DarianDesigns

Darian Thomas

Darian came back here, after living in L.A. and Milan with a passion to design and manufacture a contemporary line in Dallas. Fueled by the constant influence of fashion in this vibrant market of fashion-forward Texas women, Darian launched Darian Designs in 2007. With a constant pulse on trends and new innovative combinations, Darian reflects a design sensibility of what Dallas women represent so well, CONFIDENCE!

… about her designs "Fabrics fuel my passion to create new looks… from my point of view, fabrics transform the mood of the design. Sometimes that means the design becomes dark and exotic, at other times fabric can sharpen and reflect that modern edge I’m looking for. Within each collection, I use textures to bring out and modulate the design. For example, the jewelry accents and heavier embellishments are textures that give certain designs of mine… and the woman that wear them… a tone, a voice and a persona."

… about Dallas "it's my hometown, so I’m biased. Dallas is one of a very few exclusive global fashion meccas where women with a sense of style and means can flourish and define an essential part of this vibrant metropolitan culture. The fashion industry has roots here. I’d like to see more fashion designers, not just retailers, return and have more influence on Dallas’ business world."

Her design mantra reflects her vision "Chic, Glamorous, Designed for the CONFIDENT." You can see the influence Dallas has throughout each of her collections.

Education +

  • 2005 Fashion Design Associate of Arts Degree, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising,
    Los Angeles, CA
  • 2001 Certificate (Sewing, Illustration), Emily Griffith, Denver, CO
  • 2001 Certificate (Portfolio, Design), Istituto De Marangoni, Milan, Italy
  • 2000 Undergraduate Studies, Colorado University, Boulder, CO

Work Experience +

  • 2007-Present -Darian Designs – CEO, Designer
  • 2006-2008 – Central Falls Co. – Senior Designer (Original concepts, fabric selection, illustrations, garment construction, researching trends, visual merchandising, overseeing daily operations for sample maker and pattern maker, and coordinating and organizing initial manufacturing.)
  • 2005-2006 – J.C. Penney – Designer (researching trends, fabrications, and silhouettes, computer illustrations, tech pack, coordinating with overseas offices)
  • 2004-2005 – Online Entertainment Guide – Managing Partner, (Sales, Marketing, Management)
  • 2003 – Groovy Clothing Manufacturer-Designer (Sales, Marketing, Design)
  • Freelance-Costume Designer, (Researching Trends, Garment Construction, Pattern Making)
  • 1999-2003 – Carol Kimball, Dressmaker, Designer Intern, (4 years Design Assistant)
  • 2000-2002 – CBS Gala Gowns, CBS TV Affiliate Event, Design Assistant

Community Involvement +

  • 2011 APR- Creator and Participant, Intersection of Fashion and Art, DADA Spring 2011 Panel Discussion
  • 2010 NOV - Fashion Design Participant, Dallas Observer Artopia
  • 2010 NOV - Sponsor, Fashion Coordinator and Participant, FACC Beaujolais Wine Festival
  • 2010 SEPT - Sponsor, Coordinator, and Participant, DADA 25th Anniversary Celebration
  • 2010 AUG - Guest Speaker, Dallas Fashion Camp
  • 2010 MAY - Sponsor, Coordinator, and Participant, Miami in Dallas Fusion Benefit
  • 2009 - Juli B Style award Finalist
  • 2009 NOV - Fashion Coordinator/Feature Designer, FACC Beaujolais Wine Festival
  • 2009 OCT - Induction to Advisory Board, El Centro College
  • 2009 OCT - Class Guest Speaker, El Centro College
  • 2009 OCT - Dress Donation, Cattle Barons Ball
  • 2009 OCT - Costume Designer, Aveda Institute Dallas Grand Opening
  • 2009 MAY - Texas Next Top Designer, Finalist
  • 2009 MAR - Key Note Speaker, Irma Rangel Career Day
  • 2009 FEB - Featured Designer, The Pin Show
  • 2008 DEC - Dress Donation, Crystal Charity Ball
  • 2008 NOV - Feature Fashion Show, FACC Beaujolais Wine Festival
  • 2008 JULY - Featured Designer, The Pin Show