By: Trinidad Guardian

Tuesday November 30,

South-based fashion designer Daronte J’von Smith is seeing Christmas with a fresh line he created just for the Yuletide season.Smith, whose label is called Daronte, will next Thursday premiere the line at his spanking new San Fernando atelier. And, as those who are already familiar with this work know, one can expect a few pieces designed with love for the plus size woman.

“I have dedicated myself to designing for fuller-figured women,” Smith said. His own late mother was a size 18.“My collections are designed especially for sizes 12 and beyond, which is a neglected market by most designers.”And, unlike other local designers, Smith doesn’t feel the need to keep up with seasonal collections. Instead, he said, he is an event designer.Colours like red and greens, burnt orange, blues and black make up the colour palette for the collection in fabrics like raw silk, linen, organza, dupioni and voile, purchased by the designer from England.

“I get my inspiration from the beautiful women and how I want to see them.” Smith said.“I love to see women looking glamorous and well-clothed instead of in skimpy clothes. And when I design, it is that timeless elegance that I go for.”Indeed a preview of the Daronte clothing line screams glam and elegance. Dresses are delicate and flow freely past the ankles; pants suits are well tailored with an attention to detail. Then again this was the way Smith was taught — from his designer father and dress-making grandmother.

“I believe that the key to looking good in clothes is clean uncluttered lines.”At his atelier, Smith goes the extra mile in ensuring that his clients are happy through one-on-one consultation sessions.“When you walk into my studio you are greeted by me, rather than an assistant who may not be able to give you solid advice.” Clients are encouraged to make appointments so that they would have their own time with the designer.

“Everybody wants to feel comfortable when making choices about what to wear. I usually bring out bolts of different fabrics, drape them over the client’s shoulder so that they can picture themselves in the colours.“It is important to me that they are comfortable and their time is not interrupted.” Smith also designs and makes fashionable hats to go with his outfits and does hair and makeup for some of the clients.

If he had a dollar for the amount of times he’s been told to bring his atelier to Port-of-Spain, Smith would have been a billionaire. He laughs off the suggestion that he should bring his business into the “bright lights” of Port-of-Spain.“All that glitters is not gold. Not because Port-of-Spain glitters mean that I should be there. I am very comfortable here in South. “Sometimes good things come from being away from the so called bright lights.”

Following his Christmas presentation, Smith will start preparation for a charity show hosted by Lady Joan Foulkes in the Bahamas next month.Lady Foulkes is the wife of the governor general of the Bahamas, Sir Arthur. In the New Year he will fly back to London to see his clients and arrange to launch his 2011 collection there. “My plans also include travelling to the other Caribbean islands to market my work.”

Smith is also busy with a new project as the marketing manager for the Purple Green Recording Studio/Label.“Fashion and music go hand in hand. At any event that you are required to dress up, there is music playing. I want this studio to be a place where young and upcoming artists can come and feel comfortable and not be intimated to share their talent.

“I see this label as a stepping stone for unknown artists to become not just locally but internationally renowned.”WomanWise turned to the busy fashion designer for tips on how women could step up their fashion game in this Yuletide season.

Don’t be a repeat offender

Doubling up on an outfit as you work the event circuit of office parties this time of year can happen to any woman but Smith said it should be avoided at all cost.“It is not okay to wear the same dress at different events. People would remember and start talking about it.”Smith’s advice on ensuring that you don’t double up on the same outfit was simply to pay attention to the last time you wore it.

“I have a client in London who used to stick notes on her dress about the last time she wore it, where, the event and a few key people she saw. That way she knew how to space out her outfit.“Buying and wearing a new dress/outfit makes the wearer confident and excited. So why cheat yourself with wearing one over and over again?”

Don’t go safe

We already know red and green lead the pack as the colours of the season. And, at parties, the little black dress is what most women gravitate to. According to Smith however, it’s time to come out of the black and enter the bright zone.“The black dress is too safe . It’s okay to wear different colours (you can take a page from his Christmas line). Just wear them well.

Office Christmas party

While Smith said it depends on the venue here are a few things to keep in mind. If your staff Christmas party is at a hotel, a cocktail dress would be in order. If it is at the office, try a good fitting jeans (not washed out) with a pretty blouse, scarf and conversation-starting shoes.“Go colourful with the blouse and go heavy on the accessories.”

Old Years Night party

“Glam and nothing else but,” Smith declared. “Go all out if you have to. The New Year should meet you well-dressed with a glass of Dom Pérignon in hand!”To contact Daronte J’von Smith for invitations to his upcoming fashion presentation Christmas with Daronte call 492-0904.