Today we’d like to introduce you to Keresse Dorcely.
Six/20 is a luxury sportswear brand for women who value style and comfort equally. Women are superheroes who dash from place to place, balancing multiple responsibilities all at once. Unlike the superheroes in comic books, women don’t have the luxury of dashing into a phone booth. They need for their garments to transition with them. Six/20 combines quality fabrics with silhouettes that move seamlessly from work to weekend; from brunch with the girls to a night on the town. Six/20 doesn’t just want to be part of your very special day, Six/20 wants to be part of your everyday.
Baltimore native and New Jersey transplant, Keresse (Pronounced Caress) taught herself to sew as a way of healing after tragedy. On June 20th, 2014 (SIX/20/14), Keresse gave birth to a beautiful but stillborn baby boy named Forte. Losing a child is unimaginable pain that no one should have to endure, but Keresse had a five years old daughter that needed her to be strong and resilient-a superhero. While healing, Keresse kept having a nagging feeling that she needed to buy a sewing machine. Up to this point, Keresse had been a high school music teacher who loved fashion but even struggled with sewing on a button. With each day, the desire to buy a machine only grew in intensity, so Keresse finally ordered one. A few days later, it arrived and a friend showed her how to thread the machine. With every stitch, a new world opened for her. Fabric became puzzle pieces that when put together, told her story and healed her wounds. Keresse’s desire to express her philosophy on life through design and her desire to make her clients feel strong, powerful, and beautiful drive her to push the bounds of luxury sportswear and design.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is not such thing as a smooth road in fashion, lol! As a small business, capital is always an issue. It’s difficult to create a brand and have product without money. You have to get really creative to build your dream. The other obstacle is really building a brand identity. Sewing and designing are two different things. The questions of who am I? What is my why? What am I trying to say? All have to be answered and evolve as you grow as a designer. You have to make sure that your evolution makes sense to your customers and they are willing to ride with you.
Right now with COVID-19, I had to make a pivot from luxury sportswear to making masks. I am enjoying making fashion masks and bringing a little joy into a difficult situation, but I’m hoping my customers stay with me.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SIX/20 – what should we know?
Six/20 is a luxury sportswear brand for women who value style and comfort equally. Women are superheroes who dash from place to place, balancing multiple responsibilities all at once. Unlike the superheroes in comic books, women don’t have the luxury of dashing into a phone both. They need for their garments to transition with them. Six/20 combines quality fabrics with silhouettes that move seamlessly from work to weekend; from brunch with the girls to a night on the town. Six/20 doesn’t just want to be part of your very special day, Six/20 wants to be part of your everyday.
We are best known for my colorblock flare pants, sequin t-shirt dresses, and most recently our fashion masks.
What sets us apart from other designers is our marriage between sport and luxury in my designs. We are proud to have the only boardroom appropriate sweatsuit!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I approach everyday with gratitude and humility. A positive attitude really does make a huge difference. Energy is important- the energy you put out as well as the energy you receive. I always ask myself, “Why not me?” There are super successful businessmen and women out here. There is no reason that I can’t be one other them. I’m also relentless. SIX/20 is my son’s birthday. It is how I honor him. There’s no plan B. I will not fail.
Pricing:
- Masks – $35-$45
- Pants – $248-$328
- Jackets $248-$348
Contact Info:
- Website: www.six20style.com
- Email: fortesforte620@gmail.com
- Instagram: @six20style
- Facebook: @six20style
- Twitter: @six20style
Image Credit:
Photographer- Razaaq Manley, TMAXX (for the gold pant and jacket only)
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
