Meet DOROTHEA Muhammad | Modest Wear Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with DOROTHEA Muhammad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DOROTHEA, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always loved Fashion, never thought that I would actually own a boutique, however after joining the Nation of Islam, and becoming aware of the dress code that was required of the women, Belle “D” Kouture was formed out of frustration that turned into inspiration.  After speaking with several women; I realized that this task has become more difficult in today’s fashion mainstream. As it is all too common of a battle for those who shop for fashionable modest apparel; it’s liken to finding a hidden treasure.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Belle “D” Kouture is the new modesty: a new age of fashion is dawning it’s a fashion house dedicated to designing modest ready-to-wear haute couture.

Privately held label registered in Atlanta Georgia.

Founded in 2016, Belle “D” Kouture has gained substantial recognition in the market, featured in several fashion shows including Paris Fashion Week.

My bold and contemporary designs of modest fashion have proven popular with women in general and within months it became clear that interested consumers swarmed in from across the globe to purchase Belle “D” Kouture garments, the brand is more than just a clothing line.

Dispelling its common misconceptions that modest fashion caters only to Muslim women now, Belle “D” Kouture is a resource where countless women can shop in the comfort of their homes.

It represents women’s empowerment and taking pride in one’s identity, especially in these critical times.  Having a purpose beyond selling clothes doesn’t just make them successful, but it also sets Belle “D” Kouture’s Collection apart from her competitors as a distinct and meaningful brand.

We strive to provide quality garments which do not reveal the contours of the female body or draw unsolicited attention to her femininity, all of the clothing are carefully designed focusing on the very latest in affordable fashion styles, both attire and accessories, and perfume we provide the latest in chic product lines, to give maximum choices to our discerning clientele.

I’ve seen the profiles of a lot of the modest designers, and their designs are very impressive my goal is to provide an extensive line of modest clothing, without having to sacrifice style at an affordable price. You will be able to wear my line to a broad range of functions: from everyday events to corporate parties.

No, it wasn’t easy but, once I prayed on it and asked Allah/God to guide me everything seems to fall into place, and what a blessing it has been.

Some of the challenges were finding the right resources without having any knowledge of the industry, I took an online course which helped to understand terminology in the business and put in a lot of hours researching the internet which was a great help.

As far as lessons I would just say the most common practice would be to treat people the way you want to be treated in business these days you don’t find customer service anymore customer service is a real commodity so I dedicate my business to customer service making sure that I’m treating people the way that I want to be treated going above and beyond providing good quality service as well as a good product.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To start we would go to the Atlanta Fish Market the food is always great, and then to walk it off the High Museum for dessert over to Jeni’s for the wonderful ice cream, next day take a walk thru Piedmont Park and for lunch Patria Cocina close out the evening with Comedy Corner. Breakfast at Gocha’s, shopping at Lennox Mall to get ready for Mable House Amphitheatre,

Freshen up our hair we visit LA Hair Studio, then to Treat your Feet and of course more shopping at BelledKouture dinner at St James Live on the last day we will catch a game at the Mercedes Benz stadium dinner at Paschal.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Nation of Islam inspired me to design modest clothing that we strive to provide quality garments which do not reveal the contours of the female body or draw unsolicited attention to her femininity, all of the clothing are carefully designed focusing on the very latest in affordable fashionable styles.

We are taught to do for self, so out to solve a problem; I embarked on a journey to bring my vision to life, providing an atmosphere where we would be able to shop in an upscale environment dedicated to helping women and serving our community.

Hearing the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan say that he loved my designs and that’s how he wanted to see the women look every day.

Website: www.belledkouture@yahoo.com

Instagram: belledkouture@yahoo.com

Linkedin: belledkouture@yahoo.com

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Facebook: belledkouture@yahoo.com

Yelp: belledkouture@yahoo.com

Youtube: belledkouture@yahoo.com

Image Credits
Zevelan Davis