Deyonte’ Weather was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He was destined to become a fashion designer. Coming from a long line of sewers and tailors that stretches back to his great, great, great-grandmother (who made quilts out of recycled materials), one would surely say it’s in his DNA. His grandmother would see outfits on television and then make patterns out of newspapers. His mother, Wendy would have new clothes for school the next day she woke up. Wendy is a fashionista in her own right and was Deyonte’s inspiration for fashion.
He cultivated his own distinctive style while in high school and later moved to Seattle, WA., where he had a family. He enrolled in Edmonds Community College in the Fashion Design program and later transferred to the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago.
Weather incorporates the styles and inspirations of both cities into his aesthetics. “Chicago gives you glamour, and Seattle has the hipster vibe. Chicago is more architecture and Seattle more nature. The result is a style he describes as “Hip Glam,” which translates well to red carpets and a celebrity clientele. In 2017, it also earned him a spot on Season 16 of Project Runway.
Deyonte’ is fashion-forward, inventive, and fresh. Deyonte’ has been featured in Portland Fashion Week, Metropolitan Fashion Week, numerous blogs – (Miss Front Row, Moda & Estilo, Bora Bora), Tinsel Tokyo Magazine, NW Prodigy Magazine, Mode Magazine, and The Look reality show in Seattle WA.
N’DIGO is pleased to share Deyonte’s journey with you. He wants you to know that there is life after Project Runway and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
N’DIGO: Welcome Deyonte’! You presently live in Seattle; tell me about your Chicago connection?
Deyonte’ Weather: Yes, I moved to Seattle from Chicago when I was 19. My dad moved from Chicago to Seattle when I was a kid. So I spent most summers with my father in Seattle.
My mom and the whole family are from Chicago. I was born and raised on the Southside. I’m from the Robert Taylor Projects. I attended Luke O’Toole (Kindergarten to 6th grade) and Dyett Middle School (7-8 grades).
I was supposed to transfer to Dunbar High School but I ended up going to Thornridge High School. Chicago is home and will always be.
How did you become interested in fashion design?
Growing up in the 80s and 90s era of hip hop, fashion, and entertainment, I feel like I was born into it. I’ve always gravitated towards fashion as a way to express myself. I always tailored and ironed my own clothes as a kid. My mom Wendy and auntie Lisa dressed to the nines. I found out later that most of my grandmothers sewed. My mom and dad and family used to get dressed up to go to the stepper sets in Chicago and have these big basement parties, and it was like seeing them going to the Grammy’s, but it was always a big spectacle and stuck with me. They would wear furs, leather coats, dresses, and the coldest tailored suits and shoes I had ever seen, and it was always fascinating.
I was always surrounded by fashion. I can remember grammar school and high school feeling like a fashion show. I was in high school trying to figure out what career path I wanted to take, and I knew I wanted to work in fashion, but I didn’t see anyone in that space at the time that looked like me, so I wasn’t sure if I could make a career out of it.
So I started studying to be an architect or a dentist. It was when I got my prom suit designed by a local designer named Brenda in Chicago and she allowed me to go through the creative process with her. She had me go source the materials at Vogue Fabrics on 95th. That’s when the light bulb went off and decided that day wanted to be a fashion designer. I started making custom Air Force Ones, visors, jerseys, hats, and denim items for people (which were super popular in the 90s). I went to college after that and never looked back.
Do you consider yourself a fashion designer or costume designer?
I’m a Fashion Designer first but I have been hired to do costumes for a movie and a play so I have experience in the costume world as well.
How did you get involved with Project Runway?
I was a fan of the show from the first season and set out a goal to go on the show. I told myself I would work hard and then audition and I did just that and ended up on the show.
Was the audition process grueling?
Yes, it’s insane and I auditioned 3 times back to back which is equivalent to 3 years before I made it on the show. It’s a lot of work on top of the confidentiality agreement which makes it a bit more nerve-wracking.
While on Project Runway, did you encounter any adversity? For example, how did you deal with the twins that were also contestants on the show?
Yes, of course, I was cast while my wife was pregnant with our first child during the last months of her term. It’s also tough to be creative without my regular routine, which requires listening to lots of music, podcast and not being in my creative space. We are not allowed to listen to music, watch television, or contact the outside world, plus the added drama can mess with our psyche. So I didn’t let anyone distract me. I was focused on what I was there for and tried to drown the noise out as much as possible. I felt that it was a bit unfair to have twins on the show which we had never seen before. They used each other for moral support or help, yet we, as individual contestants, did not. But it’s part of the game.
What was the most valuable skill you learned from Project Runway?
The most valuable skill I learned was to prepare myself more. I also learned a lot about tv and stage production, working with a huge cast, the power of communication, and how much preparation goes into the behind-the-scenes that the viewers don’t get to see.
How has your life changed since Project Runway?
It has changed tremendously. I’m not a millionaire yet, but I did take advantage of the platform I was given to showcase my talent, and I’ve been extremely busy since, so I’m blessed.
What have you been doing since the show?
Working and more working growing the brand. I’ve showcased numerous collections since. I’ve worked with AT&T, HBO, and dressed the vocal supergroup Säje for the 2021 Grammys I have been featured in several publications as well. Having an exhibit where my garments were on display also moved to New York right before the pandemic and stayed for about six months before deciding to move back to Seattle because it was so bad during the pandemic in NYC. More importantly, raising my son Enzo and growing my family with my wife Tish.
You have a beautiful family. Now that you have a son, have you thought about starting a children’s line?
Yes, it’s something in the works he inspires me daily and has his cool sense of style.
Tell me about the Deyonté Weather Collection.
DWC is an urban luxury brand. The company`s mission is to become the leader in the luxury market at an international level. DWC describes itself as Urban meets Luxury with a bespoke approach to everyday clothing. We value our artisanship and high-quality products. I wanted to create a brand that I could pass down to the next generation and beyond – building a legacy for our family and children with our name. I came up with DWC while I was in college, and my goal was to create a brand that could withstand the times. I used my first name because it’s unique. And my last name, Weather because it’s where I draw most of my inspiration from for my collections.
Was it your first collection?
I was a student @ IADT Chicago, and I took matters into my hand and got my first show at the Regal Theater, which is very sentimental to me because I saw my first Opera show there when I was in grammar school. The Regal was always a huge monument in Chicago for us.
Did the pandemic have any effect on your business or psyche?
Yes of course my business and psyche were affected but it also made me focus a bit more and work harder due to the circumstances. I decided to push myself more and keep working to stay sane. It also helped me focus on the back end of the brand which allow me to come up with more creative ways in pushing the brand.
What do you have in the works presently? Any new collections or products?
I just released my new eyewear collection that I’m very proud of and I’m gearing up for a few more things in the works that I can’t discuss at the moment.
What inspires you daily?
My family, my desire to create in an industry where black creatives are overlooked inspires me to go harder every day. I’m inspired by technology, the elements (especially since my last name is Weather), architecture, cars, and interior design. The world also inspires me because there is so much we still don’t know.
How do you maintain your fashion integrity?
I’m honest with myself and others around me. I’m not trying to be like anyone else in the industry I know God has blessed me with a gift and worked very hard to get where I am. Last is I’m always authentically and unapologetically me.
Affirmation you live by?
“You don’t work you don’t eat” in the words of my Grandfather who passed away a few years ago – may he rest in Heaven.
The best advice was ever given to you?
I don’t know if I received it yet, but I’ll say someone I respect from Production on Project Runway once told me even if I lose to keep fighting like I won and to maximize the opportunity I was given. That spoke to my spirit.
What advice would you give aspiring designers?
Do your research on any schools you attend. I would also say to intern with other designers to gain more experience. Also, think about a trade or another profession to help support yourself because it’s a tough industry to break into especially to make money right away and it helps to have your own money to invest in resources and yourself. Stay hungry, be patient because nothing happens overnight.
What’s currently on your playlist?
I still listen to music from the 90s, R&B, Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Gospel along with a few podcast stations. I’m a music connoisseur.
Favorite holiday meal?
Collard greens and baked mac-n-cheese !
Where can N’DIGO readers keep up with what’s going on with you?
Instagram @dwccollection https://www.instagram.com/p/CULZ9LiPMWo/?utm_medium=copy_
Facebook @ Deyonté Weather Collection
https://www.facebook.com/DeyonteWeatherCollection/
Website: www.dwccollection.com
Sylvester Cosby is the Digital Editor and a Contributing Writer for N’DIGO.
