Today we’d like to introduce you to Cetera Watson.
Hi Cetera, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a native of Columbus, Georgia. I am a self-taught fashion designer. I started my fashion brand, “Cetere'” in my living room at home and have been sketching since the age of ten. At the at of six, I saw Whitney Houston’s video, ” I Have Nothing.” I was taken away by her fashions in the video. I couldn’t take my eyes off her fashions throughout the entire video. I said, “Whatever she’s wearing, that’s what I want to do”. As a child, I didn’t know it was called a fashion designer. I just knew I wanted to make pretty women’s dresses. My goals were to attend fashion school right after high school, but certain circumstances prevented me from attending. Now, here I am today, operating in my passion finally.
In 2020 of July, I lost my job, which open the door to go full-time and focus into my brand. For years, I would post my illustrations online that caught attention from celebrity stylists inquiring my work. My greatest inspiration was the late first black fashion designer, Zelda Wynn Valdes. I want to create a legacy and learn from some of the great designers that are in the fashion world today. My desire is for my brand to be present even in my afterlife, like other brands that still exist today. My dreams are to collaborate with some of the most influential designers around the globe.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although it has not been smooth, it still has been rewarding. Seeking mentors to assist you with getting started is not easy, especially from those that are experienced in the fashion industry. Having very little knowledge about the fashion business makes it difficult for you. Honestly, my faith in God has been my teacher every step of my journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cetere’. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cetere’ is my fashion label brand. My fashion was inspired by the ’50s through the 90’s eras. Fashion and beauty were timeless during those eras. I want to re-innovate and reproduce those fashion looks. I am the fashion illustrator and designer of my brand. My brand represented sophistication from selected decades when women were stylish and poised. I design custom gowns and other garments. I’m proud seeing my illustrations come to reality. I want to service all clients in the world, from the red carpet to corporate America, and I want to see everyone wearing my designs. I want to build my own fashion house of seamstresses, assistants, creative directors like many of the greats such as Zelda Wynn Valdes, Ann Lowe, Christian Dior, Halston, Patrick Kelley, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The Black N Fashion Podcast, Vogue, Fashion Bomb Daily, The Lady Loves Couture by Marjorie Harvey, Harlems Fashion Row, Point of View with Poetess Grande Beauty.
Contact Info:
- Email: a.ceterawatson@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ceterawatson/
Image Credits
CJ Joyner, Findarian Watson, Bridgette Hayes
