Meet Haitian-American Fashion Designer, Dorshelle Guillaume: Designing Elegant Intimate-Wear Pieces And More For Women

Zealous to follow her dreams and passion, Haitian-American Dorshelle Guillaume enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to study Fashion Design. She started designing clothes way before that. Recently, Dorshelle started designing prom dresses, wedding gowns, and exquisite pieces of intimate wear for women. This week, we sat down with Dorshelle to speak about her clothing line Dorshelle Guillaume or DG.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Dorshelle Guillaume, and I am a 22-year-old, Christian, Haitian-American Fashion Designer. I was born and raised in Westchester County, New York.

What was growing up like to you?

Growing up was interesting. My family moved a lot. It was pretty tricky making friends, and I regularly had to make adjustments to make each place feel like home. I played many sports during my childhood while attending fashion classes on the weekends.

What has always been your passion?

My passion has always been fashion! I have always loved it since the age of 7. I remember asking my mom if I should be a model or a designer, and she told me to be a designer. Ever since then, it has been my one true love.

Which College are you attending? What is your major there?

I am currently studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I am majoring in Fashion Design, specializing in Intimate Apparel. Intimate Apparel was not something I was initially interested in; however, since I was placed in that specialization, I have learned to love it. I find it fascinating that it is very detailed oriented, and I often like to mix the techniques that I learn with evening wear.

Tell us about your clothing brand, DG?

Dorshelle Guillaume (DG) is an American brand founded by myself in 2016. DG is a design-driven company that focuses on producing well made, high quality, creative and detail oriented garments. We specialize in making unique, modern, fashion-forward designs —specifically focusing on special occasions and bridal. Each one of our garments includes intricate, well thought out detailing that is indeed one of a kind. Our mission is to create garments that fit exceptionally well and extenuate every curve on the woman’s body in a positive way. Besides, we want to make our clients feel confident and comfortable while allowing them to be the center of attention.

What inspires your clothes?

Honestly, it’s so many things. Usually, it’s the woman I’m designing for that inspires the clothing. I’m always thinking, “Would our customer wear this? Would she love it?” If the customer is not the inspiration, it is usually other designers, art, architecture or nature that inspire my designs. I like the idea of reinvention and looking at things from the past and finding ways to elevate it.

What are some challenges you are still facing as a young designer?

I would say finances as well as connections within the industry. Without a considerable income, it’s challenging to come out with a collection every season and push the boundaries. I do everything from scratch; from start to finish, on my own.

As a young designer, it would be great to have the ability to hire my own team as well as outsource my designs, so I have more time to focus on the business aspect of the brand as well as different ways to expand it. Moreover, having connections within the industry is very important. If I were able to have more connections, I believe that support would allow my brand to get more exposure and publications in order to build my brand further.

How do you handle the hard times?

Through prayer! I am really big on giving my problems to God especially those I can’t control or have no power over. I honestly think that’s the most efficient way. When I am down I read a verse for encouragement; specifically Jeremiah 29:11 or listen to my favorite preacher, TD Jakes. There is nothing too hard for God, and I feel comfort in knowing that His plans for me are beyond what I can even imagine.

Where do you see your clothing line in the next 5 years?

I see my clothing line reaching people all over the world. I plan on moving to Paris for at least a year and am hoping to extend my line there. My goal is to have DG in every major luxury department store and expand my brand on social media. Honestly, anything is possible, so I try not to limit myself or my brand.

Do you plan to take DG elsewhere besides the US?

Yes, most definitely! I plan to have my designs produced in Haiti and shipped out throughout the world. I envision my designs in every significant fashion capital and to be worn by all different kinds of women and eventually men as well. More importantly, I hope my story inspires other people throughout the world. I hope to see women, especially women of color, achieve all their goals and dreams as they see women like me go after theirs. You can follow us Instagram or check out our site for the latest piece of garment.

What is one message you can share with Young Haitians out there?

I want to send encouragement to all Haitians or Haitian-American people out there. Never limit yourself and keep on going! If someone tells you NO, keep trying until you get a YES. Where there is a will, there’s a way, and anything is possible through Christ Jesus. Never give up on your goals or where you see yourself going in life. Trust me; if I can do it, I believe wholeheartedly that you can do it too!

Thank you so much Widline for this amazing opportunity, I am so glad that you chose me! May God bless you.

Thanks to you as well Dorshelle, and we hope to see you very far with your clothing line.