Khian Hendriks designer of 1962 Apparel. - Contributed

MANHATTAN, New York:

"We invite you to evade predictability. Gain a renewed appreciation for the familiar. Discover that the splendour of our nation is best echoed in our style through reflection upon our heritage," states 1962 Apparel's founder Khian Hendriks.

Like an independent nation that defied all odds, taking on its own identity in 1962, Hendriks, through her men's-wear-shirt label, is celebrating the independence of a nation through her 1962 Apparel.

Hendriks tells The Gleaner she has worn several unofficial creative hats and has chosen to turn her love for fashion into the patriotic line of apparel, appropriately named to signify the year of Jamaica's Independence.

Need for timeless collection

Born and raised in Kingston, the designer relocated to Miami in 1996 to attend Florida International University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, minored in restaurant and food service, as well as travel and tourism. Ambition embedded in her middle name, she immediately furthered her education, receiving a master's degree in international business.

"1962 Apparel evolved out of the need to fill a void in the Jamaican marketplace for a classic, timeless collection of apparel reflecting the soul of an independent Jamaica, with modern sensibility and style," she told The Gleaner from her Florida home.

"The line is geared towards the sophisticated man with a confidently subdued aesthetic, married with an appreciation for Jamaica's heritage. It transcends the quintessence of Jamaica by offering a more understated expression of patriotism through simplicity," she added.

Whether a proud Jamaican or sophisticated traveller, 1962 gives every man comfort, coupled with ageless, authentic style, she argues, suggesting that the line communicates a mantra similar to that which is depicted in the island's motto - Out of many, one people - in that despite not saying Jamaica, it is wholeheartedly reflected in every piece.

With collections titled 'Independent Jamaica' and 'Out of Many, One People', and styles ranging in names from Emancipation to Sovereign, the line is justly a representation of the essence of Jamaica.

Hendriks uses muted shades from the colour wheel - which she befittingly has renamed Sorrel, Starfish Orange, Sea Grape, Spanish Moss - which is essentially an extraction of inspiration from everyday elements in the country's local surroundings.

Great authentic shirts

Finally, each shirt is adorned with an organic hang tag detailing a brief history of what the year 1962 represents for Jamaica: the birth of an independent nation.

1962 Apparel provides great authentic shirts for visitors and locals alike. It is exclusively available at Kerry Manwomanhome, located at Half Moon Shopping Village in Montego Bay and 18 South Avenue, Kingston 10; Coyaba Resort, Montego Bay; and Sand Dollar at the Iberostar Grand Hotel.

Though 1962 has just come on the scene, Hendriks is already looking to the future! She plans to develop a collection of men's polo shirts in the upcoming months, as well as a special-edition Independence shirt for the summer of 2009.

She has already booked a booth for Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall in Montego Bay, and will have her clothing on sale from July 23-25 at the venue.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Jamaica Celebrates - Building Our Nation, Our Family, Our Home