What’s trending for 2013? – Andre Shirley designs

He’s still stitching his way in a competitive, demanding and fickle business but twenty-nine year old Andre Shirley who has a decade of design under his belt remains undaunted. Indeed the designer, who was a Mission Catwalk season one contestant, has shown his Anarcy collections at Styleweek Jamaica and contributed pieces to the Miss Jamaica World 2009 and 2011 wardrobes for the international pageant.

Shirley also worked as warehouse supervisor for Ping’s Fabrics, and was featured on ARISE magazine’s editor’s blog — Arise Live last year for his Styleweek menswear line. Slowly but surely he reckons his name and style:clean lines and classic cuts with a dancehall-type edge will continue to find favour. There’s good news on the horizon as his resort collection is to be sold exclusively in Beach Whites boutique and at the Rockhouse hotel in Negril as of next month. AW shares thoughts on his designs from four of his loyal customers.

Name: Azeim Johnson

Occupation: Data entry clerk, AAMM Credit Union

I’m wearing… grey jeans and a bright green top with brown strips along the button and elbows.

My love affair with the label began… about a year ago when my cousin introduced me to the brand. I first asked him to adjust a pair of jeans for me and he added some interesting details, the rest is history.

I support the brand because… the clothing is unique, modern, stylish and trendy. Even if the designs are not one of a kind, they are limited edition and I love that. It’s also local, and very affordable.

I own… a lot. Well over 20 items.

My favourite is… hmmm, to be honest it’s very difficult to choose one. I have so many, and they’re all wicked. The green shirt I wore earlier is definitely a favourite though.

Name: Temar Malcolm

Occupation: Engagement specialist, Accent Marketing

I’m wearing… a very unique pair of jeans with buckles on one leg, studs on the pockets and a slanted zipper that I love. I wear it with either a blue button-down shirt or a floral one which is more metro, but still very nice.

My love affair with the label began… about two years ago when I wanted a nice suit for a funeral. He blew my mind, and the rest is history.

I support the brand because… I’ve known him for years and I always liked his style. Andre’s clothes are different… you won’t find everyone in them. They are also of great quality, they last forever and they are affordable, too. I feel good in them and I like the fact that he is local and trying to do something for himself.

I own… hmmm, I would say over 10 pieces.

My favourite is… Definitely the suit I wore to that funeral, but everything else comes close.

Name: Shanhay McKenzie

Occupation: Student, Camperdown High School

I’m wearing… a formal halter dress in black and white, which is hot right now… I really like it.

My love affair with the label began… in 2011 when I needed something beautiful for my prom. I have been a client since that moment.

I support the brand because… I think Andre is absolutely a master at what he does. I love fashion and he always gets it right and stays in touch with what is trendy. He is Jamaican, gives me great quality and I am happy to support his efforts.

I own… just four of his designs so far, but I will be getting some more, certainly.

My favourite is… OMG! My prom dress! It’s an amazing white A-line gown with a silver band across the waist… so adorable! I feel like a princess in it.

Name: Valdano McCalla

Occupation: Engagement specialist, XEROX

I’m wearing… One of my favourite pairs of jeans — midnight blue with studs on the pockets and a nice white shirt, love the buttons along the chest. The suit is also a favourite, love the cut, and the vest looks good on me.

My love affair with the label began… about three years ago, it could be more. I’m very much into fashion, so I was at a photo shoot in New Kingston and he was one of the stylists. I loved the clothes and from that moment, it’s only been Andre Shirley for me.

I support the brand because… I like Andre’s style. He is different, and his clothing fits me perfectly. He has a great eye and he ensures that he keeps up with the global fashion industry. His designs merge his own innovation with his research on what’s hot to give me exactly what I need.

I own… so far, eight pants – not all jeans, 13 shirts and two suits.

My favourite is… a pair of silver-grey pants with the fly on the right side and big round buttons that goes with a shirt that also has large buttons. The shirt is white and the buttons and stitching are red, it also has a large flap on the shoulder… very different.