Dania Beckford talks new season of ‘Being Broadtail’, new confidence journal

Growing up, designer and brand communication professional Dania Beckford recalled her maternal grandmother embodying fashion when it came to clothes and jewellery. “She would send clothes from abroad for my cousin and I and I remember falling in love with [a pair of] pink shorts, a white graffiti top and pink and white LA Lights sneakers. I wore it to my Grade Two class party. I remember thinking I looked so good and that’s my first memory of beginning to love fashion.”

Her passion for fashion only blossomed over time through the purchase of style magazines such as Vogue. Imitating the trends worn by artistes and hosts not only resulted in discovering her own unique flair but it facilitated her start as a designer.

“For years, I loved my mother’s halter monokini swimsuit from the 1970s. I wanted to design my own swimsuits because as a full-figured young woman, I couldn’t find swimsuits that were fashionable and colourful. The desire to feel sexy came with highlighting the beautiful parts of my body while concealing areas I wasn’t so fond of. And that’s how my resort line Broadtail Designs started,” she said.

The launch of these designs emerged out of a need to fill that sultry gap for local plus-size women. The Discovery Bay native found full-figured swimsuits and cover-ups to be frumpy and outdated. So, she decided to honour her roots, island and people radiantly.

It was important for her to design resort wear and later carnival costumes for full-figured women because for her, representation matters. “When we see persons who look like us in the public sphere doing things and wearing garments they were once told they couldn’t or shouldn’t; it gives us hope and motivates us. Outside of the world of fashion; we can challenge the norms and biases and strive to achieve the goals and aspirations that we have, no matter how others try to silence or hide them.”

As it relates to her closet, Beckford is rocking threads of sophistication that are both sexy and timeless by nature. She is also a lover of making a statement with signature accessories.

“I love all rompers and jumpsuits. I also love dresses, tops and swimsuits. And if I were to choose a favourite print, it would be animal print. I am a lover of the fierceness and instinct of cats and that transcended [into] me loving prints of larger cats. Although, traditionally it is said plus size women should wear black or dark colours to give the illusion of being smaller. I often discredit that theory with prints,” the fashionista revealed.

The bold confidence is not just evident in her design pursuits. It has also crossed over into other adventures such as her podcast and journal. For the former, women and men are given the opportunity to share their stories which continues to uplift others through the promotion of positivity. “The new episodes are unconventional with the topics. I’ve learned things about people I have known for two decades. And it is quite satisfying being able to create an idea that amid challenges comes to fruition,” the proud podcaster said.

As for her new venture, penning the journals was Beckford’s way of capturing memorable moments and measuring progress. “Sometimes when persons feel like they are unable to vocally express themselves, writing is a good way of doing so and over time it may give them the courage to either speak or take meaningful action. I designed the journal using the affirmation cards I created back in 2022 to enhance the resources that women can have to assist them in being more confident. It is my lived experience that when persons are confident, they accomplish more because they dare to try new things and ultimately create larger goals for themselves as they journey through their lives, careers and relationships.” And when women are confident, they inspire other people around them to follow in their phenomenal footsteps.

As she gears up to partner with Yard Mas Carnival for her Jewel of Sea section for the upcoming soca season, the fashion designer encourages full-figured women to find their style and flaunt it, “Everyone’s body is unique. So, find what is unique about your body and choose areas of your body you want to highlight. That way, you will be able to find styles that enhance those physical attributes. Also, wear sizes that actually fit you. Some women are very concerned about the size on the tag. Be concerned about the fit and not the size. Size varies based on the designer. When you are comfortable with yourself; your personal style will shine through and before you know it you are a full-fledged fashionista!”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

Dania’s style essentials

- A Broadtail original high-low animal print top that is paired with shorts, jeans, work pants and even swimsuits.

- A black cold shoulder business smart dress that leaves her feeling professional with style.

- An asymmetric cut wide-legged romper from Broadtail that can be dressed up or down with heels or flats when called unexpectedly to go out.

- A black and eggshell three-inch thong mule sandals which give height and comfort for almost any event.

- A trusty white shirt dress that can go from work to casual.