Fashion Designer Mark Anthony diversifies with ‘The Leather’
Published:Friday | June 30, 2023 | 12:44 AM
Fashion designer Mark Anthony says he is aiming to transform the fashion industry.
Anthony, who last week Thursday with the help of premium whiskey brand, Johnnie Walker, launched his new collection, The Leather, shared one way he’s hoping to achieve this feat: diversification.
“My aim is to revolutionise the fashion industry, and this is just the beginning of what’s to come,” the skilful designer shared enthusiastically, adding, “I don’t want to be known as just the guy who made suits. For me, it’s all about listening to my customers and ensuring that I’m giving them the best there is to offer. I wanted to create something fresh. I want to be known as a brand that offers quality. It has always been my vision to own a one-stop shop and build a global brand, and there is no better place to start than here. This line is just a drop in the bucket and I am excited for people to try it.”
The Leather is a gender-neutral collection of accessories and a step outside the designer’s repertoire as the go-to designer for tailored male attire. It features accessories such as duffel and toiletry bags, backpacks, reversible belts, passport cases, and wallets. They are available in a variety of colours and styles, with inspiration drawn from various outlets, such as influences from Anthony’s early years in design. He hopes that The Leather will change the world of fashion in Jamaica for the better. “I believe in what I do, and I believe in my product. I am not expecting the line to attract everyone, but I know that those who have an appreciation for luxury and leather, they will definitely love this line and for those who may not, it will grow on them,” Anthony shared.
Hailing from Trelawny, Anthony spent a significant part of his youth working with his uncle, who was a master tailor. He was encouraged to pursue a career in fashion by his late grandmother, to whom he credits his success. He recounted, “My grandmother was the one who insisted that I pursue a career in fashion. I did multiple courses at different schools and I worked in fashion for a little while, but I took a break from it to pursue video production, after which I started my company. That worked out well for a while, but I loved fashion, so I returned to fashion and opened my own brick and mortar store in 2015, and the rest is history.”
Premium brand Johnnie Walker has shown its full support for Anthony by partnering with him for the launch of his new line. “Mark Anthony is immensely talented, and we at Johnnie Walker are delighted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him for the launch of The Leather. This partnership epitomises our shared dedication to excellence and pushing the boundaries. These are the qualities we see in Mark Anthony’s visionary pursuit, and we fully support his efforts to share it with the world,” said Johnnie Walker’s assistant brand manager, Ben Sinclair.
As he looks forward to the public’s response to The Leather, Anthony encouraged anyone who wants to get into the fashion world to do it out of love. “I have always been creating things, but not on this level. I just continue to give it my best shot, and I encourage everyone to do the same. A client could pay me a billion dollars, and that would not satisfy me. What satisfies me is their reaction to the pieces and the stories they share when they have worn it. This lets me know that I did something good. Do what you love, and the funds and the fun will come,” the designer said, smiling.