The JAZZY Lady of fashion

Christopher Serju, Gleaner Writer

SOUTHFIELD, St Elizabeth:

AFTER SPENDING 28 years in England, Florence Powell returned home with husband Owen in 1992 and is enjoying a new lease on life in Southfield, St Elizabeth, where she is quietly building a solid reputation as a top-class dress designer.

Having learnt dressmaking prior to leaving for England, where she met and married a fellow Jamaican, Powell went on to improve her skills.

She shared with Rural Express, the difference between a maker and designer: "I am a dress designer, not just a dressmaker that cuts straight and sews. I make dress patterns, or whatever the design is that you would like, I help you develop that design. I make a pattern from the sketch and then cut your fabric accordingly."

Nestled in the shop that is located in a very old building, with old commercial sewing machines and bottles upon bottles of buttons, the returning resident speaks with quiet confidence about the demand for her services.

She shared: "I am not really doing big business, but it suits me since I am doing exactly what I want to do. I have more than enough work and very satisfied customers, just by word of mouth."

Returning residents

Most patrons are returning residents, women who love to have their clothes made to specifications, with attention to detail - instead of buying off the rack; and Powell is well suited to the task.

While attending the London College of Fashion part-time, the St Catherine native got hooked on learning to make patterns, how to cost, how to grade and develop patterns, among other things. All the hard work paid off, as she was then promoted to quality-control duties - a major achievement.

This involved her visiting many factories across London in the capacity of quality controller, with responsibility for checking production from start to finish, ensuring that the process adhered to the specifications dictated by the stores which ordered the garments.

However, after a very satisfying run, the Powells decided to return to Jamaica, settling in Kingston. However, the fast pace of life in the Corporate Area was not in sync with the more sedate lifestyle of Owen, who was born in nearby Top Hill.

Being engaged in an activity which brings her a small income but lots of satisfaction, Powell considers herself a woman in the right place at the right time.

The shop she shares with stepdaughter Maria and husband Michael seems to beckon, with the obviously hand-painted sign reading 'JAZZY Lady Fashion Designing and Dressmaking' partly hidden by craft items, Black Power posters and jewellery - adding to its curious appeal.

Powell offers an answer: "Most people like this old building because it reminds them of years gone by and tourists also seem to be drawn to it, stopping by to enquire, with most staying for longer than they planned."

Photos by Christopher Serju