By Dawn Butler
From the earliest I could remember, I have dreamed of being a Fashion Designer. As a little girl, when my mother and I were in the checkout line at the grocery store, she would say I could get a treat. “Piece of Candy?” she would ask. “No thank you, I want a fashion magazine” and my hands would pick up the latest copy of Vogue.
Growing up in Powhatan, VA, a very small town I would tell people of my dreams. I would always get the same response, “You can not do that, you have to live in New York or Paris to be a fashion designer”. However, I was able to acquire a job in a bridal salon and I fell in love. Helping with purchasing, styling the mannequins and windows, and assisting brides I knew this was my destiny. We would go to Atlanta to the Buyers Mart and help in purchasing.
I learned everything about running a store and growing a business in the fashion industry. Later on, I was the bridal manager at Nicole Miller in Richmond and also a sales associate at the former “Shoe Box” boutique. In my free time, I would read any fashion magazine I could get my hands on and watch every fashion documentary that was ever produced.
Three years ago, God gave me a vision of Exotic Skin Pillows, and I started sketching and doing the research. After a friend’s tragedy in his family, I knew at that moment that we are not promised tomorrow. It is never too late to be what you might have been.
I launched an entire collection of python, ostrich, and Nappa leather pillows. I moved onto proposal pillows and handbags. I loved every second but still yearned to produce clothing. So last fall I produced kaftan tops, and everyone loved them. They were placed at the Sassy Sister Boutique in Farmville; VA and they started selling.
But then, February 2025 was when I received horrible news at a routine checkup. The doctor said you could possibly have uterine cancer and we need to perform an emergency hysterectomy. I was told I could not wear anything constricting for a month and you need to be comfortable. So God gave me the vision of Kaftans.
I designed some pieces, started wearing them and the reaction was incredible. After traveling to Florida, we were picked up by Monkees of Lakewood Ranch and the most luxurious and famous hotel brand in the world. I knew we had something BIG!
My inspiration comes from the Caribbean- the colors, the flowers, sunsets, water, and sea life is what is a huge part of this collection. It is for the woman that wants to be comfortable, classic, and walk in grace and style. These pieces are perfect for a bridesmaids on a beach wedding or a honeymoon trousseau. They pack wonderfully and can be dressed up or down. They can be the perfect beach cover up and transition to dinner and shopping. They are timeless and elegant and the silk blend fabric is like butter to the skin.
Models: Arwa Hussein & @noneedtoknowhosthis
Venue/ Location: Eagle Beach, Aruba
Photographer: Dawn Butler
These Mulberry Silk Kaftans are the perfect Honeymoon pieces. They pack beautifully and do not take up much room. The vibrant Caribbean colors showcase the sealife print. They can be an effortless beach cover up and then transcend to a dinner out with great accessories and the perfect sandal. The kaftan dresses and tops are one size fits most and are curated in the USA.
The Caribbean has been a huge inspiration behind this collection. Nature, bright colors, and sea life are what inspires the fabrics that are chosen to create these pieces. The fabric dries quickly and flows beautifully as you stroll on the beach or out for a day of shopping. Comfort is also a major influence with designing these pieces. Slip one on for the plane ride for your destination honeymoon, they coordinate fabulously with a light jacket for extreme comfort.
The perfect bridesmaids dress. A complete dream for a bride, no measurements to be taken or alterations needed. The stunning palm print with color variations of green, gold, brown, & white showcase this long kaftan. These pieces can also be tied up on the side to shorten the length of the gown and we also have curated sashes that can be used as belts or head wraps. This is truly a bridesmaid dress that can be worn again!
Models: Carlynne Butler, Haley Lynn & Nicole Amarso
Location: Myrtle Beach
Photographer: Sunset Snaps
This black palm print is another wonderful choice for a bridesmaid or the perfect honeymoon getaway. The variations of green, pink, blue, and black palm showcase the palm print. Made of mulberry silk and one size fits all.
Model: Carlynne Butler, Location- Myrtle Beach, SC
Photographer: Sunset Snaps
These pieces are the top picks with our clients. Another showstopper of Sealife in vibrant golds, blues, greens, whites, & coral set off this fabulous print. The sash can be worn as a belt, hair wrap, or around the neck.
Models: Haley Lynn & Nicole Amarso
Venue: Myrtle Beach, SC
Photographer: Sunset Snaps
The turquoise, gold, & pink colors showcase the Aztec print on the right. It is a bold piece that will definitely make a statement when walking into a room!
We love anything Caribbean- the palm print is curated with green, coral, vibrant blue, & white. Whether a beach side wedding or a night on the town these pieces can be dressed up or down!
Models: Haley Lynn & Nicole Amarso
Venue: Myrtle Beach, SC
Photographer: Sunset Snaps
We love a fabulous floral print, and this hibiscus print with vibrant shades of pinks & red, green, and gold can be curated as a long kaftan or a short top. The tops can also be a great bathing suit cover up. Most of our pieces can come as a long kaftan, short dress, or top- just send inquirers to www.dawnbradburydesign.com
Model: Kyleigh Cole
Venue: Artisan Lakes, Florida
Photographer: Dawn Butler
The African Safari print top has just about every color of the rainbow. Another piece that can come as a top or dress. This piece can be great with a short, jean, skirt, or legging. You can absolutely dress this top up or down. Made as one size fits most and the fabric is Mulberry Silk.
Model: Kyleigh Cole
Venue: Artisan Lakes, Florida
Photographer: Dawn Butler
Tropical flowers are featured in vibrant pink, red, green, gray, creme, & gold. These pieces are perfect for travel and can be rolled up and tucked inside that carry-on!
Model: Jess Weiss
Venue: Clearview, Powhatan, VA
Photographer: Dawn Butler
If you are an Equestrian Lover or going to the Kentucky Derby we have horse prints. These short dresses look great with booties, sandals, or riding boots. They can easily transition to the fall with a jean or leather jacket. The various patterns range from vintage horse drawn carriages, horseshoe prints, bits & briddles, and the classic horse print. Vibrant colors of orange, pink, teal, navy blue, hunter green, black, and white showcase the various prints.
Model: Chrisy Anderson
Venue: Jest Meadow Farms, Powhatan, VA
Photographer: Dawn Butler
The underlying black background makes this floral and palm print dazzle. Vibrant greens, blues, pinks, and gold makes this piece so much fun. The flamingos even love it! As you can, bright colors and sea life are the true inspiration behind these incredible designs. God has given me so many chances at life, beating alcoholism is the main one. When I got sober, my vision became so clear…. To be the fashion designer I had always dreamed of being since a little girl. So in turn, I use the things that God has placed on this Earth and try my best to reflect his vision into my designs. Once you slip a piece on, you will not want to take it off. It is truly the most comfortable thing I have ever worn. The one size fits most and the buttery feel of the fabric makes these pieces not only fun to wear but OH so comfortable. So you can look fabulous and be comfortable at the same time. I appreciate all the love, support, & purchases from clients.
Remember, it is never too late to be what you might have been!
Model: Designer Dawn Bradbury
Venue: Palm Island, Aruba
Photographer: Jason Butler
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
