In a tribute to the spirit of his Caribbean roots, Trinidadian-born, Canadian designer Isaiah Sooklalsingh unveiled his vibrant, new jewellery collection, Dingolay, in Toronto.
Sooklalsingh, who describes Toronto, the city he now calls home, as multicultural, says his time in Trinidad shaped his aesthetic and influenced the DNA of his jewellery collection which he launched on March 28.
While living in Trinidad and Tobago, he developed a love for bold prints, bright colours and patterns which has become a core element in his designs.
Dingolay is a popular local phrase with various meanings, but it is generally used as an exclamation of happiness or excitement. It is also tied to musical and Carnival references, especially after Winston Bailey (The Mighty Shadow) released his 1988 smash hit Dingolay.
Sooklalsingh, 35, has been living in Canada since 2014. However, he migrated as a baby, returned to Trinidad in 2003 when he was 14 and permanently moved back to Canada at age 24.
Reflecting on his time in Trinidad, he says, “I spent ten years in Trinidad and that decade has truly shaped my life. From the culture to the people to the experiences, it has shaped the way I view the world and influenced this passion for Dingolay.”
His inspiration for starting his own jewellery line came naturally, he said, in a Zoom interview with Newsday.
“I always had an eye for accessories and how much it can either complement a look or otherwise. As I grew, I started becoming bolder with my personal style choices, which drew compliments from those around me.”
[caption id="attachment_1148160" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dingolay -[/caption]
He said he knew he could offer something unique, as he has always been very crafty and creative. Sooklalsingh said it felt natural and when he began, the journey was imperfectly perfect.
“My father always told me to do what I’m passionate about: he is the one who pushed me. Even though he's no longer here, I know he would be proud.”
He died in 2021 from covid complications and due to the borders being closed, he was not able to see his father. Sooklalsingh said the last conversation he had with his father, he told him "to invest time into the things I love. He was a huge believer in chasing after your dreams."
Lamenting his time in Trinidad, he chuckles to himself and stresses how it has shaped every aspect of his life.
“Living in Trinidad, we take everything around us for granted: the cool light breeze, the different chirps of the birds, the Botanic Garden. When I moved to Toronto, it was only then I truly cherished all those memories and little things. The bold colours, the different types of flora and fauna, the people, the food, everything.”
Asked to describe the vision for his collection, Sooklalsingh says the vision was simple: to touch on some of the small things that are special to him when he thinks of home. Home for him is Trinidad.
“From the mud volcanoes to our beautiful hummingbirds. I wanted to touch on a little of everything: this is just the beginning
