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Debonaire is Fashion with an Edge
By The Changeling | April 27, 2007
Bedford-Stuyvesant knows edgy, so it is no surprise that Mr. Cleon Cummings, a fashion designer who has been living in Bed-Stuy for 7 years, decided to open his own boutique, Debonaire, to showcase his line of shoes and handbags and provide image consultations and beauty makeovers to the fashion-conscious set. Opened in December 2005 on Tompkins Avenue near Jefferson, Debonaire provides a much needed service to our community.
When I spoke with Cleon, he sounded like so many other Bed-Stuy residents who are also business owners. He mentioned his wanting to have stylish clothes available in our neighborhood so that people didn’t always have to go to Manhattan to find these things. He also said that people have to be risk-takers, willing to take a chance on offering new businesses in our area. Judging by the number of customers he had in his store on the day I visited, it looks like taking a chance really paid off for him.
The store has a cool mix of original designs by Cleon and selected pieces by other designers. His unique handbags and sandals adorn the walls of this cute shop.
I spent a long time drooling over these sexy red sandals. Cleon designed them and they really capture his sense of style.  I also admired the handbags that he designs. I was eager to see his whole collection, and thankfully I won’t have to wait very long: Cleon is planning to have a fashion show at the boutique in June. The show will launch his complete Debonaire line of clothing, and will herald a shift towards a greater representation of his own pieces in the boutique. He expects that eventually 95% of the store’s offerings will be from the Debonaire Collection.Â
    A display spotlights some of Cleon’s own pieces. Keep checking the Debonaire website, since they will be updating it soon with information on upcoming fashion events.
Cleon always helps his customers find the perfect outfit in his boutique.
 
The boutique has a nice mix of men’s and women’s clothes.Â
  
 Here’s another eye-catching display in the boutique.Â
The uber-eclectic, ultra-trendy Mr. Cummings has brought Soho to the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
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Debonaire
399 Tompkins Avenue @ Jefferson
Brooklyn, NY
Ph. 718.574.2673
Hours: Noon-8 pm Tues-Sat; 1 pm -5 pm Sun
Website: www.debonairenyc.com
Email: info@debonairenyc.com
May 3rd, 2007 at 9:57 am
cool! i’ll check this out.
May 28th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
i have lived in bed-stuy for 12 yrs and I have to say although Debonaire is a cool little ethnic store. My favorite boutique in bedstuy was MISU on tompkins ave. They definetly paved the way for all the little shops on tompkins. For the 4 yrs they were on tompkins b4 ibolanding, debonaire, etc. they outfitted everyone in the stuy w/ soho fashions. they had the best selection and the employees were great. I am terribly sadened they had to close due to the lack of traffic on tompkins.If only all the shops could have come sooner my favorite boutique would still be close to home. I wish Debonaire the best of luck, however I hope they realize how much Misu helped changed the face of tompkins ave.
May 29th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I heard some good things about Misu. It is sad when a place has to close because it is ahead of its time. Who were the owners? Have they decided to reopen anywhere else?
July 14th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Hey cleon!
I hope you’re coming to the National Black Theatre Festival this year. If so, bring some phat girl clothes b/c I’ve gained a lot of weight since the last time I saw u!
July 18th, 2007 at 4:02 am
I have been to the store and I must say Cleon Cummings is a visionary. The store is really great and has much to offer if you want to add excitement to your wardrobe. I’ve received so many compliments when I don my Debonaire NYC gear.