“Born in NYC, raised in the suburbs of New Jersey, Samantha moved back to the city at 18 to study Sociology, concentrating in Post-Structural Theory at Barnard College of Columbia University. She held apprenticeships at VICE, Nicole Miller, Teen Vogue & W Magazine. She further expanded her skills by studying design at Central St. Martins in London before becoming an alumna of Parsons. She is now a fashion designer and owner of the womenswear label Dolores Haze.”

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Outfit: Dolores Haze — *Outfit:* *Dolores Haze*

ON HER MORNING ROUTINE

I just moved to Brooklyn, but recently discovered Bushwick Bakery, around the corner that resembles a Parisian cafe. I grab a coffee and pastry, and review my to-do list that I make each night and then follow up on any e-mails.

on her aesthetic

My aesthetic is a mix of feminine nostalgia, 90’s grunge, with a hint of prep. Vintage shopping is my favorite; I have a weakness for second hand mens button-down shirts and t-shirts. I’ve been going to the Japanese vintage punk store Search & Destroy on St. Marks for over a decade. Beacon’s closet has been a go to spot when I’m in the mood to sift through racks. I’ve also become a fan of the second-hand shop “Worship” in Bushwick, which a impressive selection of shoes and dresses.

on starting her fashion line

My senior year of high school I interned in the design department at Nicole Miller. I saw my work for sale at a boutique. The thought that a stranger could feel positive about themself in something I drew up solidified my love for fashion. That same summer I read the book Lolita, and decided that Dolores Haze was the most bad ass name for a fashion line. Soon after I bought the domain, knowing that one day I’d have my own line. I’ve been talking about starting Dolores Haze since I was 18. At a certain point I decided I can’t be “all talk and no game.” After graduating from design school, I didn’t immediately start my own line. To the contrary, I worked in corporate design at places like Urban Outfitters, Liz Claiborne, and Aeropostale. There I learned about the business of fashion in a fast past cut throat environment. My experience was instrumental to starting my own label. I launched Dolores Haze while working full time, and eventually realized that if I wanted to do this, I’d need to devote all my time.

Trench, Yang Li Men ; T-Shirt, Vintage ; Choker, Vintage YSL ; Pants, Sonia Rykiel

“I refuse to use girls who are underweight. The last thing I’d ever want is for women to look at editorial photos and feel compelled to starve themselves. I use girls with an array of body types, and I love casting real girls. I use “real girls” who are doing cool things with their lives, because what’s sexy goes beyond what you look like.
”

— on casting women

on her beauty routine

Lipstick is an everyday thing for me; I feel naked without it. I try to keep my routine as basic as possible because I’m not a morning person. My beauty routine consists of coco butter lotion, splashing Christine Chin toner on my face, and NARS bronzer with mascara. I also use Chrsitine Chin Herbal Blemish Gel, Christine Chin AHA Exfoliating Cleanser, and Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist for my hair. I'm a creature of habit, so I usually am not searching for new products, but on the occasion I am, I look for new shades of red to dark purple lipstick. I like to use Sephora Collection Lip Tint.

on her degree in sociology

My degree in sociology informs my inspiration and how I run the company. I choose the name “Dolores Haze”, because it reflect the duality of femininity. The juxtaposition of the Lolita’s dark story in the novel with the hyper feminine Lolita colloquialism was inspired by my background in post-structuralist feminist philosophy. In addition, social responsibility is integral to Dolores Haze. I always knew that I when I started my own line there would be several things I wouldn’t compromise. I believe in the importance of knowing who made your clothes. The factory I work with provides health insurance to all employees, and I make sure that production is done in a environmentally conscious manner. Additionally, as a sociologist I’m very aware that as a fashion brand you’re presenting a image of feminine beauty to the world.

on her favorite book

I stumbled across the book “Introduction to Modern Existentialism” laying next to the garbage in the West Village, and it’s become a favorite since. It’s a quick read with an overview of different philosophers’ take on existentialism. I love philosophy, and indulging myself in esoteric theory while on the train is a nerdy past time I’ll never give up.

“Music is most definitely a work thing. The music I’m listening to while designing completely informs my aesthetic. Last season I was listening to New Order’s album “Power, Destruction, and Lies.” I feel in love with the album cover which drew me to create a floral print in muted washed out colors.”

— on the music she's listening to