How does a Canadian engineer find herself in the middle of the excitement of London fashion week? And not as a buyer or a model, but as a highly acclaimed designer. If you're Dee Dee Shkreli, it just came naturally.
Dee Dee Shkreli has been designing and constructing original fashion nearly all her life. She began by dressing her dolls, which inspired her to remake her own clothes. Then she learned to sew and draft patterns; her new creative skills enabled her to create the one-of-a-kind wardrobe she craved. People loved her original clothing. “Once I started getting good feedback, I decided to sell them to girls who wanted more out of fashion than just what the malls had to offer. And now I thank all those girls who got me where I am today.”
When she was in college, she set up displays of her jewelry and clothing in the student union, and just like that: her design label, Dilly Daisy, was born. Dee Dee graduated from college with an engineering degree, and worked in the profession until she was laid off. Her reaction to the layoff was to redirect her focus, follow her passion, and devote her time and energy to her business. The result of her efforts has been phenomenal.
Dee Dee entered the 2010 UsTrendy Spring Fashion Week competition: to her great surprise, she placed in the top ten. “I didn’t think I was going to win. In fact I was surprised when I made it to the top ten. But when I found out that I had won overall, I couldn’t believe it. I was so excited.”
Her win catapults her into the prestigious and select group of designers who participate in a major fashion week. UsTrendy is sending her to London, for the LGN Events "A La Mode" fashion showcase in February, 2010.
The high profile London event will provide Dee Dee with the opportunity to showcase her designs to an upscale audience of buyers, press, industry professionals and consumers. Dee Dee plans to present her vintage-inspired Dilly Daisy collection, Eye Candy. “London Fashion Week gives me the opportunity to gain exposure and network overseas. It also lets me be a part of a fashion city like London while gaining wonderful experiences and great opportunities along the way.”
She expresses gratitude to everyone who voted for her designs. “Thanks for believing in me and my designs and for giving me the chance to make my dreams come true.”
The Dee Dee Shkreli story is a perfect example of how everything can come together if you follow your passion. When she was laid off from her engineering job, she decided to take a different path, and do what she loves. An award-winning choice.
**Click Here To Buy tickets to London Fashion Week Event hosted by La Geneve North Events**
