Shearina Gibbs is a renegade of sorts—with high heels and lipstick on. After earning her degree in Business Management at UWI Cave Hill, Gibbs ditched the pedestrian, routine life of office procedures some years ago to delve into her passion of fashion design. Who would have thought that childish fantasies and experimentation with fashion in her teenage years would mature into a full fledged career path for this 30-something-year-old?
“I have always had an obsession with clothes, shoes, accessories…anything to make you look pretty,” said Gibbs with a giggle. With her svelt figure and natural radiance, she could have easily been a model. Admittedly camera-shy, this noted stylist has preferred to work behind the scenes, branching into almost any and everything creative. Gibbs’ first real experiences in styling started when she worked at a television production company.
“I started to do styling for commercials and photo shoots,” she said. About four years ago, her career in fashion became her bread and butter as challenges as a stylist forced her to expand her creative canvas and incorporate costume design. “I realised that this profession was lucrative but not very constant or consistent.” Focusing on costume design for popular brands, Gibbs’ designs are worn by the promotional girls for Axe, Andrews, Panadol, Aquafresh, Dove, Mastercard and many others.
Companies which are looking to bolster their sales seek out this young woman’s creative talents to design appropriate outfits for promoters to market their products. “It is an aspect of design and there is a real market for that now. It is a very big trend.” Gibbs also does make-up for promotions. Trained by Arlene King, she has augmented her portfolio by providing her make-up services for weddings and different occasions where women are required to look their best.
Gibbs has also been coming for high praise for her work in the film industry. Happy, Sad, a movie executively produced by T&T actor Horris Wilson and Diana Winters of Soul Food, was for her an unforgettable experience. “I had to study the script and make sure the clothes were prepared for the following day,” Gibbs said. Set in the 1970s, the Norwegian film, Limbo , was her second movie experience. There, she worked as an assistant property master which allowed her to work in set design.
“I was sourcing everything you can find from the seventies..chairs, cabinets, tables etc. It was really interesting.” At present, Gibbs is working on the second line of her swimwear collection M.I.S.H. due to be completed at the end of June. The line will consist of ten swim suit pieces including plus sizes. Last year when Gibbs presented M.I.S.H to the Fashion Week San Fernando audience, it was to rave reviews. Of her swimsuit design approach, she said colour and accessories inspire her.
“I break apart accessories just to put on my swimsuits. I keep abreast of what is out there. Size is immaterial to her when it concerns transforming someone from the inside out. “I think women are beautiful and they need to realise it.” Embarking on one’s own collection does not come without its drawbacks. Finding quality spandex has been a challenge for her and she is now considering international options. Although Gibbs has only begun to scratch the surface of her creative genius, she has already made great strides in the fashion industry.
A non-conformist at heart, she is unrelenting in her quest to carve out her unique niche, beginning with her brand M.I.S.H. “I would like to see my designs displayed on the runways of Fashion Week on a grander scale. And I would love to have my line sold at international department stores, that is my dream.”
Persons interested in Gibbs’ designs can check out M.I.S.H. on Facebook or call 310-9790.
