Danucera Diaries
Entry 21: Daniella Kallmeyer
- Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in South Africa and immigrated to the US as a baby. Growing up I figure skated, danced, sang, and drew and painted so much I would get in trouble with my teachers for doodling. I credit so much of who I am and what I love to my mother and grandmother – strong, elegant matriarchs who were always taken seriously but never took themselves too seriously. - Which is your favorite Danucera product and why?
I love the tonic – I can't believe how clean and bright my face looks after I use it and I love the lifting technique Danuta taught me applying it – I literally look like I got work done after I use it. - Why do you choose Danucera for your skincare routine and for the skincare prep for your show?
Danuta is an expert in her craft, something we really value at Kallmeyer. Danucera doesn’t rely on hype or marketing or pretty packaging - though all of their products and packaging and tools are immaculate and thoughtful – but their systems are literally science and I can feel and see the difference after I use it.
"Danucera doesn’t rely on hype or marketing or pretty packaging - though all of their products and packaging and tools are immaculate and thoughtful – but their systems are literally science and I can feel and see the difference!"
— Daniella Kallmeyer —
Q: Where do you find inspiration when creating your collections?
Daniella: "I love people watching. I love seeing the way people (however they identify) wear their clothes and make them their own. It's so inspiring to see someone in their full confidence and power put looks together in an unexpected way, or even something that's so simple that the character of the individual shines through its precision."
Q: Skincare and fashion both touch on how we feel in our own skin. How do you want people to feel when they wear Kallmeyer?
Daniella: "I want people to feel like the best version of themselves. I want them to feel so comfortable they slouch or stand taller or gesture passionately. I want someone to say this is 100% me anywhere I go, whatever I'm doing."
Q: What are your non-negotiable rituals for grounding yourself, especially during hectic times like Fashion Week?
Daniella: Walking – I try to walk five miles in the morning no matter the weather, the time, or how busy I am. It helps me get out and see the sky (and the water and touch grass), it helps me calm my mind before I go straight into my work, and it gives me a chance to be alone and peaceful while moving my body.
Q: What is one thing you think would surprise people about you?
Daniella: "I don't like the term fashion designer. I love the craft of making clothes, I love the community I’ve built as a result of it, I love the theatrics I get to explore in presenting my work…but I think of myself and what I’m impassioned by so much outside of fashion. "
Q: Did you always dream of being a designer as a kid? What would your 13-year old self think of who you are and what you are doing now?
Daniella: "I always knew, and I think I relentlessly pursued this life and career. Not succeeding was never going to be an option and my 13 year old self would say THAT'S RIGHT! But also she would say THIS NEEDS MORE DRAMA because I thought fashion was so much more costume back then."
Q: Once the show is over, the first thing you are doing is...?
Daniella: "Going away with friends, decompressing in a beautiful quiet house in Nantucket and laughing like we’re in some kind of Nancy Meyer movie."
