The Impact of Texas Fashion Week on Geeda J Fashion
A Conversation with the Designer
By Jules Aldaz
Photography by Zachary Hughes of Boy June Photography
Glenda Fikes, center, of Geeda J Fashion
How has participating in Texas Fashion Week impacted your brand and the way you approach your designs?
Thankfully, I have had a wonderful history with Texas Fashion Week and the San Antonio fashion community dating back to 2016. When I first arrived in San Antonio in 2015, I was embraced by the city’s fashion community. The opportunities to showcase my designs have been plentiful, including notable events such as the San Antonio Fashion Awards in 2017. This vibrant fashion scene has been a true blessing, offering me a platform to express my Caribbean roots while weaving in the undeniable influence of Texas. My designs reflect the state’s spirit, with their whimsical, joyful essence that aligns with our state’s motto, “The Friendly State.” I aim for each piece to stand out, mirroring the vibrant and diverse beauty of San Antonio.
What inspired you to start Geeda J Fashion, and what has your journey as a designer been so far?
Growing up on the island of Dominica, I was inspired by my primary school teacher, Mrs. Charles, who was also the reigning “Ms. Dominica.” Her fashion sense left a lasting impression on me, igniting a passion that led me to sketch designs throughout my school years. I eventually taught myself to sew, with the help of some talented ladies in my village of LaPlaine, and created my first collection. From there, my journey took me to New York Fashion Week, where I showcased my designs during a Caribbean Fashion Week event. Since then, my journey has been filled with incredible collaborations and opportunities, each one shaping the designer I am today.
In what ways do you see Texas Fashion Week shaping the fashion industry both locally and nationally?
Texas Fashion Week has been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of designers. Historically, Texas hasn’t been considered a fashion hub like New York or Paris, but now, thanks to events like Texas Fashion Week, young designers no longer have to leave the state to pursue their dreams. This event has placed Texas on the national fashion map, even gaining recognition from the CFDA, which is a huge milestone. It’s exciting to see Texas fashion becoming a major player in the industry, and I’m proud to be part of that movement.
Geeda J Fashion
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a designer, and how has Texas Fashion Week helped overcome them?
The fashion industry in Texas can be tough, especially when people gravitate toward either well-known name brands or inexpensive online clothing. Haute couture and swimwear, the focus of my designs, don’t always have the same level of appreciation here as they do in places like Milan or New York. However, Texas Fashion Week has helped me bridge that gap. It attracts an audience that appreciates high fashion and allows me to showcase my collections in front of those who truly value unique, artistic designs. Meeting other designers and exchanging ideas has also been invaluable for overcoming these challenges and pushing my brand forward.
What message or story do you want your designs to convey, and how do you ensure that message comes through in each collection?
For me, fashion is all about making people feel beautiful and confident. When someone wears one of my pieces, I want them to stand out and feel truly seen. My latest collection, “Twisted Whimsical,” reflects that vision. Volume 1, which debuted at New York Fashion Week 2024 and will be shown again at the White Party in November, is an evening wear collection inspired by a garden filled with flowers. The satisfaction I felt while creating it led me to develop Volume 2, a swimsuit collection that continues the whimsical theme with a twist. I’m excited to showcase this next installment at Texas Fashion Week, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the story I’m telling through these designs.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave in the fashion world, and how do you want Geeda J Fashion to be remembered?
I want my legacy to be one of empowerment, where people feel comfortable, confident, and seen in what they wear. Fashion is art, and it should be an extension of one’s personality. If I can inspire even one young boy or girl to pursue their dreams, then I will have done my job. I want people to remember Geeda J Fashion as a brand that stood out, not just for the designs, but for the message of self-expression and confidence that underpins every collection. ■
