Bahamian-Canadian designer, Desirée D’Aguiar continues to find herself immersed in her culture despite only visiting once a year.

Her mother is Bahamian and her father is Guyanese.

Her swimsuit line Winfred Taylor uses vibrant colors and draws inspiration from different sea animals like jellyfish.

We chatted with Desirée to discuss her love for the Bahamas and her new swimsuit collection at Winifred Taylor.

Explore the Bahamas: How did you keep up with your Bahamian culture growing up?

Desirée D’Aguiar: Most of my mother’s side of the family is back home in The Bahamas. I kept up with Bahamian culture by going to The Bahamas at least once a year, most of the time with my mom. There we stay with family and relax with friends.

ETB: What are your fondest memories of The Bahamas?

DA: A couple of years ago my cousins had a beautiful birthday party for my Aunt Crystal’s birthday. They had so much Guava Duff and a Junkanoo band. It’s a memory I will never forget.

ETB: For those that have never been to The Bahamas, what would be some recommendations for first-time travelers?

DA: If it were someone’s first time going to The Bahamas, I would suggest they go to the Junkanoo Museum to learn about Bahamian heritage and culture. Then 100% have some conch salad at the fish fry many people like tropical salad. I prefer scorched conch salad.

ETB: What’s your favorite Bahamian dish and why?

DA: I have to have conch fritters and macaroni pie when I go back to The Bahamas and Guava Duff, it’s a MUST!

ETB: What’s your favorite Bahamian drink and why?

DA: My favorite drink is Sex on the Beach, Bahama Mama, or rum daiquiri slush.

Bahamian-Canadian designer created Winifred Taylor to make women feel confident

ETB: I see you’re a designer. What type of clothing do you design?

DA: I design swimwear. It’s the perfect way to connect with my island roots and create looks I can wear when I go back to the island.

 

ETB: How did you come up with the name Winifred Taylor?

DA: The name Winifred Taylor is an amalgamation of my paternal grandmother Winifred D’Aguiar and my maternal grandfather Sidney Taylor‘s name. They keep the essence of the brand at the forefront for me.

ETB: How did you get into design?

DA: I got into design when I was really young. I learned how to sew on socks making outfits for Barbie dolls. I was then gifted a sewing machine and from there I was hooked.

 

ETB: Where do you find inspiration behind creating your pieces? You’re designing a new swimwear line. What’s the inspiration behind the new line?

 DA: Every collection has a different inspiration. My first collection was inspired by jellyfish. The most recent collection draws inspiration from all the shades, we as Black women come in, celebrating our beautiful summer glow with a nudes collection.

Want to know more about The Bahamas National dish – Conch, we have the full scoop here.