Samantha Black

Owner + Designer of SammyB

Style Observer (SO): What’s your astrological sign?

Samantha Black (SB): Virgo.

SO: Describe Samantha Black in a few words.

SB: Samantha is energetic, colourful, and creative!

SO: When, how and where was the decision made to become a fashion designer?

SB: It was during high school. I was enrolled in a pre-college fashion design summer programme. By course end I knew what I wanted to do. The art lessons instructor suggested I look into fashion design.

SO: What’s your design ethos?

SB: “Make it yours!” I design for the modern, eclectic woman who is never afraid to stand out.

SO: Describe the outcome of the first garment you ever sewed.

SB: Wow! It was a tank top. I cut up strips of green and blue corduroy material and made a striped tank. It couldn’t fit anyone besides a stuffed bear lol… But it came out quite nice.

SO: Your signature design Jamaica T-shirt has achieved cult-like status! How important is it for a designer to be known for a particular item, and at what point did you know that you had snagged a winner?

SB: It is super important for a designer to be known for a particular item, because that is what your brand will be be known for globally. It will attract customers and introduce them to your brand. I realised I had snagged a winner when we sold out the day we launched the nude colour option in 24 hours!

SO: The Sammy B bag has been launched! Does this signal your foray into accessories?

SB: I want to build on our bag offering, then we shall see where we will go. As a lover of all things fashion, I would love to continue and add accessories, but in due time.

SO: Were you able to sit in an atelier with five designers, living and or dead, who would they be and why?

SB: Alexander McQueen: I worked in his atelier years ago, but only said hello while in the break room. That experience of being in that atmosphere and seeing how detailed and creative his designs were inspired me to start my own line.

Gianni Versace, because just wow: Sexy, colourful, edgy, daring!

Coco Chanel: The femininity, class and timelessness of her designs.

Karl Lagerfeld: In a word: Amazing

Olivier Rousteing: An inspiration for my generation… what he has accomplished is incredible.

SO: You are a New Yorker with Jamaican roots. What do you love about the Big Apple, and, conversely, what keeps you returning to The Rock?

SB: I love the diversity, the energy and the possibilities of NYC… The Rock is home, it’s calming for me, provides a reset, good vibes.

SO: What’s your favourite Jamaican food?

SB: Oxtail, hands down.

SO: You’re no stranger to Appleton rum. How is your Appleton Estate Spiced Old Fashion?

SB: It’s delicious! The perfect mixture and tastes great!

SO: Travelling from Brooklyn to Upstate New York what are you listening to?

SB: 90s-2000s dancehall, R&B and pop.

SO: And for the festive season?

SB: Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You.

SO: An evening in or out?

SB: Depends on my mood and the weather!

SO: Live stage show or Netflix and popcorn?

SB: Live stage show.

SO: Lipstick or mascara?

SB: Lipstick and it’s red.

SO: What are your beauty essentials?

SB: Moisturiser, lipstick and a liquid eyeliner.

SO: What’s on the cutting board for 2026?

SB: Procrastination! Time is of the essence! So I am going for everything my mind is set on without second-guessing.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

SB: Borrowed from my mother. Good, better, best, never let it rest, till your good be better, and your better best!