Dony’s Story

Dony is a gender non-conforming line established in the DMV and currently based in NYC. We highlight the intersecting existence of queerness, spirituality, religion, music, the cosmos, nature, and the boundary breaking Black hair culture, traditions, and craftsmanship from East and West Africa. 

Dony has been created for something bigger than itself. An abstracted archival of customs and crafts inspired by Malian, Ethiopian, Black American and diasporic culture, we use traditional textile and hair styling combined with futuristic elements as an ode to the imagination of our inner child.  

Dony is the past, present, and future all in one. A universe that exists for us but without violent western influence. In order to access it, we can only move in love to create communities and a better future for our descendants. Starting with our commitment to liberate Black Queer folk, Dony hopes to evoke love and anger as a transformative tool for self reflection and deep healing in those who choose to stay in the status quo and for those who feel called to continue the advocacy and practice of self-liberation and freedom for all.

Based on family stories, archives, and the brilliant Malian and Ethiopian artists that have paved the way for our existence, we ask you to join us in taking the necessary steps of the lifelong journey of healing and creating from a place where fear of the unknown doesn’t exist. 

We are extremely blessed and grateful for our ancestors, family, friends, and community for supporting and inspiring us. Liberation is our birthright and we are committed to reminding the world of that.

Fabric and materials utilized within the collection has been sourced ethically and locally from the Bamako and Addis Ababa regions, with love <3