Island Inspired : The Spirit Of SoKa

The Caribbean style and culture has always inspired me. The colors, fabric weights, and silhouettes of their garments are beautiful and fun. Women of the islands have this radiant glow of free spirits and bold confidence. So many designers have begun to capture this aesthetic. The execution of this trend and style of dress in general, is captured best by those who have roots in the colorful culture. Born & raised in the West Indies, SoKa is the contrivance of 22-year-old Couturier, Karen De Freitas-Fraser.

HH: Who Is the SoKa woman? What stories do your collections tell?

KF: At this moment we are still defining who this woman is, but she is definitely confident in herself. I think SoKa represents me, unafraid to experiment with colors, new shapes, and patterns. I tell stories through my collections. My first collection was inspired by living in Martinique when I was younger. The richness of the area moved me. There was a strong influence of French imperialism. The architecture, statues, and the heritage of the Creole and African mixed with European inspired me. This current collection was influenced by prints as well as my background; growing up going to the Saturday morning market, the rich colors, strong smells, and the process of how fruits came from country to town. I’m really not good with expressing myself in words so fashion is my form of communication.

HH: What is your favorite garment to design for the female silhouette?

KF: It changes with my moods. Right now, I enjoy playing with seams and cut outs to create new silhouettes. The woman wearing my label has to be aware of her body and confident enough to show it off.

HH: How do you describe your personal style?
KF: It’s really eclectic and whimsical. I love bold accessories. Since I’m usually working I don’t have time to focus on my dressing. I’ll wear comfortable pieces, such as men shirts which are the best for pockets and comfort, and maybe shorts or jeans so I’ll add the accessories to make the outfit. When I have time, I usually wear prints, dresses, or tailored pieces. I don’t necessarily follow trends but I’m aware of them. I don’t have a daily uniform. I play with my silhouettes and colors. I’m an avid thriftier and wear a lot of my mother and grandmother’s clothes.

I’m always wearing a red lipstick and experimenting with my hair, I get bored. Right now I’m wearing it natural with curls and I constantly change the color. Today it’s an Ombre with pink. Next, I’m thinking turquoise.

HH: Favorite trends for fall?
KF: I love the Ombre dyes and patterns for fall, especially pattern blocking and the dark floral trend on jeans and tights.

HH: Working on any new projects?
KF: School has started for me already, so I have million projects, as well as interning. SoKa will do a small holiday line, five staple pieces. Shop SoKa will launch really soon, and I’m hoping everyone is excited as I am. Then, back to working on Spring /Summer SoKa, my plate is always full. I can’t stop creating.

HH: Where can we follow your work?
KF: I’m basically on all social networks; I update them daily to let people know new things, and what I’m working on. My official site, www.madebysoka.com will soon relaunch for the new collections, and SoKa will also launch a blog.