In a previous lifetime (one of many) circa 2001/2, I used to be a booker at an actor’s agency Contractors. It’s been interesting watching the growth of the artists I used to spend my days sending to auditions. Many have gone to build solid careers in the entertainment industry while others have found their professional homes in other industries. I recently met a young man, Jodi Deerling, who was with the agency many years ago and, while he continues to dabble in the entertainment industry, has gone and expanded into the fashion realm with a men’s accessories label called the JD Collection.
I chatted briefly with him about the brand and his future dreams and this is what he said.
What’s the inspiration for JD Collection?
The inspiration behind the collection was to create accessory pieces for men in various textures, prints, fabrics and to allow South African men the opportunity to be able to express themselves through handmade, custom designed pieces. To give the man a range of Bowties, Ties and Cravats with bold, bright and unique prints and fabrics.
The inspiration behind the collection was to create accessory pieces for men in various textures, prints, fabrics and to allow South African men the opportunity to be able to express themselves through handmade, custom designed pieces. To give the man a range of Bowties, Ties and Cravats with bold, bright and unique prints and fabrics.
The inspiration was to create a collection that spoke to all men from different walks of life. The creations were made to allow men to have various fashion pieces at affordable prices as most of the men in SA only had a limited selection to choose from and most of the unique accessories were extremely over priced. The collection allows every man the opportunity to be fashion forward, so they could dress the part, to become the men they want to be.
What are your future plans?
The Jodi Deerling Collection started with the accessories for Men and have now branched out into kids accessories and unisex pieces. We have also now started our blazer collection and printed pants and launch our underwear range soon.
The future of the JD Collection is to create an empire of various proudly South African products and to create an opportunity for other entrepreneurs in this country to showcase and be apart of the next South African Men’s Brand.
Our plans are to go from clothing, to fragrances, to men’s grooming products and later into brand management for smaller brands all focused on Men. We plan to firstly become a household name, with our quality and service. We are in no rush at all and are currently enjoying the growth and taking everyday to perfect the brand and business.
Where is it available?
The current collection pieces can be found online Spree. We are also at Sowearto in Joburg, Big Blue stores across South Africa, I Love My Laundry concept stores in Cape Town, Boaston Society and the South African Market in Bree street. The collection can also be purchased online on www.jodideerling.co.za and we sell at the Rosebank and Melrose Arch Markets in Johannesburg over the weekends. (Note: It would probably be best to go through Jodi as I haven’t had the opportunity to check the stores above).
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