Sparked from childhood joy to the creation of a brand, Kelly works to bring dreams into reality.
The Dream
Most women remember the childhood magic of playing dress up in their mother’s wardrobe. When Kelly Dillon was little, the game was different. She got lost in a world so vivid it felt almost real. As she grew up, unlike many little girls who abandon their early loves, Kelly had the courage to hold on to her dream: of combining art and joie de vivre into beautiful clothing.
Today, the small town girl from Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, has grown into the owner of her own blossoming fashion house. (Some might say fashion empire in the making). It’s the stuff dreams are made of.
The Journey
2011
Bachelor of Technology Fashion Design (Cum Laude) Graduate at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Winner ELLE Magazine Designer of the Year Competition
2012
Most Creative Emerging Creative' award at the Design Indaba
Collaboration with Mr Price (designed a limited edition female winter collection)
2013
Launch of her own business, Kelly Mae Bespoke
2020
Launch second brand, Kelly Mae Dillon
Kelly’s work is regularly featured in national magazines [e.g. Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour], as well as on television, radio and in the local newspaper.
Let's create together
Let's create together
The Brand
At Kelly Mae Bespoke, all Kelly’s creations are made in a picturesque studio in Nelson Mandela Bay. The brand specialises in bridal, matric dance and evening wear garments, crafting individually tailored pieces.
Kelly’s youthful passion and creative spirit, along with her eye for elegance and style, are the leitmotif in all her collections, and the evident golden thread in the Kelly Mae Bespoke brand.
The Heritage
KMD continues to run on the same flame of passion that sparked inside the little girl in her mother’s wardrobe. This sense of history and tradition continues in the DNA of the business, which honours the special relationship Kelly had with her name-sake grandfather, Derek Garth Kelly Mitchell.
Derek, affectionately referred to as “Ou Kat” by Kelly, played an integral part in her life and in remembering him, Kelly continues to inspire others with her honest and welcoming professionalism towards what she feels called to do – empowering others by recognizing their worth, through the creation of authentic and meaningful garments that tell a story – your story.
