Dallas Roe and I at the Angela Reign showcase. (by Brian Reeves)

Unorthodox fashion designer, Dallas Roe, is proving that tutus are for more than just the ballerinas and Tinker Belles of the world. Her first created tutu was, in fact, for her oldest daughter, Hailey.

It was December of 2006, and Roe wanted to send out holiday cards of her daughter in a tutu by the Christmas tree.

“I looked around, and I didn’t really like any of the tutus I saw, so I got some material and went home and made my own,” Roe recalled.

The response from that one tutu transformed into what is now known as Miss Priss Tutus, an infamous source for ready-to-wear, fashion-forward tulle. Though the tagline for Miss Priss reads, “Sassy Tutus for Your Little Princess,” Roe makes tutus for all ages, sizes, and occasions.

Roe’s tutus have graced birthday girls, prom princesses, and dance studios everywhere. Miss Priss Tutus has also been featured in movies (The Change-Up) and TV shows (Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood), have been custom made for celebrities (Jessica Alba, Bethenny Frankel, and Beyonce’s Blue Ivy round out the extensive and impressive list), and have graced the pages of magazine’s worldwide, including Vogue Paris.

“Vogue contacted me a few years ago and needed tutus,” Roe said of her first experience with the magazine. “They gave me the concept and the color scheme, and I had about 24 hours to make the tutus.” She recently sent the publication tutus again last month.

Besides gracing the pages of global high-fashion magazines, Roe’s newest endeavors have included the launch of prom and bridal tutus, which she showcased this summer in Atlanta as a fashion show interlude to country sensation Angela Reign’s concert, hosted by Southern Influence Marketing Group.

Country sensation, Angela Reign in a Miss Priss Tutu. (by Brian Reeves)

Dallas Roe w/ the SIMG models wearing her designs. (by Brian Reeves)

Miss Priss Tutus has also begun to increase its humanitarian efforts, giving back to the community more through charity donations funded by custom-made “fundraising tutus.”

For Bert’s Big Adventure, a non-profit organization that provides a free five-day trip to Walt Disney World for children with a chronic and/or terminal illness, Roe created Bert’s Big Adventure (BBA) Tutus and Skutus (denim skirt tutus), designed from the logo colors of BBA with a portion of the sales to benefit the non-profit. Other fundraising tutus have benefited Autism Speaks and the One Day at a Time Foundation.

Roe’s philanthropic efforts stem from her core values as a businesswoman. “I think the most important thing in owning a business is to remain humble, to maintain a good relationship with your customers, and to stay true to who you are as a person.”

That said, Roe isn’t your average fashion designer. She has no design or fashion background, and her degree isn’t from SCAD or FIT; it is, actually, in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University.

Roe worked as an ESOL teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom after the birth of her oldest daughter, but claimed she soon found herself wanting something else to do.

“I had never just stayed at home before,” Roe said. “I was a teacher before I got pregnant with Hailey.”

Almost six years and countless tutus later, Roe has earned herself a place in the world of fashion. “I’ve been called a fashion designer, but I don’t have any formal training,” Roe explained. “It was all learn as you go for me.”

Her teacher-turned-seamstress story may be unorthodox, and her lifestyle as a stay-at-home mom may be considered ordinary, but Roe’s success is undeniable.

Where does Roe see Miss Priss Tutus in five years? “As a multi-billion dollar business,” she responded with a laugh, “wouldn’t that be nice?”

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To order your very own Miss Priss Tutu, check out Roe’s designs at http://www.missprisstutus.com/!

All photo credit is to Brian Reeves, whose work can be seen at: http://bkrphotos.com/

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