Get to Know Diko

About the Designer

Diko Pekdemir-Lewis is the creative force behind Anton & Maxine, a luxury fashion brand rooted in handmade craftsmanship and elegance. Raised in a creative household in Heidelberg, Germany, Diko's world was shaped by her parents—her mother, a singer and poet, and her father, a tailor—who nurtured her passion for artistry from an early age.

Diko’s formal training includes a three-year apprenticeship in bespoke tailoring and dressmaking, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Arts from Modeschule Schloss Eller in Düsseldorf. After working with several fashion companies, she launched her first label, DPL Fashion Design, in 2009, while also working as a freelance designer and instructor.

In 2014, Diko launched Anton & Maxine, named after her two daughters, Antoinette and Maxine. Now based in Columbia, SC, she continues to design and create high-quality, bespoke garments. Anton & Maxine’s goal is to deliver true luxury and quality garments while igniting confidence in all who wear them, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design to bring out the best in every individual.