We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dara Broadous. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dara below.
Hi Dara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Designing my own wedding dress remains the most cherished project of my life! Holding a BA in Fashion Design and having nurtured a deep love for bridal fashion, creating my dress felt like a dream turned reality — a true full circle moment. This project is much more than just a design achievement; it’s a piece of my heart. It represents my journey as a designer, intertwining my academic knowledge with the rich tapestry of my professional experiences. Every stitch and fabric choice in the dress was a reflection of my life’s story, making it not just a garment, but a symbol of my passion, a reminder of my past, and a beacon for my future.
My love affair with bridal fashion started at the front desk of David’s Bridal, where I was first mesmerized by the allure of wedding gowns. This job was the beginning of a path that led me through diverse experiences in the industry, from sales to alterations. My studies at Kent State University deepened these skills, culminating in a labor of love: a handcrafted gown that took over 100 hours to create, adorned with intricate hand-beading (pictured). Starting this February, I’ll be pouring some of my free time back into designing custom gowns! It’s a new endeavor that’s about crafting dresses that capture the stories and dreams of each bride. Every dress I create is a tribute to the journey that led me here, a journey filled with love, learning, and the magic of bridal fashion!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Dara Broadous, and I am a fashion designer and multi-disciplinary creative! I’ve always been deeply connected to the world of arts and creativity, a passion that was kindled in my childhood in the UK as a child of Nigerian immigrants. Artistic expression was more than a hobby; it was my wonderland, offering an endless canvas of possibilities that captivated my imagination! This journey led me to the enchanting world of fashion and also to the vibrant world of music.
Attending Kent State University for my fashion design degree marked a crucial phase in my life and career. There as a senior, I focused on bridal wear, captivated by the craft’s elegance and depth. My time there wasn’t just about learning design; it involved an exploration into fashion, specifically the bridal industry, culminating in the creation of my first handcrafted bridal gown (picture attached). This project not only honed my design skills but also instilled an appreciation for the emotional essence of bridal attire, leading me to design my own custom bridal gown as well as gowns for others.
Simultaneously, my passion for music flourished. I’ve balanced my fashion career with my love for music, channeling my creative energy into performances that have allowed me to connect with diverse audiences, both locally and on international stages. This musical journey has been as fulfilling as my fashion career, enriching my life and work with a unique blend of artistic expression.
In my professional role at Abercrombie & Fitch, as an associate designer for Gilly Hicks, I’ve continued to grow, applying my academic insights and creative versatility to real-world design challenges. At A&F, I’ve stretched my creative boundaries, blending fashion with graphic design in exhilarating ways. Embracing my neurodiversity, especially after my ADHD diagnosis, has been a powerful journey of self-discovery, leading me to advocate for inclusivity in the workplace.
Art, in its myriad forms, whether it’s fashion design or music, is my refuge. It’s where I find solace, rejuvenation, and an avenue to explore new dimensions of my creativity. It’s my distinctive blend of creativity, my steadfast commitment to inclusivity, and my ability to navigate different art forms with ease that set me apart. I am incredibly proud of using my platform to highlight important social issues and of my personal growth, especially in embracing my neurodiversity. To my clients, followers, and fans, I present my brand as a vibrant collage of creativity, diversity, and relentless exploration. My mission is to continually fall in love with art, sharing this limitless passion and vibrant energy with the world.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being a creative, for me, is so rewarding because it’s all about the exhilaration of pushing boundaries and the freedom to be unapologetically myself. I’ve always been enchanted by the endless possibilities of artistic expression. It’s like magic, turning my ideas into something tangible, and that’s always exciting to me. The arts have been more than just a passion; they’ve been a sanctuary where I feel deeply understood and free to explore my true self.
What I love most is the liberty to experiment without the pressure of perfection or repetition. Every project is a new adventure, a playground for creativity where having fun is just as important as the end result. This fluidity and joy in the creative process reaffirm my lifelong commitment to being an artist. It reassures me that, no matter how my career or artistic focus may evolve, the vast and welcoming world of the arts will always embrace those changes, especially as someone who is neurodivergent. It’s in this boundless artistic realm that I find my freedom and a sense of belonging, distinct from anywhere else in the world.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most empowering lessons I’ve been embracing is the power of breaking free from self-imposed limits. A vivid example of this came through my work at A&F. This year, our DEI team approached me for an exhilarating project – a graphic to be featured in the Black History Month product giveaway for 2024. Initially, I was hesitant. “I’m a fashion designer, not a graphic designer,” I thought. But when I shared some of my graphic artwork, the response was so encouraging! I decided to stop questioning myself and my abilities and just dive in, fully embracing the challenge. Creating this design, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, was not just about showcasing the resilience and creativity of African Americans, but also about expressing my own artistic journey. My design, encapsulating the joy of the Lindy Hop, became a symbol of freedom, connection, and celebration. This project taught me a profound lesson – behind the walls of self-doubt lies a world of unexplored potential. I’m incredibly proud of stepping beyond my doubts and creating something that resonates so deeply with my values and heritage.
This endeavor not only filled me with immense pride but also paved the way for a thrilling new opportunity – creating a project for Women’s History Month. It’s a testament to the ‘limitless’ possibilities that unfold when I stretch myself artistically. ‘Limitless’ is my word for 2024, embodying my goal to break free from boundaries set by others, and more importantly, those I set for myself.
This endeavor not only filled me with immense pride but also opened up another thrilling opportunity – working on a similar project for Women’s History Month. It’s a testament to how stretching myself artistically can lead to new, exciting ventures. This whole experience has been incredibly empowering, reinforcing my belief that the most rewarding achievements often lie just beyond our self-imposed barriers. This whole experience has been incredibly empowering, reinforcing my belief in pushing past self-imposed barriers to uncover the most rewarding achievements. Embracing this ‘limitless’ mindset has opened up new, exciting ventures and transformed my approach to both my art and personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.daraoshunniyi.com
- Instagram: @madebydarab
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darabroadous/
- Other: I am also a Travel Agent (Travel with Dara B) www.travelwithdarab.com @travelwithdarab (IG)
Image Credits
Quaylyn Nichelle (profile picture) Kennedy Carter (bhm campaign photo)