Meet the Fashion Designer Behind Laura Finley Atelier
Meet Laura Finley, the Nashville fashion designer who turned her college senior collection into Laura Finley Atelier, a made-to-measure brand built on "livable luxury." Image: Daniel Brown
Most fashion designers spend years working behind the scenes before launching a label of their own. But for Nashville designer Laura Finley Hasenbank, things happened a little differently. After sharing pieces from her Belmont University senior collection on Instagram, she started receiving requests to buy them. Those early inquiries planted the seed for what would become Laura Finley Atelier, a made-to-measure fashion brand built around what she calls “livable luxury.” Now, Laura Finley helps Nashville women celebrate life’s biggest milestones … and everyday moments, too.
You officially launched Laura Finley Atelier in 2025. What made you take the leap?
Well, as a senior in college (at the time), everyone was wondering what’s next. I knew I wanted to be a hands-on fashion designer, but most new graduates don’t get that opportunity. Would it even be possible to launch my own label right out of school? I didn’t think so, but as I began sharing my senior collection for Belmont’s O’More Fashion Show on Instagram, I started receiving requests to purchase.
As my 2025 graduation approached, and I had not yet landed that perfect hands-on job, I started dreaming bigger about doing my own thing. Thankfully, I have a creative, entrepreneurial mom who believed I had what it took to start a business and guided me through the early steps.
“Livable luxury” is such a beautiful phrase. How do you bring that idea to life in your designs?
My goal is to create beautifully designed, well-crafted clothes that don’t live in a closet, but are worn and enjoyed in everyday life. Yes, there are special occasion designs, but I also love creating pieces that make an ordinary day feel like an occasion.
What does the experience look like for someone coming to you for a made-to-measure or custom bridal piece?
Custom and made-to-measure have become a significant part of my business, and I absolutely adore it! The custom process begins with a design meeting where silhouette, color, and inspiration are discussed. I then present custom sketches and fabric swatches.
Once a design is finalized, I create patterns and sew a mockup in cotton muslin. The mockup is a wonderful opportunity for the client to visualize the design, and for me to perfect the fit. I love seeing the design come to life as I cut and sew, but the best part is seeing finished work on my clients and being a witness to how beautiful they feel in something made just for them.
What first pulled you into fashion? Was there a moment when you knew this was it for you?
I have been into fashion since I was a little girl. I would change outfits several times a day and wear tiaras and princess dresses out to the grocery store with my mom.
As a child, my mom asked me what I thought of a new top she had bought. I immediately told her, “Too many buttons.” And she looked down and said, “You’re so right!” I love this story because I have always had an eye for fashion and continue to be detail-oriented in my work.
Is there a piece you’ve created that you feel especially connected to or proud of?
Although I’ve designed more complex pieces, the Cecile Skirt will always be a piece I return to as classic Laura Finley Atelier. Named after my sister, Hallie Cecile, the Cecile Skirt is crafted from crisp cotton poplin, gathered into a sculpted Basque waist, and finished with a deep-faced hem and hand-sewn details. It’s the design I launched my business with and is the epitome of my brand philosophy: livable luxury.
If you could design a piece for anyone, past or present, who would it be, and what would you create for them?
Grace Kelly. Her legacy is timeless and classic. I gravitate towards old Hollywood for inspiration and particularly love Christian Dior’s “New Look” popularized in the 1950s. I would design Grace an off-the-shoulder gown in pale blue silk with princess seams, a fitted bodice, a full sweeping skirt, hand-folded knife pleats on the neckline, and perhaps a ribbon wrapping the fitted waistline.
When you’re not in your atelier, where can we find you?
In the warm, summer months, you can find me by the pool. I love to be outside in the sun, and if friends are with me, even better! I keep a full cup of ice water, a book (most likely Katherine Center’s newest novel), sunscreen, and lip balm on the table next to my lounge chair. And I always wear a wide-brimmed hat.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
Something that often surprises people is I am a bit of a farm girl. I grew up in the big city of Houston, TX, but moved to Franklin, TN, when I was nine. My family had chickens, ducks, lambs, and even a miniature highland cow. I collected eggs, mowed grass, fed the chickens, and rode horses. I did all my chores in barn boots, but I often had on a cute outfit and jewelry and had my hair done, because I’m always a fashion girl first.
If you had to describe your personal style in three words, what would they be?
The first words that come to mind are: classic, feminine, and timeless. My go-to is denim and a white top, which never goes out of style. My clients often find me in jeans, a lace white top, and ballet flats. I dress simply, but with intention and detail. I love to wrap a silk scarf around my neck, wear an antique watch, and carry my vintage Gucci Jackie bag to accessorize.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that’s really stuck with you?
Stay true to who you are. I’ve had the opportunity to ask both David Lauren at Ralph Lauren and Rebecca Hessel Cohen at LoveShackFancy for advice to a young designer, and both emphasized the importance of finding your own voice, knowing who you are, and building your brand around that.
I hold this advice close and believe each of my designs is a direct reflection of my own personal lifestyle and aesthetic. When you look at any one of my garments, I hope it’s obvious through the classic silhouettes, exquisite fabric choices, and fine finishing details that it’s from Laura Finley Atelier.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Go-to boutique or gift shop in Nashville? White’s Mercantile
Favorite recent meal in Nashville? Sushi San‘s spicy tuna roll and a Thank You Enjoy #6 (a margarita that comes in a take-out box).
What’s on your nightstand? Hatch alarm clock, Rhode vanilla peptide lip treatment, Trader Joe’s hand cream, and lavender pillow spray.
Self-care item you can’t live without? A thick, hydrating lip product. My favorites are the Laneige lip sleeping mask and the Rhode peptide treatment.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Editorial Operations Manager and Lead Content Editor. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.