Remember when ensemble was something maybe exceptional, but not necessarily having anything to do with you and me? Well, get ready for the change. Designer Bill Edwards is really impressing clients with his summer line, entitled Bill Edwards Basic. Well here are some of the designs which are making it such a dishy, delicious part of the summer holidays.

As a Jamaican whose fashion sense is informed by thrift stores, stoop sales, and the occasional message tee, I had no idea who Bill Edwards was until I saw his clothing line at fashion week 2005. But After doing a little homework, I learned that Bill Edwards is a major designer, indeed. His Unique designs are worn by the likes of Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Dabby Dob and the list goes on.

Bill Edwards just had one of his biggest local shows of his career during Caribbean Fashion Week 2007. Of special note to teenage, Bill grew up in Shortwood and knew from the age of ten that he wanted to be a fashion designer. As he puts it "Fashion his my calling, this his what I was born to do". On the way to his dream, Bill only started out with one sewing machine doing custom-made and expanded tremendously as time went by.

In 1995 Bill officially launched his own label as well as started his own clothing line, and to date, he has shown eight collections, three of which have been shown all during Fashion Week. His eighth collection which was presented at Fashion Week 2007, was entitled Bill Edwards Basic. He told teenage that this collection is geared more to the younger generation locally and will be the line for summer. He also mentioned some of the other lines which he is working on to be launched between the months September-October which includes his kids' line, Bills Casual, Bills Women wear among others.

Bill whose clothes have been called "impeccable" and are known for their exceptional tailoring, told teenage that he his a detailed person who dislikes costume designs, he added that he his more of a classic designer who loves nice fabric.

Teenage also asked Bill were he gets his fabric and he had this to say "Ha! Ha! I keep this to the heart, My fabrics are designed by myself" when asked about Fashion Week 2007 Bill had this too to say "I never saw a lot of the show but the organisation was good. However, there was still room for improvements.

Bill Edwards is one of only a handful of major designers who is publicly and unabashedly committed to being innovative. As a fashion powerhouse, Bill is in a distinctive position. He told teenage that what motivates him the most is the drive to succeed, he also added that his greatest strength is the ability to get things done. Bill is also doing his part to have a positive impact on the fashion world. As his philosophy says, "Great fabric, Simple Cuts". Notwithstanding, he said that if he wasn't a designer he would be a radio personality as he further expressed his passion for radio.

Bill Edwards is actively engaging in the building of his new 10,000 square-foot Factory which will be opening soon. Also to his participation at Caribbean Fashion Week, In 2005 Bill was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his tremendous contributions in fashion to add to his repertoire.

Bill is obsessed with detail and fine craftsmanship. His natural gift in designing is obvious in the overall design of the clothing especially in his eight collections Bill Edwards Basic. When asked by teenage about his short-term Goal he said "I want to market Bill Edwards in the region Jamaica first and then take it to the world." He also added that if he had a chance to work with any other designer who would it be, he said Kenneth Cole, whom he refers to as his favourite designer.

As a proud citizen of Jamaica, Bill has rooted himself in a thriving centre of the fashion world. His advice to people out there who wants to be a fashion designer is to go for their dreams and they must know that it takes hard work and great sacrifices, you must be a self-motivator believe in what you are doing, and know that if Bill Edwards can do it you can do it too.

Bill enjoys working out at Gymkana and loves pasta and shrimp. And can be found at his current location 7-9 Norman Road, LOJ Complex, Factory #2 Kingston 16, Jamaica, W.I. and for sales you can email him at billedwardsclothing@cwjamaica.com

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