Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Fashion designer Barry Moncrieffe walks the runway with a model wearing one of his creations at the 2006 Caribbean Fashion Week. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

This month, Flair turns the spotlight on Barry Moncrieffe, another in our series on designers who have placed the local fashion industry on the map.

Barry Moncrieffe has a passion for fashion, coupled with a love affair with black and white.

Moncrieffe grew up seeing his mother, Gertrude Moncrieffe, and aunts around the sewing machine. His sisters, too, were quite fashionable, so he was bitten by the fashion bug. Though interested in the industry from his teen years, he did not pursue it because back then, it was not among things people thought men should do. Instead, he went to Graham School of Dance in New York, United States of America, to study dance, which was his other love. After completing his studies, he did a few stints at small dance theatres before moving back home in the '70s.

Took up first love

Back home, he got a job at the National Dance Theatre Company and currently holds the post of associate director. In the late '80s, he decided to take up his first love. He now designs outfits for Miss Jamaica contestants, clients such as A.J. Brown, among other artistes, and for fashion shows, such as Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW).

Over the years, he has showcased his collection at CFW and has become one of the regulars. He is renowned for his black and white outfits. "My love for black and white is due to the fact that it is very striking, especially when you add a hint of red to it. Also, black and white prints are bold and my outfits have to catch the audience's attention," he said.

CFW this year

Another piece from the 2006 collection. Center: From Moncrieffe's men's line. Right: More black and white - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

For CFW this year, he is planning on doing a combination of casual to tailored outfits for men and women. He will be adding some colour to his collection. "But of course, I will have my black and white pieces."

For best results, Moncrieffe takes the time to source all accessories for the models to wear with his outfits.

Moncrieffe has had his share of business challenges, the main one being funding. "Though I operate a small business, it is very costly."

He told the Flair that the fashion industry in Jamaica has become very hard, so he would need a sponsor if he should expand his business.

"As designers, we have to compete with the stores bringing in foreign outfits selling at a lower price. I could make similar outfits but could never sell it at the store prices."

Many male designers are often assumed by public to be gays but to Moncrieffe, it's neither here nor there. "I have no time for what people have to say. I have one life to live and I am going to follow my dreams, regardless."

Despite the challenges, his greatest reward comes from satisfied customers and the compliments he receives. He also teaches dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

He does not know what the future holds, he just takes one day at a time.

Left: Cool and casual. Center: There is a boldness in red and Moncrieffe loves it. Right: Model Sanny shows off a white, iridescent sequined strapless evening gown with peek-a-boo front, designed by Moncrieffe. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

There is something about black and white. - - photo by Denise Reid