It’s the first time on The Rock for Bahamian fashion designer Kejuana Beneby. The lanky beauty, who is also an artist and former model, is here to debut her collection of bright prints at Saint International Style Week’s fashion collection showcase at the National Gallery of Jamaica. We make acquaintance with Beneby on the eve of her collection’s unveiling a day earlier on the rooftop of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for Saint’s ‘White Night, White Style’ event, where she immediately catches our attention with her poise and of course, her stylised wardrobe.

What are you sipping?

A glass of Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay.

What prompted your decision to showcase your collection at Saint International’s StyleWeek?

Tercena Carey from Profiles98 Magazine told me she believed in my talent and had an amazing opportunity for me to showcase my collection out of the country. I thought being able to showcase my talent and be an ambassador for my country was an offer I could not refuse.

You are a model-turned-designer. Was the shift to becoming a designer an organic one?

Most definitely. This isn’t my first time making a transition into a different platform of artistry. I’ve tried my hand at different things from music to poetry, painting and drawing to dance; I just feel it’s all an expression of who I am, and that is a creative person at heart.

What kind of woman wears a Kejuana Beneby design?

I’m not a fussy person and feel like I should be able to make a statement without trying too hard. My designs in my opinion are a reflection of that: simple pieces really, but bold and strong enough to grab your attention. My ideal client is that woman who knows the power and confidence that comes with being well-dressed but doesn’t have to work hard to feel well-dressed. Someone who can throw on a pair of jeans and command attention in the room.

What differences have you noted, if any, between Jamaican and Bahamian style?

Hmmm. Bahamians love to get dressed and be in the company of others who can appreciate the art of personal style and fashion. I’ve noticed Jamaican style is the same. Everyone holds their own ground and everyone loves to be around like-minded stylish company.

Which international designers do you fancy and why?

My inspiration of late has been the style of Stella Jean. The way she mixes and matches her prints is amazing. Also, Zuhair Murad — his attention to detail is impeccable.

What perfume are you spraying?

Downtown by Calvin Klein.

Who does your hair?

I do my own hair. I’ve been natural for two years.

Who does your nails?

I do my own nails. They are always kept short and clean with no polish.

The need for improved ethnic diversity on international catwalks has been an ongoing talking point for many fashion seasons. As a former model, what is your take?

Breaking into the modelling scene is hard enough as it is, and being of Caribbean/black ethnicity didn’t make it any better. I will say though that barriers now are being broken. Tammy and Kai can be a testimony I’m sure. Saint International, from what I’ve seen, is making leaps and bounds. I don’t recall seeing it happen when I started six to seven years ago but it’s still refreshing to see it happen.

Where is your go-to place to chill?

I’m a homebody. I mostly prefer to chill at a friend’s house in good company.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I’m a hopeless romantic. I was told that you are allowed to be a fool in love one time; one time is all you get. Once you take your turn, don’t run back around and make the same mistakes again. Get up and learn from it; that actually inspired me to get a tattoo “life goes on, even after love”, and it truly does.

What are your must-pack travel essentials?

My phone charger! I always travel with gum and a big enough handbag to fit everything that’s completely unecessary inside of it.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

I’m an easy-going person, so a quiet dinner with good food, enlightening and refreshing conversation on a still night is simple yet effective. I don’t want all that fluff and sparkle. I want to get to know you.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

A man who loves you unconditionally and accepts all your imperfections; someone who is not afraid to show you or show the world how he feels about you.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I see myself within the next few years travelling the world with fashion, and artistry being my ticket. I’m not concerned about selling 10,000 pieces at the moment. I’m more concerned with building strong relationships with different people who share the same passion as myself.