Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwarmis Concepcion

Hi Dwarmis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey into fashion started back when I was a child in the Dominican Republic. I grew up surrounded by art, fabrics, and music—my father was an avid art collector, and my mother, who was always effortlessly stylish, became my first fashion icon. I spent my childhood exploring fabrics and watching my father run his fabric business, which gave me an intimate understanding of textiles. My aunt, who founded the first female merengue band in Latin America, also influenced me through her bold expression of style and culture. Fashion, for me, was always about storytelling, about combining heritage and craft.

It was my mom who first told me I’d be a fashion designer, and that stuck with me. After moving to the U.S., I earned a full scholarship to Parsons School of Design, which was a dream come true. My time there shaped me as a designer. Winning the ‘Young Fashion Talent’ Kimberly Clark Kotex Fashion Award was a defining moment and opened doors for me early in my career.

After Parsons, I spent ten years at Tory Burch, which was like a second education in design and business. I then had the opportunity to consult with brands like Ulla Johnson and Rachel Comey, which gave me even more perspective on what it takes to run a successful, creative business. It also solidified my desire to create something of my own, something that reflected both my American experience and my vibrant Latina roots.

That’s how DWARMIS was born. The brand is a reflection of my personal story and the intersection of two worlds—rooted in American ideals and deeply influenced by my Dominican heritage. My collections are always inspired by movement, versatility, and inclusivity. I want the women who wear my designs to feel as though they can go anywhere, be anyone, and do anything. I’m particularly focused on craftsmanship and sustainability, using fashion as a way to support local communities, including the Latinx community in New York.

Today, I’m working on my Spring ’25 collection, inspired by my two grandmothers, both named Maria. I’m constantly drawing from personal experiences and family stories to keep my work grounded and authentic. My journey has been about finding my voice, understanding my roots, and translating that into clothing that makes women feel powerful and beautiful.

I’m excited for what’s next—whether it’s collaborations, expanding my brand, or continuing to explore ways to make fashion more inclusive and sustainable. But no matter what, the heart of my work will always be about celebrating heritage, craft, and the women who wear my designs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—like any journey, there have been ups and downs, and the fashion industry can be tough. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is finding my voice in an industry that often expects you to fit into certain molds. As a Latina designer, I’ve had to work hard to carve out space for my unique perspective and celebrate the richness of my heritage while still appealing to a broader audience. I always knew I wanted to combine the vibrancy of my Dominican roots with modern American design, but at times, it felt like I had to fight to be seen and heard.

Starting my own brand came with its own set of challenges. DWARMIS was born out of my desire to create something meaningful, but building a brand from the ground up takes an immense amount of work. You’re not just a designer—you’re also the business mind behind it all, which means wearing a lot of hats. There were definitely moments when I questioned if I could do it all, especially balancing creative expression with the more practical side of things, like production, budgets, and marketing. It can be overwhelming at times.

Another struggle has been navigating relationships in the industry. While working for other brands taught me so much, transitioning from those roles to running my own label was a big leap. You go from being part of a bigger team to making all the decisions yourself, and that responsibility can be both exciting and daunting. It’s also a challenge to stand out in such a competitive industry. It takes resilience to keep going, even when you’re met with rejection or when things don’t work out as planned.

There were times when I felt uncertain, particularly during the early stages of building DWARMIS, when it wasn’t clear if the brand would be sustainable or if it would resonate with the market. But I learned to embrace those struggles because they’ve pushed me to grow and refine my vision. I’ve always had to remind myself that it’s okay to move at my own pace and stay true to the values of my brand—craftsmanship, versatility, and authenticity.

Despite the challenges, every setback has been an opportunity to learn. The road hasn’t been smooth, but I think that’s what makes the successes even more meaningful. It’s taught me to trust myself, my instincts, and the process.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

A big highlight has been the opportunity to connect with people who wear my designs and hear their feedback. Knowing that something I created resonates with women, makes them feel confident and beautiful, and even helps them celebrate their own heritage or story—that’s incredibly fulfilling. When you start a brand, especially one that’s so personal like DWARMIS, you hope people will connect with it, but you can never be sure how it will be received. The positive response, especially from the Latinx community, has been so meaningful because it reinforces the importance of representation in fashion.

On a more personal note, one of the most touching moments was when I launched my latest collection and my family could see how my Dominican roots were woven into the designs. My family has always been such a big part of my journey, and honoring that in my work feels like a full-circle moment.
My work is rooted in storytelling through design, blending the vibrancy of my Dominican heritage with modern, versatile fashion. At DWARMIS, I focus on creating pieces that celebrate movement, femininity, and inclusivity. I specialize in designing clothing that makes women feel confident, beautiful, and empowered in any setting, whether they’re at work, socializing, or traveling. Each collection reflects a mix of cultures and influences, highlighting my personal experiences and the energy of the women who inspire me.

One thing I’m most proud of is how DWARMIS has become a platform for celebrating craftsmanship and heritage. I design with sustainability and responsibility in mind, making sure that each piece is thoughtfully crafted, often supporting local artisans and the Latinx community in New York. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work is not only stylish but also has a positive impact.

What sets me apart is the blend of versatility and cultural richness in my designs. I draw a lot from my upbringing in the Dominican Republic, where my love for fabric, texture, and bold color began. My collections are rooted in those influences but are designed for the modern, multi-dimensional woman—someone who needs her wardrobe to move with her, to feel effortless yet chic. The designs aren’t just about fashion; they’re about how clothes can support you throughout your day and life, while connecting you to a deeper story.

I’m also very intentional about the craftsmanship behind my collections. Every detail matters—from the quality of the fabric to the way a garment moves. I believe in creating pieces that last, that are timeless, but that also reflect something unique and personal. I’m proud of how my designs honor both my roots and the women who wear them.

Ultimately, what makes my brand different is that it’s personal—it’s my story, but it’s also about creating space for other women’s stories. Each piece I create has a little bit of my background woven into it, but it’s designed to let every woman express herself in her own way

Can you share something surprising about yourself?

One surprising thing that most people don’t know about me is that, despite working in such a visual and creative industry, I can be pretty shy and introverted, especially when it comes to phone calls or expressing myself in new relationships. People often assume that as a fashion designer, I’m always outgoing or bold in every area of life, but I actually need time to warm up to people, and I can get a little nervous in certain social situations. It’s funny because my designs are bold, but personally, I can be more reserved!

Another thing that surprises people is my love for music and how much it influences my work process. I often have music playing while I work, and I’ll even dance around my studio to keep the creative energy flowing. Reggaeton is my guilty pleasure—sometimes, I’ll even take dance breaks at home to clear my mind and reset. It’s part of how I stay grounded and inspired, especially during stressful times or when I’m deep in the creative process.

While my brand reflects my love for structure, detail, and elegance, my personal life is a little more carefree and fun-loving than people might expect!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dwarmis.com
• Instagram: @dwarmis
• Facebook: dwarmis