Fashion in the Making
Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE me some fashion. I'm quite vocal about it - to my dream of owning Manolo's to my strong distaste for certain American designers who use celebrities to sell their lines. A true artist needs no solicitations. I wanted to be a fashion designer from the early age of 5, when I was sketching little outfits that I thought would miraculously materialize if I drew them.
I like fashion that fits. I like fashion not made for boards called women and I like fashion that is fun and sexy and looks great on. Designer Darnell "Jewell" Davis and President and partner Belinda Harris of Dahveese Couture do just this - design fun and beautiful pieces. Dahveese has just showed their Spring/Summer '06 collection at New York's Fashion Week. Yes, I said Spring/Summer '06 because in the fashion world lines come out a season ahead. Dahveese Couture is the label name which operates under the Company of Davesdenm, LLC and are are based in Pennsylvania. Darnell has been designing for over 10 years and has been involved in Dahveese with Belinda since 2003. They were kind enough to take time to answer my questions about their freshly created fashion business.
What
types of fabrics do you use?
A lot of our designs incorporate fine fabrics and denim. We often use denim as our signature fabric and blend it with silks, silk taffeta, silk chiffon and other fine materials.
You have some nice detail to your clothing, is this added in the
end or in the primary sketch of the item?
Usually the details are added in a three step process. 1st the initial design is sketched as the foundation of what the garment is to look like. Then details are added to insure the item is true, unique and so far to left and different than anything in its class. 3rd, a sample is constricted and more details are added or changed to aid in having a clean and neat product as well as smooth production qualities.
How would you describe your line and what are you trying to say
with your clothing?
We would describe our clothing as trendsetting. We simply set out to do what the rest won’t, don’t
or can’t. Our credo is : “Life imitates fashion and fashion is what you make it.” Our message is simple, Be unique, dress your personality, that is what sets you apart.
Where did your name come from?
The name stems from the designer last name with a twist. Originally it was Davis with a short vowel accent over the a and an accent mark over the I. So you would need to say dah-veese. Then we changed the look to be more marketable, and used the pronunciation of the name (Dah-veese) or Dahveese to be the overall logo and focal point.
How
do you decided on what colors, fabrics, and patterns you're going to use?
We try to use color from our surrounding and just life in general. Most of the time those colors are forever changing and stand the test of time. Colors from the different blues in the sky to all the rays of colors through out the earth. The hard part Is choosing from such a broad spectrum.
You just did your first Fashion Week. Describe how you feel about that?
We're proud, proud of the collection and the overall response to the show and clothing. And proud of
each other for making it happen. Being very ambitious people we have not yet celebrated the show. We just moved to the next step in game. Realizing that we still have a long road to go.
Do you feel that ready to wear fashions have gone to the extreme
or do you feel a sort of conservativeness starting to come back to fashion...less
skin more class?
Yes we do feel that they have gone to the extreme. There is a lot of clothing that seems to be made just for the quick dollar. A lot of designs that feed off popularity. As if the designers are scared to be unique. Once you have the consumer's attention, we believe it should be used to make a difference, not a buck.
Who do you want to see wearing your clothes? (celebritywise)
Currently we are designing for Nicky Hilton and Raz B from B2K. And both love Dahveese Couture fashions. Ultimately we would like to add Paris Hilton, Mariah Carey, Angela Bassett, Ciara, Mary J. Blidge, Beyonce, Cameron Diaz, just to name of few.
What's in the future for Dah-Veese?
We envision Dahveese becoming a household name. To acquire a chain of Dahveese Couture shops and to expand our accessories in handbags, Dahveese shoes, and jewelry. We also intend on creating a men’s line as well as a children collection. Because we have always been hands on, we look forward to obtaining our own in house manufacturing companies.
Favorite designer?
As the designer, I have respect for a lot of other real designers but unfortunately not one that I am solely inspired by. I simply try to create designs that aren’t inspired by other designers work.
When asked, Mrs Harris answered that her inspiration was the designer. Although she likes other labels. She contributes her ongoing passion for the industry to the designer.
What influences your design?
Most of our designs are influenced by life and personality. Designs that capture a mood or attitude. Rarely do we design based on what is popular or in whether it be color or style. We may take a look that we have seen somewhere and figure out how to evolve it.
Type
of music you use for your runway shows?
We choose music that reflects the same mood or attitude of the design. It could anything from Hip Hop, to R&B to classical.
How do you plan on standing out from the trends we see today?
By simply maintaining a strong commitment to being the trendsetter. Continue to create designs that turn heads and evolve.
Where can people get your clothing?
We have a number of potential department stores and boutiques that will be carrying the Dahveese label come this spring 2006, that, we would like to keep under wraps for now. But currently we are showcasing our fashions on our website www.dahveese.com which will be available for online purchase closer to the spring season.
Any accessories in the line?
Yes, we currently have a modest couture hand bag line on our website. And are working on launching a full collection this coming spring.
How
do you feel about so called "celebrity lines". I feel that today
it's easy for celebrities to stick their name on a label, but do you feel
they are actually doing the designing? Don't you think that takes away
from the integrity of actual fashion designing?
We feel these type of lines are rightfully a big part of the forward movement of fashion. But are not necessary helping the creative process and are ultimately robbing the consumer of quality clothing. We feel that the majority are not doing the designing if not all. As a true designer who not only sketches the designs but sews them as well. I feel it does take away from the integrity of designing.
Moschino or Gautier?
Gautier
Thank you to Darnell and Belinda for their answers. Please check out their Spring/Summer '06 collection online at www.dahveese.com . Who knows you may be prancing around in the club wearing one of these street sexy fashions!