Fashion designer Dalia MacPhee is a woman to be admired. Not only does she design clothing with the average woman in mind, she also is a fierce advocate of social issues and causes around the world.
The Vancouver native was immersed in the fashion industry from a young age. Described as Old Hollywood with a Modern twist, Dalia’s creations have been donned by several of Hollywood’s elite and can be found in stores worldwide.
“I believe beautiful clothing is to the body what poetry is to paper,” she says. “To me the most poetic article of clothing is the gown. There is something so very magical about it.”
Changing the world “One Gown at a Time”, Dalia is actively involved in causes across the globe and also started a tree planting campaign related to the sales of garments from her collection.
Her dream is to help facilitate change and awareness in the world while creating works of art that will be cherished for years to come.
Here is our interview with her….
Celebzter: How did you get into designing?
Dalia: I sort of fell in to it. Believe it or not, I was on the path to becoming a lawyer. I grew up in Canada and ranked as the top
public speaker and debater in the country. It seemed natural to pursue the legal field. Then when I realized I was too creative and free spirited for law, I started pursuing other avenues.
Fashion was always in my blood, and I had a particular affinity to dresses, so it seemed a natural course of action. I get to “Speak” to a lot of customers and “debate” with my suppliers so all was not lost in those prior talents.
Dalia: I think Big, so I have to say, I’m still waiting for my Big Break!
I’ve had to work so hard for every inch in this industry, nothing really felt like a big break, but as far as a first break in to the business, I would consider it when I showed my collection at a major trade show . The reaction was so positive and we opened up several accounts. It gave me the confidence that I had something viable and sparked the momentum.
Dalia: Classy Glam with an edge.
Dalia: Everywhere. Art. Culture. Literature. Nature. Love.
Dalia: I absolutely design for real women. That’s one of my main missions with the line and we are sized 0-20 in everything.
This is the test of any designer, to create clothing that works with the natural curves of a woman’s body.
Some of our celebrity fans include Serena Williams, Niecy Nash, Amber Riley and Plus Size Supermodel Emme .
I can’t tell you how many women this year sent us beautiful pictures in a DALIA MACPHEE Dress.
The majority of these women were over size 12.
Dalia: Tuxedo Jackets, Cropped Pants, Bright Belts, Pencil Skirts, and DALIA MACPHEE Dresses!
Celebzter: What 5 words sum you up personally?
Dalia: Passionate, Brave, Tenacious, Comical, and Hungry. Very Hungry.
Dalia: Women like my mom. My mom started and owned the Yofi chain of stores in Canada. She started it with nothing and built an empire.
She ran her company and her family and never sacrificed either. Whenever I consult with her on a business crisis, her first reaction is always, “This is fixable—let’s make some lemonade out of this!” That kind of strength, energy and confidence is inspiring and makes me want to grow as a business owner and as a woman.
Dalia: Well as you know, apparel is a tough industry and you need to be quite stoic and roll with the punches.
I studied Muay Thai ( Ancient Thai Kickboxing) under my friend and trainer legend Paulo Tocha.
One day while he was training me to fight he told me a story of the mango tree and the bamboo tree. The wind came to take both trees down. It blew its hardest. The mango tree stood fast. It would not yield. It knew it was strong and sturdy. It would not sway. It was too proud. It was too sure of itself.  But finally its roots gave way, and it tumbled down. The bamboo tree was wiser. It knew it was not as robust as the mango tree. And so every time the wind blew, it bent its head gracefully. It made loud protests, but it let the winds have its way. When finally the wind got tired of blowing, the bamboo tree still stood in all its beauty and grace.
Be humble, be tough, and move like the bamboo tree.
See Dalia’s designs here and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
What do you think?