The child of working-class Jamaicans, Dominique Donaldson recalls having a happy childhood dominated by the culture of her parents’ homeland.
According to the New York-born fashion designer, “My upbringing was very Jamaican, from the food, fashion to the upbeat music. I was and still am surrounded by the culture 365 days a year which made it hard for me when I studied abroad in Italy and I didn't have access to Jamaican comfort food like stew chicken, curry goat and jerk pork.”
Her Le Karja clothing line is also inspired by ‘yaad’. It is named for her mother, Karja, who lived in the Kingston community of Fletchers Land before migrating to the United States over 25 years ago.
Donaldson, 24, introduced Le Karja in May, 2020 shortly after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, where her mother also attended.
Fletchers Land in West Kingston has produced noted Jamaicans like singer/producer Prince Buster. After several visits there, Donaldson wanted her designs to reflect the energy of the community her family has lived for decades.
“My graffiti designs take direct influence from the walls on different street corners in Fletchers Land, from Mark Lane to Church Street and Love Lane. They had writings on the walls and murals of people from the community that influenced those from the neighborhood,” she said.
Le Karja’s line, which includes T-shirts, hoodies, swimwear and sweatpants, are available through social media including Instagram @Lekarja.
Written By Howard Campbell