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Home | Designing real clothing for real women
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debra deRoo
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 Designing Youthful Styles, with Realistic Fit
Driven by the needs of women with busy lifestyles, Debra deRoo built her business on what she refers to as “dressed up casual”. She has dedicated herself to creating fine quality dressing; clothing that is youthful, yet figure friendly and flattering.
deRoo styles fill a void in the fashion market between traditional casual clothes and office dress. She was early pioneer of bridge casual styles, clothing that combine luxe natural fibers with designer construction, are life-style friendly and travel well. She was the first designer to cater to women 35 and older, women with a savvy fashion sense, but may not have a perfect figure. Today, her focus are women who want to dress with panache, who are successful, affluent and seek chic, casual outfits that combine impeccable taste and stylish individuality.
Known for styles with clean lines, color and touches of whimsy, deRoo offers a myriad of wearable silhouettes among the standout signature pieces that have become her trademark. While she believes that fashion should be fun and she encourages women to play with color and drama, deRoo knows that today’s woman wants that special blend of effortless sophistication, combined with glamour and adventure.
No stranger to adventure, deRoo moved to New York City in 1975 without connections or wealth. While her family encouraged her ambition, they fully expected her to return quickly to her hometown of Rochester, NY. Undaunted however, deRoo survived by working as a waitress, a night shift sandwich maker and a cleaner …. a far cry from the glamorous life of fashion she envisioned. In time, she landed an entry-level position at a New York City firm specializing in designing garment district showrooms, just a step away from her ultimate dream of fashion design. Young and still struggling financially, she designed, sewed and wore her own creations. A chance encounter with a clothing designer who thought her creations were “Ralph” or “Calvin”, led her to a job offer as his design assistant.
Eventually, she was offered the opportunity to work as a ghost designer for The Willie Smith for Gabrielle denim line. This ultimately led to a partnership in the company, where she spent the next 12 years.
Seeking more balance in her Manhattan fashion lifestyle, deRoo later purchased and restored a vintage farmhouse in rural Connecticut, which was a welcome and peaceful change. While in Connecticut, deRoo recognized a tremendous need for bridge casual styles, which provided the inspiration for launching her own clothing line.
Her designs have earned a loyal following amongst women whose lifestyles dictate deRoo’s creations. Her easy care styles transition effortlessly from work to travel, to an elegant dinner with friends. Over 90% of deRoo’s styles are hand or machine washable.
deRoo earned a BA in Fashion and a BS in Economics from Buffalo State College. She was recently nominated for a silver “Femme” trophy by Fashion Center Dallas retailers for excellence in design innovation and quality workmanship in modern wear.
Currently located at 263 West 38th Street, debra deRoo has persevered through three economic downturns during her 18 years of designing. Her collection is found in more than 400 women’s specialty stores across the United States.
deRoo is passionate about opera and is a patron and an “Encore Society” member at the Metropolitan Opera. She resides in Newtown, CT and “Hell’s Kitchen”, New York City with her husband and son.
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