Dolcessa Swimwear

Fabulous Designer: Dolcessa

Phoenix Fashion Week presented the Global Virtual Runway Experience – The Style Trend Show on Dec. 19. The virtual show featured six couture and ready-to-wear designers with unique backdrops and styles, representing multiple continents. Today, meet participating designer Katya Leoncio of Dolcessa

Brand name and headquarters: Dolcessa, Las Vegas

What is unique about your brand: Luxury clothing line for sophisticated women and men. Designed in Las Vegas, made in Europe. Drawing inspiration from nature, and the flora and fauna.

What kind of social impact will your brand leave on the world: We believe that we need less units but better-quality clothing items. That way we can wear our favorite pieces for years and have a better impact on the environment.

Your first fashion job: A sales associate in Roberto Cavalli, Forum Shops.

Key person who impacted your fashion/business life the most and why: Probably Roberto Cavalli, for the beautiful colors and prints in his designs. Always drawing inspiration from natural shapes and colors, and most of all aiming to make the women wearing his designs feel feminine and beautiful. Working in his stores and seeing the quality and amazing craftsmanship of his designs inspired me to start my own brand and to always create the highest quality product.

Your biggest fashion accomplishment so far in your eyes: Being sold in some of the most amazing retail locations around the globe – in the five-star resorts of the Las Vegas strip, the dreamy Maldivian islands and luxury hotels and malls in Dubai. Also, a great accomplishment has been the fact that we have been featured in Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue for 10 consecutive years!

The biggest fashion/business obstacle you have overcome: Probably the fact that our brand still exists and is stronger than ever in the year of 2020, while the global economy has taken a huge hit because of the Covid-19 virus.

A designer who inspires you today: Olivier Rousteing of Balmain. His designs are vintage and super-edgy at the same time – and somehow always maintain a fresh perspective and highlight the female body in a very architectural way.

Your favorite quote: “The more you know, the less you fear.”

Advice to someone pursuing a career as a fashion designer in today’s challenging environment: Make clothes that are wearable and comfortable, regardless of the type and style. Always wear your own designs if applicable and make sure they hold up to being worn and washed. Try to design for different shapes and body types, that way you will have a wider variety of customer clientele. Always strive to improve your designs, take constructive criticism and, most importantly, listen to what your customer wants.

How did the Virtual Style Trend Show by Phoenix Fashion Week impact your brand during pandemic: We are very grateful for being part of Phoenix Fashion Week’s virtual show because it gave us an opportunity to showcase our designs and send our message out, regardless of the challenging times of the pandemic.

What can fans expect to see from your brand in 2021: We are launching our swim men’s collection – cool and trendy swim trunks, perfect for lounging poolside, delivering that signature Vegas pool party vibe! We are also introducing our first-ever Winter collection of glittery sequin dresses, and hand-embroidered blazers – unique pieces that will create beautiful memories and will be a part of your wardrobe for years to come.

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