Isaiah Luther: A designer who uses 100% recycled fabrics and natural dyes to create environmentally friendly fashion

By Sueann Wickham

Over the past few weeks, this publication has featured several young Guyanese, each with a unique story on how they are using their talents to inspire others. This week, we turn the spotlight on 32-year-old Isaiah Luther, another young entrepreneur and creative who has appeared on our radar for bringing something quite different to the table.

In his interview with the Guyana Standard, Luther, a multifaceted artist shared that he has a deep adoration for marrying the arts with sustainability. Though his passions run the gamut of all things artistic, be it dance, fashion, stage and set design, or visual merchandising; he is particularly devoted to sustainable fashion. He is the founder, designer, and creative director of BuckedBead, a local fashion brand which concentrates on providing people with ‘greener’ options for their wardrobe.

Describing BuckedBead, Luther said, “It puts transparency at the centre of everything. Our goal is to work to ensure each garment we create is as environmentally conscious as possible, whilst remaining open about the origin of the products and fabrics used. Our brand intends to be able to use 100 percent recycled fabrics, natural dyes and natural fibres, thereby ensuring that the brand is doing its bit to look after the planet and allow its customers to make greener choices with their wardrobes.”

Recalling his journey to creating sustainable fashion pieces, he noted that his first-ever fashion collection debuted in December 2013 at the Break the Runway Living the Arts showcase. Following that, he had another opportunity to release another collection titled “Red” which was launched in Guyana and was also showcased in Suriname for Fashion Week.

“I then took a rest from fashion while I was living and working in Anguilla and this allowed me the opportunity to bring a few things into perspective (like) my life choices and the importance of the way we consume,” he reflected. He also noted that his realization of the need for more environmentally friendly practices led to him rebranding and changing the way he chose to present his brand to the rest of the world. He also shared that he was eager to be more conscious of how he created his pieces and focus on learning sustainable practices.

For now, his main goals for BuckheadBead are to produce and create all of his textiles locally, launch his own store. and sell his products internationally.

As for his other passions, Luther has an impressive background in dance, having been classically educated in both ballet and modern dance at the Let’s Dance Studio in Guyana and the Caribbean School of Dancing in Trinidad & Tobago. The young entrepreneur has also been able to showcase his skills on the international stage, having trained and performed with internationally renowned choreographers like Viki Bromberg Psihoyos and Juan Pablo Alba Dennis. He was also fortunate to be a member of The Metamorphosis Dance Company in Trinidad and the Artistic Director for the Let’s Dance Studio in Guyana.

Noting that his fashion brand is not his only business venture, he revealed that he is the owner of the New Generation Dance Studio, founded in 2018 and offers classical ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop classes for dancers of all ages and skill levels. He would have recently reopened his studio after he unfortunately had to close it doors in 2020, when he left Guyana to serve as the Artistic Director for Klassique Academy of Dance in Anguilla.

According to the talented artist, the studio’s mission is to bring dance to the future by exploring different forms of movement and expression, whilst deconstructing and reforming traditional ideas of movement and expression.

Despite Isaiah’s successes, he still faces challenges with both his dance studio and fashion brand. For the dance studio, he shared that finding funding to continue outreach programmes and the exploration of the art form is a challenge.

As for his sustainable fashion brand, BuckedBead, running a fashion label itself is a challenge in Guyana, when trying to reach a wider audience both here and internationally. However, he gave props to the government for its increased efforts in promoting local talent and creatives. He said, “I think the Government is doing a great job in starting programmes like grants for creatives. But, I believe there is so much more to be done. We need places to create, to express within the community and more funding. ” According to Luther, Guyana is full of talented and creative people, but many leave the country due to its limited resources.

Notwithstanding these challenges, Luther remains committed to his long-term goals for the New Generation Dance Studio, which include achieving recognition as a registered school under the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and offering certified and qualified teachers and programmes that will help his students excel beyond the borders of Guyana.

Without question, Isaiah Luther’s story is a testament to the power of passion and determination. His love for the arts and commitment to sustainability has not only propelled him to success but also inspired many around him. His vision for the New Generation Dance Studio is also a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his students. In a world where creativity and sustainability are often seen as mutually exclusive, Isaiah Luther serves as a beacon of hope and a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance.

The Guyana Standard believes that he is undoubtedly one to watch as he fearlessly champions the arts and expands his expertise as a designer, dancer, choreographer, artistic director, and overall creative. This publication is convinced that his passion for the arts and unwavering dedication to his craft will continue to inspire others and make a significant impact in the world of dance.

To peruse his unique designs, please visit the following link: [https://www.instagram.com/buckedbead/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D](https://www.instagram.com/buckedbead/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D “‌”).

To view Mr. Luther’s dance studio, please follow this link: [https://www.instagram.com/ngds.gy/](https://www.instagram.com/ngds.gy/ “‌”).