Fashion designer overcomes stigma to pursue his dreams

Growing up in the Kingston 11 inner-city community of Seaview Gardens, Lucien Harrison said he was considered the 'odd child' and was often bullied because he was not interested in electronic devices and other gadgets like other boys his age.

His focus was on the fashion industry and he set his eyes on becoming a tailor, something that was frowned upon by others. But the negative criticisms did not prevent him from following his heart. Today, the 29-year-old fashion designer and creative director has styled many top Jamaican personalities, like influencer Yendi Phillips, entertainers Shenseea and Jada Kingdom and media personality Simone Clarke-Cooper. Recently, he showed off his collection at the 2020-2021 Miss Jamaica Pageant.

"I am a one man team and that in itself can be pressuring because I cater from the sole of the head to the crown of one's feet. I do make-up, hair and everything when needed. If I invite my friends to go out they will come and get dressed at my home so that in itself is a lot of work. My dream is to create a one-stop boutique where males and females can just come and get ready," he said. Harrison admitted that he was a loner as a youngster and was not the talkative type.

FULL SUPPORT OF FAMILY

"During career day [at school] I didn't go as anyone because I wasn't going to lie and choose a traditional career, and saying that I wanted to be a tailor would be an embarrassment or frowned on. However, I had the full support of my family but outside was difficult," he said. Harrison said that at age 11, his older sister bought him a sewing machine, which he called 'the best gift ever'.

"I started cutting up fabric and sewing them back up together and I taught myself how to sew. I would sew outfits for my mother and friends. They would always wear them even when they were horribly done. They are really supportive and there are times when they would go back in their closets and show me stuff that I had made and when I look at it, it is really awful," he said between laughter. He stated that although the perception of gender-based jobs is declining, some persons still do not approve of his career path.

"Those persons are really just ignorant to an extent that they don't know that life is beyond a gender as it relates to making career choices. I live to see a lot of male nurses so that shows that the stigma attached to career paths is changing. We just have to follow our hearts. It's a really good feeling to know that you are getting paid for doing what you enjoy," he said.

Harrison said he hopes to inspire other youths who share a similar passion but are afraid of stepping out because of the naysayers.

"I regret not stepping out from a long time because who knows how much farther life would take me. But everything happens for a reason. It is very sad to know that you have a young man or woman who wants to do something and are afraid because of the negative criticisms. I want to go into schools and give talks to students about pursuing their dreams and not to be afraid of going after what they want. Just follow your dreams and do not live for the expectations of others," Harrison said.