1. So first off, tell me some about yourself as a designer?
Well I studied a BA degree in Fashion Design and graduated from University of Creative Arts in England. I majored in women’s wear but I've also done a little bit on menswear. I pretty much get inspired by anything that comes my way... my head has a lot of ideas but my hands can't keep up with them all.
2. Where did the interest come about for designing?
I've always been interested in Art and Fashion is another form of art so taking this path was just a natural progression for me to go into. My father was an architect so I guess that's where the creative genes come from.
3. Is there any specific thing that you remember that you told yourself, yes...i can see myself as a "designer"?
Yeah well thinking back to when I was 11/12yrs I use to have this Barbie PC game/art set where you'd design clothes for your Barbie and print it out on this special fabric and then you sew or glue the garments together, decorate it etc. That was fun for me then I started doing a few by hand in fact I still have some of them! So i suppose since those days I've been making clothes and Barbie was my first client. I can see myself as a designer but to get to the level of designer status I want to be is still a big leap away.
4. So from what I gathered, as a young designer this is your first collection and first time presenting at a fashion show. Am I correct...?
Yeah your right it is and it was great fun, a very good experience and a learning curve. It went well, obviously there was a couple of little things I could've done better but as it was my first collection you live and learn.
5. Was this your first time in Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean?
It is my first time over the Caribbean, first time in South America even.
6. Describe your experience in Jamaica, was there any culture shock for you, did you taste the world famous jerk chicken?
No culture shock not at all, there were a few things that reminded me of where I grew up in Philippines. I can't really comment much because really I didn't even get the chance to explore like a true tourist as I was only there for a week and it was mostly spent organising and doing stuff around the whole fashion show. I'd definitely love to come back and get to see the beauty of Caribbean and I did try jerk chicken and it was yummmmy, I love food.
7. How did you come about hearing about Caribbean Fashion Week and what sealed the deal in you deciding to present for the first time at CFW in Jamaica?
Well it was my set prize from the competition I did back in London so it wasn't my final decision but knowing that this was the prize it sealed my decision in entering the competition.
8. You were the winner some fashion event in London, what was that all about?
Its the International Young Designers Award organised by Joanna Marcella, its aim is to help showcase the talent of 15-25 year old of all ethnic backgrounds and I was shocked and thrilled when I heard I won. I won the prize set by Christie Dinham under her Fashion Girls Production who organised my part for the Caribbean Fashion Show. I actually truly didn't expect it so I didn't have any thought or plan to what I was going to do.
9. What was the inspiration behind your collection and how would you describe it?
I wanted to show vibrancy in my collection because obviously I was going to the Caribbean Jamaica. I was inspired by the traditional Masai & Samburu African tribes with their choices of bright bold colours that clashes but seems to work, also the print and patterns. I also looked at modern and futuristic influences, that’s why I've produced a more contoured silhouette with the cut outs and symmetrical patterns.
10. Looking at the draft designs and the inspiration that guided you, how easy or hard was it for to sketch the designs because, on paper and in real, they are both lovely and on point.
Deriving ideas have never been hard for me I think its the construction process and my lack of experience of it is what I find challenging and I don't always get what I've originally set out on paper.
11. How long did it take to develop them and to bring the collection to life?
From research to final product around 3/4 months, it was only a small edited collection of 10. It was in between my normal day to day life as well and I was the sole working force behind the collection with a couple of friends giving me a helping hand so no big entourage just yet.
12. Did the collection come about before or after you decide to attend CFW.
After because I had no idea I'd be winning the competition so I didn't plan ahead.
13. How much pieces did you show at CFW?
10 looks.
14. What type of young woman should your designs appeal to?
This collection is quite bold so someone spirited, experimental and daring. What I like about it is that you can wear a piece and can be style up or toned down, my friends have been wearing the shorts and leggings paired with just a baggy top and looks great.
15. How was it leading up to the day that you presented?
I wasn't nervous, I was excited! It was quite organised so it wasn't a huge panic. Chilled out- jamaican style!
16. Did you encounter any problems getting the collection ready for the models?
You know I felt quite guilty as some of my clothes were rather petite and had to do a few fittings with different girls before I managed to get someone to fit them in.
17. Did you pre-select any of the models because; I saw two famous Jamaican supermodels that walked for you, Jaunel Mckenzie and Nell Robinson
I'm happy they wore my stuff actually but I got a lot of help with choosing the girls from stylists and helpers at the fittings. We were all figuring out which outfits suits which girl best it terms of fit and look.
18. As a first time designer, how was that moment for as the first piece from your collection hit the catwalk?
I didn't realise when my first model stepped out because I was busy re-adjusting the girls outfits but as it went on I was watching it on the monitor backstage and was chuffed, it looked really good on camera so personally I was happy.
19. As the last piece from your collection hit the catwalk and the model is making her way back. What was going through your mind, describe that feeling you had as you entered onto the catwalk to make that walk of thanks?
First thought was "Oh no I've to face the crowd!" then "Nooo my model has deserted me." as she exited the other way. I was definitely excited having been watching it, trying to see peoples reaction thinking- did they love it?! I was pleased it went well but it was over soo quickly I was in complete daze when making that walk. After the whole thing it was a sense of accomplishment.
20. Did you learn anything about yourself as designer as you presented your first collection?
Hahaaa to give myself more time doing things and I suppose having done an actual show and enjoying the whole experience I’m more convinced that designing is a path I'd like to take.
21. What experiences did you take back with you?
The whole thing, the general procedure and running of a show as a designer. I've assisted backstage at various fashion shows and to experience it as a designer is something else.
22. There was a young Jamaican designer by the name of Didi Beck that also presented CFW; did you get to see her collection? Did you get to meet her? And/or did you hear about her while you were there at CFW?
I did watch her collection, she's talented for her age so I'm very impressed of what she's achieved. I didn't get to meet her tho hopefully next time. I heard announcements before her show of who she was because of how young she is.
23. If you were invited again to present a collection in the Caribbean would you do it any?
Of course in fact I'd love to be invited again. I'd like to do a much bigger collection, more styled too.
Jennivi Jordan 2009 Collection CFW 2009
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Special Thanks To Pulse Caribbean and Jennivi Jordan
I APPLAUSE...................................JENNIVI JORDAN TO THE WORLD!
I first found out about Jennivi Jordan right after Caribbean Fashion Week when i saw a runway video on youtube about her and her designs, it was a just over a minute and so. After, the video was finished i was sooo blown away by how cool she was and the fact that i loved her designs. So then like all things small or large that spark my interest, i began digging google for any and everything Jennivi Jordan. There was not much information about her and more so, pictures of the designs. Then thanks to the connected power of facebook, we got it touch. I told her a little about myself, the direction i wanna push the blog, love her designs and if i can get an interview with her. I am very honored to have gotten the chance to interview an upcoming young designer out of the UK and i am still surprised how cool she is...Jennivi, I Thank You!
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That's The Life...B
Image courtesy TrinidadLookbook/Lookbook.nu
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