The DMV area has a lot of talented designers and Daja Bailey of Zella Fermani is one of them. I got the chance to sit down to get to know her and her brand more.
Daja also known as Zee began her journey in high school in photography, where she just wanted to make merch for her brand. With a love for fashion, it didn’t stop there, and that's how Zella Fermani was born. She mentioned it gave her something to do and was a full-circle moment from the sketches she used to draw as a kid.
The style of Zella Fermani is described as simple, detailed, and affordable. From being a tomboy growing up, we can see the coziness in her garments. “When it comes to detail, it's about the minimal details that's in there. The buttons with the ZF engraving to the PVC labels to the different hidden zippers… I’m a big big details person” When you look at her pieces, you can see how the minor details tell the overall story of her clothing while balancing well with the simplicity. Zee also highlighted the importance of having quality clothing for a reasonable price point. This isn’t always easy as a designer, especially when you produce cut and sew pieces and don’t want to compromise the value of your clothing.
Back in March, she released the “Zella Fermani Reimagined Pants”, the 2nd rendition of her ZF pants. These pants come in Black and yellow, with 4 pockets and a side zipper detail that goes from ankle to thigh and widens the leg. They went so fast that I couldn't even get my pair, but no worries a restock is coming.
I asked Zee about how she balances creating clothes she likes vs what her audience may want/ need. This is what she had to say, “Thinking about my everyday wear and what I want to wear, and how it can be for everyone else as well. It's a challenge and a fear of mine… making clothes that I’m not sure that people will gravitate to.” As an artist, it can be difficult to 1 bridge that gap between your mind and your audience and 2 be vulnerable enough to put your work out there in the first place. She mentioned pulling inspiration from trends and making it her own instead of riding the popular wave. This yields more success in the long run when you lean into your creativity and stay true to yourself.
“Everybody’s idea is to get out of here instead of creating something that stays here… We don’t have to leave… I just don't believe in that. I want to make a difference here so people can come and visit us” The DMV area has a lot of potential to become a fashion/ creative hub. With the immense amount of talent here, it makes you wonder why isn't it already. Community building is what it seems the city needs. Zee talked about how she eventually wants to open up a storefront for Zella Fermani, that would not only sell clothing but double as a multi-use space that fosters community needs. She also mentioned wanting to have a fashion show that’d showcase all the unique brands in the area. Brands coming together and building something beyond themselves should be the goal. Hopefully, we see that more in the coming future.
It was great talking to Zee and getting to pick her brain. Be sure to check out her website at www.zellafermani.com.
Awesome 😎
Great post!