Maya Winston on the Inspiration Behind His Luxury Handbags and Maintaining Cultural Identity

The 2020 racial reckonings heightened awareness across many industries, especially fashion, ushering in a new era where BIPOC designers were supported and given the voice they deserve. This push paved the way for more Black-owned brands to emerge on the scene, and one newcomer has managed to set themselves apart from the rest - Maya Winston. In just one year of business, the Jamaican-born designer, now based in New York City, has created a luxury accessory label that's known for its viral handbags uniquely crafted in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, including their small leather tote, most popularly worn by Angela Simmons, Tia Mowry, and Remy Ma.

"It's just those Jamaican roots; we can make anything fashionable."

Winston has since catapulted into the luxury bag market with a brand identity that's just as rich as the quality of his pieces. At 11, he migrated with his family to the US, where he learned firsthand how to sew from his mother, a sought-after seamstress, establishing the foundation of the Maya Winston brand. "Growing up in Jamaica, my mom was always making everyone's clothes, and as far as I could think back, I've always been surrounded by sewing machines, where I would often stitch my uniform whenever I messed it up," Winston tells POPSUGAR. "It's just those Jamaican roots; we can make anything fashionable. Take nothing and make it into something."

With over a decade spent cultivating his love for design (even starting the men's streetwear line Terry Winston in 2013, once worn by Teyana Taylor), the Bronx native transitioned to creating accessories for the elevated and confident woman, regardless of demographic. His highly-coveted bags have also captured the attention of major companies like Samsung, which resulted in an exclusive collaboration during New York Fashion Week that included a fireside chat with Winston and a billboard in Times Square. "I always told myself, I'm going to have a billboard one day. But I never stopped to think about what it would look like or its message," he says. "It was surreal, and Samsung was the perfect company to get consumers to know the face behind the name; it just made sense."

Ahead, Winston opens up about the future of his brand, cultural identity, the impact of racial inclusivity, and more. Keep reading for the full interview and shop his signature pieces.

from POPSUGAR Fashion https://ift.tt/ybZN5qx

Comments

10 Stylish Old Navy Pants That Will Replace Your Denim

Whether you're looking for tailored pants to pair with a blazer for work or want an alternative to your favorite jeans and comfy joggers , we have a mix of on-trend and timeless silhouettes to add to your rotation. Old Navy's vast selection boasts plenty of highly-rated bestsellers at affordable price points that are hard to beat. From flared and split-hemmed styles to skinny and cargo cuts, we uncovered stylish options for every mood. With colors ranging from subtle neutrals to saturated jewel tones, there's more than just variations in silhouettes to consider. From burgundy flared suit pants to light-as-air cargo pants, a bold pant can be paired with a classic top for an easy outfit that still makes a statement. If buttons and zippers are holding you back from venturing beyond sweats most days, we've found a mix of deceptively comfy pull-on pants with elasticized waists. From stretchy trousers to stylish joggers, keep scrolling to shop our top 10 favorite Old Navy...

Candice Huffine: "Size Does Not Equal Health, and Weight Does Not Equal Worth"

Image Source: Luvlette Born in Washington DC and raised in a Maryland suburb, Candice Huffine did a little bit of everything when she was growing up, from being captain of the cheerleading squad to taking her turn as a pageant queen. "It was 'typical' in a Hallmark movie kind of way, I guess," Huffine tells POPSUGAR. "These details are important to mention because they did influence my life path. I willingly put myself on a stage at every turn - and not always kind ones - to do the things I loved or to follow a dream I had." Huffine, 39, signed her first modeling contract in 2000. She was "determined" to be a model, despite the fashion industry being notoriously discriminatory toward plus-size people. Knowing the odds were stacked against her propelled Huffine even further toward realizing her dream. "When I received a contract as a plus-size model, it unlocked a new mission in me: to not pursue modeling just for myself, but to push har...

10 Gap Gifts For Guys He'll Want to Wear Immediately

When you consider the men in your life, from significant others to dads, it's likely that at least one item in their wardrobe has seen better days (even if they won't admit it). Perhaps it's a trusty hoodie showing one too many signs of wear or a set of socks begging for a refresh. No matter what section of his closet could use an update, Gap is a one-stop shop that just may be the nudge to toss out the old and try something new. Whether he's currently living in cozy sweatpants or suiting up for virtual meetings, our gift list has him covered. We compiled options for every occasion: birthdays, Father's Day , or just because, with ideas at every price point. From everyday basic tees to timeless sweaters that promise years of wear, we've got casual choices and more polished picks to suit his style. Best yet, many of these items are up to 50 percent off right now. So, what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop our favorite gifts for men from Gap. Relat...

Fashion Impulse Mania

Search This Blog