency, resilience, and emotional impact are just as important as craftsmanship.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One thing not many people know about me is that I have deep abandonment issues. My siblings and I were raised by our dad, our grandma, and a countless number of nannies. If there was one thing that felt consistent for me as a child, it was the feeling of being left behind. Whether it was my mom leaving when I was just one year old, or the endless cycle of nannies coming and going, it often felt like I was being abandoned over and over again by all these mother figures. Im not quite sure i am completely healed yet, i am still in the process of healing myself i guess. I do know that i’ve been working a lot on being kinder to myself, whether its speaking to myself with gentleness, validating my own feelings, or offering the safety, consistency, and love i longed for as a child but didn’t receive, and learning to set boundaries and being consistent with it. I am still working on being the adult i needed and showing up for my own emotional needs without abandoning myself.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe so. I try to be as authentic as i possibly can in every way possible. Both in person and online.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes! Absolutely. At the deepest level, i’m wired to always give my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karlaroble.com
- Instagram: @karlaroblebride and @karlaroblestudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karla_roble
- Other: ETSY SHOP – https://karlaroble.etsy.com
Image Credits
Jasmine Marie Photography, Sierra James Photography, Tiffany Christina Photography, Carlo Parducho Photography,
