ANNALISA “@annaixe” GUTHRIE

Designer | Creative Practitioner

We’re stirring things up.

The Style Observer serves up Cocktails With with a twist.

For Independence 64, designer Annalisa Guthrie is toasting the icons, influences, and cultural greats who helped shape Jamaica — and, in turn, shaped the woman she is today.

Known for her knack of transforming the most unexpected materials into high-fashion statements, Guthrie is turning heritage into a silhouette, history into a statement, and Jamaican pride into something wearable.

Style Observer: What was the inspiration behind the new looks?

Annalisa Guthrie: “Our greatness today is a result of who we have been and who we continue to be. Here’s my way of celebrating the greats who helped shape the culture; the same culture that has made me who I am and what I’ll always be proud to be — Jamaican,” she shared.

SO shares the three-piece collection.

Asymmetrical Mesh Merino Dress

A staple in Jamaican fashion is the mesh marino, most commonly worn in the context of streetwear, and which has been styled in many ways, especially by male reggae artistes. I thought it would be interesting to make something of a gown out of different cut-up pieces of several merinos, but in a very raw and rugged way to keep in line with the tradition of “tun yuh hand and mek fashion”. I didn’t want this piece to feel as refined, but I still wanted it to feel flattering and unique and fashionable for the female form while still being raw.

Dancehall Queen 2.0

Nineties dancehall fashion has always been the blueprint for so many internationally, and I thought it was very important to pay tribute to not only original Dancehall Queen Carlene and some of her iconic golden looks, but also to pay homage to Spice, the queen of dancehall. The bejewelled bra has diamond shapes that meet the eye immediately, but If you look closely at the end of the chains you can see symbols (clubs, hearts and spades) to represent the symbols in a card pack — a nuanced way to honour Spice as “queen inna di deck”.

Bandana

For far too long I’ve heard criticism about the Bandana being outdated or not seen as beautiful, despite it being our national dress. I think it is our responsibility as artists to create and help others view things through a different lens. I made this video originally for the purpose of reimagining the Bandana print in a way that felt reverent, but modern. It was meant to be the main attraction. Jamaican folklorist Louise Bennett-Coverley championed for our cultural pride in a way that inspired me deeply and she wore the bandana proudly. I wanted to honour her by carrying the torch and using my creativity to represent her national pride in present day. I hope people are able to feel her spirit and reignite their own love for this little island when seeing this piece take form.

CREDITS

Visuals: Marz Jackson, @marz_jackson

Hair: Angel-Lee, hairbyangellee

Model: Annalisa Guthrie

Bandana (Photo: Marz Jackson)

Dancehall Queen 2.0 (Photo: Marz Jackson)

Dancehall Queen 2.0 (Photo: Marz Jackson)

Asymmetrical Mesh Merino Dress (Photo: Marz Jackson)

(Photo: IG/@annaixe)