Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a constant reassessment of femininity. In the past, consumers were defined by labels, whereas today the dominant approach is the expression of individuality. Today, the style codes of the shoe have turned into a happy place of emotional freedom.

In my opinion, the most remarkable thing about shoes is that you can make yourself happy just by expressing yourself with the right color and design. Today, the importance of personality often trumps the rules of etiquette.

American women today are following the old adage that “Dress for the job you want.” In fact, in offices where dressing for success is the norm, powerful womens jumpsuits should go out of their way to complete the look with on-trend shoes and handbag. Today’s power trainer understands the importance of projecting an image of confidence and success in a highly competitive corporate atmosphere. Specifically, dressing impeccably projects importance and authority.

Launched in New York in 2012, Dee Ocleppo is a modern and classic accessories brand that crosses American and European fashion.

As a student at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Dee began to take an interest in the world of fashion. During her long career as a high fashion model, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger broadened his style sensibility which, in a sense, was a celebration of style diversity.

For me, the collection expresses an unconventional femininity. Dee has a voice that responds directly to the needs and wants of consumers. In a sense, the collection conveys not only the seriousness of dressing for success, but rather a great sense of individuality and romance.

His initial designs focused on Bermuda (Pappagallo) – a very popular design in the 1960s. Subsequently, during consultation with the husband Tommy Hilfiger, she added a good dose of (you guessed it) 1980s preppy style.

Under the encouragement and guidance of her husband and advisor, the success of her first adventure in the design of accessories led to the recognition of the International fashion group with the ‘Rising Star Award’, followed by an accessory creation system for classic handbags, which was later to be acquired by Kate Spade & Co.

The collection has since grown to include a selection of transcontinental handbags, clutch bags and wallets made in Italy; and further extended to a complementary range of footwear. The design philosophy coupled with the brand’s creative vision blends well with Italian craftsmanship and manufacturing, yet has an unmistakably American point of view that is relatable.

The current product offerings of the spring / summer 2021 season will surprise you with trendy ideas that easily blend into the dress of success as well as casual summer time events.

I recently had the great pleasure of speaking with founder Dee Ocleppo about how partnering with the Farfetch platform, her design concepts will be able to shine in global markets, how her SS 2021 collection is inspired by the crossing. of the Mediterranean and why it creates something. practical, reliable and effortless that will always stay in style and above all comfortable!

Joseph DeAcetis: Tell Forbes about your recent 2020 partnership with Farfetch and what you plan to accomplish moving forward?

Dee Ocleppo: I am delighted to partner with Farfetch! This global platform has an incredible reach and an international clientele with demanding tastes. Farfetch also supports a list of brands and talents that I couldn’t be happier to have Dee Ocleppo accessories with alongside. By partnering with Farfetch, I have a platform on which my design concepts can shine in global markets.

JD: In your own words, tell Forbes about your sincere contributions to social impact as well as your future breast cancer research goals?

DO: I have worked with several charities for many years and am honored to serve on the board of directors of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) alongside a group of esteemed individuals. While I thought it was important to create a brand with a specific purpose, the pink lining of the Dee Ocleppo handbags and the pink soles of the Dee Ocleppo shoes was a design detail that had been steeped in DNA since inception. of the brand. The peony pink hue was aimed more at making sure you can always find the things that fall and lurk deep in a purse – keys, wallet, or phone – while doubling as a playful pop of color that incites a sparkle. of joy. This signature pink detail coincides with the cause and my responsibilities outside of design as a happy coincidence.

While the color scheme can serve as a visual clue or a reminder to the cause, and a donation is made from each sale throughout the year, my goals are to continue to support research on the cause. breast cancer and continue to raise awareness. Too many women and men are afflicted by this terrible disease. Too many people I know have been affected, and there is no stopping until we can eradicate it completely.

JD: What is your design philosophy and creative inspiration in relation to current product offerings in 2021? (Regarding both traditional and modern style)?

DO: My creative inspirations come from my years spent working and living abroad as it has been a highly formative period in my life to define my own personal tastes and style sensibilities. I have always admired the simplicity and ease of attitude that European women tend to convey in style capitals.

My Spring / Summer 2021 collection currently available (via Farfetch) is inspired by time spent crossing the Mediterranean. The collection takes up the nuances of the sandy beaches and the blue of the ocean of the Côte d’Azur, and the candy-colored gelatos and sweet berries that we always find along the way.

Overall, I strive for purity in design, using crisp but crisp lines to create pieces that transcend time and last over the years, across closets and styles. Everything that is designed in the collections is meant to be complementary; make sure that the woman who carries a Dee Ocleppo bag or wears a Dee Ocleppo shoe feels comfortable and confident.

JD: What makes your brand stylistically unique to consumers?

DO: I think when I’m at the drawing board I create something for everyone. Every piece in the Dee Ocleppo collection can be worn from day to night. There is always something for the quintessential downtown girl and the bolder downtown girl. I think my design transcends trends. I love to design pieces that I know can be preserved over time and will hold up over time. The quality of the leather and the know-how which is dedicated to each article play a big role. I’m also drawn to shades and tones which I think can be easily combined with multiple prints and palettes.

JD: How is your brand able to manufacture a product of such quality in Italy at an affordable luxury price? What’s your demographics?

DO: I think the simple answer starts with Italy. It is almost impossible not to find high quality products and materials wherever you go. The name of the country is practically synonymous with mastery of quality, craftsmanship and know-how.

I would say my brand is accessible and that’s because I believe in working directly with manufacturers. I prefer to be completely involved throughout the creation process, which effectively eliminates third parties that might normally be involved.

My demographic is a forward thinking woman who is confident in her own skin and in control of her life. The woman who typically wears Dee Ocleppo is someone who deeply appreciates pieces designed to accompany you throughout life. Oddly enough, my demographics also include men who have been drawn to the belted waist bag of some of my previous collections.

JD: As a former model and celebrity figure, how do you feel your personal touch as a designer – relates to American women today?

DO: I don’t think fame really has anything to do with what I create. Above all, I am a mother, a wife and a creative director. I think most women can relate to wearing multiple hats in multiple roles and juggling a multitude of responsibilities.

As a former model, I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest talents in fashion and design. I’ve had access to a lot of places that most people don’t, like the workshops of some of the bigger fashion houses. I think that being made aware of these kinds of creatives, age-old practices, traditions and craftsmanship, and then instilling my own personal sensitivity to the American style, I’m able to create something practical, relatable. and effortless that will always stay in style. and free, and above all comfortable. Comfort is luxury.

JD: As an entrepreneur, what were the biggest challenges you faced in developing your brand and how did you manage these challenges to surpass yourself and move forward?

DO: Some of the biggest challenges I face start with trying to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities between two brands and being someone who is tightly connected to my family. At the end of the day, I’m in the kitchen making dinner for my family. However, the challenges of trying to stay creative every day between the Dee Ocleppo brand, Judith Leiber and in the kitchen ultimately allowed me to push myself and move forward by bringing them all together under one roof.

Between my husband, our children and our extended families, I have the greatest chance to be part of a very creative family. It is through their love, support, encouragement and occasional opinions that I am able to gain insight, new ideas and perspectives and move forward.

Just like the heart of everything in Italy starts with family – my collections are created by family practices in Florence, and some of my best ideas start with my family when we all get together in the kitchen.