DEKA—
PROVOCANTYUTE

Photography: Agustin Hernandez
Models: Deka Abdullahi & Corbin
Hair & Makeup: Frankie Kukich

“Deka works at a sushi restaurant. She wants me to know that and tells me she wants to come off as vulnerable as possible.

Deka sits on the edge of her roommate’s bed, clutching an oversized stuffed koala she has lovingly named Burp Chanel West Coast Rodriguez. She’s still situating herself, surrounded by pillows and looking for the perfect mix. Deka has finally created the optimal space to share some of the things it would’ve taken me a while to learn about her otherwise. She delivers the first few statements about herself in just above a whisper.

“My name is Deka, I am a first generation Somali-American fashion designer creating one-off custom pieces under the name Provocant Yute.”

The mix playing in the background switches from bombastic to relaxed, each track backing up Deka’s narration of life lessons; her affinity for Sega Bodega and not taking herself too seriously.

Coming from a strict Muslim household she describes growing up feeling alienated by American culture. Despite being a very curious kid, her rigid upbringing allowed her very little opportunity to experiment with anything. What influences her now is just the freedom to create.”

To read the full article, grab Issue 03 here.