Dino e Lucia Party Dresses!

Dreamy Parisian label, Dino e Lucia, has a generous special for Honey Kennedy readers! Now through December 31 you can use the promo code: HONEY to take 40% off in the Dino e Lucia shop. They are one of my lovely sponsors and they make beautiful clothing for women and children. I love their pretty party dresses!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that my preference for children’s clothing is the same as it is for adults–simple silhouettes, beautiful natural textiles, and thoughtful details. I love what Dino e Lucia owner/designer, Sieglinde De Plas, is doing with her collections for women and little ones. Here is a short interview with the wonderful Paris-based designer.

What is your ritual for designing your new collections in your studio?
I love to go in my mother’s house as it is like a museum–she collected so many vintage and different clothes through many periods of her life. They are all great sources of inspiration for me–Schiaparelli, Worth, Courrèges, Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent and other beautiful designs.

Who are your personal style icons?
Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Lauren, Lauren Bacall and Jacqueline Kennedy. I love these women for their incredible style and elegance no matter the situation.

What are your favorite places to go in your city (Paris)?
I like to take the beat of the city and be inspired in everything I see. I am very curious and even sitting and enjoying a coffee watching people on the streets (how they look, how they move, etc) inspires me.

What are your favorite restaurants in Paris?
Waknine, Rose Bakery (46 rue des Martyrs), Ferdi (32 rue du Mont Thabor, 75001), Le Petit Poucet, Tong Yen and Thé Cool (various locations).

What are your favorite shops in Paris?
Not Shy, Montaigne Market, L’Eclaireur, L’Espionne (Palais des Congrès. Place de la Porte Maillot 75017), Maria Luisa and all the vintage shops and second hands.

What have you been inspired by lately?
I love the Mad Men broadcast and all the clothes of New York in the 60’s are a big inspiration for me.

#1 dream vacation?
Islands–Turquoise, Bahamas and Bali for the spirituality and the incredible well-being when you are there.

How do you unwind?
Massage and meditation and books.

What is important to you about the clothing you make for children?
My team at Dino e Lucia is full of people devoted and passionate about fashion and we use the best quality materials and best finishing techniques to make the children look great and feel marvelous in our clothes! We also want also to liberate the classic touch that is often associated with the word “chic”.

What is your favorite thing to work on?
Dresses with embellishment and the overall collection.

What’s your favorite thing about your business?
When our first prototypes are ready to try the fittings on the children and seeing their happiness to have our clothes on (they often don’t want to take them off) they love it ! So, getting to see their joy it is the best reward!!

Tell us something people don’t know about you.
I am completely addict with Starbuck’s coffee and need to have one every morning, it is my drug and my little pleasure when I start my day!

What do children think about garments from Dino e Lucia?
Really they love it and the mothers want the same for themselves and are jealous: we are really lucky about that!!!

How did Michelle Obama find out about your line?
Her personal shopper at the time, Ikram Goldman, saw our line during her trip to Paris. Ikram stopped by our flagship store (located in Paris St Germain des Près) fell in love with the brand and recommended our clothes to Michelle Obama. She is a very influential lady in the fashion business.

Can you tell me what your new collection for women will be like?
My new collection for women is based on the children’s bestselling dresses. Women see them in shops and always want the same for themselves, so we’ve changed the shapes in order to suit adults.

What’s new for Dino e Lucia in 2012?
The “little black dress” is something that can be worn all day long depending on how you accessorize this dress—it is a “must have “ to find it in a girl’s closet . We will also be increasing our daywear in order to offer very nice clothes at more affordable prices.

Thank you, Sieglinde!

Images courtesy of Dino e Lucia.