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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Focus on Fashion
We've been following Bahamian fashion designer, David Rolle's career now since we first saw him in 2010 at Islands of the World Fashion Week (see video here). We are excited to announce that Rolle is heading back to Jamaica for Mission Catwalk, and this time for their All-star series! The hit regional series first featured the designer in season 3 back in 2013, where he placed second in the overall competition. David is the founder of House of Raphelita, an evolving Bahamian fashion brand with hopes of one day becoming a lifestyle brand. Raphelita embodies an island allure that never compromises for international appeal. Since the cameras stopped filming, Rolle has managed to keep himself busy with a number of projects. “My clientele has expanded beyond my own imagination. Not only do I continue to build my brand, I am humbled to say I am employed with Harl Taylor BAG as their creative director. I have also spent an extensive amount of time perfecting the art of fashion styling. It has been a dream to travel to exotic locations, dress beauty queens, political leaders, and even the girl next door. It's amazing that my dream has become my reality." Rolle also states that he’s going back into the competition this time with a different mindset. “During season three. I wasn’t really confident in myself as a designer. I knew that I was talented, but I honestly never imagined making it all the way to the finals. I'm at a different place now mentally. I don’t compare myself to other designers, and I look forward to the critique of the judges, rather than their approval.” David credits a lot of his infatuation with fashion and design to a number of Bahamians. He shared that before he knew what fashion design was, when he found himself absorbing things that would later be essential to his success as a fashion designer. “I remember visiting my mom's cousin Deanne in Freeport, Grand Bahama and she made wedding gowns. I heard her say to my mother that the gown she was working on featured hundreds of pearls and crystals. All of the beading at the front of the dress could be glued on while the beading at the rear had to be sewn. This was to ensure that none of the beads came off while the client was sitting. Those words never left me.” He also mentioned that before he was able to sew he would commission work from veterans like Judy Deleveaux, Jillien Cunningham and Javotte Bethel, who in so many ways memorized him with their talent. He also mentioned the work of Lisa Humes, April Burrows, Jeff St. John, Harl Taylor, and Sabrina Francis, all of which have left him awestruck by their brilliance. The all-star season of Mission Catwalk is set to air in about two weeks on Cable 12 and JTV.com weekly. Let’s give David Rolle our support by tuning in! Bahamian designers make it into the finals of Mission Catwalk Bahamian designer, David Rolle wins up-cycling challenge on Mission Catwalk
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