Little Black Designs - Dee Collins

Little Black Designs is the passion project of Clarksburg, West Virginia, native Dee Collins.

Dee graduated in 1993 from West Virginia University, having studied textiles, design, and fashion merchandising. With small savings and big dreams, she headed to Florida and worked as a makeup artist at a high-end salon in Boca Raton. Although she loved the artistry of makeup and helping people feel their best, Dee had her heart set on sartorial things. Fortunately, she wasn't far from an international fashion hot spot: Miami.

In South Beach, Dee quickly landed a management job at California designer Leon Max’s high-end retail boutique, Max studio. Located steps from Ocean Drive, a playground for fashionistas and European millionaires, Max Studio was an invaluable hands-on learning experience for the aspiring designer . . . all while, sketching her own designs.

Armed with vision, talent, experience — and unflappable ambition — Dee's next move was all about pragmatism and aplomb. She returned home to West Virginia and a greater opportunity to establish her future: a design studio for women’s fashion. She spent nearly two years implementing a business plan and eventually received SBA funding. Soon thereafter, she set up shop in her hometown and has since built a loyal client base.

In 2022,  Dee got the offer of a lifetime: a runway show at New York Fashion Week. The years since have been a frenzy of growth, including a new studio. Dee is reveling in her dreams-come-true journey, grateful for all the support, and ever-dedicated to designing fashion that flatters every figure.