De’Jon Reigns with Hazel Jean, Bringing Denim to the Forefront. With first solo sold out show.

Every designer reaches a point where reinvention is inevitable. For De Jon, that moment came when his previous brand no longer reflected his vision. Outdated, unsustainable, and no longer resonating with his growth as a designer, he decided it was time for a fresh start. Hazel Jean was born from that need for reinvention, inspired by his mother’s effortless 90s style and his own experiences growing up.

We spoke with De Jon about the journey, the inspiration behind Hazel Jean, and what fans can expect from his debut fashion show.

De’Jon

De Jon, you’ve been designing for some time now. What inspired you to launch Hazel Jean and how does it differ from your previous work?

To be honest, the reason I launched Hazel Jean was because my previous brand no longer aligned with where I wanted to be as a designer. The work I was doing before wasn’t sustainable — it started to feel outdated — and I had outgrown the people and the environment I was once surrounded by. I knew it was time for a complete revamp. But I never lost my passion for designing. I wanted to create something that felt more meaningful, something that professional models — both male and female — could truly connect with. That’s how Hazel Jean was born: a denim brand inspired by my mother’s effortless style from the 90s. This brand represents growth, authenticity, and a second chance to do things the right way. Not everyone gets that opportunity, so I’m genuinely grateful for it.

Every new brand has a unique vision. How did you define the identity and aesthetic of Hazel Jean?

To be honest, the reason I launched Hazel Jean was because my previous brand just wasn’t aligned with where I needed to be as a designer. It didn’t reflect my growth or the direction fashion is moving in — it wasn’t sustainable, it felt outdated, and I had simply outgrown that chapter and the people involved in it. Hazel Jean represents a fresh start — it’s deeply personal to me. I based the brand on my childhood memories with my mother and brother, drawing inspiration from the styles of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. That era shaped who I am and how I see fashion.This time around, I wanted to build something timeless — a brand that truly stands for something and connects with professional models, both male and female. Hazel Jean isn’t just a new label; it’s the brand that reflects my journey, my growth, and the future I see for fashion.

De’Jon

Launching a brand always comes with challenges. What were the most unexpected hurdles you faced creating Hazel Jean and how did you tackle them?

To be honest, creating Hazel Jean wasn’t as difficult as people might think. I already had a clear vision of what I wanted from the very beginning. When I designed the first pair of jeans, I knew exactly how I wanted them to look, feel, and fit — and I just went for it.Of course, there were small challenges here and there, like refining details or making sure everything aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, but overall it flowed naturally because the vision was strong. I think when you truly know your purpose and what story you’re trying to tell through your designs, the process becomes more about execution than struggle.

Your debut fashion show is sold out and set for late November. How are you feeling ahead of such a major moment and what can the audience expect?

I’m honestly feeling very excited about the show. When my creative director — who also happens to be my cousin, Mya Wander — told me it had sold out, I was genuinely shocked. I’ve never done a solo show before, so to know that people are willing to travel and pay to see what I’ve been working on means so much to me.It’s a really special moment — I feel grateful, blessed, and emotional at the same time. This show is bigger than just fashion for me; it’s about growth, legacy, and honouring where I come from. I really wish my mum could see this (teary-eyed). As for what the audience can expect — authenticity, nostalgia, and a real sense of storytelling through denim. Hazel Jean is about emotion and era — it’s 80s, 90s, and 2000s energy reborn with a modern edge.

Fashion shows often tell a story beyond the garments. What narrative are you hoping Hazel Jean conveys in this first runway presentation?

The narrative I’m carrying forward is simple — only the best. The best models, the best clothing, and authentic, hardworking teams who are here for the right reasons. I’m no longer interested in working with people who are in it for clout or who switch up the moment things don’t go their way. I’ve learned that not everyone will share your vision or narrative — and that’s okay. I’ve reached a point where I don’t entertain negativity anymore. I stay focused, I keep building, and I move forward. Next.

In a world where sustainability and innovation are key, how does Hazel Jean position itself and what makes it stand out?

What makes Hazel Jean stand out is the story behind it. The style really filtered down from my mother — we were a creative household, surrounded by fashion, music, and individuality. That energy shaped my eye for design and gave me a natural understanding of timeless style. When it comes to positioning, Hazel Jean is all about merging heritage with innovation. It’s denim all the way — but elevated, intentional, and built to last. Sustainability for me isn’t just about materials; it’s about creating pieces that hold meaning and stand the test of time. I plan to make this brand as big as possible while staying true to its roots and authenticity.

De’Jon

Looking back over your design journey, was there a defining moment that inspired you to bring Hazel Jean to life?

When I launched Hazel Jean, I was honestly shocked by the reaction. It took off much faster than I expected — even more than my previous brand did in its early years. At first, I’ll admit, there was a bit of jealousy there because I realised how quickly people connected with it. But then I understood why.People really responded to the story behind Hazel Jean — founded by a son, inspired by a mother, and worn by icons.That message resonates deeply with my audience because it’s real. It’s emotional, it’s authentic, and it represents legacy. That was the defining moment for me — realising that what started as something personal had grown into something powerful that people genuinely believe in.

With this first show almost here, where do you see Hazel Jean heading over the next few years and what drives your ambitions?

I think the next chapter for Hazel Jean will be about expanding through more fashion shows, creative campaigns, and strong visual storytelling. I really want to focus on producing high-quality adverts and working with professional models who embody the spirit of the brand. Building a reliable, authentic team around that vision is a big part of my future plans.I’m genuinely so excited — and proud — to be moving into this next phase, especially now that I’m on my ninth award. But even with that, I’ll never stop working hard. I’ve learned that I’m strong, and no one can shake that. My designs will always reflect that strength — evolving, fearless, and true to who I am.

Hazel Jean is more than a denim label. It is the result of a designer reconnecting with his purpose, his family, and the eras that shaped him. With authenticity, emotion, and a clear vision driving every stitch, De Jon is crafting a brand that honours the past while shaping the future of fashion.