"The Forty" Collection
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Livingston Magazine
Mayiti.net
Santia McKoy Lève le Voile sur la collection “FORTY” à l’Occasion de Son 40e Anniversaire.
Santia McKoy, fondatrice de S&M Custom Design, célèbre son 40e anniversaire en dévoilant une collection inédite baptisée « FORTY ».
Originaire des Gonaïves, Santia a fait de la couture sa passion et son métier, s’inspirant dès son plus jeune âge de son oncle tailleur, Asson Nacius. Son parcours, riche et empreint de détermination, l’a menée à se distinguer sur la scène internationale, participant à des événements prestigieux tels que New York Fashion Week et Walk Fashion Show en 2018 et 2019.
Bien qu’elle soit absente d’Haïti depuis 2007, Santia veille à ce que ses créations soient un hommage à son pays natal. Que ce soit à travers des robes comme la célèbre « RÒB KANAL LA » ou ses collections marquant les esprits, elle parvient à conjuguer élégance, patriotisme et créativité.
Cette robe, spécialement conçue pour soutenir la construction du canal de Ouanaminthe, a eu un succès retentissant, chaque centime collecté étant destiné à cette noble cause.
Aujourd’hui, Santia franchit une nouvelle étape avec « FORTY », une collection en édition limitée qui symbolise son parcours personnel et professionnel. Disponible à New Fashion le 7 septembre 2024, la collection comporte 4 pièces de chaque modèle : des chapeaux, des robes et des valises ornés de tissus métalliques et de 40 roses façonnées à la main. Chaque pièce unique raconte une histoire, reflétant le style audacieux et l’esprit visionnaire de la créatrice.
Mais Santia ne compte pas s’arrêter là. Avec des projets ambitieux comme l’organisation de sa troisième édition de Fashion Show à Orlando et l’ouverture de son premier atelier de haute couture en Haïti, elle aspire à élever la mode haïtienne sur la scène internationale. Elle rêve de créer des événements exclusifs, invitant des mannequins de renommée mondiale à venir célébrer la mode sur les terres haïtiennes.
Santia McKoy est bien plus qu’une créatrice ; elle est une ambassadrice de l’art haïtien, une visionnaire qui utilise la mode pour raconter des histoires, construire des ponts et soutenir des causes vitales. « FOURTY » est non seulement une célébration de ses 40 ans, mais aussi une déclaration de son amour pour la couture, pour son pays, et pour l’innovation.
Orange Observer
Ocoee fashion designer Santia McKoy, of S&M Custom Design LLC, is celebrating her 40th birthday with a special collection called “FORTY.”
To commemorate the milestone, McKoy is releasing the collection on the day of her birthday Saturday, Sept. 7.
The designer said love is what inspired her to create the collection, which features four exclusive pieces, as well as a limited-edition hat collection.
“A letter written to myself at age 14 foretold my current identity and future self, inspiring the collection, which took 26 years to develop,” she said. “The collection conveys a crucial message: Do not ignore God’s plan. After graduating from college, my intention was to work in my field, but it wasn’t part of God’s plan for me. Now, I am an international fashion designer without any formal sewing education. Through the gift God blessed me with, I can create stories and bring them to life through fashion, transforming vision into reality and darkness into light.”
McKoy said each piece in the collection represents a special, emotional narrative.
The limited-edition hat collection will only have four pieces of each design available.
One of the dresses in the collection is made from colored metallic fabric symbolizing modernity and timelessness, while another is adorned with 40 handmade roses meticulously crafted to symbolize the designer’s birthday.
“Through this unique collection, I have gained a deeper understanding of emotions, details, ideas, connections and love,” McKoy said. “My hope is for this collection to remain an integral part of my brand, exemplifying creativity, couture and style, with the silver dress becoming a signature piece for birthdays and anniversaries, adaptable to milestone ages, with a floral arrangement reflecting the age.
“This collection is a personal tribute to the journey I’ve taken over the past 40 years,” she said. “Every piece is infused with the passion and creativity that have shaped my brand, and I’m excited to share this milestone with the world.”
The “FORTY” collection is available exclusively through McKoy’s website here.
Due to the release of the collection, McKoy will not hold her annual fashion show in Orlando.
However, the collection will be on view this weekend at the New York Fashion Show.
For more information or to contact McKoy, call (321) 662-7198 or email [email protected].
Written by: Annabelle Sikes | Photographer: Paul Darius
37 Magazine
S&M Custom Design, led by visionary designer Santia Mckoy, proudly presents the Forty Collection, a celebration of artistry and innovation marking Mckoy’s 40th birthday.
The collection, featuring four exclusive pieces and a limited-edition hat series, embodies the timeless elegance and cutting-edge design that defines the brand. Each garment in the collection is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity, making a bold statement in contemporary fashion.
In unveiling this collection, Santia has ignited a movement—a call for all women to recognize their worth beyond numerical age.
Is there a particular message or theme you are trying to convey through the
“FORTY” Collection?
The forty collection conveys a crucial message: do not ignore God’s plan. After graduating from college, my intention was to work in my field, but it wasn’t part of God’s plan for me. Now, I am an international fashion designer, without any formal sewing education. Through the gift God blessed me with, I can create stories and bring them to life through fashion, transforming vision into reality and darkness into light.
Are there any personal or emotional elements that you have infused into the “FORTY” Collection?
Each piece has an emotional narrative. The silver dress, crafted with 40 roses, holds a special significance for me, as I am passionate about roses and can create handmade roses to adorn the dress, symbolizing my age in a unique and meaningful way. My goal for this collection is to remain elegant and distinctive, reflecting my story as a 40-year-old mother of three girls.
The peach creation presented a unique design challenge. I developed the dress three times, evolving my concept with each iteration. While the initial idea showed promise, the vibe was not quite right. I reworked it, and the second attempt successfully captured the desired atmosphere. The third version finalized the design, incorporating a bow at the neckline, seamlessly integrating with the collection’s overall aesthetic. The peach collection features tailor-made fabric, specifically created for that look, boasting a 25-year durability guarantee, ensuring the fabric’s color and quality remain unchanged.
The pink gown is my ultimate aspiration. My dream is to be married in a pink dress, which I have designed as a symbol of my forthcoming wedding celebration. The dress features metallic customized fabric with a bubble effect on the sleeves and train, creating a stunning couture pink wedding gown. The front of the dress is adorned with a pink bow that elegantly ties together the four sections of the dress.
The white dress radiates majesty, its visual impact extending far beyond the initial impression. The designation ‘majestic’ is fitting, as it represents the duration required for a new generation to emerge. The dress, paired with a cape, assumes a resplendent appearance, which transforms when the cape is removed, revealing a distinct character. Interestingly, this piece shares a connection with the industry, as evidenced by the sneak peek’s influence on subsequent designs, highlighting an unforeseen correlation.
What impact do you hope the “FORTY” Collection will have on your long- time fans and the broader artistic community?
Over the past 40 years, that collection has been substantially impacted. I have developed many collections, but every piece has a deliberate reason for its creation, and all four were released concurrently at the precise time they should have been.
How does this collection reflect your personal growth and evolution as a designer?
The Forty collection represents a milestone in my personal growth and evolution as a designer, diverging from my previous works. This collection is an intimate fusion of myself and fabric, emphasizing couture and style with restraint. A notable challenge emerged when attempting to incorporate forty roses into the dress, requiring an enlargement of the pattern to accommodate the roses.
How have your design principles and aesthetic changed since you first started your career?
Yes, the design principles and aesthetic of that collection have undergone a transformation since the commencement of your career for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this marks your first foray into couture cut collections, and two of the dresses possess the unique ability to transform into multiple looks. For instance, the primary look can be reimagined into three distinct looks: a functional look, a high-fashion gala and red carpet look, and an elegant dinner look without the cape, each accompanied by three coordinating hats.
What lessons or insights have you gained that you hope to impart through this special collection?
Through this unique collection, I have gained a deeper understanding of emotions, details, ideas, connections, and love. My hope is for this collection to remain an integral part of my brand, exemplifying creativity, couture, and style, with the silver dress becoming a signature piece for birthdays and anniversaries, adaptable to milestone ages such as 30, 50, or 60, with a floral arrangement reflecting the age.
What advice would you give to other designers approaching their own milestone birthdays?
For designers interested in celebrating their birthday collectively, my guidance is to emphasize individual celebration. As fashion designers, our tendency is to focus on the brand, neglecting the fact that we embody the brand. With each sale, customers are purchasing a reflection of us; therefore, it is vital for us to present ourselves in a manner that reinforces our brand and maintains our relevance.
The Forty Collection will be available exclusively through S&M Custom Design’s official website.
Ocoee , Florida
Editor-In-Chief: Jamee Beth Livingston
Photography: Paul Darius
Break Away Daily
To all the women who think 40 is the end: your life is just beginning. Embrace this incredible new chapter with open arms, for your greatest adventures and achievements are still ahead of you.
Santia McKoy’s vision for design has transcended the boundaries of her small village of Haiti, reaching across oceans and touching hearts worldwide. Her journey of self-discovery and creativity that would span more than two decades culminating in her latest collection, Forty. It’s a message for all women to not allow age to define them.
The Forty Collection showcases four dresses symbolizing modernity and timelessness. The metallic dress is adorned with forty handmade roses, with each petal meticulously crafted to represent the significance of this milestone. In addition, a special hat collection with only four of each design available, adding an element of exclusivity to this release.
Each piece in the collection tells a story of resilience, strength, and transformation. Santia channels her experiences and those of countless women who have bravely faced life’s challenges into her designs, creating garments that not only celebrate beauty but also empower the wearer to embrace their unique journey.
“Turning 40 is a milestone,” says Santia McKoy, founder of S&M Custom Design. “To celebrate, I’ve crafted something truly special. The Forty Collection embodies my journey, creativity, and passion. From custom metallic fabrics to forty handmade roses, every piece tells a story. “
The essence of this collection lies in its ability to inspire confidence. It serves as a reminder that every scar is a symbol of survival and every wrinkle is a testament to wisdom gained over years. Her belief encourages women everywhere to redefine societal expectations and reclaim their narratives.
By presenting this collection, Santia has sparked a movement—a plea for all women to acknowledge their value beyond just their age. She invites them to step into the spotlight with pride, celebrating not just their past but also the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. So let us rise together as we embrace our forties and beyond—fueled by passion, creativity, and an unwavering belief that our best days are still yet to come
“This collection is a personal tribute to the journey I’ve taken over the past forty years. Every piece is infused with the passion and creativity that have shaped my brand, and I’m excited to share this milestone with the world.”
The Forty Collection will be available exclusively through S&M Custom Design’s official website.
Souche Magazine
S&M Custom Design, led by visionary designer Santia Mckoy, proudly presents the “FORTY” Collection, a celebration of artistry, innovation and life marking Santia’s Mckoy’s 40th birthday.
Imagine the power of a single letter, penned by a fourteen year-old dreamer in Haiti named Santia McKoy, containing the key to her future self. This letter, brimming with hope and determination, would become the catalyst for an extraordinary journey. Her vision, once confined to the pages of that letter, began to materialize as doors of opportunity swung open. With unwavering resolve, Santia pursued her dreams, overcoming countless obstacles and defying expectations. Her story became a beacon of inspiration, igniting a flame of possibility in the hearts of other young dreamers. As she grew, so did her impact, transforming not only her own life but also the lives of those around her.
This prophetic message, a beacon of hope and possibility, ignited a spark that would burn for twenty-six years, culminating in the extraordinary Forty collection. As Designer marks her milestone birthday, she’s not just celebrating another year – she’s embracing the fulfillment of a lifelong vision. “Turning 40 is a milestone, and to celebrate, I’ve crafted something truly special.”
From the vibrant streets of Haiti to the dazzling world of fashion, Santia’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. As a young girl, surrounded by the hum of sewing machines in her family’s shop, she discovered her calling. With each stitch and design, she wove not just clothes, but hope for a brighter future.
Let Santia’s unwavering spirit inspire you. Her journey from designing school clothes for friends to creating her own fashion empire shows us that with passion, perseverance and belief in oneself, we can turn our wildest dreams into tangible success.
The Forty collection, featuring four exclusive pieces and a limited-edition hat series, embodies the timeless elegance and cutting-edge design that defines the brand. Each garment in the collection is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity, making a bold statement in contemporary fashion.
“This collection is a personal tribute to the journey I’ve taken over the past forty years,” says Santia Mckoy, founder and designer of S&M Custom Design. “Every piece is infused with the passion and creativity that have shaped my brand, and I’m excited to share this milestone with the world.”
Each garment has an emotive story, all four uniting together simultaneously at the exact time they should have been. The silver dress is made from a custom- colored metallic fabric, symbolizing modernity and timelessness. Adorned with forty handcrafted roses, it carries a deeply personal significance for Santia. “As someone who is passionate about roses, I find great meaning in creating these floral embellishments which represent the years of my life and my journey as a mother of three girls. My aim with this collection is to maintain a sense of elegance and empowerment that reflects my own story and experiences. I hope for it to become a signature piece for birthdays and anniversaries, adaptable to milestone ages with a floral arrangement that reflects the corresponding age.”
The peach represents female empowerment. The dress posed a distinctive design hurdle. She crafted it thrice, refining her concept with each version. Though the initial notion held potential, the ambiance fell short. She reworked it, and the second try effectively conveyed the sought-after atmosphere. The third iteration finalized the design, incorporating a bow at the neckline that harmoniously aligned with the collection’s overarching symbol of female empowerment.
The elegant pink dress symbolizes her love and commitment to her husband Adrian, who encourages and supports her aspirations.
“I have designed this couture gown as a representation of our upcoming vow renewal celebration. The dress features a metallic fabric with a captivating bubble effect on the sleeves and train, creating a truly stunning pink wedding dress. The front of the gown is adorned with a graceful pink bow that beautifully unifies the four sections of the dress.”
The white dress exudes a regal presence, embodying the essence of a queen, her empire, and the realization of her aspirations. The elegant white dress exudes a sense of grandeur, its visual presence extending far beyond the initial perception. When paired with a cape, the dress assumes a majestic appearance, which undergoes a distinct transformation upon the cape’s removal. as it reflects the time needed for a new era to unfold. dresses can transform into multiple looks. For example, the main look can be reimagined as three distinct looks: a practical look, a high-fashion gala and red carpet look, and an elegant dinner look without the cape, each with three matching hats.
“My aspiration is for this collection to continue being an integral component of my brand, embodying creativity and couture. The collection marks a significant step in my personal and professional development as a designer, a deeply personal blend of my own identity and style’.
Santia’s journey reminds us that our dreams, no matter how distant they may seem, have the potential to shape our reality. Designer Santia’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, creativity and self-belief. As she unveils her new designs, we’re witnessing the beautiful convergence of past aspirations and present achievements.
The “FORTY” Collection will be available exclusively through S&M Custom Design’s official website. For more information visit SMCustomDesign.com.
By Livingston Magazine / Editor in chief: Jamee Beth Livingston | Photos: Paul Darius