Interview by Kendra Dennis/Photos by Eddie Pearson
Every Labor Day Monday, Caribbean swagger and New York style come together at the West Indian American Day Carnival (aka the “West Indian Day Parade” or “Brooklyn Carnival”) on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. We decided to bring our street style feature Pop Style out onto the Parkway this year, and the cast assembled did not disappoint, reflecting the mixture of national pride and personal style we’ve come to expect from this most visually stimulating of days. With New York Fashion Week kicking into gear today on the other side of town, we’re sharing our favorite looks from the Parkway here.
Barrington
Occupation: Independent Contractor
Spotted: Eastern Parkway, West Indian Day Parade
You have a really festive look right now, what inspired this crazy head piece? I love it.
This headpiece was originally inspired by [the] Penn Relays. I used to run in high school so it’s really not for the parade, but I wear it to every Jamaican function.
You have some beautiful chains on. Tell us about them.
Well, this is Bob Marley; and this is the Jamaican coins, I just used them and make a necklace, and this is my name, my cross, my religion, and my church.
Do they represent the most important things in your life?
Yes.
Which one is the most important to you?
This one [the church chain]. When I came out and started my life over, this church gave me a new start. This is their logo, so I take it and make a chain.
Can you talk a little bit more about that time in your life?
When I was in prison, I made a plea to God that, if he let me out and stay here, I would not make that place become a revolving door for me, and I would come and inspire a lot of people. This church let me come and preach to other kids, and keep them out the street.
