Claudia Pegus Designs - In the Media

Claudia Pegus in the Media

Shacbeau Volume One (January - April 2003)

BY LATA RAMDEO

a seductive wisp of a black halter accented with satin ribbon with low-rise animal print trousers, leopard print top that twists and ties and trails down the back like tailcoats, paired with a miniskirt of matching animal print peachskin twill. Such is the fare for Claudia Pegus' Carnival to Summer 2003 collection. Pegus has captured the look of the partyminded, sexy, wild Caribbean woman, in the long tapering asymmetrical lines and softer sheer flounces.

Her latest designs are definitely not for the woman of more conservative tastes, so, if you are not open to baring a little skin (maybe more than a little), then forget it! These flirtatious, in the moment creations, are predominantly - a colour known for its versatility and sophistication. Her complimentary palette incorporates the full use of tans, khaki and browns with some white and beige. These colours may seem non-descript, but do not be fooled, her designs are anything but...

Claudia Pegus is the quintessential Caribbean designer driven to perpetually recreate herself. She understands intuitively that invention is core to the pursuit of excellence and is restricted only by the scope of the possibilities of our environment. A successful designer and businesswoman, she exists in a woild of glamour and yet does not allow her head to be lost in the cloud that glamour can become.

Pegus is a person of contrasts: Down to earth yet sophisticated, boldly verbal, and yet introspective. You don't have to know her long to be impressed with her dedication to quality service, professionalism, excellence, style, health, and a cosmopolitan spirit.

In a recent interview with the petite designer, she cited that in her attempt to fulfil the demands of her clientele, she has played extensively with the asymmetrical. She has explored the nature of chiffon from fun and sexy to wild and naked. These elements are reflective of the youthful spirit
she is translating into fashion. There is a racy quality to her pieces that speeds your pulse and is quite arresting. Just when you think the design looks decent enough to wear in front of your grandmother, Pegus throws in black pants with slits up-to-there and chiffon inserts. Nonetheless, there is always the classic Claudia Pegus for granny.

Pegus has been able to successfully marry the art of fashion design with the business of fashion. She has thus not only been able to explore new business avenues in the industry, but has been able to lead the way for others, acting as consultant, mentor and adviser. She has been able to
articulate fresh perspectives on the industry and has championed the cause of the small producer by lobbying at the highest level of government. Shacbeau Page 47

Her operation is not focused on mass manufacturing. Instead she sets her sights on haute couture and niche marketing. Her real expertise lies in her ability to organise collaborative efforts with other regional and international designers. She recognises that because of the size of the Caribbean fashion industry, strategic alliances between small producers as well as with international players is critical for its survival. This mindset has allowed her work to penetrate and gain considerable popularity within the Caribbean region, as well as in Europe, the United States and Canada.

As a Caribbean designer, Pegus continues to reach into the vast reserves of the unexploited talent she sees all over the Caribbean "We do not fully harness the potential there is among our people, especially in the world of fashion, the way ihe international markets do," Pegus confesses. Claudia Pegus loves the business of fashion, and that same dedicated vitality is what makes her designs and the way she interprets style, wholly Caribbean.

Credits:
Editor 'Shacbeau': Ephraim Hunte