Interview by Tami Tsansai, Photos by Martei Korley—
Welcome to LargeUp’s new street style feature, Pop Style. Every other Friday, we’ll be talking sartorial shop with the most impeccably dressed men and women of the Caribbean and the diaspora, from familiar faces to everyday people pon di corner. Along the way we intend to show the world what we’ve long held true—no one’s got style and swagger quite like the islands.
Natalie Barnes
Artist and Entrepreneur
Spotted in: Havendale, Kingston, Jamaica
LargeUp: Tell Pop Style about what you’re wearing.
Natalie: My dress is T & T, my jewelry by Reve, and my sandals and handbag are from HART-IN-IRITS. All Jamaican designers.
LU: How would you describe your style?
NB: Eclectic, with [a] strong Afro-Caribbean focus.
LU: Is this your typical daily look?
NB: Not really.
LU: What influences your choice of clothing when you get dressed?
NB: It usually depends on where I am going and the particular function, but I always try to wear something from a local designer.
LU: What do you get the most questions about or compliments on in terms of your style?
NB: My jewelry and accessories, since they are usually unique and customized by established Caribbean artists.
LU: You must get noticed and approached a lot in Kingston. How do men respond to your look as opposed to women?
NB: Men are sometimes respectfully complimentary depending on what I am wearing, while women are specific in their admiration of the overall look.
LU: Accessories, clothing or shoes, what’s your favourite?
NB: I often repeat wearing my Lela’s “Barely There” tan or “Used to Be” sandals.
LU: What is your most treasured piece?
NB: I like all my pieces now, they are wearable, functional art.
