House of Dagmar is one of Wardrobe Wire’s favorite new labels. So, naturally, we wanted to share this fantastic find with all of you! Launched just 4 years ago in the spring of 2005, they are already selling to 17 countries worldwide! Dagmar was founded by three insanely talented sisters – Kristina Tjader, Karin Soderlind, and Sofia Malm – all from Sweden. Kristina is head designer with an education from ESMOD (Ecole Superieur de la Mode) in Paris. The name Dagmar comes from their grandmother, a tailor herself, who inspired the three girls’ interest in fashion. Since their launch, they have been presented with multiple awards including, Rookie of the Year in 2005 by the Swedish Fashion Council, Best New Designer of the Year in 2006 by Swedish Elle Magazine, and received the Gen Art award during New York Fashion Week in 2007. I have a feeling there are many more awards to come in their bright future.
Dagmar describes the type of woman they design for as “…a strong woman who is interested in art, music, and culture and she has a strong integrity. She is very feminine and shows her sensuality in the way she puts her clothes together.” This statement definitely comes across in their collections. There is an easiness in their clothes and a sense of confidence. One would imagine the Dagmar woman rarely goes unnoticed and doubts she ever takes crap from anyone! She is not only drop dead beautiful, but brilliant as well, and enjoys intellectual conversations over vapid banter any day. Their garments are a bit loose fitting and seem to sway with the body in a way that adds just the right amount of sex appeal. They are clean cut and well tailored.
Spring/Summer 2009: This collection is mostly made up of neutral colors with a touch of blue and orange. The fabrics include beautiful light weight knits, along with cotton, silk, and pants & skirts made out of what looks like silk dupioni. (Silk Dupioni is beautiful and very affordable!) Everything looks very delicate, even their jackets and coats seem to be the farthest thing from bulky or heavy. When looking at the entire collection it is very cohesive and looks as if an amazing love story is being told through the clothing. One of our favorites is a thinly knit black sweater with an off-center zipper and a large pocket on the right hand side. Love!
Autumn/Fall 2009: Their latest collection has two major color themes - Black, gray, and dark blue, and brown, peach, and orange. The fabrics seem to include a plush velvet, satin, cotton, and their amazing knits. A trend of theirs is hooded scarves and sweaters to protect you from the weather beautifully and elegantly. You never have to look like snowman when wearing Dagmar. Many of their skirts and dresses are showing exposed zippers and we love that they are showing mini skirts with long sleeves. There is no reason you can’t show off those legs year round! Just throw on a great pair of knit tights or some leather thigh high boots.
House of Dagmar had their US debut in 2007 and can be found at Opening Ceremony in New York and Los Angeles, as well as Fred Segal in LA. Online at www.shopadele.com, www.huset-shop.com, or you can email usa@houseofdagmar.se for shops in your area.
www.houseofdagmar.com
Written By: Heather Kilpatrick
