In the quiet corners of Jamaica, where small communities thrive on tradition and simplicity, Davin Blake found his passion in the unlikeliest of places—altering his school trousers. What began as a simple task sparked a journey that led him to become a successful tailor and designer. Today, as the CEO of Thred Designs and the personal stylist for his sister, Jamaican reggae artist Sevana,
From Small Stitches to Big Dreams
Davin’s journey into the world of fashion began in the modest surroundings of Segre Street, Savanna-La-Mar, in the parish of Westmoreland. Raised by his great-grand aunt, he learned the basics of sewing by altering his school trousers to make them tighter, a popular style among schoolboys in Jamaica.
What started as simple adjustments to his clothes here and there soon evolved into something much bigger. As his confidence grew, Davin began creating his own garments from scratch. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his craft, and as his skills grew, so did his creativity and desire to challenge himself even more as a designer.
Crafting His Own Path
He no longer just wanted to make clothes for himself; he wanted to create pieces that stood out, so he pushed forward with this newly discovered talent and taught himself the intricacies of design, particularly for women’s clothing—a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.
For Devin designing for women isn’t just about aesthetics; it was a way for him to test the boundaries of his craft. “Designing for women is challenging, but I love it,” he explains. His determination to excel in this area set him apart, transforming his tailoring skills into a full-fledged design career.
A Family Bond: Designing for Sevana
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Davin’s career took a significant leap when he became the personal stylist and designer for his sister, Sevana, soulful reggae singer. Reggae crooner Sevana is part of a fresh crop of young up and coming reggae artists to include Lila Ike and Jaz Elise. This partnership wasn’t just a matter of convenience; it was built on a deep bond and mutual respect. Sevana trusted Davin’s talent and dedication, knowing his creations would perfectly complement her sophisticated style.
Their collaboration goes beyond the typical designer-client relationship. For Davin, Sevana is more than just a sister—she’s his muse. “Sevana is my personal muse,” he says, highlighting how their close relationship fuels his creativity. Designing for Sevana isn’t just about making clothes that fit; it’s about crafting pieces that enhance her stage presence and reflect her artistic vision.
A fashion staple among young reggae stars
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While Davin is known for his work with Sevana, his creative reach extends far beyond. As the founder of Thred Designs, he has built a brand that embodies his artistic vision and versatility. Owing to Davin’s eye for detail and flare for contemporary design the studio has become synonymous with quality and creativity.
This has led to collaborations with other prominent figures in the local entertainment industry, such as Lila Ike, Jaz Elise, and popular photographer Jik Ruben. These collaborations further cement Thred Designs as a brand to watch on the global stage. “It’s going to go international,” he confidently asserts, reflecting his belief in the brand’s potential.
One of Davin’s most exciting discoveries is a black fabric that never fades—a game-changer in the fashion industry. This unique fabric has become a signature of the design studio, symbolising the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Thred Designs
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Davin’s ambitions don’t stop here. He’s already planning to expand into designing wedding dresses—an area he’s eager to explore. “Wedding dresses are the aim,” he reveals, indicating his desire to take on even more challenging and creative projects.
As Davin continues to grow his brand, he remains open to new opportunities and collaborations. His flexible approach and willingness to adapt make Thred Designs an appealing choice for clients seeking something unique and tailored to their needs.
For those following in his footsteps, Davin offers simple yet powerful advice: “Be yourself, be consistent, and be diligent.” His story shows that with hard work and a love for what you do, you can turn a natural talent into a successful and fulfilling career.
