The Jane Birkin Effect—Covering the Woman-Owned Brand: DÔEN
Image Courtesy: Alexis Priest
Fashion is a sensual experience, an art of gracing your person with trinkets that feel like an extended version of yourself—to have staple pieces in your wardrobe that will last you a lifetime, hand-made by women that are classic and feminine. Jane Birkin was known not just for her impact on the luxury brand Hermès but also as a fashion icon who embodied simplicity. Jane had a way to make the most simple pieces look expensive and extraordinary. In a time where the majority of people look for identity in aesthetics, Jane emphasized individuality at its core. Where her fashion sense excelled in personalizing her accessories, she wore her confidence and identity like an item, which in turn made her fashion sense profoundly exquisite. Jane Birkin pioneered boho chic; her iconic wicker basket bag never left her side on the streets of Paris. Good quality closet pieces are hard to come by in a fast fashion world, but one brand, in particular, prides itself on slow, sustainable fashion that is handmade in Los Angeles: DÔEN.
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DÔEN is a woman-owned brand that was created by two sisters, Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, and they work alongside a collaborative team of five women. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, the two sisters were inspired by their experiences in the fashion industry, where they witnessed the scarce level of female leadership and the absence of a brand that genuinely resonated with women. They were motivated by their journeys into motherhood and recognized the inherent strength and capability within themselves to create something impactful. Thus, DÔEN was created as a celebration of womanhood, inspired by the landscapes of coastal California and designed to last a lifetime. In 2016, the brand was launched with a mission to prioritize direct engagement with the community, challenging traditional wholesale models in favor of a digital-first approach. DÔEN's commitment to equity extends beyond its ownership structure; in 2020, the brand welcomed vendor and factory owners as equity partners, signaling a departure from exploitative practices prevalent in the fashion industry. With each collection, DÔEN seeks to strengthen the bond between women and offer garments that empower and inspire, embodying both simplicity and individuality. As the brand continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to upholding its values and fostering innovation across all of its operations.
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Just like Jane herself, this brand blends individuality and femininity with ease. DÔEN prides itself on creating unique, timeless pieces with subtle patterns, hand-sewn linen blouses, and a touch of the 70s. Fashion icons Phoebe Tonkin and Orion Carloto are always seen wearing beautiful DÔEN pieces and exuding that effortless Jane Birkin chic. In today’s market of fast fashion, I believe in curating a staple wardrobe that is timeless and wearable. Having a closet full of hand-selected pieces you truly love is vital to feel good in your clothes. One thing about Jane Birkin was that her best accessory wasn’t just the iconic Birkin bag, but Jane herself. This is where DÔEN excels: artfully crafted clothing that feels not only good to wear but effortlessly embodies individuality and comfort, exuding femininity and luxury. Be on the lookout for this brand, as it's challenging the way we view and produce fashion–tailored to any woman’s needs, to your everyday coffee run or evening dinner party.
Strike Out,
Writer: Alexis Priest
Editor: Blake N. Fiadino
Tallahassee