Model 1/Makeup/Hair: SaCoya Jackson
Photographer: Kevon Richardson
Model 2/Makeup: Jenny Noel
Hair: Ezra Ferguson
Photographer: Kevon Richardson
Designer Darryll Bess – The 29-year-old fashion designer from the Cane Garden Bay area of Tortola, British Virgin Islands describes himself as not much of a talker. “I love a good laugh around good people, I have a great sense of humour and I like my music loud, “he further stated. Sporting a tattoo on his arm — “Amat Victoria Curam” which means “Victory Loves Preparation” Bess, although laid back in demeanour is aware of his strong presence. He feels this is a result of him being a bit of a strategist. We caught up with the young designer to learn more about him and his line BayRoc.
BayRoc is for both men and women, consisting of clothing ranging anywhere from runway pieces to t-shirts. Accessories such as scarves, ties, bows etc. should be available in the near future.
- How did you come up with the concept for your brand “BAY ROC”?
Before I got into fashion I was always naturally good at drawing and art, so when I came up with the idea to start a fashion line I wanted it to be centred around that; an exclusive quality brand with hand crafted designs, created for the ones that love to stand out, which is why I take pride in keeping all designs as original as possible.
- How long have you been doing designing?
I started BayRoc in 2007, a year or so after graduating high school, at first all the designs I did were done on paper that never came to life. Spent some years developing my craft through trial and error, it wasn’t until I met Kristin Frazer in 2012 that I started to make designs for runway shows from Jamaica, California etc. I learned a lot.
- What inspires you?
Inspiration for me can be very broad, it can come from a lot of things. I like Donna Karan, and the incredible detail of Balenciaga. I get largely inspired my different mediums of art; street, pop, abstract, illustrations etc. I recently spent 3 months in Spain where art and Fashion is huge and growing, it was a lot to take in. The architectural works of art by Antoni Gaudí really caught my attention, his style being so distinctive was something I related to because BayRoc in essence is the same way. You will definitely see traces of inspiration from Spain in future pieces to come.
- How would you define your brand and what do you think sets it apart from anything else?
I would always compare BayRoc to cars. Lol. For example, the Bugatti, only about 7 people in the world assemble the engines by hand, or Rolls Royce, completely built by hand. That craft and detail is something that can’t be duplicated by machines, it’s distinction is unmistakable no matter when or where you see it. This is how I define BayRoc.
- How would you describe the fashion industry in the BVI and the Caribbean?
In my view the fashion industry in the BVI and Caribbean is young and ambitious. I see new designers that are very talented and pushing themselves and their brand, I see Caribbean islands are starting to have Fashion Weeks of their own, I think it’s great, we need it all. Particularly in the BVI over the years I’ve seen it really embrace Fashion with so many shows and events, I hope this sparks interest to cater recourses to a growing industry. It’s only going up.
- What words of advice would you give to someone looking to get into the Caribbean Fashion Industry?
You have to first make a decision to do it all the way, 100%. Finding a mentor can be very helpful with your brand to aid with the direction you want to take it, demographic etc. Your brand should be an extension of who you are as an individual in some way, what are you passionate about? where do you come from? your experiences etc. That individuality will always set you apart.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
The 29 year old designer from the Cane Garden Bay area of Tortola, British Virgin Islands ….
I’m not much of a talker, but more of a strong presence, I have a laid back demeanour but that’s not to be mistaken for anything, I can be very motivated when it comes to something that I want. I believe in planning things out which would make me a bit of a strategist, there’s a tattoo on my arm that says “Amat Victoria Curam” which means Victory Loves Preparation so that is something that i live by. I love a good laugh around good people, great sense of humor and I like my music loud.
And is BayRoc primarily for women or do you have men pieces as well?
BayRoc is for both men and women, consisting of clothing ranging anywhere from runway pieces to T-shirts. Accessories such as scarves, ties, bows etc. should be available in the near future.
- How did you come up with the concept for your brand “BAY ROC”?
Before I got into fashion I was always naturally good at drawing and art, so when I came up with the idea to start a fashion line I wanted it to be centred around that; an exclusive quality brand with hand crafted designs, created for the ones that love to stand out, which is why I take pride in keeping all designs as original as possible.
- How long have you been doing designing?
I started BayRoc in 2007, a year or so after graduating high school, at first all the designs I did were done on paper that never came to life. Spent some years developing my craft through trial and error, it wasn’t until I met Kristin Frazer in 2012 that I started to make designs for runway shows from Jamaica, California etc. I learned a lot.
- What inspires you?
Inspiration for me can be very broad, it can come from a lot of things. I like Donna Karan, and the incredible detail of Balenciaga. I get largely inspired my different mediums of art; street, pop, abstract, illustrations etc. I recently spent 3 months in Spain where art and Fashion is huge and growing, it was a lot to take in. The architectural works of art by Antoni Gaudí really caught my attention, his style being so distinctive was something I related to because BayRoc in essence is the same way. You will definitely see traces of inspiration from Spain in future pieces to come.
- How would you define your brand and what do you think sets it apart from anything else?
I would always compare BayRoc to cars. Lol. For example, the Bugatti, only about 7 people in the world assemble the engines by hand, or Rolls Royce, completely built by hand. That craft and detail is something that can’t be duplicated by machines, it’s distinction is unmistakable no matter when or where you see it. This is how I define BayRoc.
- How would you describe the fashion industry in the BVI and the Caribbean?
In my view the fashion industry in the BVI and Caribbean is young and ambitious. I see new designers that are very talented and pushing themselves and their brand, I see Caribbean islands are starting to have Fashion Weeks of their own, I think it’s great, we need it all. Particularly in the BVI over the years I’ve seen it really embrace Fashion with so many shows and events, I hope this sparks interest to cater recourses to a growing industry. It’s only going up.
- What words of advice would you give to someone looking to get into the Caribbean Fashion Industry?
You have to first make a decision to do it all the way, 100%. Finding a mentor can be very helpful with your brand to aid with the direction you want to take it, demographic etc. Your brand should be an extension of who you are as an individual in some way, what are you passionate about? where do you come from? your experiences etc. That individuality will always set you apart.