Ten Questions with Bag Designer Deondra Jereé

Hot new bag designer Deondra Jereé wants her handbags to make women feel like they’re living a life of artistic luxury.  “I want the bags to look like a work of art without looking overstyled and be able to communicate that a woman has confidence and class just by having one of my bags,” Jereé told Shebudgets.com exclusively.

The designer’s debut line, The Deondra Jereé Collection, is a New York-based luxury handbag label offering bags that combine sophistication with edginess and the highest quality of designs. Jereé uses genuine leathers and metallic reptile skins, inspired by her New Orleans upbringing. The metallic scales of the lizards who populate the designer’s home town inspired the collection.

At only 22 years old, Deondra is among one of the youngest luxury handbag designers. “I always knew I would be dedicated to the fashion industry, but my focus didn’t become handbags until after I worked the Handbag 101 awards in New York,” Deondra told Shebudgets. She turned that desire into a graphic design degree and exclusively took on fashion label-graphic design and art. Deondra’s first handbag collection was realized in late 2012.

The designer’s tips for budding artists following in her footsteps? “Know who you are before establishing a brand and maintain those values throughout all of your designs and business conquests,” Jeneé said. “Always put God first and stay humble and you will have great success.”

(Photo Credit – Elliotcarlyle.net)

When did you first know that you would dedicate yourself to becoming a luxury handbag designer?

I always knew I would be dedicated to the fashion industry, but my focus didn’t become handbags until after I worked the Handbag 101 awards in New York.

How would you describe your aesthetic and how do you feel you incorporate it into your designs?

Modern, cubist, urban. All of my handbags work perfectly for the hard-working established city woman so while my bags are simply elegant, there is always a bit of a graphic element to the design as well as class due to the quality of the textiles.

Describe your involvement with the Handbag 101 awards in NYC and it’s impact on your career.

I was an intern for the Handbag 101 awards.  My job was to help set up and greet all of the designers.  I met so many designers and saw their designs matched their personality.  I thought that was great that you can see someone through their designs.

What was the first moment when you felt truly validated in followed your designing dreams?

I’ve always been a dream chaser and that was always instilled in me from a child, to follow my dreams. Moving to New York at only 19 years old really pushed to become what I’ve always wanted to be, a great designer.

(Photo Credit – Deondrajereeonlineshop.com)

As a new designer, what’s one lesson you’ve learned recently in navigating the business?

Expensive textiles and mass production do not often mix. Tracking down enough product for production can be a hard task in itself and then there’s the cost!

What are some of the key ways that your graphic design degree has helped with your designing?

It has made me more aware of making things more visually stunning. I want the bags to look like a work of art without looking overstyled and be able to communicate that a woman has confidence and class just by having one of my bags.

(Photo Credit – Deondrajereeonlineshop.com)

Do you have a favorite piece from your newest collection?

My favorite is the Braseé Juweyvos backpack. Whenever I have to travel or have a long day ahead of me, this comes in handy as it holds so much but is still so fashion-forward.

What are some of your favorite or go-to items that you own?

Cosmetic pouch and shoulder bag.

(Photo Credit – Elliotcarlyle.net)

 What are key handbags that every woman should own?

A leather crossbody, a structured tote, and an evening clutch.

 Who are some of your personal favorite handbag designers?

Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton.

What tips would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps and become a designer?

Know who you are before establishing a brand and maintain those values throughout all of your designs and business conquests. Always put God first and stay humble and you will have great success.

(Lead Photo Credit – Deondrajeree.com)