Meet the Team
Debbie Lawson, Founder 
What are your favourite brands?
Vanessa Bruno, and Frame. I love that the Devál brand is our own and includes pieces which fill in the gaps. Camilla and Marc is also so directional which is fun.
How would you define your personal style?
A bit French, I am nearly always wearing a blazer. I love to wear jeans or leather pants and cute t-shirt, shirt or a jumper. On my feet I love to wear sneakers or boots. I like to keep it simple.
What are your favourite things to do around Wanaka?
Skiing, walking, biking, yoga and socialising. I love it, there is always so much to do here and so many great people to do it with!
What piece could you not live without from your wardrobe?
My Sam New York Jacket, love love love.
How do you find inspiration for styling?
I often look at a piece and think ‘what are the best pieces I can pair it with’ to make outfits that look like clients have been styled from Europe. I take a lot of inspiration from magazines, social media and having a creative mind is a huge asset in this job.
What's your number one tip on finding your personal style?
Always wear what makes you feel good, I don’t buy into fashion fads if they don’t work for me. The key staples in my wardrobe include; black blazer, white shirt, great jeans, party top, fantastic dress, pair of leather pants, tidy tee shirts, two yummy jumpers and a winter and summer jacket.
Jess, Manager
How would you describe your personal style? I love classic timeless pieces - the perfect blazer, great denim, white shirt and boots would be my go to look. Although by summer time I wear lots of dresses and skirts.
What piece could you not live without from your wardrobe?
My Smythe duchess blazer is my tried and true staple. Easily my most worn piece.
What is it you find most rewarding about being a stylist?
Nothing beats the feeling of styling somebody in a beautiful outfit that makes them feel confident and true to themselves.
What's one accessory you never leave the house without?
My diamond necklace, it was a gift from my parents and I am never without it. Also my Jenny Bird gold hoops.
Meg, Operations Manager
What piece could you not live without from your wardrobe?
My Mother Denim Jeans! I have quite a few pairs now and i absolutely love them all.
What is your favourite season to dress for?
Winter, i love layering up. You'll find me in cozy knitwear, boots and jeans.
What do you love about living in Wanaka?
All of the beautiful walks nearby and being able to spend time at the lake with family and friends in the summer.
Sue, Senior Stylist
What are your favourite brands at Devàl?
I really LOVE too many! Today i'm all Anine Bing.. Tomorrow maybe Zadig and Voltaire
What do you love the most about living in Wanaka?
Walking around the lake to work. And working at Devàl of course!!
How would you define your personal style?
"Classic Chic" i guess
What piece could you not live without in your wardrobe?
My Smythe jackets.
Victoria, Senior Stylist.
How would you describe your personal style?
I love timeless pieces that compliment my curves and make me feel feminine and gorgeous. 
Who are some of your favourite designers?
I love the masterpieces Alexander McQueen created throughout his career; I’m particularly in awe of his tailoring. I love the early 90s as a moment; I think Galliano, Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier defined an era that I find myself continuously referring to.
What are your favourite brands at Deval?
Currently I am loving Matteau and Merlette pieces. Both brands create beautiful, elegant and easy wearing pieces, with lots of details in the craftsmanship.
What is your favourite season to dress for?
I love dressing for Spring because you get the best of both worlds, wearing fresh colours in flowy fabrics and pairing them with cute cozy knits.
Sarah, Senior Stylist.
What are your favourite labels at DEVàL?
The beautiful elevated basics, The "Perfect white tee" Frame denim and the Smythe blazer in every colour!
How would you describe your personal style?
Icons like Audrey Hepburn, timeless and classic. Palettes of soft greys, whites, creams and mushrooms. I do love a pop of colour on a dress though!
Personal styling tip?
A simple exquisite accessory. I love capsule dressing. Denim, tees, blazers, belts and cozy cashmeres. you just can't beat beautiful knits. Our DEVàL label fills my need for beautiful classics and a big smile elevates every outfit!