Meet Grace Deveer, the 24-year-old aspiring fashion designer from Brixton, South London. The fashion savvy entrepreneur started ‘House of Deveer’ back in 2017 with the aim of being ethical and sustainable to help less fortunate people in Ghana, West Africa where Grace’s family originates from. Not only is she a dynamic girl boss and talented creative, the designer faced a dark period in her life last year encountering a mental breakdown which caused her to have therapy which changed her life. Bouncing back a year after and striving to create her dream brand, we discuss the stigma when it comes to mental health in the Black community and the inspiration behind the fashion brand.
Who is House of De Veer and what inspired you to create the brand?
House of DeVeer celebrates African culture, particularly the rich colours and variety of the textiles used in African attire. My inspiration for creating the brand stems from my deep passion for preserving African textiles, the woven fabrics and prints. For instance, with the prints produced in Ghana, each fabric has its own story and meaning. I like to use bold colours and abstract patterns. It has always inspired me to continue the tradition and create my 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 started to develop from. Also, my grandmother would tell me stories and the meaning behind different prints, which further emboldened my interest.
Let’s discuss some of your fab pieces, what is your inspiration when it comes to the designing process?
My design process starts with one initial idea, which leads to other ideas. I like to look at colours, patterns, nature and people. My graduate design pieces started from “birds of paradise” by the National Geographic. I was inspired by the different colours and patterns of the birds which inspired me to design my own prints, I was also inspired by black Cuban women traditional clothing which Is a cross mix of African and Spanish culture, Rumba dresses with extravagant frills, ruffles and traditional African head wraps.
How do you want individuals to feel when wearing your clothes?
To feel comfortable and confident.
Last year you encountered anxiety and depression, how did you overcome this? Do you believe there is a stigma when it comes to mental health in the Black Community especially being African?
Yes, last year was a very difficult time for me. I had a mental breakdown and my perspective on life changed. I felt like I had no purpose or meaning. I was always anxious about the future because it felt like I wasn’t progressing in life and everything around me was changing and I was stuck. I had days where I never left the house or ate food, I found it hard to do daily tasks, each day I will have panic attacks; I was trapped in my mind. Fear held me down and everything was dark and negative I was slowly giving up on life at such a tender age. However, I was able to overcome my feelings of anxiety and depression through spending time with God and developing my faith. Also, my friends and family provided me with immeasurable support. The turning point was my decision to attend therapy which played a huge role helping me to overcome this period. And yes, I would say that there is massive stigma in the Black community when it comes to speaking about mental health issues, particularly within the African community where discussing mental health isn’t something that is openly talked about.
Sadly, mental health has increased over the years and its great individuals are becoming advocates for the betterment of those in need. What advice would you give to those that are suffering from mental health?
I would encourage anyone going through a dark moment in their lives and tackling mental health problems to speak up about it and to find the right help through therapy.
What advice would you give to anyone that wants to pursue a career in fashion?
Go for it. Keep an open mind. Experiment and explore different parts of the industry. In practical terms, interning, doing short courses and even watching videos online are all great ways to get started.
Lastly what does the future hold for the brand and where can we find you?
Watch this space. I have a fashion show coming up which is organised fashion for Africa you can follow my fashion journey on @house_of_deveer
Written by:
Lawrencia Nelson
Writer and Media Consultant , Lena Media Consultancy
