Following a dream

"I was blown away after my visit to the 96 Hope Road address for Spokes Apparel. It was as if I was transported to any of the posh men's boutiques in LA, New York, London or Milan," commented Deiwght Peters, chief executive officer of Saint International.

Spokes Apparel will be a featured collection at the Gleaner-sponsored International Men's Collection at Styleweek Jamaica 2010.

The Spokes Apparel Styleweek Jamaica debut will be on the south lawn of Devon House at 9 p.m. on July 9.

Fine finish, strong silhouettes, refined fabric are recognisable hallmarks of Spokes Apparel. "Timeless classics are what I am about. This is not about trend but about well-constructed suits and separates that will last a lifetime for the discerning man," said Dexter Huxtable, the soft-spoken genius behind the burgeoning brand.

Spokes Apparel is a family-operated clothing company that is described as a fusion of unique Jamaican flair and classic European finish; the result is sophistication with urban styling.

Huxtable, a designer and businessman, was exposed to the world of fashion at a very early age. Being the son of a master tailor in May Pen, Clarendon, it was only natural for him to develop the skill and eye for style. Huxtable's father had other dreams for him.

LEARNED TO SEW

However, the young man's sense and taste for fashion led him to secretly teach himself the trade of sewing. Having only his friends in the neighbourhood as test clients, Huxtable moulded his skills and proved to his father that he could, one day, take over the family business.

At the age of 17, Huxtable attended the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts as an art student. However, fashion was his first calling.

At 19, Huxtable travelled to Europe where he was introduced to the fashion circuit. Those travels served to refine his skills.

After some time in England, Huxtable returned to his home in Jamaica where he decided to relocate to the United States for the launch of his first clothing brand under the label La'tique.

It wasn't long before the young man had become a heavily requested designer among Jamaicans and Americans in Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York.

Now his client list also includes some of the best-dressed professional men in Jamaica.

In 2005 after many years in the United States, Huxtable felt it was time to take his product back to his homeland. It was then that he began working on his new brand - Spokes Apparel - which officially launched in 2006.

The clothing company is owned and operated by Huxtable, his wife and two daughters. All Spokes Apparel garments are designed by Huxtable and produced in Jamaica.

"My family and I are excited about appearing on Styleweek and Fashionblock. These are great platforms to showcase and definitely will be a high point for the brand's exposure," said Huxtable.

According to Peters, exposing talent like Spokes Apparel will help the world to understand that Jamaica, like big cities around the world, is serious about fashion.

Peters also explained that Spokes Apparel would be included in the global fashion initiative by Saint International, involving participation in high-profile fashion events in Europe, Africa and the United States next year.