Get Swanky
Published:Sunday | February 16, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:he Chinese have produced racing-car beds for north American children, while a young Jamaican designer is poised to make headlines with her classic VintEdge Swank wing chairs, throw cushions and bedheads designed for princes and princesses.
Montegonian, Clara Brydson has unveiled fun little pieces of chic, paying homage to classic vintage styles, while adding a swanky new twist to home furnishing.
Brydson, who studied soft furnishings, upholstery and design at East Birmingham College (EBC) in the United Kingdom, a few years after completing a BSc in management and accounting at the University of the West Indies, Mona, says in her subconscious she always knew designing was her passion.
At EBC, she specialised in advanced soft furnishings - window treatments; bedding; creative use of machines for quilting and other craft forms; basic upholstery; access to textiles - garment construction, tailoring, pattern cutting, and introduction to home interior design.
These accreditations are equivalent to Jamaica's NVQ's (national vocational qualification) offered by HEART Trust/NTA. This comes as no surprise as Brydson admits to being a strong believer in having a balance of academic and vocational training.
"I'm so excited to share my journey in creating a Jamaican small business," she tells Outlook, describing her transition as a creative inspiration drawn from God's ever-changing canvas.
"VintEdge Swank was born out of my need for an outlet for all this inspiration. I have been blessed that my career path has led me through the very exhilarating environments of Design Centre and Bohios Jamaica Ltd. But, being primarily in an operational management role, my artistic side remained quiescent," Brydson pointed out.
VintEdge Swank, she says, has changed all that. In this endeavour, she has been given the opportunity to work alongside great Jamaican talent. Four Jamaican men - Romaine, Wayne, Cecil and Donald - she says, have worked closely with her to bring her designs to life.
Last December, she launched the line at Grosvenor Galleries in Kingston. The line currently consists of varying styles of wing chairs scaled for the "kids who are the princes and princesses in our lives, along with coordinating upholstered bed heads".
All these are made from locally harvested hardwood, and upholstered and finished using Jamaican-manufactured foam and wood-finishing materials.
VintEdge Swank also has a line of throw cushions with all the inserts sourced from a Jamaican manufacturer. The pieces are available in fun Chenilles and faux suede in royal purple, princess pink, new lime, and regal navy, with new material options becoming available all the time.
"We also offer the option for our customers to help create your special piece with their own material and trimmings."
Constantly reminded of the adult's need "for a little piece of chic", Brydson says she hopes in the next few months to be able to launch a line for the Kings and Queens.
For the local designer and manufacturer, it is an amazing blessing to be able to harness combined Jamaican talents to create not just pieces of furniture, but fun pieces of art.
This home-based business looks forward to sharing its creations by working with clients on their special pieces. To view VintEdge Swank pieces, readers may visit their page at www.facebook.com/vintedgeswank, or email info@vintedgeswank.com, or call (876)-771-7881.