As mentioned before with regards to commercial and fashion shoots, I always want to know a bit more about the organisation in order to create the right images. My curiosity extended to the individual behind the brand in this case. So before and during the shoot the questions came flying.
Reina de Santiago: It has been 2 years since I took the brave wise or stupid decision to create Reina de Santiago, this question prompted me to take stock and reflect. Was it a whim, a fleeting passion or a real deep rooted desire to do something different? I have to be honest and say it was a mix of all three but what keeps me going is the deep rooted desire to create something different.
Elaine Pringle Photography: Who and what is Reina de Santiago?
Reina de Santiago: Reina de Santiago comprise a team of me, myself and I……together we live sleep and eat this brand in between being a wife and mother to two young kids. Over the past two years, sleep has become hard currency not even available on the black market. If you hail from any country with high inflation, you know what I’m talking about. As for time, it is sorely lacking. But despite this developing the brand has taught me lots, I am still learning and my passion for fabrics is not satiated. My idea of bliss, is a couple of hours in a large fabric warehouse with bales of all sorts of cloth. Of course African wax is top of my list but silk satin, silk chiffon, jacquards and good old cotton sateen with a bit of elastane are hot favourites. Our philosophy is to celebrate different cultures by mixing fabrics used by women from different parts of the world to create unique pieces.
Reina de Santiago: Reina launched with tailored shirts from the classic collection, comprised of premium cotton spiced up with Wax. Since then we have improved on the cut allowing for Divalicious babes (Divas blessed with boobs). Whilst meeting customers, the afore mentioned Divalicious babes would complain that they have to select a larger sizes to allow for the problem area….the boobs. My first reaction was to remind these Divas, that they are divalicious and that there are many who pay good money for the problem area they are talking about. We will still produce the tailored cut and will add the Diva cut and the wrap shirt to the mix. Vintage inspired wax skirts have now been added to the Classic collection.
Elaine Pringle Photography: What’s next for Reina de Santiago?Reina de Santiago: The Essential collection has been launched, it comprises premium cotton Tees with wax appliqué motifs and African wax accessories. Reina’s next step is to launch the Opera collection for special occasions. The opera collection is as the name suggest is for Grand Dames who wish to make an impression that is be noticed and never just seen. The collection features Kupure lace, african wax, silk satins and chiffons.
It was a wonderful shoot and a very informative day. Who would have know so much thinking and not just labour goes into getting the end product. To see the magnificent range of clothing and to check out RdS new range please click on the following links:
We wish Reina de Santiago well in the forthcoming London Africa Fashion Week
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