SITE TOOLS
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Everyday People: Cynthia's Fashions
By Steven G. Fullwood
W hen I first arrived at the great Schomburg Center three years ago, I didn't know
anyone. I had lunch by myself and made small conversation with other employees. Then I met
one sister with more fashion sense in her little brown pinky than most people had in their
entire body - particularly me. Her name is Cynthia Rollins, a fashion designer who makes
clothes for everyday people. Which is great because somebody's got to do it. |
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This East Harlem native doesn't
specialize in any particular style, but leans towards dress casual for her many of her
clients. She regularly gets calls from family and friends, colleagues and admirers, macks
and players all looking for something to wear for that special occasion - a wedding, a
talent show, a night at the opera or a pimp convention in Las Vegas.
Although it was her grandmother that taught her to sew and knit, Rollins says that she
"was born with it. I loved to sew and was pretty good at it." Back in the day,
she and her friends got together and formed a group called Sage and they staged fashion
and talent shows in Harlem social clubs, bars and other locales.
“Those were some good times,” she reminisced, even though the group eventually
broke up. Rollins then went to work for the library, a decision she made to raise tuition
to put her daughter Quisha through Catholic school. As her daughter grew up, Cynthia
rarely sewed.
Interestingly, her return to fashion designing is largely due to her daughter. About three
years ago, Quisha asked if she would consider making bridal dresses for a friend.
"Her friend needed seven bridesmaid dresses," said Rollins with a sigh,
"and I haven't stopped sewing since."
Rollins feels that this is the perfect time for her to exhibit her popular fashions.
"In a few years, I will be retiring and will have my own shop. I want people to see
my work now and add to my ever-growing list of clientele."
"These are clothes you can always take from your closet that will be wearable at any
time, year or event," Rollins said. Her collection boasts a variety of styles from
African, after-seven, casual, daywear, casual, and bridal wear.
For more information, call (718) 822-3924. M
June 2000 |
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