“Jamaican women dress up to go to the bathroom,” says creative director Mina Robertson. “We are always on point, no matter what. There is this balance of elegance and tailoring, combined with ease and effortlessness all at the same time... She looks at ease with herself, at ease with her body.” As the founder of Kingston-based womenswear brand Haveli, Robertson knows a thing or two about Jamaican style.
She joins me on Zoom from her Kingston studio, wearing a crisp white cotton shirt (one of her own designs). Behind her, the soft light and whirring of ceiling fans contrasts with the grey, damp day we’re experiencing in London.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Robertson founded her brand based on the values she grew up with, drawing inspiration from the women around her. She designs all of Haveli’s collections herself from her island studio, then splits her time between there and India, where she goes to source fabrics and work with women artisans to create the garments.
Think soft, flowing oversized shirts, wide-leg palazzo pants, and linen co-ords – pieces designed for women to feel glamorous and like the “best version of themselves”, while staying comfortable and relaxed. “From head to toe, this woman is impeccably put together, but she’s disarming and welcoming at the same time because she looks at ease with herself,” she says.
Here, Robertson sits down with Service95 to share a glimpse into the creative scene of the island she calls home, the beauty and diversity of its culture and the power of community.
What Was It Like To Grow Up In Jamaica? “I really felt like I was everyone’s child, and there was a village that was not only looking out for me, protecting me, and contributing to my upbringing, but to which I also answered, in a way. I would go through [magazines] and tear things out... create these mood boards... I lived in my own world. You couldn’t tell me I wasn’t in New York City dressing people.”
How Does Island Life Influence The Haveli Aesthetic? “The women I grew up around are the foundation of Haveli’s aesthetic. We talk about ‘easy elegance’ and ‘destination dressing’, which is about maintaining a sense of style and standards even in relaxed or hot environments. When I design, I think a lot about the women in my village – the ones I was raised by. I understand how they move, where they’re going, and what they need in their wardrobe.
“I also get inspired by how people from other places dress when they come to Jamaica – how they interpret the relaxed island vibe. It’s about creating clothing that reflects both elegance and comfort, no matter where she’s going.”
What Does An Average Day Look Like For You As A Designer In Jamaica? “It’s mostly virtual. I have production happening in India, PR and marketing in London, and logistics in the States. In Jamaica, it’s mostly me doing everything. I spend a lot of time on calls and emails, and I’m always balancing immediate tasks with planning for the future.
“I’m always mindful of where we’re headed while staying grounded in the community that helped us get here. Running a business requires a lot of strategic decisions, like figuring out where to focus energy and making sure we’re financially solid.”
How Would You Describe The Creative Scene In Jamaica? “Jamaica is full of contradictions. If you think you know it from one perspective, you’re probably wrong. It’s a place of community, creativity and resourcefulness. We take what we have and make something beautiful out of it. For example, oxtail used to be considered scrap meat, but now it’s a global delicacy.”
What Misconceptions About Your Hometown Would You Like To Set Straight? “Jamaica has a lot of challenges, but we’ve overcome so much. Our culture is a mix of innovation and resilience. We’re diverse – there’s Dancehall culture, church culture and a growing queer community. We’re constantly creating and influencing global trends, especially in music, fashion and art. It’s a rich, complex place, and we celebrate beauty and creativity in everything we do.”
