I was the first grandchild in my mother's family and thus was named for my grandmother. In her native tongue of Kru our name “Enisio” (pronounced Eh-Nee-Syo) roughly translates to “nothing lasts forever”. My mother, in an inspired moment, tacked on the “D” for flair but the meaning remained. It is a daily meditation on the impermanence of things; a gift from my ancestors I carry on my journey.

 

The ending of things forces us to appreciate them that much more. Sure, there's a sense of melancholy and a little nostalgia but there’s also a jolt of excitement for what comes next. So it is with great reverence and joy that I announce to you that Dopeciety is EVOLVING. I am retiring the moniker "Dopeciety” and will be designing exclusively under my given name, Denisio Truitt.

 

Since 2013 I've worked full time for myself, a privilege only made possible by all of you. I've vended at quite a few Afropunks even traveling to London and Paris, showed work at Art Basel, partnered with my love to produce events and designed for several artists I admire. In 2018 I opened up my very first brick and mortar here in New Orleans, something I never imagined happening. Along the way I’ve met so many incredible people who have felt inspired by my work and the brand. I am beyond grateful for YOU. 

 

I had been meditating on this change for sometime. Then a conversation with one of my closest friends made it feel more real. I voiced it aloud to my partner Michael last October during a long walk. He's been an integral part in the growth of Dopeciety; this has been his baby too. I remember feeling nervous, not because of him, but more so that sending the words out into the unseasonably warm air would suddenly make them solid. Admittedly he was unsure of the idea at first, we both invested nearly a decade into growing this company, but when I explained to him why I wanted —  no — NEEDED to pivot he understood. 

 

So here is the piping hot matcha: In all of my years of being an entrepreneur I've never fully stood on my own name. I've had a few business ventures and loads of partnerships in my career and I've always separated myself from the brand. Dopeciety was/is the one that felt closest to my true artist self especially with my artwork being front and center. Even so, the name “Dopeciety”, a contraction of Dope and Society I coined in my 20’s, is something I find myself connecting with less and less as I approach my 40’s. And as I've grown so has my work, from just four t-shirt designs in the beginning to capsule collections, bespoke clothing, and artwork! With all this evolving and expanding it feels right to make the switch to using my name…my grandmother's name. 

 

If I'm brutally honest with myself (and you!) I've always been afraid to put out work under just “Denisio Truitt”.  It feels dangerously vulnerable, like the curtain has been drawn back and you see The Wizard is just a person with flaws like you. But in these insane timeline we find ourselves in, it's evident that time is fleeting delicate and not promised. Time to be brave and pull back my own curtain.

 

So what is this shift going to look like? Well, I'm still mapping it out but if you read on I'll give you the basic rundown of the new site and offerings. There will be some familiar items and a whole lot of new! I hope you're ready to go on this adventure with me! I’m confident the future will bring my best, most authentic work to date.

 

LASTLY I'm having a HUGE sale, as I will be retiring some items. So if you want to take advantage scroll to the bottom!