Name: Dakota Jeane Hilton
Instagram handle: (I have a few!)Personal / stylist profile: @dakotajeane, Business profile: @frockify
Profession/Title: I wear way too many hats and I really should have only chosen one… but my titles include: Fashion Stylist / Owner of Frockify / Art Director / Fashion Designer / Political Campaign Manager / House Flipper & Home Designer / Musician
City you live in: Downtown PHX
How do you know of PFF: I had a retail store for Frockify last year and I was lucky enough to have Meghan walk through the door. She ended up buying an item and we chatted for a while. She told me about her great non-profit organization and we have been keeping in touch since then.
What makes PFF special: Phoenix really needed PFF. Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States, even though it doesn’t always feel that way. Due to our large population, there are inevitably many children with a life threatening illness and families need help during those trying times. PFF is there to help families in our city get back on their feet and provide hope that is so necessary.
If you have been to PFF events, tell us your favorite and why: I was honored to participate in the 4th annual Runway of Hope where I was able to showcase six looks down the runway. This is my favorite event because we were able to integrate the fashion community with PFF and do our part to contribute to the great cause Meghan is fighting for.
What is your favorite thing about AZ? Everything – the people, the dry air, the sunshine, the warmth, the freedom, the space… I lived in NYC for several years, which was amazing. One year in LA, which was great. But, there’s nothing like being home. There’s so much creative energy happening here right now and I love being a part of it.
What was your first job? I just turned 15 years old when I was offered my first job at the Steaming Bean (Durango, CO, where I lived until I was 16) as a barista. I worked in coffee for eight years before I got into fashion.
Sunrise of sunset? Sunrise in LA and NYC, sunset in PHX.
Coffee or tea? Coffee. At least 4 cups throughout the day. I enjoy green tea while I chow down on sushi, but otherwise I’m a huge coffee proponent.
What/who inspires you? So many people and things inspire me. One person who inspires me to work hard and be confident in all I do is my mom, Delina DiSanto. She’s currently running for US Congress and seeing her during this process has been incredible. I’m also very much inspired by my husband, Michael, who encourages me to live my dreams and (many) aspirations. In terms of fashion and styling, I’m inspired by rock and roll styles of the 60’s and 70’s.
What is a motto you live by? Stay busy, but always make in-person time for friends and family.
What is one thing you cannot live without? This is basically two things, two contrasting things… But, I cannot live without my personal time when I can be my most creative. I am much more creative when I’m in my own head and focused. I also cannot live without the people around me. I love my friends and family so much and I need time with them often.
One thing you think every one needs to try? Everyone needs to try and have at least 5 solid vintage pieces in their wardrobe. Wearing vintage always feels good because it’s sustainable, and also it transforms your confidence to new levels. My personal wardrobe is about 50% vintage. I love to style vintage in a fashionably relevant way, and it works well with new styles when you put things together correctly. This is why I got into styling – vintage makes my vision come alive.