Young, talented and local designers are bringing inspiration, creativity and a unique viewpoint to style. With their eyes on breaking out, they’re bringing new blood to the fashion world. Special thanks to Creative Hub Worcester – an unique non-profit organization dedicated to building a thriving arts community space in Worcester. Photography by Justin Mayotte.

Designer: Cynthia Akita
Brand: Coruscate Innovations
Website: coruscateinnovations.com

Age: 23
Town: Worcester
Company Location: Worcester

How did you start designing? I had always been interested in sketching dresses and hoped that I could open up a shop after completing school. My passion for fashion grew so strong that medical school was no longer a desire of mine. I then took note of my mother’s sewing machine that she had not used in years and drove to Joann Fabrics to get some black and blue fabric. I had made it my goal to make myself a dress for a convention I would be attending in the summer of 2011. I started sewing the dress in June and finished it in July, in time for my convention. No one taught me how; nonetheless, it was a successful experiment. At the convention, I received so many compliments; one comment that caught me by surprise was, “I could tell that wasn’t from a store. It’s so unique. I love it!” From then on, I began to construct clothing for close friends and family, just so that I could get some practice, and all the practice has brought me to where I am now.

Describe your designs. My designs are for the fashionable woman who isn’t afraid to defy the odds. My designs are for women who want to feel empowered and fearless wherever they may go, because they are sure to stand out and receive compliments. At Coruscate Innovations, it is our desire to style women and give them that sense of confidence that will put boldness in their every step. Our designs are not set, and that allows us to accommodate different kinds of people. For those who want something extravagant, we do that. For those who want something more subtle, but with a punch, we do that also. We cater to make our clients satisfied.

What makes your brand unique? My brand is unique simply because my designs are not fixed on one style. My styles range from vintage to modern, and I think that’s what allows my brand to stand out. I have the ability to create whatever my clients are looking for. I believe that my brand caters to any type of person. My use of Ghanaian fabrics also sets me apart from the rest. I love my culture and bring that into my brand from time to time, but I am not fixed on just that. I use a variety of fabrics and textiles to create unique looks.

What inspires you? I am inspired, first, by God. God gave me this amazing gift, and I am always reminded that there was a purpose for this gift. It causes me to continue to strive for the best and pushes me out of my comfort zone. I am inspired, secondly, by my beloved country, Ghana. Being a Ghanaian has taught me that life is a fashion show. Whenever I am amongst the Ghanaian crowd, the atmosphere serves as a source of inspiration for me. There is no such thing as being ordinary. We pride ourselves in our fabrics and rich culture, which promote royalty. Whatever event we are present at, we exude royalty, and that translates into my designs.

What do you see in your future? In the foreseeable future, I plan to start a men’s line, so that I can accommodate the dapper men that stand by the beautiful ladies I style, which will cause consumers to view me as their one-stop shop. I have always been obsessed with weddings and bridal attire, so I will also be adding that to my line of businesses. I will begin with bridesmaids dresses and then move on to bridal gowns.

“We are a building brand, and we love meeting our clients at fashion events. If you or someone you know would like to have us at a fashion show or a fashion week, please contact us at hello@coruscateinnovations.com or call us at (774) 257-4609.”