Local designer Melissa Moses bags on fashion
Published:Friday | August 4, 2023 | 12:06 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
She emerged on the fashion scene five years ago as a young and promising local designer. Since then, Melissa Moses has made quite a name for herself, creating classic, chic and unique pieces and customised bags for the modern woman. And today, the 2018 Mission Catwalk contestant has clutched her way into unisex knapsacks.
“I officially made my debut in the 2017 Saint International Avant Garde competition as a professional fashion designer. The following year I entered the Mission Catwalk competition. Since then , I have registered my fashion business Melissa Moses Design, specialising in clothing and accessories, as well as a bag collection comprising one-strap bags, handbags, purses, pouches, waist bags, knapsacks, and duffle bags,” she told Living.
Noting that she has always had a passion for fashion, Moses attributed her creative vision to her artistic family. “Being from an artistic family, I was exposed to fashion at a tender age and developed a deep love for the creative arts.”
The diverse designer is all about channelling her creativity in the name of fashion. When she saw that her customers were overwhelmed with the personalised backpacks, she decided to go public with her collection. The response, after making this bold move, has been amazing so far. “The journey has been challenging but rewarding. I have matured from the trial and error persona to being more of a perfectionist. The more bags I make, the better I become.”
“My customers love the fact that I have a variety of bags to choose from, all of which can be custom made at an affordable price,” she added.
But this path, as fulfilling as it may be, has presented its fair share of obstacles. The challenges that Moses has encountered in the fashion industry thus far include inadequate machinery and lack of support. “I don’t think there are enough avenues opened for local designers like myself who have the ability to be world class,” she said, listing government grants or financial aid as examples.
But she remains focused on her goals in providing first-rate bags, honing her craft and building her brand. “It is important to follow my dreams. My goal is to better myself as well as expand my brand, Melissa Moses Design, from the Jamaican and Caribbean market, and make a global impact as a reputable fashion designer.”
Outside of her bag collection, Moses is fascinated by clothing and accessories designs, especially those that are avant garde by nature because this style allows pacemakers, like herself, the opportunity to be creative and adventurous in their artistic outlet.
Her advice to aspiring fashion designers is to develop their love for style. Once that journey begins, set your sights on enrolling in an institution that offers a fashion and designing course. That way, you can learn new and engaging techniques and further your skill set. Never give up. Understand that the fashion industry is very challenging. But with talent, hard work and dedication, it is possible for you to overcome most obstacles and bring your dream to life.”