TT-based Guyanese designer Kerby Young said the pandemic has been a period of struggle for him and others in the fashion industry. But Young would not let covid constrict his creativity and has released his new clothing capsule Island Boy.
But who is Kerby Young?
He began in the fashion industry in Guyana in 2005 and his first show was called Colours of the Caribbean. He has described his aesthetic as “colourful, Caribbean, easy-breezy type of garments”.
He migrated to TT in 2008 and started developing his skills in makeup, photography and jewellery-making. His designs were featured in several events, including San Fernando Fashion Week.
He explained that as a designer he has been "trying to survive like everyone else.
"I have been perfecting my craft. And trying to remain relevant, keep up with trends, and collaborate with young creatives. We all can learn from each other. You might be a singer and I'm a designer but we can collaborate on a project. It all comes under the umbrella of creativity."
In 2016 he produced The Art Gallery: Where Art Comes Alive a show that combined visual art, fashion and music. For the show, he collaborated with Princess Charles, better known as Avianne, Shakellah Mungo and Omar Jarra.
In 2017 he launched KYD (Kerby Young Designs) Magazine, which he described as another hub for creatives and an avenue for exposure.
"The reason I did that is that when I was younger I was not fortunate enough to get those opportunities in Guyana and even in the early days in TT. Now that I had the resources I had the ability to offer assistance and help both young creatives and those around for some time."
The magazine began monthly but then started being released bi-monthly. Young said owing to the pandemic the issues are released irregularly at present.
[caption id="attachment_915591" align="alignnone" width="683"] Island Boy round neck t-shirt styled with Sunset shorts and bucket hat. -[/caption]
And speaking of the pandemic, Young said in the beginning business was nonexistent.
"For the first three weeks, I was frustrated. Being outside and interacting with people fuels my creativity and I get inspiration from being outdoors."
He then began the video series KYD Magazine Fashion Essentials, which featured creatives and promoted their work. He explained the purpose was to promote the narrative that creative people were also essential workers.
"During covid, only essential workers were paid attention. Because they took away the creative space, creatives started to feel suicidal and depressed. How do they normally get those suicidal thoughts out of their head? By drawing, painting, going out."
He said the video series was meant to motivate the creative sector and motivation was something many people need during the pandemic. He found the series therapeutic for himself as well.
"It gave me something to do and work on. Everybody likes to be paid, but for me, I just like to see people hap
