.jpg "Photo:Essquired Images Steff Sioson Dress:O'Couture Stylist:Domz Ramos")
OUR FOUNDER...
DOVI GOMEZ-NAPORA: A Revolutionary Name and Brand Written By Bemz Dumlao Benedicto
The guiding mantra for Ms. Dovi Gomez-Napora to her radical fashion bible is dedication and never to trends. For her, it will always be a movement above and beyond. She continues today to be a brand that is revolutionary and at the same time, to pay homage to her motherland by bringing a filipino fashion identity to the world through her label.
Ms. Dovi Gomez-Napora began her exposure in the fashion industry when she was a young 15 years old, as a part-time runway model. Dovi was then immediately featured in some various print ads and runway shows. It was the glam and glamour of the photo shoots and runway walks that taught her early on to the patterns, shapes and movements of the fashion industry.
Nevertheless, while doing a rigorous career in fashion, she was able to finish her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and even juggled other works such as teaching away from the chic world of fashion in Manila, Philippines.
However, one’s calling can never be reverted and it is in her heart that molded with pure creativity for fashion and passion in business that also brought her back to her first experience and love. For her, putting fashion and teaching together was also integral. So, she find a way of putting together two core philosophy that are essential to her — to create and to teach.
Hence, Dovi founded multiple organizations in the Philippines such as the International Language School in 2007. It was named after her first-born son — KIRK BRYCE ACADEMY OF ENGLISH and TRENDSETTER PRODUCTIONS. It was a school for models, talents and it even produces different shows and events. It even showcased a modest fashion store named GLAMOURSHOPPE located at the
Night Market of Good Shepherd also known as Ruins in BF Homes, Paranaque City, Philippines.
Today, Dovi has transferred residence in Washington, USA to be a devoted wife to her husband John Napora and devoted mother to sons.
Her husband John Napora played a key role in keeping Dovi with her fashion mission. John, sketched her first designs and samples with combined sleek shapes and colorful palettes in an entirely new way and even debuted six versions of her own fashion bags. Thus, the brand galvanized from her own name and second home, DOVI SEATTLE was created and launched in October 2017. A representation of her identity and synergy of two homes that brought out the best in her as a fashion mover and shaker. It is now a brand that centers on all women of all ages and a fashion philosophy that is completely influenced by love in every designs. DOVI Seattle was first seen by the public at The Tacoma Dome's Holiday Food & Gift Festival and was immensely supported by family, friends, ordinary folks and fashion enthusiasts.
“My passion towards fashion stems from my personal joy of expressing my feelings through art and yearning my own space towards telling stories through craftsmanship.”
Futhermore, Dovi believes in the creativity of the Filipino mind and how local fashion always wants to stand out and be unique. Most of her designs pay homage to the different local indigenous materials that present rich tradition, art and heritage of her beloved Philippines which she strongly believes should be incorporated more in every fashion designs.
Dovi was one of the founders of Filipino American Fashion Week in 2021 and the pioneer director of its inagural show in 2022. While being one of the central figures in its inception, she has moved on to create more significant ripples in her other advocacies in the fashion world.
Futhermore, Dovi believes in the creativity of the Filipino mind and how local fashion always wants to stand out and be unique. Most of her designs pay homage to the different local indigenous materials that present rich tradition, art and heritage of her beloved Philippines which she strongly believes should be incorporated more in every fashion designs.
Dovi was one of the founders of Filipino American Fashion Week in 2021 and the pioneer director of its inagural show in 2022. While being one of the central figures in its inception, she has moved on to create more significant ripples in her other advocacies in the fashion world.
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Presently, Dovi carves yet another impactful breakthroughs by being a proud member of PACK or People for Animal Care and Kindness. She also lends a voice in FAKE Movement or Fashion for Animal Kingdom and Environment Movement. Recently, she was also recognized as one of the 72 Women Owned and Vegan & Ethical Fashion Brand.
There is no stopping to the woman and brand who holds a conviction of a revolutionary fashion that is purposeful but responsible and a name and brand that honors both her past and present while connecting two significant countries in a seamless fashion creation that makes every fashion a great story to be told to every Dovi consumer. This is the successful distinction of the DOVI Seattle brand.
A name synonymous to her fashion brand to always remind her to do all with devotion, integrity and obligation. After all, the name is also the brand. She can only gain or lose in this path.
“I am putting out my name as my brand because I am living my dream with authenticity and accountability. I only have one name to take care and to make my children proud of how I cultivated out of something for our name.”
