Gazelle 14 Spring 25-48_Gazelle Magazine 4/17/14 8:22 PM Page 45
REI N V E N T I N G
YO U R S E L F
Florence Dewan
Fashion show producer, designer and soccer mom
By Eboni White
courtesy jovianphotography.com
courtesy jovianphotography.com
The past year has been anything but boring for Florence Dewan. After fifteen
years in corporate America and another ten guiding and mentoring students
as chairperson of Lindenwood University’s Fashion Program, Florence is
now in the driver’s seat of her own fashion design career. She is focused
on building her brand. Exciting collections are taking shape under
her company “Mala Fashion Design House,” where she has all the
creative control.
“It is a wonderful power to have, but at the same time it will be
much harder now that I am the one who will have to do all the research. But, it’s a challenge I am ready for,” said Florence.
Originally from Bangladesh, Florence worked as a senior
designer for JC Penney and May Merchandising Co., before
joining Lindenwood. She said working as a designer this
time around is more exciting because she’s doing it her
way, on her terms. She would like to see her designs
carried in specialized boutiques, but ultimately, she has
her eyes set on upscale stores like Nordstrom and Saks
Fifth Avenue.
“My designs are geared toward today’s contemporary woman, who loves to look trendy and stylish with
a classic twist.”
She was thrilled to present her collection at the
Salvation Army’s Annual Spring Fashion Show and
Luncheon at the Hilton Frontenac in March. With a
passion to help charitable organizations, Florence
also uses her creative juices to organize the annual
charity fashion shows for the Salvation Army and
other organizations under her production company,
M & D Production, LLC. Last year, she brought together 10 local designers, three of which were stars
from the hit reality TV show “Project Runway”
“Over the years, I’ve guided many young upcoming
designers who are now doing amazing things around the
country,” she shared. “I have always been really excited to
showcase their work. And, after a long time away from the front
line of putting out my own designs, I feel very confident about
showcasing my own creations.”
Florence says she wants her business to grow at a steady pace,
that will allow her to spend quality time with her son, Daniel, who
will be entering high school in the fall. This devoted soccer mom
says she has no plans to slow down.
Photo Courtesy of
Charles Barnes
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