Monday, January 24, 2011 (Jamaica Observer, All Woman)
"It was always my intention to include local designers," says Carmela Richards, owner of Indigo Boutique. "I feel that we have some really talented people in Jamaica, they just don't have the opportunity to showcase their designs." Since last December, Azan has added three designers to the racks of the Indigo Boutique at the Barbican Centre, notably drennaLUNA, Neahlis and Designs by Michsheller. The response over the holiday season was positive, with customers heaping praises on the quality of the designs and fabrics.
Michelle Nuñez is the creative mind behind Designs by Michshell. Having worked for several years in the textile industry, she developed a love for fabrics - their textures, styles, and colours. She shares, "I've always had ideas on how I would use the fabric in fashion, and was always so inspired by new colours on the runways each season. There are really no limits to what fabric can do. Because I do know quality fabrics, I'm not afraid to use it in different styles." She continues, "My line features casual everyday wear and casually elegant items, which I would consider to be semi-formal."
Hanna-Kay wears a simple column dress in royal blue cotton knit by drennaLUNA.
Hanna-Kay is sure to turn heads in this cotton-blend printed mini-dress in magenta and chocolate by drennaLUNA.
Arlene Martin's drennaLUNA collection features a mix of her resort collection showcased at Caribbean Fashion Week 2010, and a few pieces from her mini holiday collection of formal and cocktail dresses. Martin also 'refreshed' her resort casual line in January, adding a few knits, making it three different collections represented in the store.
Preferring to work with natural fabrics like cotton and silk, her designs are meant to compliment and flatter a woman's figure. "drennaLUNA is for someone who's confident," says Martin, "who can work a simple garment, because she shines through the garment itself. Part of the simplicity is that they are versatile and can be worn or accessorised in various ways." The designer also has 'reversible' pieces, so ladies can get the most wear out of their outfits.
The 'Darling of Dresses', Lisa McIntosh of Neahlis received a warm response recently for her Tie-Dye Butterfly collection, done in collaboration with designer Simone 'Tasha' Gordon. Pieces from this collection along with her Neahlis Signature brand may be found at the Indigo Boutique. Though she has her own boutique, McIntosh says, "It's all about expanding my brand, and not keeping it to myself. Just to know that another boutique is carrying local designers is a blessing."
Having these new designers on board is simply the first step, since Carmela hopes too, to add merchandise from local designers of bags, jewellery and other accessories, to give them exposure.
"Ultimately we are all in this together, and we have to help each other... we have to build this country," she asserts, "... and every industry counts, including the fashion industry."
Today All Woman shares with you creations from three local design mavens - the designs of drennaLUNA, Designs by Michshell and Tie-dye Butterfly.
Indigo Boutique
Shop 5A, Barbican Centre, 29 East King's House Road, Kingston 6
Telephone: (876) 927- 6670
Hair: Lisa McIntosh-Aris for House of Neahlis; 19 Ardenne Road, Kingston 5 Telephone: (876) 820-7210/ 927-8199
Make-up: Paul March (876) 840 5420
All accessories available at Indigo Boutique.
(Photos: Karl McLarty)
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/allwoman/Indigo-Boutique-goes--Loco--for-Local-Designers_8307374#ixzz1EvCmIVAy
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