“My goal through my brand and design is in part to help educate consumers in making better purchasing decisions.
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It all started when…
SOULDEGA: When did you first enter the world of design and fashion/modeling?
DANI: Oh man, I’ve been modeling since I was a teenager (I won’t tell you how long cuz I’ll give away age, lol). I didn’t really start taking it seriously though until I moved to NYC. Design, also started sketching as a kid, then learned to sew. I’d make pieces for myself and friends back in my nightlife days.
SOULDEGA: We noticed that you sew your own pieces. Where did you pick up that skill and what was the first piece you created?
DANI: As of right now yes, I plan to stop asap to focus on other aspects of the business. I learned to sew in high school and then went to Miami University of Art and Design to continue my studies. I have been honing my craft ever since. The sewing part is honestly the easiest, it’s all the other aspects of design (ideation, merchandising, fabric sourcing and pattern making) that bring a garment to life. And the first I created was probably a pillowcase, but it’s been so long I could even tell ya to be honest.
SOULDEGA: Where do you draw inspiration from when creating a new collection?
DANI: Various things, plants, scenery, smells (the collection Im dropping next morphed from the fragrance I live by and the moods it evokes), travels, art
SOULDEGA: Who is the ECLECTISIST woman?
DANI: She is smart. She is driven. She is a conscious consumer who believes in quality over quantity. She represents who she is through her aesthetic presentation (from her hair down to her toe-nails to her home and everything in between). She has this intriguing presence about her. She strives to make a positive impact on this world. She is sassy. She is sophisticated. She has this subtle sexiness that stems from her confidence or positive self image. She doesn’t take herself too seriously.
SOULDEGA: How has the fashion industry changed and not changed from your perspective of being a Designer and Model?
DANI: Fashion as a whole has changed greatly since I grew up in the early 90’s (before social media and the growth of a more global economy). We have more access to more options that we may or may not need. We’ve seen from this the need to be sustainable due to over-production, fast fashion and its environmental impacts. The way we think about clothes is intertwined in this “throw away” culture, where godforbid you wear an item more than once. My goal through my brand and design is in part to help educate consumers in making better purchasing decisions.
SOULDEGA: If you could collaborate with any designer who would it be and why?
DANI: Damn, that’s a tough one that I haven’t really thought of. It would either be a jewelry or footwear designer (AMINA MUADDI) or a sportswear brand like Nike because these are complimentative brands.