EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF GIRLHOOD WITH DUNNE CLIFF

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Written By Lucie Mink
Two models wearing Dunne Cliff clothing are positioned on a grassy field. One model is sitting upright with her legs bent, wearing a patterned hooded sweater and grey shorts, paired with white socks and black shoes.

Photography: Yohan Kim

Dunne Cliff (pronounced ‘done cliff’) is a concept knitwear brand forged from the mind of Vancouver-based designer, Allison Dunne. Offering a range of pieces from drapey low-cut trousers to impeccably tailored shirts, Dunne Cliff is perhaps most well known for their handmade classical art and mathematics-inspired Shetland knits.  

Dunne Cliff borrows its name from the cabin Allison's grandfather built in the interior of British Columbia—a place where he would often escape to explore his creativity and historical curiosities. Driven by her own desire to answer complex questions, Allison left her PhD program, finding the academic world too limiting. Instead, she channelled her intellectual pursuits into knitwear, creating pieces that are both artistically and academically rich. With formulaic cardigans and eye-catching foot scarves (inspired by Isaac Newton’s 1675 quote describing standing on the shoulders of giants), Allison’s work is as complex metaphorically as it is visually. Her childhood friend and muse, Emilyn, has been a constant source of inspiration, embodying the fearless creativity that Allison infuses into every design.

I first crossed paths with Allison and Emilyn at an art-themed party in the summer of 2023, where I stumbled upon the two, both dressed in full Dunne Cliff regalia. Immediately captivated by the Leonardo da Vinci-themed sweater vests they were donning, I felt compelled to learn everything I could about this label, these women and their friendship. As I became increasingly invested in the Dunne Cliff story, I felt compelled to create a visual narrative for the brand that encapsulated the spirit of youthfulness and female friendship.

Inspired by Dunne Cliff’s roots in British cultural history, we present a story lensed by photographer, Yohan Kim, that speaks to the imagination and unencumbered silliness that exists in the child within each of us. It’s adolescent naiveté but make it fashion.

Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing walk with a horse in a wooded area, wearing patterned vests and medieval-inspired accessories.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing holds a sword beside a horse, wearing a chainmail-inspired headpiece and patterned vest.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing walk on a wooded path with a horse in the foreground, wearing patterned vests and medieval-inspired accessories.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing stands close to a horse, wearing a mesh long-sleeve top under a patterned vest, with an intense expression.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing stand in front of a barn, wearing patterned outfits and holding farming tools, evoking a rustic theme.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing explore a muddy landscape, wearing patterned outfits and striking adventurous poses.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing squats in a muddy landscape, wearing waders and a patterned sweater, holding large novelty gloves.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing leans on a shovel in a muddy landscape, wearing a patterned dress and a headscarf, striking a determined pose.
A horse stands in a wooded area with a pair of Dunne Cliff trousers draped over its back, featuring a novelty foot.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing pose in a tree, one sitting on a branch in red tights and a patterned vest, the other standing below in a bonnet and a sweater.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing run across a grassy field, wearing patterned sweaters and tights, capturing a playful and dynamic moment.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing pose playfully on a grassy field, one doing a backbend in red tights and a patterned vest, the other squatting in a bonnet and a sweater.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing stands with their back to the camera, wearing a red knit bonnet and a patterned sweater, against a grassy background.
A model in Dunne Cliff clothing performs a cartwheel on a grassy field, wearing red tights, a patterned vest, and shorts, capturing a playful moment.
Two models in Dunne Cliff clothing sit on a grassy field, one lying down with her head on the other's lap, wearing patterned sweaters and looking contemplative.

Team credits:

Creative Director + Producer: Lucie Mink @luciemink

Photographer: Yohan Kim @yohanjkim

Styling team: Ruby Curtis @rucurtis + Cait Chen @caitc9it

Models: Allison Dunne @dunne.cliff, @sun.dunne + Emilyn @em.il.yn

Shoot support: Heather Mitchell @hmitchellcanada

Lucie Mink
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