Derroles Taylor is a visionary textile artist and fashion designer known for creating stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces that fuse traditional sewing and garment construction with modern art and design. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, her work is deeply rooted in the city’s vibrant, diverse culture.

Her passion for textiles began in childhood when her grandfather gifted her a sewing machine and a box of scrap fabric from a retired seamstress. Self-taught at first, Derroles began selling her creations to schoolmates and peers. Two summers of sewing education—including the Ogden Museum Fashion Show and the Treme Storytelling Quilt Exhibit—deepened her interest and connected her with mentors and resources that fueled her growth.

Hurricane Katrina interrupted her second year at Xavier University of Louisiana, but a silver lining emerged: the chance to continue her education at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. Immersed in the fast-paced world of fashion, Derroles honed her skills and embraced the competitive energy of New York.

Returning to New Orleans with new tools and perspective, “Derroles the Dressmaker” was born. She began crafting garments that blended her technical mastery with the cultural richness of her hometown. Over the next 24 years, she built a body of work shaped by both formal training and lived experience.

Derroles’ artistry extends beyond fashion design into wearable textile art and installation. Her goal is to push creative boundaries and evolve past each milestone. She draws inspiration from the ceremonial regalia of Mardi Gras Indians and the pageantry of krewe royalty. Working with silk, lace, and chiffon, she layers embellishments and adornments that echo New Orleans’ cultural attire. Her pieces—crafted through both hand and machine techniques—tell stories through intricate patterns and textures.