By Michelle Barrett, Freelance Writer
Fashion designer, Pasha Afflick.
PASHA AFFLICK is annoyed when people dismiss fashion design as "something that someone does when they don't have any subjects or secondary education."
This is far from the truth, says Miss Afflick, who notes that there are several fashion designers who have attained secondary and tertiary education and are excelling in a field that has been looked down upon by many.
"It was while at Kingsway High School that I attended Annie Gee's Fashion Institute on Trafalgar Road (Kingston), and it wasn't because I had failing grades or anything, but I just had a deep interest in fashion designing and so I did the course."
Miss Afflick's passion for sewing was ignited at age 10. In the quiet little district of Draper, Portland, she used to sew small items such as dolls' clothing and her first pin cushion which she still uses today.
"I really wanted to become a secretary but my mother encouraged me to pursue a career in sewing as she realised I was quite good with my hands. So, I took her advice and here I am today, sewing up a storm," says Miss Afflick in her Stony Hill, St. Andrew, residence.
Armed with a diploma in Fashion Designing and years of experience gained at Francis Keane Boutique and Klinique, Miss Afflick has attracted a small, and growing, clientele. In addition to individual pieces, she also designs uniforms for a few small businesses, including Copier Concept, One Stop Computers and Auto Spot in Kingston.
She also designs costumes for entrants in the Portland Festival Queen Competition and her designs have been featured on fashion shows such as 'Effects' in 2001, staged by Champs Model Agency.
Miss Afflick blames the downturn in the economy for a slow business period at this time, but notes that she is not about to roll over and die. She has supplemented her income through floral arrangements and the sale of gift baskets.
The 29-year-old fashion designer is guided by the principles of Islam, the religion that she practises and this is evident by a large tapestry of a mosque and plaques with verses from the Qu'ran taking pride of place on her living room wall.
When asked if her religion compromised her creativity as a designer in any way, she readily states that all her clients have modest taste.
