1962: INDEPENDENT STYLE WITH A STORY
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he marriage of modern style and ancient history presents an unlikely combination, but designer Khian Hendriks has managed to start a trend all of her own. In 2008, the original creations of this new, bright star appeared on the Jamaican T-shirt scene, allowing trendy guys and soon trendy gals to show off their love for Jamaica through chic fashions. Capturing the history of the island people’s exceptional three hundred year struggle towards liberation from the British Crown, the ‘1962 Apparel’ brand identity is firmly rooted in the nation’s independence in 1962. As unique as the island which inspired its creation, the chic designer line embodies the independent spirit of Jamaica through its distinct and sporty garments. Khian Hendriks, the Jamaican born brain behind the original brand, came up with the notion of using her fashion to promote the island’s history when she created her 1962 Apparel T-shirt line for men just a mere year ago. Educated in the field of hospitality, the entrepreneur explains that she always had a knack for graphics and design. Says the Miami based designer, “I wanted to create classic, elegant fashion for men, inspired by the timeless creations of Ralph Lauren.” Noticing the need for such an ageless apparel collection, Khian cleverly incorporated the soul and spirit of Jamaica’s independence with modern trends, filling a void in the local marketplace. Drifting away from the overused ‘reach the beach’ concept, Khian’s understanding of this simple fact brought to life a series of appealing T-shirts suitable as casual, everyday wear for ethnocentric Jamaicans as well as sophisticated travelers. Etched into the memory of every Jamaican, the island’s collective consciousness and every person connected to Jamaica and its people, 1962 is the year of Jamaica’s independence and represents the island nation’s most significant point in time. Explains Khian about her ‘T-shirts with a message’, “1962 signifies the celebration of our nation.” Each T-shirt tells the island’s history, allowing wearers to show their patriotism in a subtle and stylish manner. Named after the national motto ‘Out Of Many One People’, this collection boasts county names such as ‘Cornwall’, ‘Middlesex’ and words of independence such as ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Emancipation’, while the ‘Independent Jamaica’ men’s collection proudly shows off the ‘Crest’ and ‘Flag’, representing the people’s hardship, its abundant natural resources and its sunny land and future. ‘Xamayca - Land Of Wood And Water’ collections boasts the ‘Maritime’ and ‘Xamayca’ T-shirts. Khian Hendriks proudly showing one of her creations (Photo: Heidi Zech)
For those who are not so familiar with Jamaican history, a brief narrative is included on the tag of every shirt. For example, the tag on the ‘Middlesex’ shirt reads: The Birth of an Independent Nation.
January 1962 marks a moment in Jamaica’s history when the preliminary approval of the independence constitution echoed ‘sovereignty’ throughout every corner of the country speaking to the ‘changing of the guards’ soon to From left: Michelle Clunie and Khian Hendriks sporting ‘Lignum Vitae’ tees while Kiesia come. The island nation’s 300 year Messado wears the ‘Doctor Bird’ (Photo: 1962 Apparel) old Latin motto ‘Indus Uterque Serviet Uni’ would also be retained along with the Coat of Arms. It’s English counterpart - ‘Out Of Many One People’ now resounds in the hearts of every Jamaican. The clock struck midnight on the 5th day of August 1962, and the British flag was symbolically lowered relinquishing the colony’s rule. The Jamaican flag was then hoisted for the 1st time on August 6, 1962; giving birth to Jamaica as an independent nation. Offering a great alternative to the regular souvenir T-shirts typically found in any resort wear store, Khian’s unique T-shirt designs are available in subtle, yet vibrant earth tones. 1962 Apparel shirts incorporate the magnificent shades of Jamaica, such as ‘Caribbean Sea Blue’, ‘Sea Grape’, ‘Spanish Moss’ and ‘Starfish Orange’. “I started with men’s shirts, but I would eventually like to venture into women’s apparel,” says the President and Creative Director, who tested the waters with ladies shirts at her booth at Sumfest 2009 and will soon introduce Polo shirts as well. Expansion is on the way but for now, look for 1962 Apparel at Couples Swept Away (tel: 957-4061) in Negril, in Montego Bay at the Coyaba Resort (tel: 953-9150), the gift shop at Rose Hall Resort & Spa, A Hilton Resort (tel: 953-2650), Sand Dollar at Iberostar Grand (tel: 680-1150) and KerryManWomanHome & Baby at shop #10 at the Half Moon Shopping Village (tel: 953-3779) and 18 South Avenue in Kingston (tel: 929-2096). nineteensixtytwo@ymail.com.
Sam James Jr. in “Middlesex” from the Out of Many One People Collection, Ryan Hendriks in “Emancipation” from the Independent Jamaica Collection and Steve James wearing the “Maritime” T-shirt from the Xaymaca: Land of Wood & Water Collection (Photo: 1962 Apparel)
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