Kern Marcelle and Tyron Kerr have said "I do" to fashion and creativity.
It is evident that the two have more in common besides their dreadlocks hairstyle, they also share a passion for creativity and designing and have come together to form Kerr & Marcelle Designs, and are now set to make their mark in T&T and the world.
The two will be showcasing their talent at an upcoming bridal and fashion show at The Lions Cultural Centre, Fitzblackman Drive, Port-of-Spain, on April 23. They are promising that the runway fashion show is going to be like no other wedding event ever held in T&T.
They have described it as a show with a difference, since it is not just about displaying bridal gowns.Dubbed Say I Do To Fashion, the event will not only feature spectacular one-of-a kind bridal dresses, but will include resort wear, formal, everyday casual, creative and swim wear.
Marcelle said the design team offered one-stop shopping for the bride, where she can get almost everything done, from her hair, nails, eyelashes, manicures and pedicures.
When asked why they were having an expo in a recession, Marcelle said their main focus was to have people support and buy local and keep the money in the economy as the country needed it.
The more people invest in the economy, the two young businessmen believe, the better it would be for the people in the Caribbean.
When the Sunday Guardian interviewed Marcelle, 33, and Kerr 31, at their booth in Aaliyah's Mall, Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain, Kerr said, "We've been to other bridal expos and saw that certain things were lacking. Not much emphasis was placed on certain areas such as floral arrangement and decor, and when it came to actual wedding dresses there wasn't a wide selection which wasn't a good showing.
"We came up with the idea that if we have our own expo, more emphasis will be placed on the fashion aspect of it as well as everything else.
"So using our skills and talent, we decided to design our first collection, our first fashion event where we debuted our first bridal collection in 2013 at the Red Runway fashion show at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya."
He said the event was one of the biggest local fashion shows that showcased local designers, upcoming designers and models.
Kerr said they then got their first bride and pageant delegate which they outfitted in their original designs. At the Miss Heritage International in December 12, 2015, in India, T&T's representative Ketisha Williams who was the first runner-up wore a Kerr & Marcelle gown.
Grenadian-born Marcelle said he does the cake baking, decorating and bouquets while they share the decor duties and designing the bridal dress and other wear such as resort, formal, casual and swim wear. They also want to focus on event planning, catering, and even supplying tents, tables and chairs.
So what sets Kerr & Marcelle apart from other designers?
Kerr said Kerr & Marcelle Designs stepped out of the ordinary and broke the traditional mould with daring wedding gowns, plunging necklines and backs, jumpers and romper wedding outfits with detachable trains.
Marcelle said if a bride didn't want to change from her wedding dress to a reception or ballroom dress, all she had to do was remove her train and show off her stunning, cold-shoulder or sweetheart cut jumper as well.He said they also made short dresses with detachable trains as well for different types of brides who wanted to step out of the box and not just be in the traditional lace, applique and tulle wedding gowns.
Marcelle said they broke away from that a long time ago and were doing their own original and creative designs, incorporating spandex into their dresses as well.What are they doing differently during this recessionary period?
Kerr, who was born in Tobago, said in this recessionary time, they will be sourcing more economical materials so that they will be able to make more budget-friendly bridal dresses starting from $1,500 and up.
Asked about value for money, Marcelle said one of their bridal creations can cost $3,500 and upwards, depending on the amount of hand beading, intricate work, and cost of materials which they purchase locally. Clients can also opt for a creation that is more basic and can be accessorised.
Kerr said they were always willing to work with brides on a budget to create their dream wedding dress and event.
About Marcelle
Kern Marcelle was born in La Tante, St Davids, Grenada. He attended the Arima New Government Primary School, Mt Hope Junior Secondary School, then onto Arima Senior Comprehensive School where he studied tailoring, craft and pattern construction.Marcelle then did bread, cakes and pastry at The Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP).
After this, he did a short course in culinary arts at the Civilian Conservation Corps and the T&T Hospitality and Tourism Institute (TTHTI).Marcelle said he has now since taken up the initiative to follow his passion for sewing and put it to use and create fabulous fashion garments.
About Kerr
Tyron Kerr was born in Scarborough, Tobago, and attended the Scarborough Methodist school and Scarborough Secondary, and then on to Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School. After then went on to do cosmetology and beauty culture at the University of The West Indies and makeup with Sasha Cosmetics after winning a make-up competition.
For more information see the designers' Facebook site: https://web.facebook.com/Kerr-Marcelle-Designs-Events-868642086585723/?fref=ts