Melanie Renee is a fashion designer and stylist. In 2017, she started her handmade lingerie brand, La Vern by MR. Her pieces have been worn by the likes of Amanda Reifer, in her “Rich Bitch Juice” music video, and Mahalia Cummins, in 2 Mile Hill’s “Conversation” music video.
You may have also seen Melanie’s lingerie on other prominent women in Barbados like Kesia Estwick, Shana Hinds, Krisirie, Christian Gibbs, Jalicia Nightengale, and Kari McCarthy-Miller. Melanie also created the outfit that Faith Callender wears in the cover art for her single, “Pop Kite”, and has styled Callender many times.
She is one of the local designers who were featured in the Fashion Week Brooklyn 2020 Style X Caribbean Fashion short film and in the fashion and arts edition of the NCF’s we166, published last year.
What sparked your interest in fashion design?
The fashion freedom of New York. As a young teen (14), revisiting after a very long time, it was like my designer spidey senses awakened. Aha. It was really quite surreal, seeing people have no limitations to style. These weren’t celebrities or TV hosts or models; these were regular people with unique styles.
Which of your designs are you the most proud of and why?
No Underwear. This caption I’d written on Instagram almost a year ago is the best way to describe this piece:
“When I started La V, I was just a creative, but in the world of entrepreneurship that wasn’t enough. There was a certain level of responsibility and integrity that I had to begin operating with and naturally in this result-driven, progressive society, it turned into perfectionism. Perfectionism was so important to me as I fought to stay competitive in a growing industry, but that same perfectionism led to procrastination and feelings of unworthiness, many times.
Not understanding the importance of balance at the time, I continued to build the habit of ‘this must be perfect first’. After continuing like this for years, I became stuck. I had a creative block. Not being able to produce as an entrepreneur who had responsibilities seemed unacceptable. How does that work in a society like this?
After some reflection, I began to draw, it made sense to try another form of self-expression. One without the pressure. Through realizing that I was seeking perfection in my drawing as well, I got frustrated and just began throwing paint, string, glitter everywhere aha. It resulted in one of the most beautiful art pieces I’d ever seen, a goddess with a crown, unfinished but mesmerizing. It wasn’t in comparison to anyone else’s art, it wasn’t for sale, it was free.
I stared at that piece for 10 mins and just began thinking about how perfect authenticity is. I wrote that line everywhere “authenticity is perfection”. It was from this that I knew I needed to enjoy the journey, explore my talent, and create more freely.
That’s when I created No Underwear – nothing else and I released it. No collection, just the goddess. This set will always mean the world to me, it reminds me of how a disadvantage can be turned into an advantage.” None of this means that I don’t still have blockages or struggles, it just means that I know I can get past them.”
I’m sorry it was so long, but to summarise what that piece has done for me would be unfair.
How would you describe your creative process?
Intuitive. Metamorphosis. Personal.
Who is the one person that you would love to design something for? Why?
Any artiste who genuinely appreciates the creative details and intricacy and loves style. Someone open minded and confident, who is sure of who they are, but willing to learn. A warm spirit who’s genuine and passionate. I’m not sure who that artist is, but I can’t wait to dress them.
Why have you chosen a career as an artist/creative? What is your “raison d’être”?
I don’t think I really chose it. It chose me. My granny, La Vern, was one of the best designers and seamstresses of her time. She could create pieces without patterns and would know your size by just looking. A true master. Growing up it was always interesting that I looked like her. We’re both quite peaceful too. Though I came into my destiny “late”, it was already fated.
