Elements of M.A.C

Co-owner of Akimbo, Kevon Foderingham opened with events such as this in mind. Kevon explains that the business is a creative events space which gives young artists a place to showcase their work. The boutique is home to 30 local and regional designers and artisans including Ecliff Elie, AI Naturals, Conflict Women as well as his own line of male jewelry, Green Violet. According to Kevon, there aren’t many places like his in the east where patrons can get a taste of local work.

Shinade’s collection made its debut as part of her Mischa’s Authentic Creations (MAC’s) line of clothing. The young entrepreneur made her grand debut in the local fashion industry two years ago at San Fernando Fashion Week with her collection entitled “Inner Beauty Outward”, and has been working the local fashion circuit ever since, experimenting with colours and textures. She describes her first collection as more bold and jokes that at the time she didn’t know much about colour co-ordination, so it was very colourful, but well received.

Her latest collection entitled “Elements” is more floral and “inspired by nature”, she says, and gives off a loving, calm and warm vibe, using more neutral colours. “Fashion is something natural to me. I wanted to create something familiar…something that expressed inner beauty (and) evoked emotion and feeling,” she explains.

Shinade started sketching her first designs at the age of nine and claims that she always loved creating. She studied Civil Engineering at UTT and learned structure, which she began applying that to her designs. Her styles range from casual to office wear for both men and women and she describes her looks as “classic (but) more on the chic side”. She also designs accessories such as clutch purses and handbags. The expectant mother plans to start working on a maternity line, as she claims it was difficult to find clothing that suited her growing tummy.

Shinade aspires to own a business where she can help other up and coming designers grow their brand. “(I want) a platform where they can come into the industry,” she says, adding that “as someone young in the industry, it has been hard to get financial support.” Shinade also touches on the expense of marketing brands at more popular fashion events. “You don’t get much out of local fashion events,” she says. “You put out a lot of money but don’t get much back.” She explains that in her experience, it’s just a runway show and nothing more, and feels that at these events their needs to be a space where designers can properly market their goods after the show has ended.

Shinade says that she was happy to debut her collection at Akimbo, and she loves that she can also see other local designers at the store. “I love that they match,” she says, comparing her work to that of the other designers showcased at the boutique. She encourages patrons to continue to support local. “My prices are affordable,” she says, contrary to the perception that local merchandise is more expensive, leading consumers to purchase foreign based labels. She also highlights the quality of local merchandise, as another common misconception of local fashion is that it is of a lower quality, which is not the case.

Both Shinade and Kevon expressed the need for more creative spaces in the east, so that more people can be exposed to range and beauty of local brands.