About


I am Merike, Bridal fashion designer, Miracle Worker, Realtor, Business Owner, Positivist and Angels Lover. My story has evolved from the humble beginnings all the way to becoming the passionate and skilled wedding wear designer. My journey has been filled with countless one-of-a-kind experiences, opportunities and learning curves. I have been blessed with patience and courage which have helped fulfill my dreams. My personal mission is to make my client’s wedding wear dreams come true by way of creating perfect custom made clothes.


The most influential person whom I inherited the knowledge of style, passion for fashion, skills and patience needed to be a dressmaker is my grandmother Salme. She nurtured my talents and laid the foundation to be passionate about what I do.
I want my clients to know that the garments they wear, are authentic and personally hand made by the designer, I want them to feel the love that every dress is made with. I want my designs to evoke the feelings of comfort, confidence and beauty.
1982 - Schooling
I was born in Estonia, in a beautiful town of Rakvere with colorful history, culture and ancient castle. By the age of 16, I knew my destiny is to be in fashion. My family was supportive of my choices and immediately after the middle school graduation in 1982, I applied at the technical high-school in Tallinn. In 1985 I graduated with honors and acquired a diploma in tailoring and footwear design.
1988 - The Start of Designer Life
1990 - The Rome experience
1991 - Head-on into fashion
2000 - The Hudson’s Bay Company
Y2K started for me with an extraordinary opportunity at The Hudson’s Bay Company. As a manager of The Bay Bridal Boutique at the Toronto flagship store On Queen Street I gained invaluable insight into the corporate world, met many interesting and inspiring individuals and enjoyed the mesmerizing journey deeper into the wedding wear industry.
2002 - Partnering with Jeffery Bridal
2010 - Jeffery Bridal by Merike
2019 - Merike Klaas Designs
Merike Klaas Designs is Hamilton’s best choice for custom made bridal and evening wear. Since the beginning of 2019, designer and owner Merike Laigna specializes in creating unique and sophisticated wedding gowns and special occasion dresses. Every custom made garment is boasting of sartorial excellence and is an expression of the designer’s keen eye for unique fabrics and high fashion inspired couture details.
My ultimate goal is to grant my clients the feeling of luxury of the well fitted, personalized clothing. It makes me extremely proud and fulfilled to deliver the satisfaction, confidence, comfort and ultimately timeless value which is derived from the authenticity of custom couture garments
“Sometimes I feel like a wizard.”
– Merike

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