About the Designer
Fashion Designer Carline Thomas was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, AL. At a very young age, she would watch her grandmother make patterns from newspaper. She also observed her mother making garments for her siblings and her dad. She spent her summers sketching garments with a cousin and began sewing at the age of nine. Throughout high school and college, she would make her own clothing. Her college studies began in Fashion Design. She later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University in Normal, AL. After graduation, she began her professional career as a Graphics Consultant for the Department of Defense. While working as a Graphics Consultant she continued sewing as a hobby.
After relocating to Atlanta, she established her first business specializing in women's garments. Her passion for designing reignited after the passing of her eldest niece. She was a beautiful aspiring model with an infectious smile and laugh who loved all things purple. In 2016 Carline wanted a fresh start by renaming her business Carlynn D™. Carline’s birth name is Carlynn Denice. The office of vital records repeatedly returned her birth certificate to her mother with the name Carline, ignoring her given name. Determined to do things differently she decided to Trademark and give her business her birth name.
In 2019 Carline designed garments for Miss Universe® Saint Lucia during the Miss Universe Pageant® held in Atlanta, GA. The contestant wore a beautiful purple cocktail dress.
During the Saint Lucia Fashion Council Black History Month observance in 2020, Carline emerged as a featured designer.
In 2021 Carline participated as a fashion design panelist during Georgia Military College’s Senior Capstone Virtual Presentation Day. She offered feedback, industry insights and brand advice to the students.
In early 2023, Carlynn D™ collected donations of men's, women's and children’s clothing and shoes. She shipped them to tornado victims of the Rolling Fork, MS community.
In 2023 Carline completed the Fashion Business Essentials program from Parsons and WWD.
In early 2024, Carline designed garments for “ROUGE: A Go Red Event…The Silver Anniversary Collection” which was held during Heart Health month. The event was sponsored by the Central North Alabama Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Carline frequently attends New York Fashion Week, with the aspiration of eventually showcasing her Shades of Purple Collection. This collection holds special significance as it is dedicated to her beloved niece. Until then she will continue creating unique garments allowing women to distinguish themselves in attire created especially for them.