Are you sick of Beyonce yet? Hate her or love her…Beyonce is the hottest chick in the game. Here’s why. Destiny’s Child has sold over $100 million albums worldwide, B’day has sold over 3 million copies nationwide, and Dreamgirls has grossed $154 million worldwide. Triple threat? Not even. Beyonce is a singer, songwriter, actress, model, and dancer. Most recently she has added “fashion designer” to her repertoire. For years we’ve seen her strut up and down red carpets while giving most of her design credit to her mother, Tina Knowles. Tina has been designing clothes for Beyonce’ and Destiny’s Child since the group was introduced in 1998. It was only a matter of time before this mother-daughter duo created a clothing line.

Beyonce and Tina first mentioned House of Dereon to the media in September of 2004. The clothing line officially hit stores the following year. House of Dereon’s concept is inspired by three generations of women and the name was taken from Beyonce’s grandmother, Agnez Dereon. Just like Tina, Agnez was a professional seamstress who catered to private clients in the 1940s. Her unique decorative style inspired the designs of this innovatory brand.

House of Dereon offers everything from dresses to swimwear. The dresses resemble those that you may see on a red carpet. The stitching and embroidery is truly couture-like. Adorable tops like the Bee Tees ($48), Creole Tees ($68), and Halter Camisoles ($50) will go with any type bottom. And if you are a shoe lover, you’ll enjoy House of Dereon’s classy selection of footwear. Be chic in the 4-inch toe-out Chic ($149) heel or be a star in the back-out Star ($160) pump.

The line's signature item is the denim. Because the average designer denim is no match for Beyonce’s “southern style” body, she decided to design jeans that accommodate women with curves. The line offers Bootcut ($148), Capri ($108), Skinny ($148), Straight Leg and Basic ($128) jeans. All of the denim is detailed with the House of Dereon logo on the back pockets. They also offer trousers ($185-$225) and gaucho ($158) pants.

Did you like Beyonce’s swimsuits in the 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition? Being the businesswoman that she is, every suit that she wore was from House of Dereon and/or designed by her mother. The magazine’s cover featured the Gold Triangle & Ruched Short ($145) swimsuit. You can also find the Halter Slide ($135) and Ring Front Bandeau ($125) bikinis in the photo spread inside the issue.

Seeing that House of Dereon’s price points may be a bit too steep for the artist’s core audience, Beyonce and sister Solange launched the sister line, Dereon. This junior line appeals to a younger audience and has a significantly lower price range. Dereon hoodies can be seen in some of Beyonce’s music videos. The Dereon Camo Hoodie Dress ($69) is worn in “Ring the Alarm,” the Upgrade You Fleur Hoodie ($69) is in “Upgrade You,” and the Captain D Luv Lace Reversible Hoodie ($89) makes an appearance in “Freakem Dress.” But the item that launched Dereon into stardom was the Spice Fleur Hoodie ($69) Beyonce wore in “Irreplaceable.” The jacket was selling out everywhere during the #1 hit song’s reign.

House of Dereon and The Dereon Collection are delightful clothing lines that will keep the ladies looking hip and fresh throughout the year. It’s truly irreplaceable.

By Dorielle Hammonds

For more information on the items discussed, go to…
www.houseofdereon.com
www.dereon.com