Local Fashion Designer Profile: Rochelle Minors

July 3, 2014

In the second of a series of profiles of designers taking part in the Local Designer Showcase, Bernews today spotlights Rochelle Minors. The Local Designer Showcase is set to be held on July 10, 2014.

Known for her work both on and off the stage, Ms. Minors is a former winner of the Miss Bermuda Pageant and a well-known local model who has long had her finger on the pulse of Bermuda’s sense of fashion and style.

Rochelle Minors at the 2012 Miss Bermuda Pageant

Miss Bermuda Pageant July 8 2012 (6)

When asked about her reasons for participating in the Local Designer Showcase, Ms. Minors said, “My final collection from university was inspired by Bermuda, therefore I thought it would be great if I can show the country the outcome of my inspiration. I had already made up my mind from last year’s designer showcase, that I wanted to participate because I was stunned by the amount of talent shown and was so proud to be a Bermudian designer. We have a lot to offer.”

When asked what she hoped to get out of the experience, Ms. Minors said, “Exposure. I view this showcase an opportunity to display my work internationally, to network with others, hopefully inspire people to become designers, and not be afraid to choose fashion as a career choice. I feel that doing this showcase will give me more boldness and confidence in my work, and is the initial presentation of myself as a designer to Bermuda.”

Ms. Minors’ inspirational work space

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When asked what progress had been made so far on the completion of her line, Ms. Minors said, “I am about 85 percent complete. I have about two more outfits to make and then I am good to go. I am really looking forward to the end results and seeing the collection onstage.”

When asked what her favorite piece in her new line was, Ms. Minors said, “This is a hard question because I love all my pieces. I would say the yellow printed window dress, white geometric dress, and a massive multi-colour window blind coat. It’s really hard to choose because they are all fun, funky, and sophisticated and represent different areas of my personality. I also just completed a pair of red shorts that I really like.”

Multi-colour window blind coat designed by Ms. Minors

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When asked what her experience with her mentor was like, Ms. Minors said, “Nicole is awesome. She is so supportive of my collection and all the ideas that we have bounced back and forth. If I need anything, she always goes out of her way to help me. She’s super prompt with feedback and I feel that we really work well together.”

When asked how she knew that design was her passion, Ms. Minors said, “I knew from the endless hours spent drawing on the floor as a child and then I knew again when I was trying to decide what career path to take. At one point I was considering doing a business degree, but knew that my heart wasn’t going to be in it.”

“When I look at fashion, my eyes light up, my heart races, and I am like a kid in a candy store. I can never get enough of it; when you are determined, and keep pushing through problems and at the end are still in love with your job/hobby, that’s how you know you love it. If i didn’t, I would have quit a long time ago.”

Ms. Minors poses with a sign for the London GFW fasion show, where she presented

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When asked what the future holds for her as a designer, Ms. Minors said, “I have moved to London and am looking for a job to get my foot into the industry. I would like, in about five years time, to go independent and start up my design label. In the meantime, I will be interning and sewing on the side to continue growing as a designer and preparing myself for this future. I am open to any and all job opportunities within fashion that may one day present themselves.”

When asked how she would describe her sense of style, Ms. Minors, “I love colour. In the past, I’ve tended to mix and match a lot, but as I’m getting older I am trying to dress more age appropriate and tone the craziness down a little. I am in love with vintage clothing and am drawn to the fitted waists of the 1950s and 1960s and the oversize attire of the 1980s, especially when it comes to jewelry, where I love big and bulky statement earrings and necklaces. I tend to mix vintage pieces and present day fast fashion.”

The City of Hamilton will play host to the second edition of the Local Designer Showcase on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Pier Six [upper level], with eight local designers to be showcased for their talent and unique work. Each designer has been peered with a mentor from within the fashion community to assist them with the development of a fashion line that will be showcased at the event.

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  1. Photos: City’s Local Designer Fashion Showcase | Bernews.com | July 16, 2014
  1. KTB says:

    Congratulations Ro, all your hard work has paid off! I can’t wait to see your collection in person!

  2. When Asked... says:

    Good job and good luck Roe! You rock!

  3. schoolFriend says:

    Go Rochelle!

  4. Mercedy Dowling says:

    Well done Rochelle!!! I am proud of you. Keep it up.

  5. Not sure says:

    Very unusual, not sure it would look good on me.