An interview with 19-year-old fashion designer Davene Jonas
“Style is what you want the world to see and feel. It’s what you want them to appreciate about you, and that’s what makes you different. From hair to makeup to the fashion, down to the very nail polish. Don’t forget attitude. That’s style, and style is everything”.
Passionate words from talented 19-year-old Davene Jonas, a third year student at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts. She is a fashion designer, fashion illustrator, fashion stylist as well as a self-taught makeup artist. She says she is a God-fearing past student of the St. Andrew High School for Girls and she never fails to be motivated and inspired. TA: Tell us a little bit about the fashion programme at the Edna Manley College. DJ: I am currently a third year student at the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts and I have to say that I am grateful for the fashion programme at the School of Visual Arts. It has made me understand the many different aspects to fashion and also helped me to see the exact career in the fashion industry that is right for me. I would encourage anyone interested in art, in general, to go there and make there dreams a reality.TA: What’s the purpose of a stylist?DJ: As a stylist, it is my purpose to ensure the client is complimenting his/her’s body with the right kind of garment. For the female especially, I focus on the full package when styling, from shopping for the perfect outfit , to coming on set for either photo shoot or video shoot, where I have the task of making the client camera ready, completing the outfit with the desired hairstyle and makeup. TA: Briefly tell us about your design process.DJ: I am a person who has to do research before actually creating a fashion design. I always say to myself if I drew it from my head, it’s not original, I’ve seen it before. A design can be inspired by anything spiraling from a time period to the button on your shirt. I use my immediate surrounding as inspiration at times, other times I use history, moving from the Egyptian period to the 1920’s classic style. After coming up with my inspiration, I then allow my hands to move freely across the maquette on the page. Those designs are called fashion illustrations, therefore I’m also an illustrator. I should also mention that my Illustrations are inspired by my natural hair. as for my style, i can’t really go into detail because seeing that its also inspired by my natural hair. After styling my hair I come up with the coolest outfits, people wonder how i do it. TA: Who are your favorite local fashion designers and why?: After doing much research on the matter, I would have to say that Ayanna Dixon has been a favorite of mine, when it comes on to singling out noted designers in Jamaica. Reason being, I met her years ago at my alma mater, St. Andrew High School for Girls, where she was talking about her growth as designer and I felt so inspired and motivated to make my dreams a reality.TA: Do you think there are enough opportunities here in JA for persons like yourself to build up their name?DJ: Being a young fashion designer and stylist, I do not think there are enough opportunities here in Jamaica for persons like myself to build a brand.
We sat down with Davene:
DJ
Check out her style page: IG: @davenejonas.style