With trends constantly merging and being recycled, fashion, dare we say it, can often be predictable or, even worse, in an attempt to make a statement be too over-the-top. Finding the balance between unique and elegant is an almost impossible feat. Well, at least that is what we thought until we saw Deborah Henning’s range from her eponymous label.
Combing classic cuts with androgynous style and a touch of feminine flair, Deborah offers an inimitable look that while stand out remains subtle at the same time, creating a modern classic.
The Mancunian designer lives and breathes her brand, and you couldn’t find a more suitable model. With her asymmetric haircut, individual chic style and model-esque looks, Deborah Henning was never going to be anything but a fashion designer.
Fresh after graduating 10 years ago, Deborah cut her teeth in the industry working with brands such as Alexander McQueen, Sass & Bide and Ghost before launching her own label during London Fashion Week in 2007, later showcasing during the fashion week in 2008 and 2009.
However, three years after her launch, Deborah put her designing on hold and moved to Dubai with her husband and started work as a fashion lecturer at Esmod and London College of Fashion – she still lecturers today, as well as at now Heriot-Watt University.
Inspired by Dubai and its entrepreneurial opportunities Deborah decided to take a different approach to the industry. She explains: “I always planned to re-launch my label but then I saw a massive niche for emerging brands and started Shoreditch Muse.”
Shoreditch Muse represents a plethora of emerging homegrown and niche brands. As Deborah started taking on more brands and clients she decided to expand, teaming up with The Press Room at Capital D Studio to create Shoreditch Muse x The PressRoom, which has recently been rebranded as the Sunday_Showroom.
“ Sunday_Showroom offers monthly pop-up shops for cool labels as well as a showroom for emerging designers,” she explains, “helping them to develop and expose their brands. I also run workshops and showcase my own brand here, so it’s fantastic.”
“We offer PR support and consult with regional and international brands to bring them to the forefront in Dubai,” she adds. “It is also a great opportunity for buyers to engage with new brands and to have a place they can view the collections, without having to fly out.”
As well as Shoreditch Muse, which she continues to run full time, Deborah relaunched her label last September.
“My brand is focused around a look of casual perfection, an effortless vibe that is very well put together without being overworked,” she explains of the Deborah Henning label. “The pieces are all very comfortable so women can look stylish without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. The brand has a nice balance of androgynous and casual shapes and feminine detailing, creating a look that is relaxed yet refined. For me this is a balance that is the most difficult to achieve and yet what most women want. The key look is an oversized crisp white shirt, with an asymmetric tailored jacket, black slim jeans with brogues and oversized jewellery.”
So what’s next for the designer-cum-entrepreneur? “I’m taking on new brands at Sunday_Showroom and helping develop them in the region. I’m also planning the launch party for my own label in September and am currently speaking to stores & boutiques about selling the collection, so it’s all go!”
Don’t say we didn’t give you a heads up – Deborah Henning is name you need to note in your fashion diaries.
Deborah Henning collection is available at Sunday_Showroom
