Interview: Amanda Fox of Dames and Divas vintage kimono shoes & accessories

 If you are after a unique pair of shoes or accessories that will add that little extra zing (not to mention originality) to your outfit, you must check out Dames and Divas.  

Vintage silk kimono fabric and GOTS certified organic denims adorn some very funky shoes which come in all shapes and sizes – wedges, kitten heels, sandals and ballet flats. 

Put a light summer dress in between the sandals and clutch, and you will be one stylish gal!

Dames and Divas was founded in April 2009 by Amanda Fox (above), who as a self –professed “short-course-a-holic” (she has completed jewellery & shoe design!) decided to leave behind her marketing career to pursue her passion for vintage accessories and handcrafted goodness.  Amanda was happy to share with us a little more about her wonderful creations and business!:

1. What influenced you to start Dames and Divas?   Dames & Divas was born from the allure and mystery of Japan combined with an innate love of vintage accessories. Running my own boutique vintage jewellery business for a year while working as a Product Manger in textiles I thought it was about time I put my skills and knowledge into something beautiful and different. Vintage kimonos are so inspiring.  Each one tells a story and they are so lovely to work with.

2. You use vintage kimonos and organic denims in your designs – what is your ethos behind using these fabrics?   Vintage/recycled fabrics and so interesting and unique.  Repurposing fabrics gives them a second life and allows the wearer to step into the future while wearing fabrics of the past.

The colours, textures and patterns of a kimono are unlike anything you can find in a fabric store.  The kimonos we use are generally over 30 years of age.  They often show signs of wear and tear so we cut around these pieces and turn them into wearable art. 

Our organic cotton denim is GOTS certified.  Not only does this mean less impact on the environment it also has a social conscience which means no child labour and fair working hours for those responsible for its production.

3.  Where do you source your vintage kimono fabric (without giving away your trade secrets!)    Our kimonos are sourced from all over Japan but mostly from Kyoto.  Kimono are becoming increasingly harder to find and the most amazing antique kimono shops are tucked away in the most remote of locations.

4. Since launching Dames and Divas, what has been your biggest achievement?    Our biggest achievement to date was being selected to exhibit at Debut at Fashion Exposed in Melbourne in 2009. 

5. What does 2011 have in store for Dames and Divas?   2011 is going to be an exciting year with a number of fabulous launches, designer collaborations,  lots of new products and more interesting fabrics.

Thanks for the chat Amanda! If you would like to see more wonderful creations from Dames and Divas, do pop on over to their website or follow their news and updates on the blog!

SUBSCRIBE to the State of Green blog for all our latest news, reviews and interviews! Just pop you email address into the box in the top right corner of this blog, and you will receive our blogs hot off the press !