The Derac Is Not a Dress
When people see a Dera, they often call it just a dress. But to me, it has never been just that. The Dera is culture, comfort, and elegance all in one. It’s what women in Somali homes have worn for generations, a piece that carries dignity and pride.
At Derac, we’ve taken the beloved Dera and reimagined it in silk, satin, and chiffon. Because to us, it’s more than a dress. It’s a lifestyle, a legacy, and a story you can wear.
Growing Up With the Dera
I grew up seeing the Dera every day. My mother wore it, my sisters wore it — and so did I. It wasn’t about fashion then; it was about feeling at ease while still looking graceful. You could slip into it at home and instantly feel comfortable, feminine, and beautiful.
The flowing fabric, the vibrant colors, the way it moved — the Dera always carried a sense of identity. It wasn’t just clothing. It was a piece of who we are.
Seeing the Dera Differently
For a long time, the Dera stayed inside the home. But I began to wonder: what if it didn’t have to? What if this piece that felt so rich with culture could also step out into the world — to weddings, dinners, resorts, and even runways?
That shift started when my mother brought me a few Deras and asked me to try them on. The moment I wore them, I saw them with new eyes. The soft fabrics, the drape, the elegance — I realized the Dera could be more than home wear.
I shared videos wearing them, and my friends loved what they saw. That’s when I knew this was bigger than me — the Dera was ready to be reimagined.
From Dera to Derac
We started working with luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and chiffon. We added details like adjustable inner ties, elegant slits, and limited-edition prints. The comfort of the traditional Dera stayed, but now it had a new life — refined, versatile, and fit for every setting.
That’s how Derac was born: a brand inspired by the Dera, but crafted for modern women who want luxury, modesty, and meaning in what they wear.
Why the Dera Is Not “Just a Dress”
To me, the Dera — and Derac — represent:
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Identity: Staying true to Somali culture while embracing global fashion.
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Connection: From mothers to daughters, and now from Somali homes to women around the world.
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Craftsmanship: Each Derac piece is handmade, custom, and released in limited prints.
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Luxury Modesty: Effortless elegance that doesn’t compromise dignity.
When you wear a Dera, or its reimagined form in Derac, you’re not just wearing fabric. You’re carrying stories of heritage, resilience, and timeless beauty.
A Story You Can Wear
This is why the Dera is not just a dress. It’s history, it’s culture, and now — through Derac — it’s a new chapter in African modest luxury.
Every silk, satin, and chiffon Derac we create is handmade with care, designed to be one-of-a-kind, and meant to make you feel both rooted and radiant.