Women in Fashion: One to One with Creative Fashion Designer House of Deveer

Meet the aspiring Creative Fashion Designer Grace Deveer behind the brand ‘House of Deveer’, the designer of African heritage discusses the inspiration behind her colorful designs and the moment she first realized she wanted to become a designer. The fashion brand was featured in a plethora of fashion shows.  Most importantly she wants to share her narrative with the world and instill confidence within women. She urges women to celebrate their authentic selves. I found out what a typical day looks like for the designer and her favorite parts of being a creative artist.

 

What inspired you to create a fashion brand that focuses on African fashion?

My inspiration for creating the brand comes from my deep passion for preserving the woven fabrics and prints of African textiles. For instance, fabric prints produced in Ghana have their own story and meaning. I like to use bold colors and abstract patterns as they are well defined. Such colors, fabrics, and patterns have always inspired me to continue the African tradition. I create prints that tell their own stories.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?

I’ve always felt that fashion was my calling. Even at a young age, I would watch my mother and aunties dress in African attire for church and special occasions. They wore it with so much pride and that is where my interest in fashion developed.  Also, my grandmother would tell me stories about the meaning behind the different prints, which further emboldened my interest.

Who is House of De Veer and what inspired you to create the brand?

House of DeVeer celebrates African culture, particularly the rich colors and variety of the textiles used in African attire. My inspiration for creating the brand stems from my deep passion for preserving African textiles, woven fabrics, and prints. For instance, the prints produced in Ghana has its own story and meaning from the fabrics. I like to use bold colors and abstract patterns. It has always inspired me to continue the tradition and create my prints that tell their own stories.

Describe a typical day for you as a designer?

Every day is different for me. Sometimes I focus on design development,  doing research on my new collection or sewing. Additionally, time is spent on making up samples for my collection and working on my social media.

What is your most memorable career highlight?

The most memorable career highlight is competing in Fashion 4 Africa, it was the turning point for me in my career and life. It gave me back the confidence and drive to continue fashion again after battling with my anxiety and depression.

What is the best part of your job? 

The best part of my job is seeing my customers radiate with happiness in my designs.

What is your least favorite part of your job?

At times my job can be overwhelming, I mostly do everything by myself and it’s hard keeping up with everything.

Tell us about any fashion designers that have inspired you along the way? 

Coco Chanel has always been my inspiration. She broke the rules of fashion and revolutionized the way women wore clothes. From coming up with a new style, she had the ability to merge men and women’s fashion.

Let’s discuss some of your fab pieces, what is your inspiration when it comes to the designing process?

My design process starts with my initial idea, which leads to other ideas. I like to look at colors, patterns, nature, and people. My graduate design pieces started from “birds of paradise” by the national geographic. I was inspired by the different colors and patterns of the birds which inspired me to design my own prints. I was also inspired by black Cuban women’s traditional clothing, which is a cross mix of African and Spanish culture.  Such as Rumba dresses with extravagant frills, ruffles, and traditional African headwraps.

How do you want individuals to feel when wearing your clothes? 

I want individuals to feel comfortable and confident.

How do you like to wind down after work?

Meditating, reading books and watching my favorite programs.

If you were not a designer what would your career path of looked like? 

If I wasn’t a designer, I would be a creative writer. I have always loved books ever since I was a child, I would even write my books back then.

 

 

You can find House Deveer on Instagram: @house_of_deveer Thanks for reading.

Written by Lawrencia Nelson