Daniela Stone to make Miami Swim Week début

For many offspring of entertainers, music is a birthright, something passed down in their DNA. But for Daniela Stone, daughter of well-known reggae singer, Sophia Brown, her calling was fashion. Today, that journey that started back in 2018 with just custom African print pieces has expanded to include swimwear. It’s these unique pieces, inspired by her own love of the sun, sea, and sand, that have earned her a spot in this year’s annual Miami Swim Week.

When the runways are unveiled at the highly anticipated five-day fashion show, Jamaica’s flag will be flown high as Stone reps the black, green, and gold. The designer could hardly contain her excitement as she spoke with The Gleaner. “I was literally about to shoot a collection to be released for Easter, which I do every year since the brand started. I received an email with the subject ‘Miami Swim Week’, and I had to look twice to see if I was really reading properly,” she said with a laugh, clearly overjoyed.

Stone said she immediately began designing, adding pieces so as to put together a 15-piece collection. “I was in shock like, ‘Wow! Really?’ I had to compose myself, and I dived right in (to designing). I had to add more pieces because it’s a 15-piece collection that will be shown. So I had to go back to the drawing board quickly to get ready for Miami. A short process with sleepless nights, but definitely rewarding,” she said.

As she prepares for the big showing at one of the most popular fashion weeks in the industry, Stone said her songstress mother has perhaps been one of her biggest fans throughout her journey. “She has been a huge support! Like huge, and I’m forever grateful for that, you most likely will catch her at the beach in my pieces,” she smiled. “She will be there front and centre (at Miami Swim Week), and I’m sure I’ll hear her voice from the audience! Big up Ms Brown.”

JAMAICAN BRAND

The designer said she will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that when her pieces hit the runway, the Jamaican mark is undeniable. “Listen, I plan to buy a mini flag to walk on the runway with. I’ll give it my best shot, and believe me when I say you will know that it (DTS SWIM) is a Jamaican brand. I’ll make sure of it,” she shared.

She plans to represent her nation to the best of her ability. “I’m going in it (the fashion show) with no expectations. Just having the opportunity to showcase my brand, a Jamaican brand, on such a huge platform is enough. More people being aware of DTS SWIM and me being able to be around other designers around the world is a win-win situation, and I’m hoping to learn as much as possible from the experience, she said.

But while she has no immediate expectations from the Miami Swim Week showcase, the designer does have long-term aspirations for her brand. She told The Gleaner that she wants to make DTS SWIM the go-to line for swimwear in Jamaica. “The immediate plan for the brand is to get it on a bigger platform and eventually making it known to all Jamaicans as the place to get everything swim-related. The brand is a luxury brand, so we want our customers to feel and look exclusive. International growth is also a plan, and we are making taking the necessary steps to get there; first stop is Miami Swim Week,” she said.

The swimwear brand will take the stage July 9. “You will be able to find live stream link on all our social media platforms on the day @dtsswim,” said Stone.

DTS SWIM is located at Shop #5 in Central Plaza, Half Way Tree, Kingston.