Journey of Empowering Confidence
Article from issue 1 of ‘later’ – the Parsons Paris alumni magazine.
Story by Laura Zelmanowicz, Featuring Danielle Cole
Danielle Cole is an accomplished American fashion designer from Minnesota, in the United States. Her journey in the world of fashion began with her graduation from Parsons Paris in 2015, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Fashion Design. She arrived in Paris with notions of French and is now fully fluent. Following her academic achievements, Danielle embarked on an impressive career that has spanned eight years at Zadig & Voltaire, a renowned fashion brand known for its edgy and contemporary designs.
Drawing from her extensive experience in the fashion industry, Danielle has recently taken an exciting leap by launching her own brand, Bott Lingerie. With a deep passion for empowering women and enhancing their confidence, Bott Lingerie represents Danielle’s commitment to providing women with high-quality, stylish undergarments that uplift and inspire them daily. Her dedication to making women feel comfortable and confident in their own skin shines through every aspect of Bott Lingerie. Danielle Cole’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the world of fashion and her mission to support women in feeling their best, day in and day out.
For Later, Danielle shares her relevant tips for building a company, like Bott, from scratch:
Begin your career by working in an established company before venturing into entrepreneurship
This practical experience will enhance your credibility and provide valuable insights into best practices within your industry. It’s an opportunity to define your role and gain a deeper understanding of different professional roles. Danielle’s eight years at Zadig & Voltaire have truly shaped the way she works, as she could observe, reflect, and learn from the best and worst practices.
Keep the best from your personal experience and upbringing
Danielle draws upon the richness of her personal experiences and upbringing to infuse her entrepreneurial journey with a unique blend of cultural influences. She masterfully combines the best of both American and French cultures to shape her vision.
From her American heritage, Danielle embraces a sense of optimism and pragmatism. She admires the efficiency and organization that is characteristic of American services and industries, as seen in railways and restaurants. This influence has helped her in building a well-structured and efficient business foundation.
Conversely, her connection to French culture brings a touch of “joie de vivre” and “savoir-faire” to her work. She finds irony in the art of Parisians lighthearted complaints at charming cafes, accompanied by a glass of wine in breathtaking settings. It’s the melding of contradictions that she particularly cherishes.
Danielle also values the French work culture’s emphasis on work holidays for overall well-being, a practice not as prominently emphasized in America.
For her company, Bott, she combines American optimism with French savoir-faire, ensuring that all models are meticulously designed and crafted in France. Her goal is to preserve and celebrate the intricate art of lingerie and corsetry, staying true to the essence of French craftsmanship.
Develop a company in an industry you enjoy
Danielle Cole’s journey in building a purpose-driven company is rooted in her profound passion for the world of lingerie. For her, lingerie is not merely an article of clothing; it’s a powerful tool that can influence a woman’s confidence and set the tone for her day. With this vision, Danielle has created a brand, Bott Lingerie, that is devoted to enhancing the well-being and self-assuredness of women.
Lingerie is often the very first thing a woman adorns in the morning, and Danielle believes that this intimate ritual can be transformative. When a woman slips into her favorite set of lingerie, it’s not just about feeling comfortable; it’s about choosing the attire that complements her mood and empowers her for the day ahead.
Whether it’s wearing fearless underwear for a job interview or adding a sexy touch for a romantic date, Bott Lingerie is designed to be a companion that contributes to a woman’s self-assurance. It’s about embracing one’s individuality and expressing it through carefully crafted pieces of lingerie. Danielle is deeply committed to having a positive impact on the lives of women. She understands that when a woman feels good about herself and her appearance, it radiates a positive aura that can influence not only her day but also her interactions with the world.
Leverage on your personal skills and passions
Danielle Cole’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of leveraging personal skills and passions. Throughout her life, Danielle has had a deep-seated love for working with various fabrics and exploring creative design. This passion for textiles and creative cuts was evident during her academic years at Parsons Paris, where she curated a captivating capsule collection. Her collection celebrated the beauty of different leathers and silks, highlighting her talent for imaginative and unique designs.
One of the standout moments in her design journey was crafting her sister’s wedding dress, an intricately detailed lace creation that showcased her expertise in working with delicate and exquisite materials. This experience not only demonstrated her mastery of lace but also emphasized her aptitude for the art of working with her hands.
For Danielle, her entrepreneurial venture into lingerie was a natural progression, aligning perfectly with her skills, learned at Parsons, in work experience and interests.
Seek out for opportunities and meaningful complementary partnerships
Danielle’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the importance of seeking opportunities and forging meaningful partnerships. The pivotal moment of her company’s creation occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she connected with her co-founder Camille through her professional network. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of a powerful collaboration.
Camille’s business acumen and strategic thinking complemented Danielle’s creative talents perfectly. Together, they formed a dynamic partnership with a shared vision and ambition. They aimed to expand their brand, Bott Lingerie, by not only establishing a presence in physical stores but also by strategically positioning themselves in the online marketplace, reaching a broader and more diverse audience.
Build a brand with clear foundations
Bott Lingerie is built upon two distinct and solid pillars that define its brand identity: comfort and ethics. One of the primary issues Danielle addressed was the comfort factor. Understanding that comfort is paramount when it comes to lingerie, she proactively sought out solutions. In order to fulfil her desire as well as for her customers to have comfortable and aesthetic lingerie, she embarked on a quest for soft lace, ensuring that the materials used in her products are gentle on the skin. Additionally, she reimagined the design of the back clasp to enhance the overall comfort and wearability of her bras. Concerning the second pillar that is ethics, the brand is committed to promoting sustainability throughout the entire supply chain. From sourcing materials to slow production processes, they prioritize eco-friendly practices and fabrics. Bott Lingerie is also a celebration of French savoir-faire and arts. Through meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to preserving and elevating the art of lingerie-making, Bott Lingerie creates products that are not just functional but also pieces of art.
Listen to your customers
Listening to customers is a pivotal aspect of Danielle’s approach to developing her lingerie brand, Bott. She recognizes the significance of paying close attention to customer feedback, as it has proven to be immensely beneficial in the evolution of her product line. Danielle has been particularly attentive to her customers’ concerns, and their input has played a crucial role in driving innovation. Each new design is imagined with the customer in mind: from La First, to La Teuf, La Crush, and many more. Her vision is to build an engaged community counting on Bott to provide the best for them. It is a brand created by women for women.
Danielle’s journey is an inspiring testament to the possibilities of entrepreneurship and using one’s passion as a driving force for creativity and success. Her story serves as a beacon of motivation for the Parsons Paris community and beyond, demonstrating how determination, creativity, and a strong commitment to one’s vision can lead to remarkable achievements.