Our Story!

The Culture of the Dera

The derac is at the heart of Somali homes—something worn with ease and dignity every day.
But we saw more. We saw its potential to be worn beyond the home, at weddings, dinners, and events, without losing its modest charm. That vision inspired us to reimagine the derac for the modern world.

From this vintage photo of how somali women wear it today,Derac bridges past and present.We've honored tradition while introducing elegance and versatility to a timeless piece. 

The Heart Behind DERAC

It all started when my mom, who sold perfumes and phone accessories from a small roadside shop in Nairobi, brought home a few silk deras and asked me to model them. I posted quick videos on Snapchat, and the response was instant—my friends loved them and wanted to buy.

From there, everything changed,

 From Humble Beginnings to Purpose-Driven Growth

While I was exploring modeling opportunities in the U.S., my mom’s growing business needed support. That’s when it clicked: I didn’t need to search for my passion—it was right in front of me. A business built on authenticity, culture, and a shared vision.

We brought production in-house, bought our first sewing machine, and hired our first tailor. I even taught myself how to sew by watching YouTube videos. Today, I train our tailors and oversee every stitch to ensure quality. My mom continues to select our fabrics with her unmatched eye for elegance, and my sister and I now run DERAC together with so much love and purpose.

Made with Intention

We work out of a warm, busy home studio—filled with fabric rolls, sewing machines, creativity, and community. What started with one machine has grown into a small production house with three talented tailors. We model, pack, and ship each order ourselves

Why DERAC?

The name came to me one night —simple, powerful, and true to us.
DERAC is what we wear, what we know. All I wanted was to give it a fresh identity while honoring our heritage.

We’re building more than a brand. We’re celebrating Somali fashion in a new light. We’re inviting the world to see the beauty of the dera—elevated, elegant, and unforgettable.