Ahead of the launch of his second collection today, fashion designer Carl Anthony Peterkin thinks that if he can “wow” at least one person, it will be worth it.
In some ways he already has achieved his goal as Peterkin, 21, has already convinced himself with his work.
Peterkin told Stabroek Weekend that he no longer calls himself a budding fashion designer because the growth and confidence he has achieved since becoming a designer is tremendous. He said when he started designing, he was not confident in himself or his work. “I was scared,” he admitted. Now, he is “BOLD,” which is the name of collection.
Peterkin said he is bold because now he knows what he is capable of. “I can probably stitch with my eyes closed,” he cheerfully announced.
However, more than his technical growth, he said, is the growth he has experienced over the last two to three years is encouraging and he wants to be a person other young men look to when they feel discouraged.
Peterkin said he believes that it does not matter who you are or where you are from, if you have the potential and the support, you can do it.
His own story began in West Coast Berbice. Even though he was told on countless occasions that designing and the fashion world was not the place for a “Berbician Boy”, Peterkin did not let it discourage him.
As a matter of fact, the constant teasing pushed him further towards sketching designs which have granted him a pass into the world of fashion and designing. “Sketching takes away all of this,” he said.
At just 17-years-old, fresh out of Mahaicony Secondary School, Peterkin left his home in Berbice. He was in search of jobs and given that the opportunities are better in Georgetown, he took the leap to start a life there. At this time, however, he was not designing. While he periodically sketched, he was more focused on making a living rather than trying to live a dream. But he was not alone and while living in the capital city, Peterkin befriended two fashion designers who encouraged him to use his sketches and make designs.
Being young and inexperienced, he said, he used to question himself. “Will this work for me?” he would ask himself. He would often think to himself that he might not be as lucky to make it far in the fashion industry being “a little Berbician boy who just come to town and ain’t know squat.” With all the uncertainty and believing what people would say, it made him scared to try, he said. Nevertheless with his friends Mark Roy Jr. and Mwanza Glenn by his side, constantly encouraging him to design, he bought a sewing machine.
Turning ideas into reality
After buying the machine and realising that he couldn’t design unless he was properly trained to do so, Peterkin decided to get enrolled at Carnegie School of Home Economics. There, he completed a dressmaking course. With his newfound knowledge, he started using newspapers and later, fabrics, to bring his sketches to life. However, he said that the support at this time was not there. “I was surprised. Persons who told me I should start designing were not supporting me as I thought they would” he morosely said.
He reminisced on when he was starting out about how persons would say he should start designing because he has the talent, but when he actually got down to it, they no longer held the support that they once did.
Undaunted, he persisted, continued his work, and eventually made a name for himself. In August of 2017, Peterkin designed a dress for one of the contestants of a Ms African roots pageant and it won the best gown segment. With that notch in his belt, Peterkin said it was all uphill from there.
He had not previously acquired the sufficient amount of recognition he needed but with a gown he designed being labelled ‘Best Gown’ in a pageant, he was able to grasp the attention of persons who might not have even known of his existence. Peterkin said when he gained this recognition, it was very overwhelming and surprising. He did not anticipate it but was very happy for it. With his newfound recognition, he began designing prom dresses, bridal gowns, and even swimsuits. He even launched his first collection.
As he reminisced on the launch of the collection, dubbed “Sexiest Fantasy”, he admitted that it was not at all what he thought it would be. “I thought it was just putting together colours and fabric. I had no understanding of what an actual collection was.” Now, however, he is certain that with the research he has done and with the careful consideration, he is 95% sure that his newer collection will be better.
As a young designer, Carl’s life revolves around attending pageants and fashion shows but when he is not behind the sewing machine or exhibiting his work, he enjoys fishing and cooking.
Persons interested in wearing one of Peterkin’s designs, which he produces under his brand, C.A.P. Designs, can contact him via his Facebook or Instagram accounts, which bear his name.
His launch will be held today at 7.30 pm at the Umana Yana, in Kingston. The cost of admission is $2,000.
