Nina, Dot and Alice. See more pics in the gallery below.
Farewell, friends!
We’re sad to say that after six years, the time has come to retire from Dot & Mila. These dresses are a passion that has brought us tremendous joy, but it's time for the next chapter.
Our dresses are like nothing else out there for quality and craftsmanship. If you're interested in taking over Dot & Mila, or in ordering dresses from our makers for your own store, please contact Alice on alicemaygage@gmail.com.
We started Dot & Mila during the pandemic to stay connected – a mum and daughter living 150km apart. During the next six years we argued talked every day, did market stalls, worked on dress designs and photo shoots, built a studio in the garage, travelled to Sri Lanka, and connected with so many families who appreciate these special frocks. We loved it all.
We're immensely proud to have provided employment for the Sri Lankan women who smock, embroider and sew these dresses one by one using techniques passed down through generations. We hope whenever you admire the details in the dresses, you might think of the skilled hands that made them.
Thank you to Kalika and Lakshan de Silva in Sri Lanka, photographer Jacqui Turner, CFO Geoffrey Gage, head sounding-board David McDonald, and Blair Howard for the perfect logo. Thank you to our little models and their parents, and to our friends who opened their homes for shoots, loaned their daughters and provided advice on all things puff sleeves: Ros and Nick Coyle, Bronwyn and Amelia Pulsford, Beccy, Brin, Ella, Kitty, Cleo, Claudia, Ben, Michael, Jess L and Charlie. Thank you to the real Dot and Mila for the inspiration. And a heartfelt thank you to our lovely customers – our greatest supporters.
We discovered that smocked dresses bring immense joy. It's their timelessness, a nostalgia for simpler days when things were made by hand. We think it's also because they are of women – a display of women’s artistry, a bond between generations. These dresses tell of the magic that is conjured when women and girls come together.
All the best,
Nina & Alice
’Twas a wonderful adventure…
“And so began Dot & Mila, a small but mighty business committed to empowering women and championing ethical production.”
– Louisa Parker Bowles, Conde Nast Traveller
Nina, atelier manager Kalika, and one of our talented dressmakers demonstrating a traditional wooden smocking machine in Colombo, Sri Lanka
About the dressmakers
Behind every Dot & Mila creation are the extraordinary hands of female artisans in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Working from their own homes, these highly skilled dressmakers transform premium, locally-sourced 100% cotton fabric into wearable heirlooms.
Our dresses emerge from a creative partnership – Nina and Alice bring their understanding of what Australian children love to wear, while our dressmakers contribute generations of expertise in the art of smocking and traditional techniques.
Beyond creating beautiful clothing, we're committed to making a meaningful difference in our dressmakers' lives. The income generated through Dot & Mila provides essential financial stability for these talented women, who, by working from home and in their own time, can continue to freely care for their families.
When you choose a Dot & Mila dress, you're not just selecting an exquisite garment; you're supporting a community of skilled female artisans and helping preserve treasured textile traditions for future generations.