Today we’d like to introduce you to Deneen Watson.
Hi Deneen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been in love with fashion for as long as I can remember. At age 3, I used to pick out my father’s ties for work and he would always get compliments on them. As I got older, I became obsessed with fashion plates and Bratz Dolls. I was taught how to sew by my mother, but I took my first class at 13 and I was hooked. I even went to an art-focused high school, choosing the fashion design track.
In college, I majored in Fashion Design, choosing bridal wear as my specialty. During my senior year in 2017, I had the amazing opportunity to close out my university’s New York Fashion Week show. I was also chosen to be a part of the D.C. Fashion Week Emerging Designers Showcase in 2017.
After completing my master’s degree in Marketing in 2019, I was inspired to make plus-size bridal and evening wear my specialty. As a plus-sized teenager, I often felt left out and self-conscious when it came to clothes. My experiences as a teen, and now a plus-size adult, have cemented this dream in my heart. This dream gave birth to my brand J.A.D.E.S. Galleria.
In the summer of 2021, I entered the SHEIN X Design competition. SHEIN is an internationally known and loved online retailer and SHEIN X is their new initiative to help small designers launch their careers in the fashion world. Thus Distinctly Deneen was born. My 8-piece plus-size collection launched in December of 2021.
The experience has been nothing but incredible. Social media influencer Drew Afualo has even worn and reviewed pieces from my collection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Fashion is a really hard industry to get into. There are a lot of times when I felt there were not many opportunities for me.
Especially since I live in an area where there is not a booming fashion industry. I felt discouraged many days, but I decided that if I can’t find opportunities, I need to make opportunities for myself. There have been A LOT of “no’s” before I got the yes from SHEIN. I have just stayed persistent and stayed open to learning.
SHEIN is only the beginning of my story.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in plus-size bridal and evening wear.
Everyone should feel comfortable and their most beautiful on their wedding day. I am known for my 70’s inspired pieces. My slogan is “Classic Elegance with a Modern Twist.” I take elements from 70’s clothing like flares and busy patterns and make them into modern staples. I am also known for making reversible/removable pieces. I am a woman who loves versatility.
I am most proud of my collection with SHEIN. This opportunity is my first foray into the international market. Even though it is a ready-to-wear collection, it is still ME. Very 70’s-esque. My target market is what sets me apart in the industry. Very few designers make wedding gowns SPECIFICALLY for plus-size women. I cater to the needs of their body type.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My entire family has been a major support. They will do anything in their power to help me achieve my dreams. My parents have always been behind me 100%. They would sign me up for entrepreneurship camps and fashion conferences. They made sure I had and continue to have everything I need to be successful.
My Uncle Omari has also been a HUGE supporter. He always bought me the newest Bratz dolls, cars, or runway. He also bought me my first industrial sewing machine. He is a very successful businessman himself so I enjoy our conversations about strategy and his unending advice. I truly do look up to him.
I also look up to my mentor Ms. Sally DiMarco. As the former director of the fashion program at my university, she helped shape my college career. Even now, I graduated college five years ago and I can still reach out and ask her a sewing question.
Pricing:
- Wedding Dresses $1,500+
- Prom Dresses $500+
- Evening Gowns $400+
Contact Info:
- Email: askjades@jadesgalleria.com
- Website: www.jadesgalleria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadesgalleria/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JADESGalleria
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jadesgalleria
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@distinctlydeneen
Image Credits
Corrin Studios and Phelan Marc
