Deborah James is known to have been born in Ohio and has been described as having ‘a rare blend of brains, spirit and beauty’. She was a pupil of the National Academy of Fashion Merchandising. She graduated in 1973 and began a successful career as a fashion designer with her own labels such as Longitude and Bloch. She worked with numerous top designers during her career, assisting them on their collections and walking for many of them. She retired in 2021 and has since then devoted her life to philanthropy, writing numerous books, teaching at various colleges and working as an executive consultant.
In her earlier days, before she became a public figure, Ms. James was once again on the fringes of society. She had a passion for art, writing and design, but always kept herself discreetly employed. She dated both African American men and women and dined at high-end restaurants with international bankers and celebrities. She also enjoyed a prolonged relationship with a man from Cape Town, whom she labelled “Mysterious Man”. The Nationality of Deborah James has never been disclosed; whether she is British or not, she has always maintained her African Nationality.
It is known that Debbie James used her wealth to support many causes she believed in, including AIDS education and treatment. She has always remained faithful to her partner, however, until the day they decided to get married in 2021. On their wedding day, their father paid for them to be driven around in a luxury car, a surprise to the new couple. Some years later, the couple revealed that their wedding was arranged by a film executive.