By: Staff Writer
September 3, 2021
An award winning Jamaican fashion designer started off firefighting to now lighting up the fashion world with dazzling pieces, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moses Fennel, owner/operator of House of Fennel, a fashion house in Jamaica, told Caribbean Magazine Plus that growing up Catholic in Portmore is what created the fire in him to create the eye-catching designs that have become the hallmark of his brand. Moses also said: “My inspiration for the dazzling designs I create is drawn from nature, architecture, and spectacular imaginations of my mind power.
He said: “I grew up Catholic and this is where I admired the architecture, colours, the attire of the Saints and other religious & spiritual ensembles.”
This 11 year veteran of the fashion industry, who describes himself as a “Couturier and Courtier,” is an award winning fashion designer having won the Entrepreneurs Icon Award in Jamaica as well as participating in several shows in Jamaica and around the region including, the Irie Magic Fashion Fusion 2018 cohort #1, organised by the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), showcasing his collection during StyleWeek Jamaica. “The love for the Art of Fashion led me into the fashion industry,” Moses also said.
He was a designer on Mission Catwalk 2018, he then went on to participate in fashion workshops within the Caribbean region including the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design (CAFD), University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), working with a team of Caribbean designers to produce a collection for Carifesta 2019. Moses has volunteered on several occasions at Saints International since 2011 at Fashion Face of the Caribbean, Avant Garde Design of the year and Styleweek; Caribbean Fashion Week, Mission Catwalk, 2016 and the Collection Moda, 2017.
Moses was a firefighter covering aircraft and structural firefighting in Jamaica prior to transitioning into fashion designing, he stated, “Before I started Fashion Design & Technology at Uni, I was volunteering at fashion week in Jamaica, is how I got involved in the fashion industry and has not looked back.”
“I primarily design formal womenswear, including bridal attire. Additionally I do beachwear/swimwear and accessories such as travel bags. Custom-made options include costumes, casual wear, etc. I also execute menswear,” he added.
People can visit the House of Fennel’s atelier if they want to find any of Moses’s works or have an item custommade, something he prides himself on doing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a “blessing in disguise” for Moses as he explains that showcasing his talent in these times are being done virtually which allows him to attend more events and do more. “There are a lot of opportunities. Production is much affected. Showcasing my skills and talent is now done virtually for the most part.”
Moses added: “The last fashion show I attended (and showcased) pre-pandemic was International Fashion Festival, 2019 in Barbados and in December, 2020 I showcased in Caribbean Style and Culture virtual fashion showcase dubbed The Holiday show.”
