Derrian Davidson, the CEO and founder of Verse Fashion, shares his inspiring journey of building a brand that champions inclusivity and challenges traditional fashion norms. From a young entrepreneur selling Kool-Aid and Pokémon cards to the visionary behind Verse Fashion, Derrian’s story is one of ambition, innovation, and a deep commitment to making fashion accessible to everyone.
His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. “Ever since I was younger I knew that money made the world go round and I was always on a mission to be successful,” Derrian recalls. This drive led him to various ventures, from a neighborhood Kool-Aid stand to reselling Pokémon cards in grade school. This early hustle foreshadowed his future in the business world.
A pivotal moment occurred during his film production studies in Orlando. A visit to a friend in Miami exposed him to a vibrant and expressive fashion scene, a stark contrast to what he was used to. “My mind was blown by how people embraced fashion down there. It was a complete culture shock,” he explains. This experience sparked his personal exploration of fashion as a form of self-expression. He began experimenting with unique looks and seeking out designs that stood out.
After college, a move to Denver presented a new challenge. The lack of unique fashion options in Denver led Derrian to take matters into his own hands. Inspired by a YouTube video about starting a t-shirt business, he decided to create his own designs. “I thought to myself ‘wow, I can do that, and at least I’ll have fun T-shirts to wear’,” he says. This marked the beginning of Verse Fashion. In July 2016, he launched his first t-shirt collection, a small but proud step.
Word of mouth in Denver helped his company grow. An opportunity to create merchandise for a drag queen opened doors to collaborations with more performers, DJs, and clubs nationwide. However, the pandemic in March 2020 forced a shift in direction. Verse Fashion pivoted to producing medical masks and logo cloth masks for businesses, demonstrating adaptability and community focus.
The post-lockdown period in December 2020 brought a renewed sense of purpose. Frustrated with the limited and uninspiring clothing options available, Derrian felt compelled to design the clothes he wanted to wear himself. This personal need fueled the creation of Verse Fashion’s first full clothing collection, embodying the brand’s core value of inclusivity.
Image alt: Derrian Davidson showcasing a vibrant, patterned shirt from Verse Fashion’s Miami Collection Volume 1, highlighting the brand’s unique and expressive style.
Verse Fashion is built on the principle of inclusivity, aiming to be a brand where everyone feels represented, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, size, age, or any other label. This vision culminated in the “Miami Collection Volume 1,” featuring 23 pieces released on November 11, 2021. This collection is a testament to Verse Fashion’s commitment to providing diverse and inclusive clothing options.
What truly distinguishes Verse Fashion is its foundational philosophy. Derrian noticed the imbalance in traditional retail spaces, where women’s sections overwhelmingly dominate while men’s sections are limited. This observation, coupled with a personal experience shopping in a women’s clothing store, ignited his passion for creating a more inclusive fashion landscape.
During college, while shopping with a friend at Wet Seal, Derrian admired a sweater in the women’s section. His friend’s simple question, “Why can’t you?” challenged his perception of gendered clothing. He realized that fashion should not be confined by arbitrary gender norms. Buying an XL sweater from the women’s section became a symbolic act of breaking these perceived rules. “That sweater became my favorite thing to wear… I felt like I was breaking some unwritten rule. ‘Men don’t wear women’s clothes’,” Derrian reflects.
Inspired by celebrities and rappers who boldly express themselves through fashion, challenging gender boundaries, Derrian envisioned Verse Fashion as a sanctuary where individuals feel empowered to wear whatever they desire. He eliminated “men’s” and “women’s” categories from his brand, fostering a shopping experience that is genuinely inclusive.
Image alt: Derrian Davidson pictured in a stylish, gender-neutral outfit from Verse Fashion, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to breaking down traditional fashion barriers.
Creating truly inclusive sizing for diverse body types presents challenges. However, Verse Fashion embraces these challenges to push the boundaries of fashion. Derrian’s vision is to move beyond limited shopping experiences and create a brand that caters to everyone. Verse Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a movement towards a more accepting and expressive world of fashion, where personal style triumphs over societal norms.
For those visiting Southern California, Derrian recommends starting with the Santa Monica Pier for a taste of the Pacific and classic boardwalk fare. The Getty Villa, offering stunning coastal views and ancient art, is another must-see. Venice Beach provides a vibrant atmosphere for happy hour and dinner, while West Hollywood is the perfect spot for nightlife and dancing. These recommendations reflect Derrian’s appreciation for the diverse and exciting experiences Southern California offers.
Image alt: Derrian Davidson standing against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier, suggesting local attractions and lifestyle inspiration related to Verse Fashion.
Website: Verse Fashion Official Website
Instagram: Verse Fashion on Instagram
Facebook: Verse Fashion on Facebook
Image Credits:
Personal Pictures: Photographer – Kay Hues
Brand photography: Photographer – Freddy Tyler Paul
Models: Imani Fulwilder, Lauren Park, Ishimwe Manoa, Eliseo Equihua
