Nadine Gentles Loves Fashion

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Nadine Gentles

Nadine Gentles is a woman of faith, a lover of life, and someone who enjoys all things creative and beautiful. The Jamaican-born entrepreneur is the daughter of Winston and the late Dorcas Gentles. Nadine migrated to the United States in 2001 and landed in the Gulfport area of Mississippi. Her first three years in the US was spent working odd jobs. She also attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and received a degree in Human Services, and pursued a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising.

Nadine is also the owner of Dorcas Couture Customs. With her company, she offers custom designs from start to finish for events, including Bridal parties and Grooms packages, special events, proms, birthdays, and more. Her pieces are one of a kind and are designed to be budget-friendly. She shares that when her son, Javaughn, a fashion designer who studied at Mississippi State University, wanted to learn how to sew, she knew they were on to something. “It was 2015, and within the first weeks of me teaching him, he grasped it, and that is how Dorcas Couture Customs was formed,” she says.

I started sewing at 16 years old. At first, I hated it; however, my mom encouraged me to continue, and now, I am obsessed.

Nadine shares she would like to think of herself as a more couture designer with an urban flare. “My brand started in 2015 as a tribute to my mom, Dorcas Gentles., who passed away in October 2010. Her love for sewing and the teaching she poured into me as a child prepared me for success.”

So, how did the journey begin for Nadine? She shares, “I started sewing at 16 years old. At first, I hated it; however, my mom encouraged me to continue, and now, I am obsessed.” Nadine first began by sewing an all-African attire. She points out how she loved the vibrant prints and texture of the wax fabric. She offered maxi skirts only for a bit, but as her experience developed, she transitioned to more of a formal esthetic.

“Sewing is my comfort and safe space. I love to tell stories with my garments. I also desire to create items for women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ethnicity,” Nadine says.

With each piece that Nadine creates, there is a message and meaning attached to it. “I believe that every design has energy. The design process comes from a place of worship. It’s a ministry, and I thank God for the gift He has blessed me with. Designing and teaching others the art of sewing is my way of uplifting and empowering others,” she says. Over the years, Nadine has taught more than 100 women and men how to sew, with many of her students using their education to create a stream of income.

As previously mentioned, Nadine’s life has been greatly impacted by her mother. She also credits her son Javaughn for stepping up and assisting her with finding ways to keep her mother’s memory alive. Dorcas was given to Nadine’s mom by her mother, the late Monica Bowen. Dorcas is a biblical name and Nadine says Dorcas’ character describes her mom accurately. “My mom embraced her name and her calling to serve others, and I pray I can do the same.”

When Nadine first started taking orders, her community embraced her. The first prom season was 2016 and she produced items for a wedding party. In her authentic Jamaican accent Nadine describes what that experience was like. “Many times I didn’t know how to create the pieces they ordered. I am very critical so if it’s not looking right, it’s not going out. I would give up, stressed, say my prayers and go to bed. Sometimes I would dream of the piece and how to do it . God brought back to my remembrance what my mom and my teachers taught me back home. I also read and practice a lot. I am always in designer mode and I have thousands of screenshots of designs and looks I want to try. I love challenging myself. I am always learning and I never give up.”

It is evident that Nadine is walking in her calling and enjoying the rewards of doing so. In the previous eight years, Nadine’s designs have graced New Orleans Fashion Week, Georgia Peach Fashion Week, Mobile Fashion Week, Houston Fashion Week, Coastal Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Juneteenth Fashion Shows. She has been invited to the Project Runway and won best designer with the Fashion Life Tour. Additionally, she had the opportunity to design a gown for the 75th Tony Awards in New York City.

Her advice is clear for anyone who may follow a path similar to the one she has traveled. “You must be dedicated, find your niche, be true to yourself, know your skill level, and practice, practice. You can learn from everyone. Master your craft. Know your worth. Failure is not an option.”

Looking to the future, Nadine says she plans to open a fashion Design College, and pass on what I have been taught to others. She also plans to continue introducing others to the fashion and design field.

Please visit her website to learn more about Dorcas Couture Customs

www.mydorcascouture.com