ONES TO WATCH

DAUPHINETTE

The first word that comes to mind when I think about Dauphinette is fabulous. I mean this as it applies to all the aspects of this brand. Fabulous clothing and accessories. Fabulous vibe. Fabulous consciousness.

The designer and founder, Olivia Cheng, is committed to sustainability, from the recycled polyester she used to construct some of the garments, to the vintage fabrics she often employs in her designs. She’s innovative and creative and believes that everyone should be able to wear her designs.  Chain mail and plastic, vintage cloth and even recycled fur—anything works when it gets onto Olivia’s cutting tables. Details abound. Every aspect of what she makes has something unique and special about it.

I spoke extensively with Olivia at the show. She’s enthusiastic and focused. She was easily able to define her place in the fashion hierarchy by saying it’s just not a brand that can be defined. The pictures speak a thousand words. Having her own retail store also allows her to do what she wants. And I agree. Dauphinette is novel and certainly unconventional, a brand for today and tomorrow, and definitely one to watch.