BEHIND THE BRAND
Michele is a Qualified Fashion Designer who started her own clothing and homeware label, M I C H E L E de B E E R, at the start of 2020.
R O O T S
Michele grew up in a seaside village, south of Durban, South Africa.
After qualifying from Linea Design Academy, Durban, South Africa in 1995; Michele developed a range of clothing for adults and children and a homeware range; which was successfully marketed and distributed through outlets in South Africa.
In 2001 Michele and her family moved to Ireland.
Michele’s passion for fashion and design, extensive experience gained in the retail and service industry in Ireland, and her faith and trust in God, has driven her to develop a new fashion & homeware label.
In March 2020, the day before Ireland’s first lockdown due to the worldwide pandemic,
Michele held a Pop-up shop to launch her new label:M I C H E L E de B E E R
I N S P I R A TI O N
Michele has always been inspired by Africa’s rich, multi-cultural and creative heritage, the outdoors lifestyle and the verve for life which exudes from it's people.
Durban, where Michele was born and grew up; hosts the most concentrated population of Indian people, outside of India. Growing up alongside the Indian community and seeing their layering of vibrant and earthy colours & natural fabrics, their ornate jewellery and exotic spices, has been one of Michele’s greatest influences for her C L O T H I N G designs and fabric choices.
Michele feels blessed to have grown up in South Africa and being exposed to the intricate and traditional Zulu and Xhosa crafts of the local artisans.
As a child she holidayed with her parents, in various parts of South Africa, and fondly recalls the compulsory and delightful stops at local curio shops and artisan workshops; feeding more into Michele's creative nature.
Throughout Africa, each homeland has their own traditional, brightly printed fabric, basketware and beadwork, amongst other crafts.
Michele's husband, Douglas, travels extensively throughout the African continent for his work.
Douglas is Michele's sole buyer and procurer of her fabrics for her H O M E W A R E range and of the basketware and accessories.
Douglas sources the basketware and accessories from local artisans who are selling their crafts to support themselves and their families.
D E S I G N
Each piece is carefully designed & hand-made by Michele using fabrics & trims that are unique and individually selected. Michele’s innovative designs suit a wide range of ages, sizes, occasions & homes.
Michele’s meticulous attention to detail and quality of each of her handmade garments and homewares, down to the exquisite eco-friendly packaging, has ensured customer satisfaction, evidenced in growth of her existing and new customer base.
Michele’s determination to succeed has grown the business locally and internationally in a difficult global environment through social media marketing, supported with her strong interpersonal skills and customer focused attitude.
