Blossoming from the traditional Black and White signature pieces, local fashion designer Keisha Edwards toiled skilfully with colours as she unveiled her idea of summer wear at the recently concluded Miss Jamzone International Pageant- Swim Suit segment.
At just 23-years-old Keisha has managed to accomplish a lot since she stormed into the fashion arena in 2008. Her bold decision to venture from her usual colour scheme brought “oooohhhhhs” and “aaaawwws” from those gathered at the Princess Hotel for the first leg of the pageant feasted their eyes on the stunning designs. In addition to bright colours, Keisha also experimented with floral prints which when combined with simple styles, turned eye catching.
This budding designer told the Scene that the line does not yet have a name but it falls under her ShaSha brand, which is traditional rock meet modern wear. Black and White (Keisha’s favourite colour combination) was the original idea behind ShaSha but Keisha then decided to flirt with colours. She said she wanted to try something difference hence her interpretation of what summer wear should be. Since we are currently in the summer season, the pageant came at a fitting time for her to reveal her pieces.
Reflecting on her childhood, Keisha recalled that she has always been sketching clothing designs and would then ask her mother who is a seamstress to sew the pieces.
This hobby intensified during her teenage years especially at times when she could not afford to buy fancy clothing when she needed to go out.
“I started working on my own stuff but back then people though it (the clothing) was sort of weird or different”, Keisha told The Scene.
She said that during those years she wanted to show her style, and for her there was always a desire to stand out.
Keisha’s pieces first went public in 2008 at the launching of the Storm Talent Agency and then again several months later at the Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW). She recalled that it was her sister who repeatedly encouraged her to take part in the latter event.
“At GFW I received such a great response from the public. There was a lot of buzz about my designs”, she said with a laugh.
Though her work was appreciated during these two shows, she said that for her “she really struck gold” at the 2009 GFW when she showcased her line “Eclipse”. After the show, Keisha was complemented by organisers including local fashion icon, Sonia Noel, and was told that she had potential. “I felt so much more confident from there”, she added during the interview.
These goods words inspired her to reach for much more. She now has big dreams and she is working hard to achieve them.
Support
This former St. Joseph High School student and University of Guyana graduate said that her family is supportive of her work; at first her father was not. Keisha explained that she comes from a family that places a lot of emphasis on education and while she dreamed of perusing a career in fashion she also focused on a strong academic foundation. Over time she garnered her father’s support and her family has been standing besides her.
She said that persons in the Caribbean and the United States are appreciative of her work and they too are supportive of her creation. Keisha’s clothing has so far been sold in Barbados, St. Maarten and the United States. Often she would ship the clothing to her customers would have repeatedly complimented her on her work.
Asked about her further goals, she quickly pointed out “I have big plans and ideas. There is so much that I want to achieve that I know that I will achieve”.
For now, she is looking at linking up with other fashion designers and marketing her brand. She stressed that why she loves what she does, she has to look at the business aspect of her brand.
Keisha has a lot more to offer and if you are desirous of supporting her clothing lines, she can be contacted on 676 7341 or shashadesigns@gmail.com. (zoisa_f@yahoo.com)
