Local designer Dolly Donshey gets her New York minute

New York Fashion week's Nolcha Fashion Show will feature Tampa native Dolly Donshey.


With prestigious Miami and Tampa fashion week appearances under her belt, one of Tampa’s youngest fashion designers finally makes it to NYFW.

click to enlarge Dolly Donshey wearing one of her own creations. - Todd Bates
Todd Bates
Dolly Donshey wearing one of her own creations.
Twenty-three year old Dolly Donshey was chosen as one of only 13 designers to showcase at Nolcha Fashion Fashion Week: New York, an award-winning event that runs concurrent to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in September. Donshey, chosen by Creative Loafing as one of their top 25 Under 25 list in 2013, will present “The Rise of Ostara", the 2015 Spring/Summer collection of her high fashion millinery brand, Monstruosité.

Nolcha Fashion Week is one of New York’s leading platforms for emerging designers as it allows for a global audience of member of the press and buyers from around the world to view upcoming talent in the fashion industry. 

“It’s an incredible feeling knowing that something I have dreamt about for so long is finally becoming a reality", she says. "From the organizers of Tampa Bay Fashion Week to the local media, I am so grateful for everyone who supported me along the way.” 

Her line, inspired by the traditional art of millinery, puts forth headwear pieces that implement an avant-garde flair to hat-making by experimenting with unexpected and nontraditional materials. Donshey not only creates these edgy hats, but she also implements drama and charm through original short videos that together with music and a narrative showcase her creations in an unique and impactful way. 

The 4-year-old brand releases two lines seasonally; the first is a couture line of statement pieces especially made for celebrities, stylists and fashonistas, and a second that is meant for the everyday woman. Her lines have been featured in various international fashion magazines, including En Vie, Z!nk, and Coco. 

To fund Dolly's trip to Nolcha Fashion Week, Donshey has created a crowd-funding campaign called the “Big Apple or Bust.” The designer is also set to host a 1920's inspired fundraising event, “Swing us to New York,” on June 14 at the Social in Ybor. The event, will include consume contests, specialty cocktails, swing dancers, Burlesque performances and a raffle! You can purchase tickets by going to our website or buying in person at the Monstrosity Showroom at 540 N Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs. 

To find out more details about the event's address and tickets, please visit the FB event page