What started off as a phrase coined by men in Hip hop culture to best describe a woman with remarkable physical attributes, the term ‘Dime Piece’ will never be the same. After being voted best-dressed in High School in their senior year, and then going on to achieve fashion degrees, Ashley Dimes and Laura Marie are using their street chic fashion formula to reinvent what it means to be a ‘10’ for woman worldwide with Dimepiece Designs.
Felicia had the chance to interview the boss ladies behind the sold out Street Chic clothing line. They talked about Foxy Brown, the Va-Jay-Jay flashing stars of our day and most importantly, their role in the Pussy Power Revolution.
Based on independent funds, the L.A haute girls, Ashley [Left] and Laura [ Right] managed to create a fresh brand of grandiosity delivered through vibrant colours and retro infused designs reminiscent of an era in Hip hop [and] fashion where females were fearlessly fabulous. Everything old is new again but this time around the simplistic brilliance of DimePiece clothing contains a message to the masses. “It was crucial for us to create an identity that speaks for itself through its taste and visual communication,” states the pair behind the street chic clothing. “We want to avoid gimmicks and the biting schemes that are seen all-too-often in the market.” Taking the colourful expression of the eighties and twisting it to garnish a modern youthful woman that exudes sexiness while remaining consciously liberated. DimePiece is rebelling against the often self referential market of urban women’s clothing without the threat of competition. “We want the line to speak for itself. We’re not really trying to compete with anyone else. DimePiece is more about supporting other brands in the pussy power revolution than being at the head of it,” say the designers.
The deliciously hip collection is made with a message for a street savvy educated woman who is ready to conquer with style. “DimePiece is a lifestyle and brand aimed at catering to all the boss bitches dipped in sauce,” is the official motto from the designers who have stepped up the conventional logo tee shirt by mixing feminism, sex appeal and a modern hood Hollywood. Lipstick is the weapon of choice and v neck tee shirts have become canvases for messages of empowerment. One of the first pieces in the line features a controversial design of recently convicted rapped turned felon, Foxy Brown which is raising brows and questions. “The shirt was meant to be witty and attract interest [mission accomplished]. We did that design as an ode to Foxy’s hearing loss,” the creators of DimePiece declare. “During her stint with deafness, she said that she could only hear the voice of God, and her illness was a blessing in disguise. We thought it was only fitting to add a classic phrase [The Root of All Evil] to that story and make it a tee. We used money symbols going in one ear and out the other, to signify her negligence toward money and all the drama that comes along with it.” With the over abundance of young Hollywood’s style mavens and tabloid regulars, the creators of DimePiece weigh in on the panty less party girls that are famous for their public mishaps than style. “Poor Britney [Spears], she’s been a mess since day one,” laughs Ashley and Laura, “Why hasn’t anyone put her in the classic black dress? It’d probably save her career,” the pair advises but they aren’t quick to cast judgment on young Hollywood’s rich, clueless and panty less. “We’re not mad at the vagina starlets. Women doing their thing and not giving a f— is a good thing; but when you got an audience you have to take some responsibility with that role for the sake of younger girls watching.”Unlike the array of celebrity endorsed trends by their competitors, the designers who listen to Salt N’ Pepa for inspiration and claim that Mother Nature is their ideal spokeswoman, Laura and Ashley simply want fashion to remain as an outlet for individual expression and as a silent form of communication. “Fashion is a way of making a statement without saying a word. It voices traits, vibe and the personality of the wearer,” the pair affirms strongly, “a tool like that has impact we feel it’s a blessing to be able to make garments for women to using it to express themselves.” While the creators of DimePiece want their clothing to represent a self governed fashion forward go-getter, they do feel that there are some major faux-pas that too many women are unfortunately falling victim to. “Ugg boos are not only hideous but they are completely unnecessary. If you’re a mush rider, cool,” says the designing duo.
The début collection embodies a fresh take on refined retro style with a modern feminist message affiliated with the garments. However there are golden rules to remember before taking on certain fashion statements. “Mixing past fashions with modern taste is dope but when you come across as a duplicate from 1986, you’ve gone too far. No need for the Nikes, nails, doorknockers [and] crispy hair,” the designing entrepreneurs state. DimePiece’s affordability makes the line extremely accessible to the masses but that’s if you can get your hands on it. Currently the line is almost sold out in boutiques across the globe.
Need to shop for the wifey, your home girl or yourself for this holiday season? Hit up www.dimepiecedesigns.com to find out where the closest DimePiece revolution is going down or check out www.myspace.com/dimepiecedesigns to check out their collection and to listen to their mixtape.
The Spice Girls are back together, Oprah (is still) the richest woman in the world and Hillary might become Mrs. President. It looks like it has never been a better time to achieve that perfect ten and to embody go-getter girl power through being a dime.
- Felicia Mancini aka Foprah, www.the3xgp.com
Really enjoyed this one, hope it continues.
only any time you observe that which you master during the accurate manner. Apparently, all of it depends on how you execute what all you understand in the system.