Dr Safeeya Mohammed
guardian.wemagazine@gmail.com
At the intersection of talent and dedication, you will find Lisa Bigford!
The meticulous nature of each creation translates into a wearable piece, after hours of her attention. Each piece is uniquely designed and hand-painted, and then specific garment treatments are applied to ensure the paint adheres to the fabric. The process is detailed and time consuming, however, Bigford shares, “When her clients first see their piece, their amazement and exuberance make the process all worthwhile.”
These intricate works of wearable art are conceptualised from several areas of inspiration; the vibrancy of the Caribbean flora being the main one. The personalities of her clients also play a significant part in the creative process. One such client, her cousin, well-known jazz vocalist and entertainment entrepreneur Vaughnette Bigford shares her adoration for the established brand, Nadroj.
“Lisa has always been into fashion and beauty and of course, I love that myself. I wear her pieces mostly because I think it’s wearable art. I’m an advocate for wearing local and we grow up in de same house, it cyah get more local than that,” Vaughnette said.
The genesis of Nadroj
“I wanted to create something unique and a legacy for my son, Jordan. Many names were considered, but his essence had to be part of the creation. ‘Nadroj’ is his name spelt in reverse.”
Nadroj has been present in multiple fashion shows across Trinidad, including the prominent San Fernando Fashion Week. She gives praise to her hometown La Brea, as her tribe of support originated within the community and then extended widely.
Bigford shares, “One of her foremost mentors is Omzad Khan,” part of the design duo Zadd and Eastman of Point Fortin. “His insightful advice still to this day impacts positively on my creations.”
Earning the respect and consideration of many fashionistas across the T&T landscape, Bigford shared, “I always consider my client feedback, that’s how my business has grown and innovated across the years.”
One repeat client said, “I feel like a queen, sophisticated and exquisite in these pieces. The pieces make a statement every time I step into a crowd. And who doesn’t want your fashion piece to be a show-stopper?”
Confidence comes from within
Bigford wants to continue designing for our local landscape as she loves seeing women achieve the best version of themselves. Her next step, seeing her pieces in an International Fashion Week and being admired globally.
Her advice to women on building their wardrobe: “Finding one’s personal style is important to curating your statement pieces. If something inside you comes alive when you wear an outfit, if your walk suddenly gets stronger and you feel exceptionally beautiful by your own standard, know that you have found your personal style and hold on to it, hold on to it tight!”
To contact Lisa Bigford
FB | IG: @nadrojtt
Email: nadrojtt1@gmail.com