L.A. Blogger and Journalist Dahvi Shira Launches Cozy Clothing Line "DGI"
Los Angeles social influencer and content creator Dahvi Shira recently launched her highly anticipated clothing line - DGI! Full of comfortable tees and swoon-worthy hoodies (which are what we have ALL been living in for the past year) the line is the perfect homage to Angelenos! Now more than ever, we need some comic relief, and why not in the comfort of a cozy tee?
Social Media Maven Dahvi Shira Launches Cozy Clothing Line "DGI"
"DGI actually stands for Doesn’t Get It, something I started saying in 2012," the skyelyfe blog founder says. "It was a combo of reflecting on what I used to wear to red carpet events, and seeing people race down Sunset Blvd. in their Maserati with a vanity plate saying something like 2Fast4U. It began as an inside joke with some friends, used to describe specific people, places and things (Hollywood + Highland—very DGI). Almost a decade later, it’s become a way to ironically celebrate all those tragic nouns. From terrible chats on Bumble to Karens refusing to wear a COVID mask—even to unnecessary traffic cruising down the 405—all of it applies to DGI. But the people who say it are obviously GI, because, duh, they Get It."
The best part about the brand is that $3 from each shirt sold will go to The Help Group, an L.A.-based organization that serves young people with special needs related to autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges.
Identify LA got the chance to speak with Dahvi Shira on DGI and her hopes (and all of ours tbh) for people to finally 'get it.'
Identify LA: What was the inspiration behind launching DGI?
DGI. started out as a joke way back when. I was with friends, and we'd comment on someone's ridiculous roommate or some embarrassing photo of an outfit I wore to a red carpet. I would say everything "doesn't get it," and that got shortened into "DGI." As my friends and I determined who didn't get it, it really shed light on people who did get it. So for a few years, there were constant references to who DGIs and who GIs. Anyway, as time went on, more and more people started saying it—and it became in reference to more than just individuals. It was everything—traffic, dating app convos, trends, food, you name it.
Red has always been my least favorite color, so I paired that with the most basic font I could possibly find, and that birthed the stickers that I started putting everywhere. They were, for lack of a better word, very DGI. Eventually, people told me I should make shirts and really launch this into a brand. Once that idea came to mind, I had to tweak the logo with a slightly more upgraded font. But I kept the red. A year ago, I got dgi. trademarked and put it out into the universe that I'd launch T-shirts sometime in 2020. And here we are!
Shira also runs the lifestyle site, Skye Lyfe!
IDLA: 2020 has been a difficult year for a lot of people. What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
DGI: As someone who is single and lives alone, the pandemic could have potentially presented many challenges. I did my best to focus on myself throughout this experience. Whether it was honing in on cooking skills, experimenting more with makeup, or, obviously, putting work into launching this brand, I did my best not to waste time. I really thrived throughout the first four months of the pandemic. That said, the second half of 2020 was slightly more challenging. I lost a lot of my motivation to work out, and for a little while, I was living a bit more freely than I had been. Also, seeing couples bundled up on gloomy days or headed on road trips was certainly a reminder that I'm alone. Fall felt a little lonely. It was hard not to compare myself to others, which is something I've always tried not to do. Now that we're in lockdown again, I'm starting to gain back the momentum I had at the start. I'm back to cooking all my meals and focusing totally on me. I'm back to being in a good headspace.
IDLA: As a social maven and founder of DGI, in your opinion, what is the number one thing you wish people would 'get'?
DGI: Oh my, I wish people got how easy it is to tell that they bought followers on Instagram! I've never bought a follower, but if you're going to go that route, why does it need to be so extreme? Like, these people with 50k followers and 25 likes is just mind-boggling to me.
On a less surface-y scale, I wish people would "get" how stupid it makes them look to post partying amid the pandemic. If the saying holds true that if it's not on social media it didn't happen, maybe that's a sign you should stay home. It's especially strange for these people who live with others. Like, if I (a typically social person) can lock myself away solo in my one-bedroom apartment, you can surely survive being stuck with your best friends or a significant other you love being with. Like what are you gaining by posting irresponsible behavior?
All Smiles Over Here! Grab a tee or hoodie from DGI - You Won’t Regret It!
IDLA: Why did you decide to partner with The Help Group?
DGI: I first learned about The Help Group in 2014, when a friend who works in philanthropy introduced me to the organization. I was immediately taken by it. As one of the youngest people I know to have been diagnosed with ADHD (I was eight when I was prescribed Ritalin—long before ADHD was "cool"), I know the confusion and struggles of being "labeled" with something so definitive at a young age. The Help Group has certified professionals who coordinate an array of separate programs for youths and young adults with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, learning disabilities and trauma. I've always cared about helping children. I wish there were more programs when I was a kid. I felt incredibly ashamed and lost in my diagnosis at the time. I think The Help Group has taken meaningful action to assist children who struggle the way I once did. I'm very excited to donate a portion of dgi.'s proceeds to this organization.
IDLA: Anything else you'd like to add?
DGI: I got laid-off in September due to COVID-related budgetary issues, so this T-shirt line is not only a passion project but also a hopeful way to earn some income. I hope people will support me and support what the brand stands for. It's supposed to be lighthearted and fun during a time that's been dark and chaotic. It also doesn't hurt that the tees themselves are pretty comfy and stylish!
I was also fortunate to team-up with Graffiti Library for the launch. They're a candle and fragrance line that supports local rising artists. They donated their signature candles for my influencer gifting. So this and the combination of The Help Group tie-in makes the whole presentation of dgi. feel positively oriented, and that makes me happy.
If you have to ask, then you probably don’t ‘get it!’ Follow Dahvi and DGI on socials for all the latest!
