In the wonderful world of fashion we find many styles...none can be as exotic or imaginative as swimwear. With the least volume of material Emily Gonzaga delivers her imagination and unlimited skill to spectacular heights of colorful creations for the world to marvel!
Copa: Emily where are you originally from?
Emily: I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Emily: I was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Copa: When did you acquire an interest in fashion?
Emily: My history with fashion is quite different. My grandmother made dresses, skirts and handcrafted scarves to sell to friends, family and her church sisters. She also created her own little home laboratory mixing perfumes and sold her unique fragrances. She was truly an entrepreneur. Of Italian descent, she was one of those cute, artistic, strong women and has been my main inspiration. My interest in fashion also stems from my early years as a ballerina. In fact, my company name “D’Milikah” derives from my childhood nickname “Milika” given to me during my years as dancer. My mother and her friend who helped make my many dance costumes called me “Milika”and this opened my eyes to fashion.
Emily: My history with fashion is quite different. My grandmother made dresses, skirts and handcrafted scarves to sell to friends, family and her church sisters. She also created her own little home laboratory mixing perfumes and sold her unique fragrances. She was truly an entrepreneur. Of Italian descent, she was one of those cute, artistic, strong women and has been my main inspiration. My interest in fashion also stems from my early years as a ballerina. In fact, my company name “D’Milikah” derives from my childhood nickname “Milika” given to me during my years as dancer. My mother and her friend who helped make my many dance costumes called me “Milika”and this opened my eyes to fashion.
Copa: What was your other interest before fashion?
Emily: I love to dance and everyone who knows me undestands this fact. I was a dance teacher. I also love to paint, although it’s been a while and hard to find the time.
Emily: I love to dance and everyone who knows me undestands this fact. I was a dance teacher. I also love to paint, although it’s been a while and hard to find the time.
Copa: Okay, what inspired you interest in swimwear?
Emily: I grew up close to Santos, Brazil and every weekend we spent family time at our beach house. This is how swimwear and beachwear emerged in my life. Seeing the beauty in different body shapes and sizes motivated me to create the D’Milikah brand.
Emily: I grew up close to Santos, Brazil and every weekend we spent family time at our beach house. This is how swimwear and beachwear emerged in my life. Seeing the beauty in different body shapes and sizes motivated me to create the D’Milikah brand.
Copa: When you arrived in the U.S., what major differences did you find compared to Brazil?
Emily: I believe a difference here is in food portions and food availability (fast-foods etc.), and yes I do love to eat. Coupled with the fact that you drive to get anywhere; this affected my weight. So, a major difference and difficulty I faced in this country is the lack walking to accomplish daily errands. This change in lifestyle, I see as difficulty. Health and even emotional issues might come from that. In my country, I walked a lot, breathed fresh air and jumped from subway to metro. Food was more natural and healthy even from the simplest of places.
Emily: I believe a difference here is in food portions and food availability (fast-foods etc.), and yes I do love to eat. Coupled with the fact that you drive to get anywhere; this affected my weight. So, a major difference and difficulty I faced in this country is the lack walking to accomplish daily errands. This change in lifestyle, I see as difficulty. Health and even emotional issues might come from that. In my country, I walked a lot, breathed fresh air and jumped from subway to metro. Food was more natural and healthy even from the simplest of places.
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Copa: How would you describe what makes your swimwear special? It definitely has a dynamic look!
Emily: Swimwear that is special is the swimwear that fits well and makes you feel confortable. With that said, I have impact pieces used on the runway or at a pool party with friends. However, what makes my styles look dynamic are the unique prints, vibrant colors, figure flattering cuts and handcrafted embellishments.
Emily: Swimwear that is special is the swimwear that fits well and makes you feel confortable. With that said, I have impact pieces used on the runway or at a pool party with friends. However, what makes my styles look dynamic are the unique prints, vibrant colors, figure flattering cuts and handcrafted embellishments.
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Copa: Would you please share some of the materials in your items?
Emily: Our swimwear is made using the highest quality Lycra from Brazil. We also use Xtra Life Lycra which is lycra designed to last longer in chlorine, sea salt and many washes maximizing the lifespan of the D’Milikah piece. In our Ready to Wear Resort Collection, I use tie-dye lace fabrics which are fabrics I love to work with.
Emily: Our swimwear is made using the highest quality Lycra from Brazil. We also use Xtra Life Lycra which is lycra designed to last longer in chlorine, sea salt and many washes maximizing the lifespan of the D’Milikah piece. In our Ready to Wear Resort Collection, I use tie-dye lace fabrics which are fabrics I love to work with.
Copa: Where do you sell most of you pieces?
Emily: Internationally, we are currently selling in Trinidad and Lebanon. Locally, D’Milikah designs can be found in boutiques in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.
Emily: Internationally, we are currently selling in Trinidad and Lebanon. Locally, D’Milikah designs can be found in boutiques in Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.
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Copa: When and where is the show we should look forward to?
Emily: This year, I’m calling the year of the trade shows. However, most of the trade shows we do, we end up participating in a designer showcase as well as on the runway. Future trade shows will likely be in Miami and California. We are also planning to do our runway show in Georgetown called “Splash at the Waterfront” which was a huge hit last year.
Emily: This year, I’m calling the year of the trade shows. However, most of the trade shows we do, we end up participating in a designer showcase as well as on the runway. Future trade shows will likely be in Miami and California. We are also planning to do our runway show in Georgetown called “Splash at the Waterfront” which was a huge hit last year.
Copa: Would you give us a few hints on what coming up next?
Emily: Next, we have what I call Part 2 of the “Tridimensional Happiness High Summer Collection.” These pieces will follow the same trend of the current collection, but we will take the next step with beautiful, surprising cover-ups and Maxi dresses.
Emily: Next, we have what I call Part 2 of the “Tridimensional Happiness High Summer Collection.” These pieces will follow the same trend of the current collection, but we will take the next step with beautiful, surprising cover-ups and Maxi dresses.
Copa: How did you pick the name D'Milikah?
Emily: Milika was my nickname as a child. “D” means: – belongs to, or from Milika, and the “H” in the end is just for good luck!
Emily: Milika was my nickname as a child. “D” means: – belongs to, or from Milika, and the “H” in the end is just for good luck!
Copa: What is your most popular item?
Emily: Our “Francine” monokini style is the best seller so far. The Francine style has been with the line since 2012 and many people love it, so I keep bringing it back in different prints and colors in new collections. Our handcrafted crochet cover-ups, jumpsuits and boy shorts are enjoyed by many. For spring 2014, a favorite piece is the Guitar Blazer inspired by our presence at the Official Grammy Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge.
~Copa
Emily: Our “Francine” monokini style is the best seller so far. The Francine style has been with the line since 2012 and many people love it, so I keep bringing it back in different prints and colors in new collections. Our handcrafted crochet cover-ups, jumpsuits and boy shorts are enjoyed by many. For spring 2014, a favorite piece is the Guitar Blazer inspired by our presence at the Official Grammy Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge.
~Copa