BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TWENTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD Shontel Kasheina Vanterpool recently launched her clothing line called, Naturally Royal, for women who seek fashion that is not main stream.
“Going into town and shopping for clothing was frustrating to me. Every single store had the same thing and they are all over-priced. Come on, what is available for us individuals who want that next level of creativity and individuality. Those of us who desire to express ourselves through our clothing? We need an outlet,” Vanterpool said.
Naturally Royal Clothing was birthed simply because of this designer’s observation that there was definitely a need for unique styles that would cater to women who appreciate and love Afro and Rastafarian culture.
Shanny as she is affectionately known, further expressed, “Even if it is just a selected few, I needed to push something. So I decided to put a foot forward and make a start with an unofficial launch of Naturally Royal Clothing with a Facebook page and, of course, through word of mouth.”
Naturally Royal clothing is chic, stylish and versatile. It is an Afro-Centric brand with an urban twist and Rasta undertones, using not only African Prints but diverse patterns and fabrics to create pieces with versatility.
When asked what her goals are as a designer, she said it is vital that she creates pieces that people would love and appreciate in terms of design and affordability, which is a major focus when creating the clothing.
In terms of customer service, she stated that they always try to give their clients no less than the 100 percent good service that they deserve, whilst keeping the women who purchase Naturally Royal designs uniquely styled and not having to be attired at an event and witness the same designs on someone else.
Vanterpool will soon begin an online course in Fashion Design and has been seeking a local mentor, but said it has indeed proven to be difficult as everyone is busy and unable to mentor her in the art of fashion design locally.
Her greatest challenge currently, is making it known that she is a credible source to purchase clothing. But determined is she to make Naturally Royal a known brand not only locally but internationally.
Since the unofficial launch in January, the line has been showcased in the Cameron University Fashion Week in Oklahoma, and she said there are definite plans to officially launch Naturally Royal Clothing with a Fashion Show.
When asked why she called her line a revolutionary movement, Vanterpool shared her ‘vibes’ that witnessing the absence of real originality in the way people dress, adding that this line would pave the way for individual expression.
Nevertheless, an official website is being created so that potential customers who embrace and love to showcase their natural royalty through fashion will be able to view and purchase Naturally Royal designs online.
As a designer, one of the leading marketing avenues for both upcoming and seasoned artists in the industry is to showcase at Fashion Weeks. And her top three Fashion Week picks on which she would hope to one day showcase her line are Canada’s Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.
To see more designs from Naturally Royal Clothing visit: www.facebook.com/benaturallyroyal
