POSHE Swimwear! A Masterclass In Sexy, Stylish And Sophisticated With Camesha Powell

Category: Fashion Created on Saturday, 09 July 2011 07:29

This young designer is sizzlin' hot!  When I first stumbled upon Camesha Powell's designs, I learnt that she is a respected stylist and fashion consultant, who has been a rising star in the Jamaican fashion scene for some years.  Her label POSHE has already showcased at Miami Fashion Week and this summer she is scheduled to show alongside Project Runway designers at New York's Fashion Week.  Her work is in high demand and she has already gained rave reviews from international superstars such as Eve, Kelly Rowland and Vanessa Williams. This summer, she designed her first capsule Swimwear collection  and take it from us, this is the must-have swimwear of the year!

Seriously speaking, when last have you seen swimwear that has you chomping at the bit to buy?  Heck, when last have you been shopping anywhere and found a piece that makes you want to feel glory in your body and assert your feminine confidence? Well, here it is, designed under the label POSHEstar by Camesha Powell. This is chic swimwear that will keep your styling beyond the beach,  boasting delicate ruffles, sexy tassels and teasing cut -aways. No wardrobe should be without. 

Camesha recently took time from her busy schedule to have a lovely chat with us,  where she shared her story,  the inspiration behind her current collection and her POSHE vision. Read on and be inspired... 

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MNIAlive: How and when did you decide to be a designer?

Camesha: I launched my clothing label in 2007 at Caribbean Fashion Week but grew up always wanting to be in fashion. My creativity is in the blood, my mom was a designer on a smaller, more exclusive scale, so I was always surrounded by fabrics, machines, seeing the process and helping her at times. In a sense I didn't choose fashion, it chose me! 

MNIAlive: We've heard that you had a brief hiatus from design, can you share what you've been doing? Are you still designing full time?

Camesha: I didn't really have a hiatus from design, I did Caribbean Fashion Week for three years and just made a business decision to focus on wider exposure, doing more international shows, Miami Fashion Week in April 2011 and The New York Fame coming up in September. I'm constantly producing for clients, putting new ideas and collections together....I never stop! I also started doing more styling for commercials, print, music videos and been working on opening a boutique...so fashion overall is more so a full time career than ever before. 

MNIAlive: Why the name POSHEstar?

Camesha: POSHE is the name of my brand; POSHEstar is the alter ego exuded from wearing POSHE. POSHEstar: a woman who owns her sexuality and celebrates her femininity...sexy-stylish-sophisticated! 

MNIAlive: What was your inspiration behind your swimwear collection?

Camesha: Living in the tropics where I believe the options should be limitless and no woman should have an issue finding a swimsuit she just falls in love with...I realized that wasn't the case. I wanted to give women options that make a statement, that's stylish but still practical. Swimsuits are no longer just for going swimming, they are now a major representation of personal style.  

MNIAlive: Your collection was very well received at Miami Fashion Week 2011, how did you become involved with this event and how have opportunities like these helped to develop your brand?

Camesha: I attended MFW in 2008 and decided I wanted to do the show, emailed the organizers about my interest, they loved my pieces but it was too costly. As fate would have it, I worked on a production for a reality TV series, Mission Catwalk where the winner got to show at MFW, and the opportunity was presented to me so I did it. Fashion shows are a great medium to expose and position your brand, the more reputable the show the better the affiliation. They present your talent to fashion enthusiasts, media and industry professionals so it's a good platform for making a name for yourself. 

MNIAlive: What advice do you have for others wishing to pursue  fashion design in the region with limited resources?

Camesha: It's an extremely competitive industry globally and so it takes intense desire, passion and commitment to make it. Locally, there isn't enough support by the government or private entities and resources are limited but if you have the drive and passion then go for it, but [it's] important to be realistic and make goals for yourself and be dedicated.  

MNIAlive: How much time did you put into the swimwear collection and is this something you will be developing in the future?

Camesha: The swimwear line was a spontaneous decision, I did the collection in two weeks, and I'm still adding new pieces. I'll definitely be developing it more.  It's an extension of the product line offered by POSHE; expansion of which has always been my vision. 

MNIAlive: Does the Caribbean provide a viable market for  fashion designers such as yourself  or is it vital to look outside of the region for longevity?

Camesha: I believe in any business its vital to think global, and fashion is no exception... it's extremely important if you want to make a successful career out of it. The Caribbean overall is a viable market but focusing on just your country will not bring you major success. 

MNIAlive: What's been the most important lesson that you've learnt so far in your journey to now internationally known design label?

Camesha: Be committed to excellence...build your brand one day at a time...the beginning is the hardest...you will see it grow and your dreams realised. 

MNIAlive: You're also known for being a beauty queen and having your own  very chic and sassy style.What advice would you give to a woman who  is looking for something to wear from your collection on date night out; how should she choose the outfit most suited to her?

Camesha: Thank you! The suitability of an outfit is highly dependent on the personality and body type of a woman...what makes her feel sexy but comfortable...gives her the most confidence. I like to get to know my clients when I meet them...how reserved or daring they are...and then I show them options I think compliments who they are. 

MNIAlive: What is the ideal night out for Camesha  Powell?

Camesha: That depends on the mood I'm in and who I'm with. If it's a girls night out I like a club with great atmosphere, music and high energy. If it's a special someone, I like dinner, movie, a broadway play, art gallery or more of a lounge atmosphere. I have a very outgoing personality so I enjoy a wide array of activities. 

MNIAlive: What does being a Caribbean designer mean to you?

Camesha: I take great pride in where i'm from and feel blessed to have been born  in such rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. It gives you a strong sense of identity and is very inspirational as a designer with our music, food, people, our beautiful island.  

MNIAlive How do you keep yourself grounded and also deal with any criticism towards your work?

Camesha: I've always had a strong independence and I know who I am and the woman I want to be. I'm comfortable in my skin and never forget how blessed I am; that's was keeps me grounded...gratitude. I'm still young and constantly learning so I may not always get it right...so I welcome constructive criticism. When it comes to persons who are just negative or unsupportive, I keep focus and block their negative aura.  

MNIAlive: Where are your collections retailed?

Camesha: They are available directly from me at moment as I'm finalizing retailer agreements.  I have interest from numerous stores but I want to make sure all the elements are in place before.  

MNIAlive: What's next for POSHE?

Camesha: POSHE will be primarily based in NY for the next two years, where i'll be pursing a Masters at FIT whilst pushing the brand more internationally. Long term I hope to have POSHE all over the world, I want to expand it further to include not just clothing and swimwear but accessories such as bags, shoes and jewelry. I also want to explore other areas more such as events, TV productions, seminars and workshops...and most of all I want to start a charity.  

Visit http://www.youthlinkjamaica.com/fashion.html for Camesha's top 5 tips for wearing the perfect POSHEstar Swimwear.

You can also order via  Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/POSHEstar/146449628722500?sk=wall or email at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vita Wade is a Freelance Stylist in the UK. If you have enjoyed this piece you will also like her BLOG ON AFRO|FASHION|ART|MUSIC and FACEBOOK PAGE!