That Time I Spotted My Dress on a Stranger in New York

A few weeks ago, I was in New York City with my boyfriend, walking through the West Village, one of my favorite neighborhoods. We were strolling, window-shopping, and just soaking up the energy of the city when I pointed out a cute restaurant. My boyfriend looked inside — and then froze.

He turned to me and said, “Kaja, I think one of the girls in there is wearing your dress.”

I thought he must be mistaken — I mean, what are the odds? But I looked in, and there she was. Sitting at a table in the middle of a busy restaurant was a girl wearing our Ella Mini Dress in pink — my design. A dress I had sketched, developed, and poured hours into perfecting.

Naturally, I had to go in. I asked the staff if it was okay to approach her, and when they said yes, I made my way over. And yes — it really was my dress.

I started Murlong Cres five years ago from my bedroom in Norway. I used to sew every piece myself, dreaming of the day people I didn’t know would wear my designs out in the world. To randomly spot someone wearing one of our dresses — in New York of all places — felt surreal. A full-circle moment I’ll never forget.

I didn’t ask for a photo (I wish I had), but I walked out of that restaurant with the biggest smile. It was a quiet reminder that the dream I had back then? It’s happening.

And yes — the Ella Mini Dress in pink is still available, if you want to wear the one I saw on the streets of NYC.