jamarchDancehall is more than the lyrical prowess and the arresting metaphors that are sealed by artistes in their songs. In fact there is one distinctive facet to dancehall that must just not be overlooked and that is the fashion, to do so would be committing a cardinal sin.
One can’t say if it is the popular dancer Gerald ‘Bogle’ Levy saying “fashion over style” that got the producers of Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall to include a dancehall fashion segment in the competition but one thing for sure, they are expected to shake things up one the first live show with fashion designer Kendra Aixe of “Tuff Like Iron”.
The twenty-two year old designer has been turning heads with her fashion by taking those most involved in the dancehall industry, young people, by storm.
“Tuff Like Iron is actually an all-encompassing clothing line that features a combination of designs from screen printing, t-shirts, embroidery, Nigeria fabrics and accessories like earrings, you don’t have to go anywhere else to ensure a complete fit,” commented the designer who has been working on her line since the age of 18.
Kendra is also pleased to have been given the opportunity to ‘buss’ her fashion on Dancehall’s biggest live stage. She revealed: “I am so happy to be able to show my style on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall, My designs have a clear dancehall and reggae flavour and i think ‘Tuff Like Iron’ and Magnum kings and Queens of Dancehall are a perfect fit”
Currently Kendra is working on her own show to showcase her talent, as well as that of other females in the industry; the show is dubbed “Black Her Story”. She said, “Black Her Story”is about the empowered black women in the industry. She also mentioned that the expo is still at the planning stage but hopes to see success from it.
Answering the question of which design is her signature she replied, “I think that has to be the embroidery at the top with Nigerian printed fabric at the bottom and our matching earrings that you can mix with almost anything.” Noting more Kendra said, “instead of limiting yourself you have the chance of dressing up or down with Tuff Like Iron”. The best way to see the line is in the context that it allows you to manipulate your own style.”
With choreography by Natalie Parboosingh who outdid herself last year; the dancehall fashion segment of Magnum Kings and Queens of dancehall will definately be a crowd favourite
Items from “Tuff Like Iron” are sold at Stanley and Empress at Star Apple, Liguanea and Rasta Business on Molynes Road and will feature on Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall this Saturday February, 28 at Weekenz.
Media Writer
