Today, we’d like to introduce you to Deranie Henderson. Deranie was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Richard Henderson’.
Hi Deranie , we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Deranie Henderson, I am a native New Yorker, born in the Bronx and raised in Harlem. My exposure to the art world begins with one of the main influences in my life, my uncle Richard Henderson, who during my childhood years was a textile designer for a company in Los Angeles, CA called John Paul Richard. His artistic creativeness was bliss to me during my visits to California as a child, and soon I wanted to draw everything pertaining to Fashion design.
His influences led me to explore art on my own in pursuit to take my skills to the next level. Taking trips to the Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Museum of Natural History in New York opened me up to a wider aspect of art. I also became interested in Fine Arts, where I focused on drawing and painting. My palette soon grew and I began using a wide range of mediums used to compose all types of art work and became very intrigued by the stories revealed though art. I focused on still life drawings and paintings while attending the High School of Fashion Industries, where I majored in Art. In class we explored the art of Ancient Rome, Greek art, as well as Ancient Egyptian art. Greek and Roman art is known as “Classical Art”, though the Ancient Romans adapted to the styles of Greek art. Greek art mainly focused on ideal beauty of their Gods and Goddesses, and was greatly influenced by Eastern Civilizations and the Byzantine era. While the Romans were influenced by the Etruscans who were interwoven into the Greek art style as well. Learning about Roman, Greek and Egyptian Art helped me to process that there are many ways to approach art and since, have set me on the path to develop the skills to further my career as an artist and fashion designer.
Please talk to us about your creative work and career. What should we know?
Watching my uncle Richard with his design aesthetics lead me on my own journey in the Fashion world. It started with my style of dressing; I have a passion for making bold statements and exploring colors through my wardrobe. My style is a combination of edgy, classy-chic and haute couture. As my love for fashion grew in high school, I would change my clothes about 2-3 times a day, and soon I began repurposing clothes in my closet. Denim was one of my favorite fabrics to work with. I would cut old jeans up and hand sew a dress, or paint on my clothing and shoes. There was just so much stories to tell through combining fashion and art, just by what you wore, without even speaking and I was eager to make statements. In college I attended Hampton University and quickly connected with my peers who were also fashion driven. I collaborated with student leaders who hosted fashion shows and I styled models in the show, both off and on campus. I became eager to learn to sew, and my uncle was not living in my city to teach me. I wanted to have a collection in a show at Norfolk State University, and knew that I would have to learn to sew. I asked my mom to buy me a sewing machine, which she did. I was able to teach myself to sew in a vacant dorm room that the dorm director allowed me to utilize. I successfully taught myself to sew, pattern making came easy for me to learn, I guess since I was an artist. This was the first time I had my very own collection in a fashion show. As a fashion designer, my portfolio includes a vast array of custom designs and my work have been featured in various fashion shows. I have also started an image consulting firm, “Fashion Fed by Finesst”, which includes services that are exclusive to women and allows me to explore my natural talents to meet my clients’ professional and or personal image. My fashion consulting services include exclusive custom design, styling and wardrobe consultation and revamping. The website is www.FashionFedbyFinesst.com. I am also currently working on a bridal collection, which I am truly excited to be embarking on this new journey in the fashion world!
Richard Henderson’ has been a great friend to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Richard and your experience with them.
My most exciting experience with RHCREATION was my visit to San Diego in 2013! My uncles talent is raw and indescribable, he just has what it takes to create and get the job done! Periodt! He has always influenced me and my creative side, because he simply makes everything (the entire creative/design process look so effortlessly good!) It has always been truly amazing watching him work, and I’ve always looked forward to my visits to LA for that, especially putting him to work on things for me! He didn’t know this, but me asking him to do things for me has allowed me to learn things such as work ethic and how quickly he could get it done! He was teachable and I love that about him the most. His work at FWSD, seeing it in live action on the runway sold me! He also won 1st place! The bold colors, intricate but flawless designs and super models walking in his clothing gave me even more life and motivation to pursue my own dreams that day!
Website: Www.fashionfedbyfinesst.com
Instagram: @fashionfedby_finesst @finesstdh_
