The Mountain View community boasts fashion designer Carlton Brown among it's famous products. Brown, 34 years old, grew up there. He was raised by his foster mother, Martha Wallace, along with her five other children. She was a dressmaker, one of her sons was a sports wear designer and being around them, Brown developed a passion for sewing. His mother acknowledged his zeal for the craft and allowed him to thread the machine for a couple of years. He made his first shirt during his early teens.

With that passion, an all-boys school was out of the question, as clothing and textile were not offered. He opted for Windward Road All-Age. "I was ridiculed a lot by the other boys in the area. They teased me that I was sewing 'frock' and things. But I knew what I wanted," he said.

Not his thing

He told Flair he knew he'd never be a mechanic because he hated dirt and grease; grease was not his thing. He won a scholarship to Charlie Smith Comprehensive High, but his mother did not send him.

"I did not know why and I was bitter for a long time. It took me two years to realise she was shaping me for my long-term goal."

He was sent to an after-school programme until he got into the Human Employment and Resource Training Academy. After a short stay, he attended Edith Dalton James Community College from 1991 to 1993. Back then, he was the only male among a class of 50 girls. However, he did well. He was the valedictorian at graduation and received many awards.

Next stop was Garmex where he spent three years. Today, he is self-employed with a staff of two, and works out of his home. He said it gives him time to spend with his wife and two sons.

Gay stigma

Brown is well aware of the gay stigma attached to male designers in the Jamaican society, admitting that for a period of his life, he too was labelled as gay. He discussed it with his wife who told him that if he were gay, so was she. He reflects that upon close analysis, people who say things like that are not educated enough about life. "Everyone has right to be what they want to be; it is just a matter of not stepping out of bounds and throwing it in others faces." He said these days he ignores situations like that because, if you dwell on it, it becomes an issue and it is not worthwhile.

Challenges

Like any other profession, fashion designing has challenges. These include getting financial and other assistance from organisations such as Jamaica Trade and Invest (Jampro). "To make it, you have to do it on your own. Organisations like Jampro that are supposed to help young business people have not done a lot for us (designers), especially since we don't really have a 'fashion industry'," he says.

Brown added, "You have to take things in your own hands and try to develop yourself."

Designing is Brown's life and his creations are unique. He makes outfits for each of his clients' (including some artistes) personal taste. He loves working with cotton, but after getting to understand the business, he works with fabric to each person's taste. Good quality fabric is not easily accessible but he credits stores with which he has developed a good relationship over the years.

As for his second career choice, he would have been a singer. However, with responsibility comes development. "After my first son was born, I realised I had to take designing seriously because within two years he would be ready for school.

Stores and billboards

In the future, he wants to see his designs in stores and on billboards across the world. But to get there, one has to start somewhere and know one's craft. "When you putting your stuff out there, make sure you do it good."

He takes inspiration from watching men like the owner of Spike Industries Limited. "He began in one small room and now he has a bag juice empire." Therefore, for Brown, the sky is the limit.

Left:These khaki pants and floral shirt are perfect for a night on the town. Right: Make a bold statement in this paisley print suit, complemented by a black shirt.

Left: Black and white is never out of style and this black-and-white suit is hot. Right: This grey with silver pin stripe suit and blue stripe shirt is perfect office attire. - Contributed photos

Jazz up your wardrobe with this brown paisley print pants, brown jacket and orange shirt.

Left: This white suit is ideal for evening functions. Right: Going to a fashion show and can't find anything to wear? Then this grey velvet suit with a pink scarf is the ideal choice.