This Friday, June 3rd, at the Bermuda Society of Arts, top local designers will debut their 2011 collections in the second Bermuda Fashion Collective. Aimed at encouraging local designers and providing a platform for them to display their work, the inaugural Bermuda Fashion Collective was a huge success making a second trip down the runway inevitable. Three of the participating designers spoke with TheBermudian.com about their inspirations, personal style and the future for Bermuda's fashion industry.
Anthony Dean Williams is a successful local designer with twenty-five years experience in designing and crafting his own garments. He believes that style is eternal, thus he centers his fashion line, Definitions by Dean, around timeless and classic designs always with an edgy silhouette for added drama. Dean featured his garments at last year's Bermuda Fashion Collection, making him a veteran in the local fashion industry and a force to be reckoned with.
Bermudian: What are your inspirations?
Dean: Women, Mother Nature's creativity, birds, flowers, Palm Trees, fabrics, cultures, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen.
Bermudian: What are your thoughts on the local fashion industry?
Dean: The local fashion industry as such has no significant bearing in my thoughts other than it adequately serves to keep the masses attuned to current trends and sadly, too many fads. I look forward to the day when personal style becomes the norm and creative and artistic talent becomes the guiding force for wardrobe choices!
Bermudian: Which word best describes your collection?
Dean: Clever!
Bermudian: How would one go about purchasing your designs?
Dean: Message me on Facebook or visit my website: http://definitionsbydeane.webs.com/
Bermudian: What advice would you give to aspiring local designers?
Dean: To the aspiring, search your heart and soul to know if its your calling. [If so] you'll naturally commit yourself, not just for personal or financial gain but as a contributor to another's happiness, as well as your own!
Although, her first time showcasing with the Bermuda Fashion Collective, Nicole Iris is no rookie; she's been designing and sewing her own garments for as long as anyone can remember. Her designs are timeless, simplistic and versitile and crafted from natural materials, making them fashionably earth-friendly. Nicole has a huge local following, a portion of which have been clients of hers for more than twenty years, proving that quality and good taste never go out of style.
Bermudian: What are your inspirations?
Nicole: My family, in particular, my children Malachi and Genesis.
Bermudian: What are your thoughts on the local fashion industry?
Nicole: The fashion industry in Bermuda offers a wide-range of clothing but limited styles and sides. Bermudians like to look good, however, I would love to see more support for local craftsmanship.
Bermudian: Which word best describes your collection?
Nicole: Unique
Bermudian: How would one go about purchasing your designs?
Nicole: Contact me via e-mail: mgni@logic.bm
Bermudian:What advice would you give to aspiring local designers?
Nicole: Make a decision and commit to your talent, incorporating time management wisely into your lifestyle.
Bermuda's natural beauty is the inspiration for Dana Cooper's beachy designs. What was once a hobby launched into a full-time business after Dana debuted a beach poncho which got the attention of retailers and fashion editors overseas. Her internationally celebrated poncho has been featured in blogs on Vouge.com and in the June 2010 issue of Glamour Magazine. It is currently sold on www.glamourpussnyc.com and at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. After all the international attention, Dana is gearing up for round-two debuting her new designs, Dragonfly, Waterlily and Aurora at the Bermuda Fashion Collective.
Bermudian:What are your inspirations?
Dana: I am inspired by great artists and designers past and present, experiences, the natural environment, especially in Bermuda, and the endless palette of colour in our world.
Bermudian:What are your thoughts on the local fashion industry?
Dana: I think the fashion industry in Bermuda is budding for the first time.
Bermudian:Which word best describes your collection?
Dana: Summer
Bermudian: How would one go about purchasing your designs?
Dana: People can purchase my designs by going to www.glamourpussnyc.com and www.danacooper.net.
Bermudian: What advice would you give to aspiring local designers?
Dana: Art is a business like everything else, be savvy and protect your art.
