Beyond the Boundaries with DOMI by Chloé
Like many successful artists and designers today, her passion stemmed during the pandemic.
Image courtesy of Playbook MG
For Chloé D., fashion wasn’t always in the books. Despite her life-long love for art and creativity, she originally utilized her extensive knowledge in Pharma and STEM, knowing she could make a difference regardless of the career she pursued. However, something was missing. During the pandemic, Chloé felt she was finally able to express her creative capabilities, and she unintentionally found her passion. As the founder and designer of DOMI by Chloé, she wanted to center inclusivity in comfort and style.
At the time, Chloé knew that people weren’t going anywhere, therefore, not buying anything. Despite this fact, Chloé was dedicated to making clothes that people could wear inside or outside of the house. Whether it be athleisure, outerwear, or maxi dresses, she’s all about combining comfort with sustainability. We spoke with Chloé at 1202 MAGAZINE about the meaning and purpose of DOMI, how she achieves her designs, and what’s next for the Brooklyn native designer.
What does the name DOMI represent?
My name is pretty powerful to me, and DOMI represents my middle name. My middle name is Dominique, so we shortened it to Domi. That’s the nickname that my husband gave to me when we first started dating. In the midst of the pandemic, when I finally got the balls to really drop this line, he was like, ‘Let’s just call it DOMI.’ I was like, ‘Genius! That totally works.’ Also, when it comes to my mom giving me the middle name Dominique, everything about it is domination, dominion, and really claiming that. I felt it was so intentional. It’s lovely how things go full circle in your life. I felt my middle name goes with that.
How does your middle name correlate with the brand itself?
I’ve always been a creative, but it’s something I pushed to the side to focus on STEM — being in biology and becoming that person in Pharma that my parents trained me to be, but I never let go of the hobby. I never let go of my creativity. When I started the brand in 2020 during the pandemic, it came from a place of life happening. We were seeing ambulances up and down the street in Brooklyn, and it was the first time death was lingering. I think we all felt it, even in our age. The time just felt perfect to do it, but it wasn’t a super thought-out plan. It was destiny knocking at the door.
What was DOMI like in its early stages?
Some people don’t know that the brand initially started off with athleisure, everyday statement dresses made from amazing fabric that I love from one of my vendors. It doesn’t wrinkle and doesn’t show perspiration. It was made for that New York woman. But because of the pandemic, I wasn’t wearing dresses to my room. So, we did more streetwear because streetwear is always at my core. It was about comfort. As we started to peek through and get out of the pandemic, I had to go back to that original vision for me — more statement, essential pieces that someone can wear in their closet throughout time. I love pieces that have drapey silhouettes. I always want to up the quality to stay true to my North Star of comfortability.
What are some challenges you faced in 2020 as the brand was just starting?
I kept running into so many walls. Those walls are still there. Let’s be real; I’m a Black woman. There’s a lot of struggle. Pandemic or not, we struggle in this industry when it comes to building and finding capital. When it came to something as simple as models in the midst of the pandemic, it was the worst. Many of the models I created relationships with moved back to their hometowns. I had to take advantage of my being size four at the time and step in front of the camera. It was not what I wanted, but I had to do what I had to do. Finding different people to work on set and managing the protocols within was difficult during the pandemic. I had to play it smart.
Have you always wanted to be a designer, or do you have other passions?
When it came to my education, I always wanted to work in pharmaceuticals. I thought I was going to just be working in a lab, but when it came to creativity, I don’t think that I ever had the opportunity to even verbalize what I wanted to be. It didn’t feel possible for me. I felt like I needed to go where the bag was and what would give me security and stability financially. Now, I'm in an environment where I’m allowed to make mistakes and be more fluid with my life, my dreams, and my brand. It’s been the most fulfilling thing ever. I can’t say I ever really dreamed of being who I am today, but God knew, and I feel like it’s happening right when it’s supposed to.
Image courtesy of Playbook MG
How would you describe DOMI to someone who has never been introduced to the brand?
When it comes to colors, I always tell people to think of the ocean. We use a lot of those tones. I’m from the Jersey Shore, so that’s everything to me. When we think about the shore or ocean specifically, we think of it in different settings as well: the morning, sunsets, and all of those beautiful things. As the brand grows, they will continue to see those colors come through. I think everyone wishes for that bright pink and bright red. I’m here for it as well, but I think the colors have to be a part of our story, and that’s always going to go back to the shore landscape. You’re going to see a lot of draping. It translates to different body types. We are very inclusive. I want to ensure that if you’re a husky man, a thicker girl, or a skinny girl, your body type doesn't have to be at the center of what you wear — you can go with the flow. When it comes to fabrics, I’m big on those essentials you can wash, wear, re-wear, keep in the closet for ten years, and pop out with it. I’m very big on high-quality tones. All of our products are tensile, linens, and nylons, They’re more durable for all aspects of life, climates, and factors.
What other materials do you want to use in your designs?
I’m always open to innovation and experimentation with more sustainable, recyclable fabrics. Because of my background in STEM and biology, I’ve seen the impact of fast fashion in many ways. It doesn’t mean I have to figure it out now, but it is part of the journey and learning process that I want to adapt into our fabric specifically.
Are you inspired by any other art forms aside from the ocean shorelines?
Yes, absolutely. The core of our brand is visuals, music, and art in all forms. I think people are starting to see more of that without us being so explicit about it, which brings me so much joy. In the DOMI community, when we think about our collections, it’s really like a vessel. The co-creator and director, Tim, is my partner in crime. We work on the visuals a lot — that’s his space and canvas. When you see our clothes, you’ll see a lot of behind the scenes everyday movement in the clothing. Our next venture is to collaborate with local DJs that we love, celebrate, and adore. We want to make monthly playlists for our customers, and that’s why we tell everyone to subscribe to our newsletter. It’s not junk mail, but for people to get something that makes them feel better.
What’s next for DOMI by Chloé?
My biggest inspiration is Dries Van Noten. I love how he puts collections together with innovation. His embroidered fabrics are these very plain silhouettes that are such big statements. That’s what I want to do. I think that sometimes, as designers, we feel like we have to recreate the wheel with every single creation, but I’d like to test myself and push myself to use some of our core silhouettes and take it to the next level with detailing and fabrics. It’s very important to me that each detail is intentional on the fabric.
