Former Guyana Chronicle employee, Andrea Wilson’s remarkable transformation

By Wendella Davidson

AT AGE 16, a willowy Andrea Wilson, just out of high school started working at the Guyana Chronicle in the Management Information Systems (MIS) Department and was the first and lone female there. By the time she resigned a couple years later to search for greener pastures overseas, she was already a force to be reckoned with in the area of graphic designing.

Andrea subsequently made the British Virgin Islands (BVI) her second home where she, in addition to stamping her name as a talented graphic designer, is a photographer, a television producer and does advertising as well. She has also been creating ripples and raising eyebrows in the field of fashion designing.

Just recently, Andrea showcased her designs in California, United States, where she was credited with rhapsodic reviews. She is excited to return home and listed among her 2018 project is the launch of an activewear line in Guyana.
But how did this svelte Guyanese girl, who still holds her fulltime multimedia day job, undergo such a transformation and become so successful in an area where many are still struggling to hit the limelight?

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Andrea disclosed that she grew up with a fashionista mother and a grandmother who was a teacher and seamstress.
“I used to watch my mother dress for functions, whether it was an elaborate African inspired look or a casual statement for dinner with friends. She always looked amazing and even today her style is on point,” Andrea said. “On the other side, my grandmother was incredible on the sewing machine. No design was too difficult for her. Simply put, the women in my family are bold.”

So, for her, moving from being a graphic artist to a fashion designer was a natural step. “All I needed was the right inspiration and that creative jolt came in 2016 after a sailing trip around the British Virgin Islands. I had spent 16 years living on these amazing islands and wanted to add my own creative flair to the promotion of the territory and the Caribbean. I created a swimwear line — The Islander Swim Collection – using original prints of breathing scenes from around the Virgin Islands,” she said.

According to Andrea, every piece of garment she produces “tells the story of these lovely islands, from The Anegada Bliss to Josiah’s Bay Surf’s Up Collection.” The Beach Collection, she assured is for everyone. “ Whether you are an avid surfer, a fun-loving teenager, a fashionista on the go or a mom who loves sailing. It’s fun, stylish and every piece makes a Virgin Islands statement,” she said. “My beachwear, which ranges from the men’s rash guards to women’s beach shorts, figure-flattering one-pieces to bold mix and match two-piece swimwear, come in all sizes and are from small to large and fits every body type effortlessly.”

But indelibly etched in Andrea’s memory was “That moment… when America’s next top model, Naima Mora, signed on as the face of the collection.
“I reached out, she loved the pieces and flew to the Virgin Islands for an October 2016 launch and photo shoot. That girl is a sweetheart. She has since walked in all my shows, including the March 2018, Orange County Fashion Week in the United States,” said Andrea, as she reminded that her designing is “definitely not a side gig. It’s my passion.”

THE PROCESS
Asked about her thoughts when putting together her pieces, Andrea said “I design pieces that I would proudly wear, and I do rock my swimsuits, [and I also create] pieces my mother and sister would love. Basically, I think of my family and friends when a new design pops into my head because they represent a wide cross-section of my clientele. I have beach crazy, conservative, tall, short, skinny, shapely relatives and friends and, trust me, they are not afraid to say, ‘I don’t like it.'”

As for whether she had any formal training in fashion designing, Andrea reminded that she is a trained graphic artist and has two decades of work, under her belt for clients in the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. “When I am in my zone, especially around 02:00 hrs, I sketch dozens of designs and each is reviewed by a small absolutely unique team, then they are sent outside the Virgin Islands for production,” she disclosed.

The March 2018 Orange County Fashion Week was an inaugural display for The Islander Swim Collection in the United States and according to Andrea, “It was absolutely fabulous. The reviews and interest made me forget all my struggles over the last few years, especially the deadly 2017 hurricane season.” She is ever grateful to Kathy Marino, and the organisers of OC Fashion Week, Luther Butler of Travelwize Agency and the team at Jahphix for their support.

Andrea’s line was officially launched at the Miss British Virgin Islands Tourism Pageant in October 2016. “I have always wanted to create a line with a strong message; a collection that is Caribbean bold, reflecting the beauty and my deep love for these amazing islands while at the same time inspiring clients to think of ways they can help protect and preserve the magnificent Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean,” she said.
She has also attended the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative Regional Workshop in Jamaica.

So what’s next in the kitty for the up and coming, BVI-based Guyanese young designer and mother of two adorable sons? Andrea said, she will continue to work focusing on creating new design and fulfill her dream of showcasing her work in her homeland. “I am thankful for every opportunity. The feedback has so far been amazing and I am now more energised to create new looks for 2018,” she added.

Among the many accolades, she has received include, the Best Designer Award at the 8th Annual Fashionista held in the United States Virgin Islands, an award sponsored by The Rare Fashion Magazine out of the United States. Meanwhile,The Islander Swimwear Collection is scheduled to be featured in an upcoming edition.

Andrea was also recognised by the Unite BVI Foundation at the July Summer Sizzle for promoting conservation of the environment through her designs and her collection was worn by the delegates of the 2017 Miss BVI pageant for the swimwear section; her Absolutely Unique Islander Resort BLUE SPIRIT Collection was launched at the 2017 Summer Sizzle BVI on the main island of Tortola with the first showing of her THINK statement dress made, with an original print featuring the territory’s stunning flora and fauna, worn by model Naima Mora.

Why BLUE SPIRIT? –Andrea says “the indomitable spirit of the ocean seduces you, you

stand before that body of water that brings us together and you know you are a small part of something amazing. The Islander BLUE SPIRIT Resort Collection celebrates the wonders of the ocean. They say small ripples can create big waves. For me, it is more than fashion. I am proud to add my efforts to the promotion of conservation and sustainability of the Caribbean. These islands have inspired my designs and I want them to be an inspiration for future generations. That can only happen if we act now.”