From fashionista to designer: Kass Stylz on Amazon’s The Drop
Published:Friday | March 10, 2023 | 12:17 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
An educator by trade and a fashionista on every occasion, Kerry-Ann Spence dreamed of becoming a designer one day. And that dream has become a beautiful reality with the announcement that her Kass Stylz will be released on Amazon’s The Drop.
“The collection features pieces that are unique to my style, from the colours to the design details of each piece. Having the opportunity to design my own limited collection with Amazon The Drop is literally a full circle moment and a dream come true. From wanting to be a fashion designer to now designing a collection sold exclusively on Amazon, I am still in shock at the fact that this little country girl from Jamaica was getting this big break,” Spence told Living, adding, “This is a testimony of not giving up on your dreams, no matter how long or the route you have to take.”
Her fashion and style are a direct derivative of her personality, so it is only fitting that the stunning pieces from her collection reflect and represent just that, “I’ll always go for playful looks and edgy ensembles. And I’m always going to give extra. I love sharing the latest fashionable and current pieces that will help to elevate your wardrobe staples.”
It was equally important that women of all shapes and sizes walk with their head held high in vibrant fashion. “Inclusivity is very important to me. I want all women regardless of their size to be able to wear my designs. On a cultural note, representation matters and I am forever representing my beautiful island. My island roots are reflected in this [collection] through the bold colours of the green and yellow and the large floral print,” she said.
Her earliest fashion memory is actually a faux pas of sort. Tasked with the opportunity to dress out of uniform for a school trip, her grandmother dressed her and her sister in a formal church dress. Laughed at for not wearing the appropriate attire for the occasion, her teacher gave them the chance to save face by facilitating a change in wardrobe.
“This memory stands out for me because I learned early that outfits vary depending on the occasion. At that early stage I made the decision to be more fashion conscious, knowing when to wear what,” she shared.
It helped that it was an educator who not only saved the day, but paved the way for her career path. She made sure to study clothing and textiles and sit the subject in Caribbean Examinations Council level because she was determined to become a designer, but life had other plans. She enrolled in a teacher’s college.
After migrating to the states nine years ago, her striking presence in the hallways gave her the moniker fashion teacher. “Being a teacher allowed me to explore my style even more, as I would be very keen on always being well put together. I saw it as a way to express myself and found it fun to create different outfits. The students call me the fashion teacher and I loved being an example to them. I tell them all the time that appearance is important because people see how you look before they hear you speak,” she highlighted.
Outside of the classroom, she took to blogging as a source of passion, self-expression, style education and motivation. Naming the movement Kass Stylz, she shared outfit inspirations, latest trends and fashion tips for her attentive audience.
“Starting a blog and being a fashion creative made me realise that the possibilities are endless with what I can do with my personal brand. I started out sharing my outfits because I would get asked all time where I got pieces from not even knowing it was something I could get paid to do. After a couple years, with research and new knowledge, I decided to take on this journey more seriously,” the designer revealed, noting that it gives her a great sense of hope to inspire others.
Since launching the eight-piece collection on International Women’s Day, the response has been phenomenal. Some of the pieces are already sold out and Spence is living her dream. “My goal is to make every woman feel stylish when wearing the pieces.”
If you are still unsure of what your personal style is, the designer and stylist advises that you start out by assessing your existing closet. Whichever pieces you adore and make you feel good, you keep. From there, you seek fashion inspiration from a designer, fashionista or style platform and explore the possibilities in store, “Don’t be afraid to experiment. Personal style includes playing with fashion until you figure out which clothes make you feel your best.”