'Growing up in a family of Darjees (tailors) inspired me'

DESIGNER Deepa Jagjivan Singh transforms generations of family tailoring tradition into contemporary Indo-African fusion wear through her label “Jivan by Deepa".

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

MAHESHWARI Maharaj in a creation by Jivan by Deepa. | Supplied

(Deepa)

This Durban-based creator honours her Gujarati heritage, while crafting exclusive, handmade pieces that empower women to connect with their roots.

The brand, launched in 2023, has quickly become a name to watch in the world of Indo-African fusion wear.

"Fashion has always been part of my story. Growing up in a family of tailors, or Darjees as we are known in the Gujarati community, my inspiration began at home."

Singh’s roots run deep. Both sets of her grandparents were professional tailors.

Her paternal grandfather, Ishwarlal Jagjivan, owned Springbok Tailors, in Grey Street, while her grandmother, Kalavati, created garments with loving precision on a vintage Singer sewing machine.

On her maternal side, her grandfather, Bhu-khan Khusal, was a respected coat maker, with her grandmother, Jelibhen Khusal, handling the fine handwork.

"I fondly remember the melodic hum of my grandmother's sewing machine. Those childhood memories, along with my love for repurposing and styling vintage clothing, led me naturally into design."