Having admired Dorotea's work from a distance for quite some time, we're really glad that she was so willing to share her story with us and invited us along to her latest collection's shoot.
Dorotea grew up in Slovenia until she moved to Milan to start her fashion career at the Italian fashion institute, Instituto Marangoni. Here she honed her skills to become the talented designer she is today. Dot has always had a creative streak, with her Mother telling her how she began to hold a pencil and draw even before she could speak. From here, it was just a matter of finding the right path in creative expression. This path was fashion.
Upon completing her studies in Milan, Dot chose to move to London, a move made in a quest for more freedom of expression. The cultural melting pot that is this city drew her in, and she tells me that London suits her personality and enables her to be inspired by every culture existent on this planet. Being home to over 300 languages and 270 cultures really does make London a unique city.
Multiculturalism makes London such a notorious city when it comes to freedom of artistic expression.
Interestingly, Dot explains to me how she sees fashion design as a way to solve problems. It is her way of echoing her views and opinions on today's social issues. Dot undertakes sociopsychological research of cultures from all over the world that she later interprets with her garments, to explore how these cultures could borrow from one another and learn. A truly simple yet wonderful idea. Wielding her artistic eye and interest in Middle Eastern culture, Dot creates a truly unique and inspiring label and ethos. Her way of thinking is one that should be shared with the world and taken on by all.
A large amount of randomness has contributed in the stars aligning Dot's current position in the world. Being constantly driven by curiosity and obsessive research has probably played a large factor, though how she ended up with such strong cultural references to the Middle East is still a mystery to her, coming herself from a very Western world. However she attributes the initial sparks of her interest to her fascination with shapes and silhouettes.
Since my early beginnings, I was always fascinated by volume. Whether it was structure and shape, or soft and floaty. There is something very interesting in the Middle Eastern culture aesthetically and culturally.
Dot is also questioning Western moral values over here, and how our dress codes are a reflection of our social condition. In respect to how she feels about this as a reality, she is communicating her creative point of view and values by designing a socially aware collection that allows space for introspection and alternative lifestyle.
I believe fashion can be used in many different directions and serve different purposes.
Dot explains how she believes there is fashion for the spotlight, and there is also fashion for backstage people that like the comfort of their space, and she clearly represents the latter. It is refreshing to meet a designer who is not in it for the spotlight but instead to spread peace and learning across the world.
The basic problem of today's consumerist society and overconsumption is Dot's main influence in her approach to fashion. While the aesthetic of Dot's label is an ever evolving language, the accent is always very subtle - a minimal style. What Dot is trying to create are pieces that everyone can adopt and interpret according to their personality. While they are simple, they are effortlessly stylish, and there is no wonder why they have been so well received by the beautiful women of the East.
Dot addresses the well covered issue of our modern society moving away from self-identification with our primary culture. "There is a strong presence of unification, our inhibition is saying more to us than we think," referencing the way we tend to organise our lifestyles according to our values and beliefs. Dot favours the kind of design which is uniform yet can be interpreted individually. It is a special moment for Dot to collaborate with like-minded souls who interpret her clothing with their own visions and way of thinking.
To Dot, design equals problem solving. She explores social issues in our society and designs accordingly. Her garments are designed to echo the concept of alternative living and lifestyle, minimal style and maximum functionality - all of which Dot so strongly believes in. Her soft draping lends itself to this style of life.
One of the reasons I decided to become a fashion designer is the feeling of never really fitting in.
Not unlike many other creatives today, Dot feels a strong need to communicate her identity. She always felt she was different and now she has the courage and confidence to communicate this striking difference and way of thinking in a peaceful, positive and beautiful manner.
With a keen interest in her sociopsychological research, Dot's fascination with post-modern social behaviour and ways of thinking nowadays has been expanded. Exploring what is important to people today and how capitalism is shaping our everyday needs and desires has been a major influence in the aesthetic of her label. Her clothes are an extension of this research and the way she expresses herself.
Dot is over the moon her work is appreciated and welcomed in the Middle East, where she is now focussing on a ready to wear collection that will be available in Saudi Arabia. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Dot and following her inspiring path of greatness in the future.
To see more from Dorotea P London, visit her website here.
