When it comes to fashion, deep down we are all slaves to the big clothing corporations and infamous designer brands. It sounds very appealing when we speak about supporting local brands and shopping amongst the community, but sometimes it feels as though the international brands are just a step ahead of us here in South Africa.
I for one am an extremely fussy shopper and won’t just buy anything, which is why I was happiness personified to have stumbled upon the amazing Doll Clothing. Finally a brand that not only makes me want to buy locally, but it is my prefered fashion choice and is produced and sold right here in Durban.
Okay so you might be asking, Who is Doll?
Doll Clothing has been running since 2013, when founder Chanel Letschert finished her Fashion and Textile diploma from DUT. Chanel describes it as something that was born not by conscious decision but by her inner design passion that refused to be sidelined, during the months that followed University and the hunt for a ‘proper job’. Whilst it did not take off over night; once Chanel, accompanied by her business savvy Mother and now business partner, had found the right contacts for sourcing and manufacturing garments, they were set. Doll showed itself at the perfect time in both Chanel and her Mother’s lives; and what you see now is the by product of their hard work and meticulous dedication to building their brand.
Just over 2 years in and Doll is already becoming a fast sought after label, having seen names such as Former Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar and Top Billing Presenter Jeannie D rocking the brand. Ensuring that Doll stays current and fresh Chanel is a seasoned traveller finding inspiration for her next range somewhere between the beaches of Greece and markets in Morocco. Proving that Doll Clothing can not only compare but can compete with international trends and designers.
Is it superficial to say that it helps that Chanel herself is an uber trendy fashionista? I mean in my mind one of the aspects that makes Doll so popular is that Chanel makes clothes that she would personally wear herself. The fabric is sourced and sewn locally, and each and every design has been created by Chanel herself. Whilst remaining on trend she chooses to follow her own creative flare and the results, they speak for themselves.
Featured above is one of Doll’s latest designs for the upcoming Summer season. This striking pink jumpsuit with green, purple and gold detailing is the jumpsuit girls only dream about. Its soft silky fabric make this outfit perfect for a day at the beach or paired with some wedges, a Summer’s night out. My favourite aspect is definitely the gorgeous oversized bell sleeves! Accentuation placed on sleeves is a big trend this season and Doll does a perfect take on this. The front of the jumpsuit features a seriously low cut adding a very fun and flirty element to the look – it is Summer after all! If you’re like me and a bit more reserved when it comes to cleavage, you can opt for a tank top or boobtube bikini to go underneath your jumpsuit. Adding layers of jewellery is also a great way to leave you feeling less exposed and really makes these bright colours pop.
My second look shown is the kaftan of all kaftans! This exotic european inspired look is going to take Summer by storm. With its bold purple and blue print it catches your attention straight away. The kaftan has a high slit on the side and an off the shoulder loose fit, making it perfect to throw on before or after a day at the beach. As with all of the Doll garments, it is perfectly breezy and comfortable, and has just the right amount of transparency allowing your bikini underneath to show through, yet still leaving a lot to the imagination. I chose to pair this look with bold white tassel earrings to glam it up a bit and brown gladiator sandals. Ideally I would opt to go barefoot with something like this but I chose to add the shoes here to show the versatility of the look.
What I love about these items shown here, and Doll Clothing in general, is the exclusivity and uniqueness about each item. With some of the garments that are made, there is very limited fabric in each print, so your item that you purchase is quite literally one of a kind. Both the items featured here come in different colours and patterns. Unlike other mass produced clothing brands, Doll takes pride and care with each and every item, ensuring that Doll’s exclusive clientele receive garments of the very best quality.
I have been a loyal Doll customer for quite some time now and I have no doubt I will still be for many years to come. If you are interested in checking out some more Doll Clothing head on over to their social media and have a scroll through some of the other latest looks for this summer. Did I mention that they deliver to your door? Shopping convenience at it’s best. Alternatively you can set up a time with Chanel to view her range at her beautiful home, and Doll headquarters, in Umhlanga or listen out for more information as to when the next pop up store/open-day will be held.
Instagram – @doll.sa
Facebook – Doll SA
Website – www.dollfashion.co.za
You’re gorgeous
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
WOW–COLORS, SILKINESS AND SERIOUS STYLISHNESS!!!!