After weeks of preparation, Sade Roxborough finally pulled their presentation together for a successful debut of their collection "Pieces of Me" at one of the biggest events in the sister isle- the Tobago Fashion Weekend on Saturday 18th.
Aquisha Francis and Timeka Harry, the designer duo team responsible for bringing us the stylish and comfortable clothing for the Caribbean climate describes this experience as a rewarding and wonderful opportunity to showcase Sade Roxborough designs to the world. Still basking in the glow, reporter Kaelanne Jordan had the pleasure of chatting with the women of Sade Roxborough on how they went from simply chatting about clothing and design to actually being on the runway.
WomanWise: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background?
Aquisha Francis: I enjoy the simpler things in life, dedicated to everything I do and I keep it 'real'. I was born and bred in sweet Roxborough, Tobago. There is so much I experienced growing up in that village; I wouldn't trade it for the world. I attended Scarborough Junior Secondary, Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School and Andrews University earning a BSc. in Family and Consumer Sciences.
Timeka Harry: I am very passionate about life. I believe that nothing is beyond our reach or impossible with God. Faith and Love is what I live by. I hail from the humble community of La Horquetta, Arima. I attended Bishop Anstey High School and continued my studies at Andrews University majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences.
WW: What does fashion mean to you...? What does it mean to be a designer?
AF: Fashion is connected to my personality, point blank! For me, it is NOT being intimidated by current trends but, taking steps toward something new. When you are connected to what inspires you, there are no limits to your creativity.
TH: To me, fashion is more than simply wearing a well constructed or trending garment/design. It speaks volumes about your personality, your beliefs, and how you view yourself. It's a form of artistic expression and can be influenced by everything around us. For me, being a designer is a privilege, not only because God has given me the creative ability to influence and inspire one's individuality, but also because it’s an opportunity to showcase to the world the uniqueness of our islands...sweet T&T
WW: How would you describe the style of Sade Roxborough?
AF/TH: Sade Roxborough embodies the quintessential Caribbean woman who is stylish, versatile and passionate about life. Her style is breathtakingly simple and comfortable; not fussy, just easy to wear yet chic and sophisticated.
WW: What was the inspiration behind the name, Sade Roxborough?
AF/TH: Who is Sade Roxborough? The inspiration came from our extreme appreciation and love for the Caribbean. In our travels, Caribbean women stand out like gems with distinctive attributes and mannerisms that ultimately set them apart from the rest of the world. We are poised, diligent and successful and enjoy life to the fullest! Sade Roxborough possesses all the beautiful attributes of our Caribbean women. Her first name Sade (which means direct from God), captures her essence; her last name Roxborough pays homage to the village of Roxborough where life is simple and easy going. We share a lot of similarities and interests, so it was fitting to use Roxborough as her last name since Aquisha is a product of Roxborough and Timeka escapes to Roxborough every chance she gets to enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside. Collectively, we are Sade Roxborough!
WW: How did Sade Roxborough begin?
AF/TH: (Giggles) Sade Roxborough began with a simple thought that propelled into our gushing pride and joy! One afternoon in September 2012, Aquisha (the creator) was conversing with Timeka (the innovator) and Timeka's sister Tonnia (the leader) about her desire to actively develop her career as a designer. Tonnia, who has an innate ability to conceptualise, incubate and execute any idea exquisitely, took up the challenge to move the desire into a reality. Thus, Sade Roxborough was born and the proverb rings true - 'If you want to go fast, go Alone. If you want to go far, go Together'.
WW: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? Was it a hit or a miss?
AF: It was a gown and casual wear I designed and created for a young lady who competed in the Windward Afro Queen Show held annually in Roxborough during the carnival season. That young lady was crowned queen and copped both titles for best gown and casual wear in 2002.
TH: It was my Form 5 graduation dress. It was definitely a hit as it received raving reviews.
WW: One designer is from Tobago and the other from Trinidad. How does it work?
AF/TH: The power of technology! Plus Caribbean Airlines is now our frequently used mode of transportation (Giggles.) We meet up often and we have daily meetings in cyberspace.
WW: Describe the general process you go through to design and realise a piece of clothing.
AF/TH: There is no set process. It just comes to us at any given time. Creativity cannot and should not be limited. Design ideas comes in a dream, in the shower, whilst driving... they can be injected at any time! Sometimes however, because we are so in tuned with each other’s sense of style and similarities in ideas, one person may start a design and the other may just add the finishing touches to enhance the design. It's sort of like finishing each other's sentences. Emoji. Once the design is solidified, the design is constructed and goes through our quality check process, to ensure we maintain our high standards.
WW: Who are some of your favourite designers?
AF: Robert Young, Heather Jones.
TH: Meiling, Zadd and Eastman.
WW: Would you say that this is your biggest accomplishment thus far?
AF/TH: Our biggest accomplishment thus far is definitely impressing Meiling Esau, who is one of the most renowned fashion icons in the Caribbean diaspora with a sample piece we submitted for review, to participate in Tobago Fashion Weekend 2013. Also, we're very proud of our tenacity and our abilities that allowed us in such a short time to achieve steady progress in developing our business and brand.
WW: What do you like best about designing clothes?
AF/TH: We like the fact that we do not replicate, rather we're influenced and inspired by staying true to ourselves and being able to express our sense of style. We also revel in the fact that an idea, in its intangible form manifests itself into a tangible unique creation that can be relevant for years to come.
WW: How would you define your personal style?
AF: Simple yet effective, soulful, cool, and minimal.
TH: Uncomplicated, chic and sophisticated.
WW: Where do you get your inspiration?
AF/TH: Simple, from our Caribbeanness! All the elements of what is Caribbean, may it be the rustic setting, the flora and fauna, our lifestyle, the sun, sea and sand. Also, anything that is not growing is dead so we continually seek out new and innovative concepts and ideas.
WW: What are your favourite fabrics and colours to work with and why?
AF/TH: Mainly lightweight cotton, cotton blends and we love white. It is crisp, clean and fresh. However, our palette can range from pristine white to earthy and occasional multi-tonal hues. We use fabrics that are great for our climate and comfortable on the skin.
WW: What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
AF/TH: Never try to mimic or be intimidated by others. Everyone sees the world differently with a different perspective. There is always room for fresh ideas, in the ever changing fashion industry so be in tuned with your design aesthetic, and stick to it. Also, never compromise quality and go brave! Emoji.
WW: What's next for Sade Roxborough? What are you working on currently and in the near future?
AF/TH: We're in it for the long-haul so focusing on our business is paramount. We have a great team, and we're also working towards our official launch carded for later on this year; plus work is already on the way for our next venture. We wish to thank our family and friends for their tremendous support thus far!
To know more about Sade Roxborough, you can visit them via:
Email: info@saderoxborough.com
Website: saderoxborough.com
The images from the 'Pieces of Me' collection credits are as follows:
Photography - Ranan Jerry Photography
Models - Miah Francis, Kameko Holder & Latoya Robley
Make-up Artist - Stacey Clarke
Hair Stylist - April Andrews
Styling - Sade Roxborough Team
