Interview with the designer of D of V

What made you want to join this field?

I've always been intrigued by the power of dress. As someone who has been a fashion consumer since middle school, I appreciate how it expresses identity, recounts stories, and connects us to earlier generations. I was also profoundly frustrated when research regarding waste and exploitation in fast fashion came to light during the pandemic. That tension prompted me to concentrate on vintage and sustainability, where I could combine creativity, purpose, and a passion for high fashion and trends.

How did you get started?

I started by curating and selling vintage pieces I’d thrifted for myself, styling them into editorials, and building an Instagram following. It was a side hustle that organically grew into my brand, Daughter of Venus Vintage. Over time, I added designed, handmade, and upcycled pieces that align with my values and aesthetic.

What skills do you feel are the most important for this field?

Creativity is huge, of course—but so are adaptability, storytelling, community-building, and being resourceful. You also need to understand branding and how to communicate your message clearly across visuals and products. Also, the market is so saturated, so taking your time is so important. There is no rush; there is always a place for those who are passionate and dedicated.

What is an area where you believe the fashion industry can do better?

The industry needs to slow down. There’s so much emphasis on trends and profit that it loses sight of ethics and the environment. I’d love to see more transparency, circularity, and care—not just for the planet but for the people who make the clothes.

Would you prefer to remain a small business/fashion designer or grow to a larger company?

I’d love to grow—but in a conscious, intentional way. I don’t need to be huge, but I do want Daughter of Venus to sustain me and expand in alignment with its values. I want a team, a studio, and global reach—but never at the cost of my ethics or peace.

What's your creative process like?

It’s very intuitive. I’m inspired by moods, music, goddess archetypes, and vintage silhouettes. Sometimes I build around a fabric or object I’ve thrifted, sometimes a color or emotion. I journal, collect visual references, and sketch or drape until it feels right.

How did you join FBN, and what was the biggest opportunity you had with them?

I connected with FBN through the fashion circuit as my brand grew a bit more—I was just showing up, networking, and sharing my vision. The biggest opportunity so far has been being part of a growing platform of creatives who actually care about sustainability and giving back to the community while also implementing professional business practices to prepare for larger platforms in the future. 

What is your work-life balance like?

My work-life balance remains a work in progress. I work a 9-to-5, own my own business, and am now a coordinator, so I have to consciously protect my rest and creative energy. Setting boundaries and scheduling for self-care are what keep me going.

What’s some advice you would give to someone who is starting out in the industry?

Start with what you have, be consistent, and stay rooted in your why; it’s easy to get distracted by trends or comparisons. Focus on building something authentic to your vision, and the right people will find you when the time is right. 

Interviewer: Daniella Cruz