7-y-o fashion designer to rock runway in December

What do you want to be when you grow up? That is probably the most serious question a child is ever asked. And those answers may vary from a lawyer or police officer to a doctor, soldier or firefighter. These days, we have seen an evolution in career options. But one girl isn’t just sharing her youthful ambitions; she is putting her dream into action.

Seven-year-old Logan Watkins is one of the children designers at this year’s Island Child Style runway event. The young designer, who also rocks the runway as a model, is working assiduously behind the scenes to bring her creations to life and thoroughly enjoying the process. “What I liked the most is designing my own clothes and seeing it in person, because I like to see what I do in real life,” Logan told Living.

She recently debuted a piece from her line titled Logan’s Unicorn Collection on the catwalk at the launch of Island Child Style, to the amazement of the audience. Inspired by her own imagination, she went for an underwater mermaid theme, boasting bright colours and sparkling sequins. Her model, Haley Matalon, brought the right amount of splash to the runway, one that was ‘shore’ to leave viewers wanting more. The duo later emerged on the scene for the designer walk, where they were greeted by a sea full of love from spectators.

When asked how the showcase went, Logan revealed it was a great experience. “My favourite part was meeting my own artwork in person. Every time I see that, I feel like I’m getting more creative,” she shared. “What I think has helped me as a designer is how I work with art, like with the details and what colours I should use, seeing that my imagination is telling me what I should draw.”

She equally enjoyed being a model in the fashion show, adding, “Every time I practise, I feel like I can get better and be more confident.” Her strutting adventure has naturally played a significant role in how she looks at clothes as a designer.

Beaming with great pride beside her was her mother, Kimberley, who continues to be in awe of her daughter’s remarkable talents. “The piece that was shown today is just a sneak preview. It will have far more details on it,” she said.

Logan has always loved art, her mother said. “Ever since she could pick up a crayon, she has been into art. She used to mix her mediums all the time, wanting to paint and create with crayons, markers and glitters to get different textures,” she recounted.

But what created a shift towards design was the request for doll clothes. “She really wanted to buy all these clothes for her dolls. And I would say to her, ‘We can’t just buy things like that and buy stuff all the time.’ That’s when she said, ‘I have a great idea. What if I learn how to make my own clothes for my dolls?’” Kimberley revealed. This ingenious style movement soon transcended to Logan creating clothes for herself so that Mommy wouldn’t have to buy too many for her. “She said to me, ‘If I can figure out how to make clothes for my dolls, then, eventually, I will learn how to make my own clothes, then you don’t have to buy me clothes and I can get what I want’” the proud mom added with a laugh.

The journey started with a toy sewing machine and different pieces of fabric. Kimberley bought her daughter a designer sketchbook for girls, in 2020, and Logan went to town, sparking creativity on paper. “I noticed that she started using stickers and putting on different jewels; the shoes were different. Then she started to draw freehand,” Kimberley added.

Having met local style specialist Norma Williams, who Logan refers to as Aunty Norma, on a photo shoot with her father, photographer Dwayne Watkins, Logan requested to help on set. That initiative put her on a path of purpose. “Out of the blue, she came and showed me this incredible design with a princess cape and rosettes on the shoulders. She described her design, and Aunty Norma engaged her, asking her how she would feel about designing stuff,” Kimberley stated.

The young designer started with five designs. So dedicated was she to the cause that she would wake up as early as 5 a.m. to fit design into her list of activities for the day. “I’m overwhelmed. This is more than just a fashion show. It’s a discipline that she has instilled in herself. She woke up on her own. I tried to help her with one of her designs, [but] she erased my design and wanted to do something else. She is very specific about where the seams are, what fabric should be used [and] what colours need to be used where. I can’t wait for everyone to see her finale piece.”

Logan has finished a total of 15 designs, all on her own, which will be on show at Island Child Style on December 3.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com