June 19, 2012
Cool Jobs: 3 Fashion Heavyweights Sparking Tobago’s Fashion Awakening
Danielle James, Model, Fashion Buyer
Power: The Florida native whose parents are from Trinidad dove headfirst into fashion after college. She moved to New York after graduation and landed a shoot with Essence Magazine via an open call. While working as a plus-size model, James began to learn the business side of fashion and landed at Macy’s as a buyer. In this year’s TFW, James modeled designs by Stacy Herbert of Ink Ideas, as well as hosted informational workshops on how designers can perfect their craft and get their pieces sold in retailers.
Passion: “The Caribbean has so many creative designers and talent within the retail industry,” James says. “The industry is quickly burgeoning, and I see Trinidad & Tobago as becoming the epicenter of fashion within the Caribbean.â€
Process: For modeling, people would comment how I should be a model. At the time, I didn’t even know there was a plus size model industry,” James recalls. “For buying, my company found out about me through a friend. They liked my style, my business acumen, and my ideas, so they hired me.”
Motivation: “My advice for upcoming designers is to stay true to their uniqueness and focus on the market they are trying to serve. Know the retail industry and have a strong business acumen. Realize that while fashion is fun and entertaining, it is a business so, treat it as such.”