Meet Darlene C. Ritz | Creative Director/Designer and Founder of DCR Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darlene C. Ritz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darlene C., can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wish I could say that I had a full thought process, but that would require more planning then I had at the time. DCR Studios started as a creative outlet, a way for me to design the things I wanted to design without having to worry about what would sell. I very quickly came to realize that consumers are attracted to the message that “Every Body is Beautiful” and had to scramble to find a way to deliver on that message. Sometimes we have to take the leap and trust that we will learn to fly on the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
About DCR Studios We are a body and gender inclusive brand focused on ethical sustainable fashion and we celebrate every body. We create clothes to encourage those that wear our brand to embrace their bodies with as much love as they have for their community and our planet.

There is more to that mission statement. I haven’t always felt comfortable in my own body, through years of fertility issues and multiple miscarriages, I felt at war with my own physicality. Creating clothing that fits and feels good, and is good to the planet, helped me understand the incredible healing nature of our bodies. I came to realize that clothes are just fabric wrapped around the body and I deserve fun clothes that fit as much as anyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would start with an event at Red Rocks: pack a picnic! There would have to be a trip to Machete’s Tequila and Tacos across from Union Station. Maybe a hike up Dinosaur Ridge. Hopefully we could schedule one of the incredible events around town: the Cultural Series at the McNichols Event Center, Denver Fashion Week or Latin Fashion Week, an immersive exhibit at the DAM. And of course a little shopping in the Santa Fe Arts District. Then grilling vegetables from my garden and maybe a salmon on my back porch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My son Jayden Genece. He keeps me in the moment and he keeps me honest. He has faith in me and encourages me in my journey. We have a ton of fun together.

Website: dcrstudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dcr_studios/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-c-ritz-edd-3bba949/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dcrstudiosfashion

Youtube: DCR Studios

Image Credits
Robin’s Photography Evan Jensen Models: Katie Pitts, Davry Ratcliffe, Genesis Gomez