Edits I
I started Sani’s Edits a couple of years ago (on Instagram) and thought it would be nice to bring them into this space. This way I could add little blurbs to provide context to the images. Visuals are such an important part of any brand or business, but our visual story/brand identity has definitely been as notable an element of Sanianitos, as our unique and thoughtful approach to Caribbean Fashion & Lifestyle.
Samples & Swatches - 16.10.23
A fun fact about the sample fabrics on the left is that they’re design number 44 & 45 in a repository of art-on-fabric that I have been building since my tenure at fashion school in Trinbago. My goal is to see most of those prints evolve from digital to reality. So, when these (and a few other samples) came in, I was quite emotional when I finally touched them. I’m so excited to see their final form. It will definitely be a special moment for myself and the brand.
The swatches on the right are from Heqat I. We were making decisions on colourways and marvelling at how well they work with our future fabrics.
Step I - 23.11.22
The next four images actually ended up being quite an eye opener. Where I was just happy to be able to show you how the earring forms (from the simple tools on the left), they actually provided insight of length of time.
Step II - 24.11.22
As you can see (when I have the initial idea), I like to get an idea of scale and layout. The piece we’re focusing on is in the middle and as you’ll see by the end, the shape you believe it may become, will evolve into something more.
Step III - 25.11.22
If you count from the image above, I have about 6/7 pairs of earrings on one hoop. What has occurred at the left, is what happens when one pair creates enough excitement to retain all of my focus, undivided attention, and curiosity at what it will end up looking like. At this point, I want to see the earring completed, however. I make sure to complete every other earring on the hoop, because when I cut one out, I like to cut everyone out too.
The end (result) - 30.11.23
Thus, 5 days later we have a complete pair of earrings and my first time trying them on. Made with Light & Love has been a mission statement for the brand since its inception (and don’t worry, we have an Entry coming to explain that one). When I got these lettered beads, there was no doubt that I was going to use them in this way and I have no regrets. As you will come to know through Entry I, I enjoy finding ways to express the brand’s culture, through non-verbiage. This pair was special and I couldn’t wait to see who they belonged to.
spoiler - She’s as special as they are.
When original sketch & final cuts meet - 09.06.22
It’s always nice for you to see where the ideas began. Some of my favourite design elements came from the Sopdet collection. The flowers at the bottom of the earring (pictured left) are meant to represent looking at a bougainvillea from the front.
From 2D - 09.06.22
When the idea is taken from my mind and placed on paper (as above), I then focus on creating a digital pattern. What you see is what the end result will be. And as the image above, this design also features my perspective of a bougainvillea, this time from the above angle. The details (thinly lined) are an homage to the goddess featured in the bottom shape, Hathor. But it’s actually a functional element, as it will house jump rings.
To 3D - 08.06.22
When the digital pattern is finalised, we get to the good part. This process is the engraving step of the final design and as you can see, every detail is depicted. Because I use carefully curated acrylics in small batches, I cut samples first, with the intent to provide a more neutral option, shall they succeed in their process. If there’s any adjustments to be made to the pattern, we can better identify them in this way. But, at this point, we have a formula perfected for the past 5 years, which will assist us with minimising wasted pieces.
A most fashionable meet up - 09.11.22
As I mentioned before, our visuals are quite strong. I have a great eye for capturing the essence of a thing and selecting (or creating) the most appropriate moods for the visuals. If I may say so myself haha. Thinking about it as I type, I must connect it to the opportunity I had to absorb myself in fashion magazines from a really young age. My amazement at these conceptualisations have always informed my visual perspective. And I have always believed the aesthetics that seem to be achievable only in international spaces, can be created right here in Trinbago.
You only to have the eyes to see it.