photo of doll above, creative commons photo credit: trazomfreak

During my recent trip to the Los Angeles Fashion Market at the California Market Center in downtown LA.’s fashion district, I came across a killer line called DUSTIE DOLL, they were included in my overview of the event because I was in love with just about everything they were showing.

Dustie Doll is an inspiring line. The pieces look fussy and high maintenance but, in reality, each piece is rooted in the most simple article of clothing ever - the basic tee. Dustie Smith, the designer and owner of Dustie Doll, wanted to create a line that catered to the girl who wanted to look like she fussed over what she wore, but didn’t want to put the effort into it (yeah, that’s pretty much me..to a T). With strict attention to detail in the form of studs, fringe, feathers and zippers, Dustie Doll may be the easiest decision you ever make.

Dustie was rad enough to answer a few questions about where she came from, her inspiration for Dustie Doll and where she gets her amazing ideas for each piece.

As for the name of the company, I received the nick name from a tattoo my husband got on his left shoulder along with a pin up girl that is supposed to represent me, after he got it, everyone just started calling me DustieDoll. As for the idea behind the clothing, I want to look chic, but I don’t want to put the energy into it. I want to feel comfortable, but I want to look as if I fussed for hours. So I decided to design clothing you could throw on, look super ‘It Girl’, and not even try.

I am obsessed with people watching and fashion forecasting. I will watch people on the streets, go to watch bands, look at media, and once you see things a few times, you kinda get feel for what’s up and coming. It’s like a gut feeling, I get inspired, do my take on it, and then I just go for it.

Well, I grew up in Huntington Beach, then after I was married we lived in Dana Point for a long time, I’m in Costa Mesa right now, but we are considering moving back to Dana Point, so to make a long answer even longer, I’m gonna call Dana Point my home.

Well I haven’t been sketching as much lately. So there is a lot of draping, feeling and placing of trims, and just trial and error until I am happy with a finished product.

I’m going to say the Satin Ruffle Dress (below), because it is so comfortable, but it can instantly dress up and edge a pair of jeans or leggings, it can also be worn with tights and is long enough to wear with bare legs. I love the studs and the tuxedo like ruffles. It’s great for California because of its spaghetti straps, just throw on a blazer at night and you are ready to go!

Definitely having access to trims and fabrics, just like they warned me in school. Make sure you can buy for production and that you will have access again to the trims and fabric. Also, there is always the time factor. We have done well getting stores their items early, but there’s always the fear.

Marc Jacobs. I have always loved whimsical vintage, and he seems to pull it off in a fresh fashion forward way.

I interned with Harvey Seatbelt Bags, and I also worked for Yvette Mandell before working for myself.

I’m just gonna say that I really feel like aspects of goth are coming.

Fred Segal (Santa Monica), Kitson (Japan), Pink Laundry (Newport Beach), Candace Paige (Balboa), www.bettinaduncan.com. Coming soon to: www.Moxsie.com and Baton Rouge (Louisiana)

Dustie, thank you so much for your time! Don’t forget to check out the Dustie Doll Summer 2009 and Holiday 2009 collections at DustieDoll.com. Also, if you’ve got a little one, Dustie has some amazing edgy pieces for kids!

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