EMERGING DESIGNER

Jay R Duarte

IN THIS FEATURE: Meet Jay R. Duarte Fashion Focus

ay R. Duarte, the son of a professional model, standing a striking 6 feet, 7 inches tall, began designing elegant, tailored, and pristine clothes for himself when he found a lack of stylish clothing for a man of his stature.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, the smallest state in the union, Jay R. Duarte gave way to the biggest dreams in the nation. Being the son of a professional model, Jay R. was indoctrinated with her passion for fashion and great style. Because of his remarkable mother, he had the opportunity to learn style, class, and pride in appearance at a very early age.

When Duarte grew to a whopping 6 feet 7 inches tall, he had a difficult time finding clothes that fit his size and style. So he picked up a few fashion ideas and started drawing his own designs. He even started selecting the fabrics and colors to be used to make his own clothing. When he was in the seventh grade he showed great initiative by taking a sewing class and purchasing his own sewing machine.

Soon after he began making his own clothes, people started asking the soon to be designer maverick, where he had purchased his clothes. He began to understand that other people also had difficulty finding the right apparel and he realized that he had a knack for fashion. So in 2002, he started the Jay R. Dee Clothing Line. His line includes well tailored suits, jackets and even jeans. He also began to design sexy women's clothing. "I like to design clothes that I would like to see on a woman. I think all shapes and sizes are beautiful, especially in sexy clothes."

Today, Jay R. Duarte holds regular fashions shows in South Florida to showcase his latest collections. His Fashion Explosion shows are well known for his extraordinary designs as well as for showcasing up and coming talent in all areas of entertainment. During one of his shows, you are likely to hear a singer, poet or comedian. He even showcases other emerging designers and their collections. MyCloset.com had the opportunity to ask Jay R. if he felt that showing other designers' work along with his line would hurt his sales. Duarte replied " No, I don't fear competition because I feel the world is an abundant place and that everyone should be given an opportunity to showcase their talents."

Duarte is also in the process of recording a pilot for a reality television program based on the casting, rehearsals and actual upcoming fashion show. The multi-talented designer also dabbles in writing screenplays that he hopes to produce someday.

Jay R. attributes all his success to his mother, whose influence shows in each of his designs of high fashion and great style.