Today we’d like to introduce you to Dame Collins.
Hi Dame, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey was rough with lots of rejections but I never stopped! started as a self-taught fashion designer in 2009, 15 years ago. I had an interest with no direction or clue on how to get started. My grandmother got me a used sewing machine, and no one knew how to work it, I told her to watch I’ll figure it out. I didn’t have any mentors, no YouTube tutorials no designer friends. It was all trial and error.
I learned from messing up & reconstructing clothes, once I figured it out I went full throttle, having my 1st fashion show the same year & formed an Rm67 Model troupe. I would make outfits for my friends & their kids for free. Then, I started making kid clothes. Now, Kiddie proms are huge back in Philly. I did that for years making the kids’ dresses was perfect practice for the real prom girls. In 2016, I did my very 1st prom dress and that was the start of my brand making real money as a local designer.
Now as a much more experienced confident designer. I started creating collections and showcasing them in different fashion events. Building real connections with other fashion successors & entrepreneurs. My consistency Lead to dressing celebrities,TV, magazines, awards shows etc.. In 2020, I opened my custom boutique… Rm67 Studio & started Bridal designing the same year.
Now 2023, some would call me a celebrity designer, I’ve relocated to Miami learning the market, style and industry here. Created my very 1st swimwear collection showcased in Miami Swim Week. I love this city!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a self-taught designer has been a constant struggle, not having the proper guidance, and the uncertainties of if you’re executing a garment correctly would drive any designer insane.
I was a very insecure Designer. Always had to prove myself to get noticed. I would beat myself up for not knowing certain techniques, hated the feeling of hitting the glass ceiling.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Rm67 specializes in women’s gowns & evening wear. I love to create original looks catered specifically to the client’s style. With a twist on our design aesthetic.
Our mission is to empower women of all sizes to embrace every curve & imperfection to show the world, various facets of beauty. RM67 is committed to providing our clients with exceptional service with an emphasis on comfortability & confidence in the creation of their fashion masterpiece.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Covid 19 was a life-changing experience for us. I lost my employees & lots of business. I turn my work studio into an event space & became a decor specialist to get by as well as making masks.
I learned that I was capable of gaining different skills to survive. So the pandemic was a gift & a curse but I became a serial entrepreneur from it.
Pricing:
- Birthday dress starting at $750
- Gowns Starting at $1000
- Bridal gowns Starting at $4500
- Alterations starting at $125
- Custom Swim wear starting at $250
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.rm67studio.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rm67_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/rm67_dame?s=21&t=16INda5A3jpefYDreegLEg
Image Credits
Jean-Paul Talamas and Tyjier Abri Bailey
