Imagine Caribbean: Ikesha Delpesche of Ikesha Art

Photo Credit: Errol John Photography and Design

I recently stumbled across some images on Facebook which perfectly articulated my vision of a Caribbean Fashion Aesthetic. The images captured the rustic charm that is synonymous with island life but they had a very cosmopolitan appeal. They were part of the promotional shoot for Ikesha Art's SS2014 Handbag collection. Ikesha Art is the brainchild of Vincentian designer Ikesha Delpesche who specialises in making one of a kind clutches, purses and handbags.  Between the vibrant colours, the intricate detailing of the work, her incorporation of African print fabrics and the styling of the photo shoot I was hard pressed to choose what I loved most her bags. I was so proud of this Vincentian designer’s use of her creative talent and imagination to create this awesome brand, I knew immediately that I had to feature her.

How did you get started in this business? 

I started out as a dressmaker and a  jewellery designer. However, because I always had a 9 to 5 job, I was pretty laid back with the dress making although I did sew for a few persons in between jobs. One day when I went to drop off an order of earrings for a customer, I had a sling bag made from fabric that I had bought from a street vendor. My customer knowing that I could sew, asked me to make a bag exactly like the one I was wearing. I went home and de-constructed the bag just to see how they put it together. I was able to draft a pattern and I made her a bag from floral upholstery fabric. In two days I put a price to it and delivered it and she was so amazed by the bag. From then on, I started making bags and advertising them on Facebook and from there I built my clientele. If you check my product page on Facebook I outline the services I offer; it includes dressmaking and as well as accessories. However, I focus on the bags because there is a market for it. There aren't very many Caribbean handbag designers and I want to make a name for the Caribbean on the international market.

Who or what inspires you?

 I am inspired by a lot of things in nature; the plants, the clouds, the moon, the stars, African prints & African art. I draw inspiration from whatever is around me.

How would you describe your personal style?

I love fashion and style. I would describe my style as very relaxed and laid back. I am drawn to long dresses, long skirts, head wraps and very colourful patterns. I wear a lot of Ailocious jewelry and local leather sandals.

 What is a typical day like for you?

I have two kids so I wake up and get them ready for school. In addition to the handbags I also offer dressmaking services so once the children leave I settle down to work on any  custom orders that I have. I might make a bag or try to create a new design or a new concept. After this I check blogs, websites, pinterest for inspiration. Between 3-4 I pick up my kids from school, when I return I finish the orders that I was working on. In the evening,  I hang out with my children then put them to bed. I am usually in bed very early, I need to get my sleep. 

What has been your biggest challenge with your business to date?

It's difficult to find a wide variety of leatherette and African print fabric in St Vincent to create my bags. Also, finding the hardware to embellish the bags such as the rivets etc, they can be very costly especially when they have to be cleared at customs. I want my bags to be affordable, I would like to make a profit but I don't want to have to pass on the high costs to my customers. To control my costs I try to recycle, customers can bring in their old bags that need fixing.  Funding for the business is another issue, not only for raw materials and equipment but  getting sponsorship to attend more trade shows outside of St Vincent in order to promote my bags has been difficult. 

What has been the most amazing moment ?

Well there are too many to count. My friend Ailene of Ailocious and and I joined up for a regional conference and exhibition put on by Youth Business SVG in September  2012 and were awarded most outstanding entrepreneurs. At the time I created retro themed jewelry with telephone wires and the response was very encouraging. More recently in December we went to Canaoun for an exhibition and the sales were great, the response was even better than on mainland St Vincent, I had a lot of enquiries and the bags sold out very quickly. 

How are you currently marketing your brand?

I use social media,I have a Facebook fan page for the brand and word of mouth helps, people who buy my bags tell their friends and I find that once customers buy a bag they tend to return. I recently started offering my services at Florangements, a boutique at #31 Central Market Shop in Kingstown. It's right there on the first floor and they carry my bags. I also promote my work at trade shows and exhibitions.

If you could pick one celebrity as the brand ambassador for your line who would it be and why?

To be honest I’m not very big on celebrities . The person who best embodies my brand is Jennlee Shallow a Vincentian currently living in New York. In fact she was the model for the photo shoot. She is a natural beauty, very down to earth, very unique very humble, very talented. She loves custom made pieces and she understands the dedication that goes into the art. She herself is a creative who is multitalented and versatile; she sings, she models, she acts.

What is next for the Ikesha Art brand?

I would love to work with genuine leather, there is no supply  for it locally, if I could source it overseas at an affordable price that would be great. I also want to improve my labelling, and packaging and I want to get a better sewing machine so that I can do neater stitching. I want my bags to look like authentic, high quality designer bags. I dream of owning a bag factory that rivals Prada.

What advice do you have for aspiring designers/creatives seeking to make a career in your field. 

I would advise them not to do it unless you have a passion for it, the ideas wont come and your business will not develop. Work hard and produce quality products that people will appreciate. Don’t be afraid to create and don’t be afraid to fail, don't be afraid of criticism either. Also, spend a lot of time on researching and developing your art.

To see more of Ikesha’s amazing work or to purchase her bags, follow Ikesha on:

Facebook : Ikesha Art

Pinterest: Ikesha Delpesche