Fashion is more than what you wear; it’s how you tell your story.

At DLCT, we believe that clothing should evoke a feeling, serve as a conversation starter, and above all, make you feel like the best version of yourself. While many luxury fashion brands create visually stunning designs, DLCT’s prints go deeper, carrying personal and cultural stories that resonate with women everywhere. Our prints aren’t just patterns—they’re symbols of personal journeys, transitions, and strength.

The Power of Symbolism in DLCT’s Designs

Our collections reflect the personal and cultural journeys of our customers. Every DLCT print is a carefully crafted narrative, incorporating symbolic elements that celebrate femininity, strength, unity, and personal transformation.

For instance, the ILÉ collection stands out not only because of its striking design but also because of the meanings woven into every piece. Adinkra symbols, deeply rooted in West African culture, particularly in Ghana, represent philosophical concepts and wisdom. These intricate symbols like Duafe, representing femininity and self-care, remind us to nurture ourselves in the face of life’s transitions. Meanwhile, Bese Saka, a symbol of wealth and unity, speaks to the interconnectedness of personal experiences that shape who we are. Wearing an ILÉ piece means more than just making a style statement—it means carrying a rich, meaningful story with you. The Hibiscus, woven into the fabric of our ILÉ print, embodies the strength and beauty found in resilience. Each design is an invitation to celebrate your own narrative while connecting to the rich tapestry of shared experiences.

At DLCT, we strive to create fashion that feels deeply personal, connecting each woman to her unique path.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Art

Creating a DLCT textile print is far from an overnight process; the story behind each print is its most significant aspect. For instance, our ILÉ print took about eight months to develop. It began with early, unclear ideas that gradually evolved into vivid concepts filled with colors and patterns, culminating in a design that tells a compelling story —a fleeting thought that blossoms into a vibrant tapestry of colors and patterns, each thread woven with intention.

  

From first sketches of vague motifs by hand starting to vibrant fully water-colored images on paper.

The process also involves a crucial revision phase. However, these stages are not as distinct as they may seem. It’s a continuous journey of tweaking shapes, colors, and forms, envisioning how the print will fit and flow on the body. We consider which stories should take center stage and which should play supporting roles, adjusting their prominence within the design. Each decision is deliberate, ensuring that every detail enhances the overall experience.

Each print is the result of countless hours of research and deep introspection. A constant source of inspiration for me comes from my upbringing in West Africa—both Ghana and Nigeria—growing up in a single-parent household as the firstborn child, and more specifically, as the firstborn female child, IYKYK.  The resilience, strength, and beauty of those moments breathe life into our prints, making them not just visually stunning, but deeply personal and relatable.

In addition to personal stories, we draw inspiration from African history, art, and modern happenings to create prints that are both timeless and contemporary.

The prints are not only about their symbolic significance but also about the detail and precision required in production. We use the highest quality fabrics that drape beautifully on every body type, whether it’s a mini dress or a flowing maxi dress. Each piece is designed to feel both luxurious and wearable, with comfort and style intertwined seamlessly.

Wearing DLCT – A Journey of Self-Expression

Fashion is, at its core, about self-expression. When you wear DLCT, you’re not just wearing a beautiful dress—you’re telling your story. 

Creating the ILÉ print has been a full-circle experience that adds even more depth and meaning to its story. As a female designer of Nigerian heritage, I found that my background and experiences directly influenced the narratives we wanted to convey.

Interestingly, we had given the exact same brief to another textile designer from a different heritage, but the results were worlds apart. Despite adhering to the same guidelines, her prints didn’t resonate with the story we sought to tell. This contrast underscored the importance of cultural context in design—how personal experiences can shape creativity in ways that are profoundly different.

For our ILÉ print, we collaborated closely with the talented female Nigerian textile artist Jesudara Hinmikaiye, who was just a final-year student at UNILAG at the time. At only 19 years old, Jesudara brought a fresh perspective and deep understanding of our shared cultural heritage. Together, we infused the design with elements that reflect the strength and beauty of our backgrounds.

This collaboration not only made the ILÉ print more authentic but also highlighted the unique voices that contribute to our brand. By combining our experiences, we created a piece that truly resonates with our mission—celebrating individuality and the stories that shape us.

When you wear an ILÉ print piece, you embrace a design that’s not just beautiful but also rich in meaning, crafted with a shared passion for heritage and personal journey. It’s a reminder of how powerful collaboration can be, particularly when it honors the unique experiences of women from diverse backgrounds. You’re also embracing a piece that tells a story of personal growth, cultural identity, and the powerful journey of women.

The women who wear DLCT are bold, self-assured, and unapologetically themselves. They embrace the significance of each print and find joy in knowing that their clothing holds deeper meaning. Wearing DLCT is about honoring your unique journey while looking incredible at the same time.

Conclusion: More Than Just Fashion

At DLCT, we believe in creating more than just clothes. Our designs are an embodiment of personal stories, cultural heritage, and the journey every woman undertakes. Through our iconic prints, we invite you to explore fashion that speaks to your individuality, celebrates your personal milestones, and connects you to something larger than just trends.

Explore the ILÉ collection and discover the DLCT piece that resonates with your personal journey. Shop now and wear your story.

With warm regards,

DLCT.