Meet Classic Edgy
The eponymous label by Dee Ocleppo offers timeless style with a twist—without the sticker shock. DEE OCLEPPO LOVES classic style, but infused with a sexy twist. Think Grace Kelly mixed with Lauren Hutton, she says. That design premise has served as Dee Ocleppo’s foundation since it debuted in 2012. “Our aesthetic is elegant, timeless and luxurious,” Ocleppo says. “We strive to make pieces that you’ll wear for years to come—true closet staples.” Ocleppo doesn’t believe consumers should spend extravagantly for such timeless pieces. In fact, a key ingredient of the Dee Ocleppo recipe is accessible craftsmanship. Every piece in the collection (spanning shoes, handbags and apparel) is priced under $500 retail. “Our craftsmanship combined with our accessible price points are what sets us apart,” explains Ocleppo, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. “Everyone is enamored with the amazing quality and fit of our Italian-made products and are even more thrilled when they realize that they can get our luxe pieces at a more affordable price.” A former top model and now creative director for Judith Leiber, Ocleppo has been married to Tommy Hilfiger since 2008. Suffice to say she is well experienced in the world of fashion. “Being exposed to the industry all these years has given me a unique eye and ability to recognize something that’s different and fresh,” she says, noting that she is able to manage her creative director duties and her own label harmoniously. “Judith Leiber is a more established legacy brand that owns the evening and special occasion bag arena, whereas Dee Ocleppo offers everyday pieces,” she says. She admits, though, that being married to the legendary designer is an ace up her sleeve. She describes her husband as her biggest supporter and mentor. “I’m so thankful for his experience and insight on our brand,” Ocleppo says. “Working as a team with him is the best business and design advice I could ever ask for—it’s priceless.” Ocleppo’s collective experience translates into delivering another collection of classics with modern twists for Fall/Winter ’23. “Our latest collection is full of timeless styles that are enhanced with fresh colors and fun embellishments,” she says. “Barbiecore pink, of course, is everywhere, along with neon, boucle, bows and fun textures to add extra touches to our pieces.” The designer adds, “We’re known for our comfort and standout, handcrafted quality while our overall style is classic edgy.”
Speaking of which, have you adapted your approach to design since the pandemic? For example, some say high heels will never be as important. Personally, I’ve tried to incorporate a slower pace of life since the pandemic, spending time with my family and embracing more creativity. As for the death of high heels, we’ve actually had an uptick in sales, so I disagree. Everyone is looking for a reason to get out and dress up! What are some key goals for 2023? Expanding our retail footprint by working with more partners domestically and internationally. What are some of your biggest challenges and how are you planning to overcome them? This is a highly competitive industry and retail is very challenging. The key is to be able to anticipate and adapt to what consumers are looking for. It’s about staying relevant and meeting their needs. For example, during Covid we had to pivot and rethink our digital strategy to ensure we were able to maintain and connect with our customers. Dee Ocleppo strikes a pose, offering her take on classic with a sexy twist.
Any advantages to being a woman running a woman’s shoe label? First off, to have my own voice and business to create pieces for other women is so empowering. My vision marries exceptional quality of our Italian factory partners with an unmistakably American point of view. Like all women, my life is multi-faceted and ever-changing. Our designs must meet those demands in terms of style, comfort and quality. And while I may love luxury, quality and price are not always synonymous. We make sure that women are not just buying a logo. Who are some designers you admire? I have several favorites besides my husband, of course. I love Wes Anderson, Brandon Maxwell and Johanna Ortiz. I love their aesthetics as well as their work ethics.
What is your first shoe-related memory? Getting my first pair of Nike sneakers when I was around 11 years old. They were blue nylon joggers with a yellow swoosh. Soon after, I got another pair in white leather with a red swoosh. I had wanted them so badly, and when my parents finally bought them for me, I was so proud and felt very cool because, growing up in Rhode Island, my shoe closet consisted mainly of a varied selection of L.L. Bean styles!
Who is the Dee Ocleppo woman and what is she looking for in her shoe purchases? Our shopper is fashionable and style conscious. She loves designer items, but she’s thrilled that she can buy our Italian accessories at a more affordable price. She’s looking for quality and quantity. She loves how she can fill her closet with our shoes!
On that note, what shoe must every woman have in her closet? A classic black pump. It’s timeless, elegant and goes with everything.
What do you attribute your label’s longevity to most? The ability to pivot. This industry moves fast, and everything can change so quickly. You have to be open to change, as well.
What do you love most about designing shoes? I love the ability to create something unique and special that will make someone feel just as unique and special when they wear them.
52 footwearplusmagazine.com • february 2023
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