OUT OF THE dust of Linden sprouts a young self-motivated, determined and passionate young woman who sees herself as the next Miuccai Prada. With several success stories in the local fashion industry, Crystal’s latest achievement is the launching of her “Epiphany” line for our golden jubilee celebrations. This 23-year-old mother of one began her journey as a rising designer at the tender age of 12, being the daughter of Garvin Lam and niece of Derek Alphonso who are renowned tailors and designers in the mining town of Linden. Though their guidance and training contributed to her achievements as a young designer, Crystal boasted about being a “natural” in the business. “My first piece of work was a two-piece suit for my eldest sister. I was just about 12 years old and I got home from school and she was preparing for an interview the next day but didn’t have anything to wear so I decided to get her an outfit. From that moment I knew this was a part of me, I couldn’t deny because it was so effortless and I got it right the first time,” boasted the young designer.
This created a zest for more and the young teenager and Mackenzie High School student introduced her first collection at the 2008 “Linden Fashion Night,” with her line “Eye Candy.” She said that the excitement still bubbles within her as she recalled being asked by Linden’s novelist Sherene Noble to be a part of the show. It was now rooted in her that fashion designing was a gift bestowed upon her and must be pursued with all her youthful zest. “Eye candy” was the pioneer to many other lines over the years such as Debonair, Flame and the latest Epiphany. “Epiphany was launched early this year as I was forced to do some introspection which forced me to make some important choices in my life,” shared Miss Lam. “As I experienced a deeper realization of self the line represents transformation and I felt like it is something the entire country can relate to,” she posited. With this sparkle in her thoughts, the line is all about our country’s jubilee celebration as it perceives who she really is and how she feels about her country.
Currently Crystal is in the process of launching her own boutique in Linden exclusively with her designs. This will be the start of a five-year inning and Crystal says that at the end of the match she must be owner of one of the most renowned garment factory in the industry. “I would like to get into mass customization and this is something I am always passionate about and I’m currently making strides to make this a reality so this is something you can all look out for,” she revealed.
The success of her sister Timika Marshal as a well-recognized artiste proved to be a motivation for her as she is often pushed by the thought, “If she can do I can too.” Her biggest motivator however is her daughter, Crisan as she is aware she emulates her and wants to set the right example. “She makes me want to be a better person in every area of my life and I want to make sure I am setting the right example,” said Crystal.
With that in mind Crystal recently resigned from her job as a bank teller as designing should be given priority and not placed on the back burner as a part time job. “I woke up one morning and decided I wanted to live life my way I wanted to do something I am very passionate about, not as a part-time work, but I wanted to invest all my energies into it.” Even though she admires the designs of Sonia Noel, Crystal said that she is a designer with a “style of her own” and with this philosophy she is determined to reach places.