It's Saturday night in downtown Kingston and we're sipping cocktails in the Carreras Sky Bar at Saint International's South Beach-chic Mecca CityStyle event — a part of Styleweek Jamaica 2013. The charming, confident and über-stylish Delita Hooks — a Jamaican-born fashion stylist and office manager/curator at the renowned SoHo Dermatology& Health in New York — catches our eyes and we strike up a conversation. We learn she's opening an upmarket boutique, Gia-LiGia, on Broadway later this year where she plans to carry stellar Jamaican designers and is on The Rock doing a bit of scouting... (PHOTO: KARL MCLARTY)
What are you sipping?
I'm having a blended fruit punch.
What kind of day are you having?
A fun-filled and enlightening one
Jeans or LBD?
LBD, I love to look my best at all times.
Flats or Stilettos?
Stilettos.
Who does your hair?
My daughter, Ligia. As a child she loved to intertwine her fingers in my hair. She still does.
Who does your nails?
David at Opti-Lite Nails
How do you relax?
I watch a movie and have a glass of wine at home.
What perfume are you wearing?
Merveilles: by Hermes.
What's in your handbag?
Make-up, breath fresheners, and my wallet
What are your travel essentials?
Make-up, stilettos and accessories, these can transform the most casual outfit.
Are you a romantic comedy or action-adventure type of gal?
Definitely the romantic comedy type of gal... I'm still a hopeless romantic.
What bad habit would you most like to put in your rear-view mirror?
My overwhelming need for speed... I am always in a rush, even if I am early, or much too trusting. I tend to take everything and everyone at face value.
Who inspires you?
My grandfather. He was a very proud man. No one knew his needs. He instilled in us that hard work brings success, and all his many inspiring quotes came to pass.
What is your idea of the perfect date?
A beachfront candle-lit dinner, watching the sun set with the one you love and sealing it with a passionate kiss.
How did you get involved in fashion?
This may sound clichéd, but I have always had a passion for fashion. My boyfriend also works with a number of top US designers and department stores so I was always getting a taste of what it's like behind the scenes. I also knew I had to make the transition due to the constant request for styling advice from our high-profile client base and I ended up doing personal shopping. I found it to be quite rewarding and exciting. I have also been working behind the scenes as an assistant/stylist to Michelle Dittrich and Marcellas James of Cinderella Hats whenever she has international shows.
Who are some of your biggest clients so far?
Grace Dellalian. She is a photographer and my first client. There's also American Idol finalist Jermaine Sellers, recording artiste/songwriter John Gordon and Rapper Chi-Ali.
And your vision for Gia-Ligia?
Gia-Ligia will provide a physical trunk show platform and outlet for local designers to promote, sell and display their brands internationally... I am planning to source only the finest designers whose clothing will stand up to any globally renowned label.
Can a woman have it all?
She sure can... God, love, a partner who shares her passion, being at the pinnacle of her career, and having a supporting family. We are mothers of creation. God intended for us to have it all. We just lose sight of that sometimes.
What's your business credo?
To provide a physical platform for local designers to house, promote and display their craft internationally.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In 10 years I will be producing the most luxurious and extravagant trunk show platform for designers all over the world. A mogul, tapping on the heels of Coco Chanel (smile).
Does The Jamaica Observer support Delita Hooks sitting at the front of a long reception desk yelling a patient who's medical visit cost $430 dollars -- you have no rights who do you think you are...
last time I check this is NYC USA and People have rights including patient rights to a safe environment and patient rights and I even have a first amendment rights but maybe Jamaica Observer doesn't believe that and supports Delita Hooks Violent Assault? Why else would they do a puff piece for the 40 year old violent receptionist office manager of Dr. Andrew Fagelman's.
Internal Affairs has this an open case so in theory when ever they get around to it they could arrest her maybe next year when I have 51 or 52 and she is 41 or 42 but wow what a violent liar and yet unlike Jodi Arias she hasn't murdered anyone yet -- just got corrupt NYPD to help her get away with murder and a person at Jamaica Observer to have cocktails and write a puff piece so who paid for the cocktails?
You have to wonder about Dr. Fagelman, Delita Hooks and the NYPD and even IAB....as she returned to the reception desks after she savagely attacked me and my MD demanded Delita Hooks be fired and she and her partner vacated in two weeks.