TEENS IN FASHION
By Odette Flemming

Teens have been influencing fashion trends among the urban clothing designers for over a decade. But it took the unique vision of Shell-I Keith, the founder of Teens in Fashion®, to provide a platform for teenagers who are serious about the fashion industry and want to do more than logo a jersey. Teens in Fashion gives the under 21 designer, who has demonstrated a talent for fashion, a venue to showcase their work. This year the Teens in Fashion Annual Design Competition yielded among the six finalists three teens of Jamaican descent. These young people have had a chance to work with Shell-I in a professional environment that demonstrates the hard work and dedication it takes to make it in the fashion industry. They were required to produce their own clothing (yes, sew each piece) fit their models and work with stylists to accessorize the garments. It was a rare opportunity that left these New York City teens even more inspired to achieve their dreams of designing for major fashion houses and eventually creating their own.

DuShane Noble, 18, has been sewing since the age of nine. Some might say he came across his talent honestly since his grandmother was a seamstress in Jamaica. His designs show a level of maturity that defies his age, with intricate pleat detailing and muted color palette. In the beginning it was not easy for him to pursue his dreams; how does a young Jamaican boy ask his very traditional mother for a sewing machine without problems. Now, many years and countless garments later his family is on board. Being taken seriously because of his youth is a major challenge for DuShane. Last year he found himself designing an entire collection for two older women and who gave him no credit. “It’s one of those experiences that you definitely learn from.” When asked to describe his personal style and direction he’ll tell you its “still in development”, but in later conversation he revealed his vision for an upscale line for plus size women. He certainly has the talent to make that dream a reality.

Erika Ruddock, 20, started drawing in her freshman year at Copiague High School and by senior year she was designing. Currently a junior at Syracuse University majoring in Fashion Design, her style is decidedly more young and funky. Her fashions run more along the lines of Betsey Johnson, lots of color, lots of flounce. Erika admits that sewing is her biggest challenge, but is confident when it comes to her designs. What is her edge? She selects fabrics that wouldn’t normally be looked at for clothing. For example her winning design is being created out of swimsuit fabric and terry. It sounds odd but the end result is striking.

Natalie Powell, 17, is the baby of the group. A senior at Fashion Industries High School she has been designing since junior high. She admits that she likes clothes that “make a statement”, bright colors and styles that “set you apart”. Natalie submitted her sketch on a whim because a friend told her about the competition, so imagine her surprise to when she found her design selected for a professional fashion show. She loves designing for fashion however she finds more interest in costume design and practices as much as possible on school stage productions.

For more information on the work done by Teens In Fashion visit www.teensinfashion.com.