Leona Simms is the force behind the label Blaque Dot and says: ‘Good luck to all the contestants in ACS Kings and Queen’s I am sure the best person will win.’ To find out who that will be you will have to get down to the event but before that lets find out little bit more about Leona.
Tell me about your brand?
All fabrics used are either natural or recycled Combining comfort, with elegance; all garments are handmade personally. Priding its self’s on making beautiful statement pieces this brand is about innovation and exploration drawing inspiration from old Hollywood; these garments are timeless and capsulate Goddess Portraits of femininity, for modern woman.
How would you describe your personal style?
When in my design studio I enjoy working with colour and shape. My best time of the year is spring when the flowers bloom and leaves bloom. Studying nature my style often reflects this in its use of earthy tones. My style is Nostalgic and mystical. Inspired by music and culture.
If you could pick a famous model to wear your clothes who would it be and why?
Alex Wek she is the blackest model I know
How did you get into fashion?
I had a really great art teacher in primary school and my mother taught me to sew from a young age.
What makes your designs stand out from the rest?
The cut the finish the creativity within each piece
Who is your favourite designer and why?
Vera Wang for classic and timeless cuts and Coco Chanel for inventing something that people wear forever.
What is most challenging about your work?
Running your own business means you have to juggle a lot of things at once.
What are some of the perks of being a fashion designer?
You will always have something to wear and I feel blessed to know I can make money anywhere in the world.
If you weren’t designing clothes, what would you like to be doing?
Teaching within the health and fitness sector
What is favourite music to listen to when you are working on a garment?
Dub foundation neo soul Motown
What are your favourite hobbies?
I study and practice Astranga yoga as a way of life.
What would you say to someone thinking of getting into fashion?
Get a steady well paid part time job fashion is expensive.
What can we expect to see at the ACS Kings and Queens event?
Style flare and elegance.
What would it mean to you if you won?
I can sleep with a smile on my face and a small pat on my back for my efforts.
What’s your end goal in the fashion industry?
Make enough money to retire somewhere hot and give back to the community and all who help me on the way up.
Describe your philosophy about the art of fashion?
Fashion is style popularized; style is about innovation and exploring boundaries and ideas
What do you love most about fashion?
It ability to change people’s minds and perceptions.
What do you think about fashion industry? Is it as bad as they say?
The industry is a mess promoting unhealthy ways of being and capitalizing on our loss of identity and lack of global historic knowledge.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Work hard and when you’re tired of working hard dig your heal in and work harder and keep walking towards your dream. Be clear about what you want and be captain of your own ship.
