Entertainment

Kamit rising

Designs from Sandra Thompson's Kamit Revisited, shown at Caribbean Fashionweek 2005 held at the National Indoor Sports Complex, Independence Park, Arthur Wint Drive, St. Andrew from June 10-12. - winston sill

SANDRA THOMPSON'S 'KAMIT Revisited' made a good impression on the first night of Caribbean Fashionweek two weekends ago at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. It was Thompson's first CFW showing, but not her first fashion show, having participated in Caribbean Fashion Rhythms two years ago.

Thompson's 'gift' as she calls it­ she's had no formal training in art or dressmaking­ has developed into a budding business that supplies top quality ready to wear and locally manufactured African-influenced outfits for all Jamaicans regardless of age, sex or size. THE WEEKEND STAR caught up with Thompson recently and asked a few questions.

THE WEEKEND STAR: Why did you now decide to show on Caribbean Fashionweek?

Sandra Thompson: "I felt I was ready. I've been working on it and people were encouraging me from last year, but I didn't think I or my business was ready. But, this year, I felt the time had come."

How was Kamit born?

"It's been three and half years since Kamit has been established. But I've been designing all my life. However, when I was growing up, you couldn't tell your parents you wanted to be a fashion designer. So, I sketched as a hobby and did other things like criminology and other academic pursuits. Later, I started by selling imported garments then I found a tailor here who could interpret my sketches."

What's the meaning behind Kamit?

"Kamit, or Kemet, the spelling which others are familiar with, is the original African name for Egypt. When I thought about establishing an African clothing company in the Caribbean, I thought it was more important for us to look beyond slavery towards a higher point in our civilisation. And, clearly Egypt, with regards to adorning the body and having a developed civilisation, was the highest point in our development. Hence 'Kamit Revisited'."

Since your CFW showing, what is the response towards your line of clothing?

"The response, 'I've never before bought African wear but I liked what I saw,' is a very common response. Following the show on Friday night people were coming to me and saying 'we didn't know we could wear these things too.' That was the same thing that was said to me about why my show was put on Friday night. The production team said 'we read the stuff but we didn't realise it was wearable'."

How has being on CFW affected business?

"Well, we're waiting for you guys to publish. The minute the official photos and write ups are out, it will make a significant difference. I have had interest though from New York and London. Plus, the denim items which were shown were a hit with the young people. They said they wanted stuff that speaks to them, so, I know that I have a line that is saleable."

What are your thoughts on CFW?

"Caribbean Fashionweek is a recognised and a much larger event in terms of its professionalism and its international and regional attendance. That's one of the reasons why I went to CFW­ to get the level of exposure that will inevitably happen. ... I think if you are serious as a designer then you'll make your presence known at CFW."

Who does Kamit cater to?

"We are Caribbean people and I understand the need to compete in the international marketplace. But, women of all sizes need to see themselves represented in the catwalk. My normal collection runs from a size four to a 26 so all women are represented in my store."

What are the expansion prospects for Kamit?

"Right now, it's about looking for external markets and that means North America and Europe."

Who is involved in the production process?

"I have excellent Jamaican seamstresses, tailors and stitchers and they are the people who put my collection together. All of that work was done in Jamaica."

Are you well supported by Jamaicans?

"Jamaicans have built my business. They have given me the encouragement to take it out of the back of my wash room where I started three years ago to Little Premier Plaza where I am now."

Any future shows?

"I will definitely be back on CFW next year. And, my intent is to be on Sunday night. And, we'll be doing our own African influenced fashion show hopefully later this year."