In 2005, Damon Dash, a prominent figure in the music and fashion industries, married fashion designer Rachel Roy. The two had met during Roy’s early career when she was working as an intern at Rocawear, the fashion retailer co-founded by Dash.
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Before his relationship with Roy, Dash had famously dated singer Aaliyah. Together, Dash and Roy had two daughters, Ava Dash, born on December 7, 1999, and Tallulah Dash, born on May 14, 2008. However, their union was not meant to last, and the couple divorced in 2009, leading to a bitter custody battle over their children.

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Rachel Roy’s Rise in Fashion: From Rocawear to Her Own Brand
Rachel Roy’s career in fashion took off during her time at Rocawear, where she rose to the position of creative director for the women’s and children’s divisions. Her talent and vision were evident, and in 2004, she took a bold step by launching her own fashion collection under her name. This move established her as a significant figure in the fashion industry, earning her recognition and awards.
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Recognition and Expansion: Rachel Roy’s Fashion Journey
Rachel Roy’s influence in the fashion world continued to grow after her marriage to Damon Dash. In early 2006, she was honoured with a Bollywood industry award for her contributions to American fashion. The following year, she was inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, marking her as a leading designer.
In June 2008, Jones Apparel Group partnered with Roy to form a joint venture for her brand. However, in 2013, when Jones decided to sell itself and liquidate the Rachel Roy brand, Roy fought back. She sued Jones Apparel, asserting her creative control over her brand. The legal battle ended in her favour, allowing her to maintain control over her company. Eventually, the brand was sold to Sycamore Partners, and as of 2021, her fashion company, Royale Etenia LLC., operates in partnership with Topson Downs, with Dash and Roy holding a 50-50 ownership of Royale.


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