Samantha Squires is drawing interest

“The different fabrics, prints, illustrations, pattern designs, and different aesthetics were all absolutely mesmerizing,” she says of what inspired her to choose the field she’s now a part of. “I became very fascinated with clothing and would always sketch designs in my spare time, so from there on I knew fashion design was my ultimate calling and lifelong dream career,” she expands.

She was also obsessed with “Project Runway”, a reality show competition that pits budding fashion designers against each other, ultimately culminating in three finalists debuting a full collection on a fashion runway.

“I truly wanted to attend Parsons School of Design in New York City as my first choice, but then I came across the Fashion Design program at CAFD which piqued my interest to study fashion locally,” she says of the first aspirations to study Fashion Design formally. Her choice to enroll at CAFD as opposed to a foreign school was also seen as a better fit: “To learn fashion in such a diverse culture as we have here, and having that knowledge as an asset when meeting persons from different regions, is definitely an advantage.” Now a Year 3 student at CAFD, Samantha says her experience started off a little rocky given her mindset upon entering that her background in art would make her course of study less challenging. However, with no previous experience in sewing, her take off was a little slower than expected.

“At the beginning, I had the mindset of just passing courses and finishing the 2-year program quickly so I could get a break from the stress encountered at CAFD,” she says, adding that she took a break after completing her Diploma in Fashion Design and decided to pursue a Certificate in Dance and Dance Education at UWI, St. Augustine. But it was during this break that Samantha started to miss CAFD, and seeing her classmates excel drew her back to complete her degree in Fashion Design. Upon her return, her outlook was completely shifted: “My goal was to be at the top and give it my all in every class session,” she says of her change of heart. “I try to do work, not just to please an instructor, but to create something that I will be remembered by in the hopes of building my brand. I am far more different now from my first year.” This year, Samantha was part of a group of the top students from each year who was asked to design and create “The Eclectic Lady” dress, which was to be inspired by the theme of CAFD’s annual thesis fashion show for final year students themed “Eclectic”. Samantha was also approached by the show’s coordinators to design and illustrate the show’s artwork. “The illustration was inspired by the overall theme of the show and some inspirational images on the art of origami,” she says of her sketches for the show. She says “eclectic”, meaning diverse, gave her the idea to use nature as her main inspiration in the development of the sketch: “The piece was done in a collage form where I took images from different aspects of nature such as the ocean, plants, fire, and greenery and fused it with the different aesthetics of the other students chosen to design the dress.” She describes the top, jacket piece of the dress as edgier, representing _ re, and the lower garment reflecting a softer and breezier feeling, representing water, leaves, and flowers. “For the headpiece, I used hibiscus flowers as an African head wrap, which to me represents a standout aesthetic of the Caribbean.” The dress was designed by Samantha and fellow students, Adrian Wilson and Veronica Pasea, under the mentorship and guidance of instructor Alicia Rose, who sponsored the supplies and materials for the dress. Samantha says each person played their own signi_ cant role in the creation of the design and final product.

For the dress’ technical aspects, Samantha designed the origami pattern as well as the surface treatment of the fabric, which was hand dyed brown cotton in varying colours. Adrian handled the construction of the dress and placement of the origami patterns, and Veronica was responsible for the jacket.

“It was challenging at times, seeing as this was an extra project we undertook while trying to stay on tack with regular classes, but overall the experience was great and I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to bring my design to life,” she says of the work that went into the final outcome and her feelings of fulfilling

She also points out that in fashion there isn’t just one niche.

“Not everyone in fashion sews/constructs, some may do fashion management, merchandising, textiles, illustrator, jeweler, fashion writers, brand directors, and so on,” she says of the many possibilities when pursuing a career in fashion.

To hopeful Fashion Design students, Samantha says the work may look glamorous but it is not easy without determination and consistency. “Stay true to yourself,” she advises. “Use the positive fuel to reach the pinnacle – when choosing a career in fashion you must have the passion to create and open-mindedness.

“Play fair and never follow the crowd. Always stay focused and let your work speak for itself.”