Get to know Fashion Designer Donna Leah!
Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I’m back with a unique post today! I had the pleasure of interviewing one of our local Miami fashion designers, Ms. Donna Leah. From gowns to accessories, Donna does it all! Her message is to help create a feeling of power and confidence when wearing any of her pieces. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and decided to base her brand right here in Miami. With beautiful textures and colors, Donna Leah Designs is perfect to help any woman express herself. Read on as Donna gives us some insight into her career and her experience working as a fashion designer.
Donna, how did you get started in the fashion industry?
I’ve always been a creative person and knew that my passion for design was fiercer than most of my friends and the people that I know. Many days of my youth were spent sketching out my ideas of what I wanted to wear and how I wanted to express myself through my clothing. I would spend hours with my pad and pencils, designing and adding elements that are unique to my point of view. So much of what is considered “fashion” is what I have been doing my whole life. Wearing glittering gowns any time of day, mixing patters and bold colors, changing it all up with accessories from bags to the color of my nail polish. Being consistent in what designs I love has been a blessing since it defines my brand and image. Discovering that my childhood passion could be a career was a defining moment in my life. I’m blessed to be a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and to have the opportunity to launch my own brand.
As a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), do you think it played a significant role in your career?
Attending FIT definitely played a significant role in my career. New York is the heartbeat of the fashion industry in the United States, and great American designers including Norma Kamali, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and so many others are graduates. My college days were formative in my designs process and the more practical aspects of running a business. Many of my experiences that were inspirational at the time still have a great impact on the Donna Leah Designs of today. For example, in the autumn I would always visit the parks and take in the stunning colors of the leaves. Today, I reminisce about that experience and look back at photos for inspiration when creating my new collections. Being in New York also exposed me to art galleries, up and coming designers, luxury boutique shops, and the true melting pot that the city is famous for. I would venture to say that the significance continues to drive what I do.
What was your biggest fear when you launched your brand?
Starting anything new is always intimidating, but I feel strongly that we have to get out of our comfort zone to get what we want. Amazingly, launching my brand has given me confidence, calm, and a sense of satisfaction that I have been yearning for in my career. When you dream and then achieve that dream it’s the best feeling in the world. At first, I was afraid of what people would think or say, but the response and support has been overwhelming. It’s amazing to find people that feel the same way you do in terms of style and expressing who they are by what they wear. I’ve heard people say that fear is the barrier to success, and I believe that’s true. We have to believe in ourselves to make our dreams a reality.
What is your favorite piece from your collection?
It’s so difficult to select just one piece! Each garment is designs with so much love and attention. Something powerful happens to me when I put on a gown. I feel a sense of strength, confidence, and the feeling that I can do anything. Many of my gowns have a shawl that is similar to a cape. In a way it makes me feel like I am my own superhero. The colors that I select and the sequins that gives the gown movement has an emotional component. It gives me energy and optimism.
You just launched your newest line of “Superhero” T-shirts. What was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you for asking about the Superhero collection! One day I was reflecting about how blessed I felt to be living my dream. I had an overwhelming sense of wanting to give back and help others achieve their dreams. The Superhero t-shirt collection benefits the Milagro Center in Delray, Florida, an organization that ensure the social and academic success of underserved children and youth through cultural arts, living values, academic support, and mentoring. The first collection of benefit t-shirts will include a “Superhero” design and a “Super Chic, Super Freak, Superhero” on white. The shirts are soft and feature contemporary styling for children and adults. Shirts are available for $30 at Donna Leah Designs. For each shirt sold, Donna Leah Designs will donate 5% of the proceeds to the Milagro Center.
How do you want women to feel when they wear your pieces?
I want women to feel like they can accomplish anything and to feel their very best!
What advice would you give someone who is looking to start in the industry?
There are so many great resources online to find information and have an idea of how to formulate your brand. It’s imperative that you find good partners that understand how to bring your products to market. Make sure that everything you do meets your expectations and fits your image. Knowledge is power so the more you educate yourself and network with members of the industry, the better off you will be. Don’t be afraid!
What is next for Donna Leah Designs?
Autumn can be an inspiring time to make a change and focus on healing. I’m drawn to the color of sapphire for its healing properties and because around the world, we are dealing with various levels of tremendous stress. Both the sapphire stone and the color itself are thought to bring peace and contentment to one’s soul. Sapphire also is known for its energy and for helping with mental focus and order. My new collection will introduce new beaded patterns and prints that range from geometric to floral, but always be sophisticated.
Please make sure to check out Donna Leah Designs and follow her Instagram to stay up to date with all her latest launches. Also, don’t forget to let me know in the comments below what was your favorite part of the interview!
