Brittany Wolffe has gone from strength-to-strength as a designer, evidence of which has been seen at the Bermuda Fashion Festival over the past two years. The London fashion student’s collections have won her an internship at Interview Magazine in New York, and a Coach scholarship. Here she tells us about “Disco Romance” the fourth collection from her LoveBomb Inc line.

What did being involved in the fashion festival mean to you?

My involvement means a lot as I find it amazing that fashion is acknowledged on our island. For a long time fashion was looked at as a hobby to many. But it is not a hobby to me, it is my livelihood.

How have you evolved as a designer since first being involved in the Bermuda Fashion Festival?

Since my first collection I have definitely evolved and it shows in my design skills, where I gather my inspiration, and how I work in general. Having a schedule during the mentorship really helped with my organisation. As a student in London I’ve been exposed to things I don’t have access to, or never really took notice of, back home and that plays a role in how I gather inspiration.

You suffered from nerves early in your career. What would you say to any young designers who are afraid to put themselves out there for the first time?

GO FOR IT! You never know until you try. Don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too small or aren’t good enough. I’ve had my dreams of studying fashion design stomped all over because they were compared to studies that I had no interest in. It crushed me for a second or two but it didn’t stop me. Having a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset gets me through.

How has the Coach scholarship impacted you?

The scholarship was truly a blessing and I appreciate all that the Bermuda Fashion Festival has done for me. The award went directly towards my studies and that was a great help.

What’s the most important piece of advice you were ever given?

Every detail counts; even the smallest can make such a huge impact on the big picture.

6) What is trending for you this year?

I don’t necessarily follow trends, but this year I’m really feeling the colour red. It’s so bold and actually makes a statement all on its own; hence the reason it’s LoveBomb Inc’s colour of 2017.

Care to give us any hints as to what your next collection might look like?

Our brand is inspired by the 1970s always but “Disco Romance” our 2017 collection is heavily inspired by Studio 54. Cher, Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger. The lover of “Disco Romance” she’s a partygoer, the life of the party; she stands out in a crowd.

Where will you be a year from now?

A year from now is a time I am looking forward to. I will be nearing the completion of my Graduate Collection and I look forward to building onto that to have the styles available for purchase. I really do have a lot in store, not only as a designer but also a businesswoman. Once my studies are completed it is only up for LoveBomb Inc.

Brittany plans to launch “Disco Romance” at a Pop Up shopping event on Sunday at Red Doors Hair & Makeup Artistry in Hamilton between 4pm and 7pm.

The post The evolution of a designer appeared first on RG Magazines.

Seven local fashion designers will show off their styles and one of those designers is Jakai Franks.

Born and raised in Bermuda, to a full-time seamstress mother, Mr Franks said he has been in love with fashion all his life.

“I have been interested in fashion for as long as I can remember,” he said.

And he gets his inspiration everywhere. “Life in general inspires me. Whether it’s travelling, spending time with family, a customer meeting during my day job (at Digicel), or simply a well-dressed individual that I cross in passing or on social media, I’m constantly making mental inspirational notes,” he said.

The fashions being presented by the seven local designers run from swimsuits to gowns to menswear.

And it’s menswear that is Mr Franks’ specialty.

Asked how he would describe his taste in fashion, Mr Franks said: “I would describe my taste as classic, minimalistic, however liking unique enough pieces to stand out. My designs are upscale urban island wear. My debut collection for the festival will be Spring/Summer, however I plan to continue designing future collections. At least one piece in my collection will appeal to every Bermudian male.”

His island home also influences his designs.

“Bermuda plays an important role in my designs. Oftentimes, many debate if something is truly Bermudian or if it was influenced by another country or culture. One thing that cannot be argued about Bermuda is our natural beauty. Through my collection, I plan to showcase monochromatic trendy looks which focus on the intricate colours found around Bermuda. From the blue hues of our ocean, to the green hues in our grass, and even the original hues of our limestone.”

Mr Franks and the other six designers were carefully selected for a four-month mentorship programme run by celebrity stylist and fashion editor Shiona Turini.

Mr Franks has a top international mentor to guide him. In his case that person is the highly regarded Matthew Henson, the Fashion Editor at Complex Magazine.

Mr Franks said: “Matthew has taught me invaluable knowledge from day one. He constantly reminds me to think outside of the box, and the importance of planning and appealing to my target market. I met Matthew in New York in March where we brainstormed and purchased all of the fabrics and notions. Matthew and I speak whenever it is required, and we have status update meetings weekly.”

Mr Henson is also a freelance stylist and brand consultant. He has styled editorials for i-D Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and was previously the Fashion Editor at Flaunt Magazine. Aside from his editorial work, he works as a consultant for emerging brands such as En Noir, and Bazar-14.

Mr Franks said the hardest part of designing menswear is “remembering the importance of details and the fit of the garment”.

Asked how people can see and buy his menswear, Mr Franks said: “People will be able to see my collection at the Local Designers showcase on July 14 (at City Hall).”

To keep up with Mr Franks’ brand you can follow him via his website, or on Instagram.

This article first appeared in RG Summer magazine in 2016.

The post Upscale Urban Island Designs appeared first on RG Magazines.

Sophie Adams was not always comfortable being in front of a camera, or being in front of strangers at a fashion show. Her first Bermuda Fashion Festival was a “daunting” experience.

How things have changed. Now she models in London, is hoping to breakthrough in Los Angeles, and is far more confident about being on the catwalk.

Sophie took time out of her hectic schedule to answer some questions about life as a model.

What did it mean to you to take part in the Bermuda Fashion Festival?

I had heard of the fashion festival and several people had encouraged me to take part but I was always too shy to attend any of the open calls! The thought of walking in front of strangers was daunting. It really did change my life for the better. It allowed me to not only attain skills and qualities needed to pursue a modelling career, but also challenged me to overcome personal adversities.

What impact did it have on you as a person, and how you saw your future?

It greatly improved my confidence. From the first fashion show I took part in 2013 I never gave up on the hope that I could make it.

You have talked in the past about being “you” and adopting a natural approach. Is there freedom in that?

Being as natural as possible has worked out in my favour thus far. Clients love to see your most natural ‘you’. In person, they are not interested with heavy make-up or your hair being done overly styled or done up. They need to see a canvas in which they can create.

People on the outside of the industry see glitz and glamour, what don’t they see?

I find a lot of people assume that being a model is easy; that all you have to do is pose in front of a camera.

They don’t see the hours/years of preparation and practice it takes. Modelling is a lot more than just being a pretty face. Personality really gets you far in the industry. Without a good attitude, you won’t get far.

What has been the best and worst part of your career so far?

The worst part about modelling would certainly be the early ‘call-times’ for a shoot. Starting at 9am means my day will begin at around 5am depending on the location of the job!

The absolute best part of modelling is when you see the final images published/released. The process of a full day, which could be 8 hours or more, and shooting endlessly to get those few picture-perfect shots really make it worthwhile.

When was the last time you were nervous before a shoot, and what do you do to overcome that feeling?

The last time I got nervous for a shoot was the first one I ever took part in as a signed model. This was a shoot for Brides Magazine. I overcame my nervousness by finding a quite space and giving myself words of encouragement!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I have ever gotten/will continue to get is from my father. He recently told me to never forget and know who I am, my value as a person, where I am going in life and how I am going to get there. Stop at nothing to give your best each and every day, if you’re not succeeding you’re learning. It’s what you do during the learning that matters most!

What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring models?

Embrace your originality and take advantage of the fact that you are the only version of yourself. Don’t ever allow someone’s opinion to make you feel negatively about yourself. You are not for everyone. You are unique.

The post No longer daunted by the runway appeared first on RG Magazines.

Back in Bermuda for her pre-Fall Collection show which took place at the Hamilton Princess Hotel last month, the Bermudian designer took time out to discuss her journey, her philosophy, and why bringing her show to the island made perfect sense.

Law to fashion isn’t the usual route, how did that come about?

“I never knew anyone who worked in the industry growing up and I had always had an interest [in fashion] and always used to collect all the Vogues, and keep them preciously in storage.

“But I grew up around lawyers or people who worked in banks, or in economics, and my family were very much [telling me] ‘you need to get the academic education that you are capable of’.

“I never felt like it [law] was a disadvantage, I just wasn’t that enthusiastic about it. And then I started working right by Central Saint Martins [in London] and I would do evening courses there in fashion design and marketing as an antidote to my very corporate, serious job, and it went from there.”

What is your design philosophy?

“For my lifestyle what I really craved was a lot of very minimal, simple garments that were beautifully made and really comfortable, but that would take me from Paris, to New York. I was travelling so much that I was getting decision fatigue about what to pack, what to wear.

“I remember going to Vogue and I was so busy worrying what I looked like, that it didn’t even occur to me what I was going to say. I just wanted to create a brand where you don’t have to have this stress about what you are going to wear in the morning, because you have a much more important day to worry about. I think most women have had that. The clothes were always meant to be something that supported a lifestyle, not just something to look pretty in. It was about the woman being the focus, giving you a sense of confidence, of strength, but comfortable, functional, and it has to feel nice.

“From there the idea was about something luxurious and understated and there was an element of the 1990s and the minimal clothes that Helmut Lange and Calvin Klein were making back then.”

Tell us about your show at the Hamilton Princess?

“The hotel has a beautiful and diverse art collection. It’s such a fantastic asset to the community to be able to see works from such seminal artists in the heart of Hamilton. I set out to create a different way for people to experience my brand. Creating a large scale, open air art installation enables me to visually immerse guests in the world and influences that surround the clothing, and host a truly memorable event that’s fun and inspiring.”

The post A luxurious philosophy appeared first on RG Magazines.