Welcome to REALS: A series that shines a light on people doing cool stuff in the real world. At SLEKE., our mission is simple: to create technology that inspires deeper engagement with the real world. Through REALS, we aim to offer not just inspiration, but vivid examples of what it truly means to do cool stuff. What counts as “cool”? It’s a broad canvas—anything from savoring a quiet afternoon with a new book to skydiving over Egypt.
Our inaugural feature is Grace Ryan— founder, creative director, and the driving force behind Dollhou3e, a Seattle-based fashion brand that fuses artistic expression with community building.
It all started when we stumbled upon Dollhou3e’s pop-up shop during a visit to Seattle this past October. Picture racks of clothing: blazers, crisp white button-downs, and tailored slacks—all adorned with bold, graffiti-inspired prints. It wasn’t just a shop; it was a statement. In a word: unforgettable. Naturally, we had to learn more.
Grace’s story is as dynamic as her designs. A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Industrial Design, she honed her skills in the Calhoun Discovery Program, an interdisciplinary innovation lab. From there, she embarked on an unconventional career journey, designing custom garments for WNBA stars and music artists while simultaneously advising mechanics on safety at Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers.
But Grace’s ambitions were never limited to corporate boardrooms or high-profile collaborations. Her artistry extends far beyond function, drawing on a kaleidoscope of influences: graffiti, layered advertisements weathered by time, the interplay of nature and urban decay, and the subtle choreography of human interaction.
These inspirations coalesced into Dollhou3e’s debut collection: camo_rev1. This line is more than clothing; it’s a manifesto. Inspired by Seattle’s graffiti culture—a raw, defiant patchwork of individual expression splashed across the city’s corporate facade—it embodies the tension between personal identity and collective conformity. Grace calls this ethos “Office Surrealism”: a critique of modern work culture and its contradictions, designed to provoke reimagination and innovation in how we work and create.
This year, Grace is setting her sights on Dollhou3e’s second collection, a deep dive into humanity’s relationship with time as reflected in our physical creations. Beyond fashion, she’s also championing the downtown Seattle arts scene, encouraging others to connect with the city’s growing creative energy.
Here at SLEKE., we wouldn’t be surprised if our future apparel—yes, even our office uniforms—bears the Dollhou3e label. To keep up with Grace’s journey and explore her world, visit Dollhou3e’s website , Instagram, or TikTok
=
Comments