Caribbean women are some of the most confident women you will ever meet, in any cultural context. Living in a region with such a wide scope of social and economic realities makes us aware that nothing should be taken for granted. Caribbean women who are driven and aspire to achieve excellence are usually compelling. Their exploits are usually grounded by the fact that opportunities are scarce, so whenever they are available they must be relished and optimized. Some opportunities have to be sought after and some opportunities are an unexplainable gift.
When you talk about Sandra Hordatt, the first gift that comes to mind is the gift of genetics. Her boldness and confidence are substantiated by her burnished golden skin and angelic smile. Sandra exudes the essence of femininity; not only with her physical resplendence but more importantly as a designer and her latest brand, Sandi’s Angels, is proof of this. Just like many designers in Trinidad & Tobago, Sandra initially gained recognition for her work as a carnival costume designer for bands like Tribe, Rogue and Bliss.
The hallmark of any good designer is their ability to adapt to changing times and adjust their creative strategy to accommodate new beginnings. The cancellation of carnival due to Covid-19 forced many Caribbean designers to innovate new ways to use their design skills, and Sandra has done so effectively with Sandi’s Angels. It’s a comfortable, sexy sleepwear brand for the confident woman. Celebrities such as Destra Garcia and Patrice Roberts have been openly supportive of Sandi’s Angels on social media, purchasing pieces from the brand that they are in love with. Her design philosophy for this brand seeks to combine glamour with affordability, and we were intrigued to find out more about her journey and perspective.
CARIB VOXX: The quality of the pieces you design show that you have high taste and believe in quality material. Why was it still important to make your pieces affordable, even with your taste level?
Sandra: “Well, the aim of ‘Sandi’s Angels’ was to provide women with something luxurious and affordable. Times right now are really crazy for everybody, so that’s why affordability is important; but then also, there was the issue of accessibility. Usually when I am working on a project like this I would travel, just to find materials that are unique; so because of Covid-19, I needed that accessibility. Everything for ‘Sandi’s Angels’ is designed, produced and manufactured in Trinidad.”
CARIB VOXX: You identify as a serial entrepreneur. Tell us about your other business ventures before the creation of Sandi’s Angels.
Sandra: “Well, there has been so many! In 2012 I started a swimwear line called ‘Mood Swings’ that did really well. At the time there were not as many swimwear brands and I feel so blessed to have influenced a next generation of designers. I was also a makeup artist, and was considered one of the top ones in Trinidad. There were only about five of us at the time. And of course – designing carnival costumes! That’s what I do for a living!!!”
CARIB VOXX: Tell us about your journey to fully embracing your sensuality. Also, what encouragement do you have for young women who want to be as confident as you are?
Sandra: “Honestly, I would say that my journey has prepared me comprehensively for everything that is happening now. In terms of designing for a woman, that’s what I do for carnival. I tried to create costumes that flatter their curves and make them feel sexy. To translate that into female clothing and sleepwear came pretty natural. In regards to my own sensuality and growth as a woman – I’m still learning! I’m still learning how to accept everything about me, especially my flaws. Luckily, perfection is out of style now – THANK GOD ! That era of life was so stressful and full of pressure, but I think I was built for it.”
CARIB VOXX: Outside of designing, one of your other passions is the culinary arts. What are your top 3 Caribbean dishes that you make the best?
Sandra: “Definitely curry goat, and we have it with roti or white rice. When I go into my super healthy phase, I’ll have it with brown rice (lol). Recently, I experimented with a Shepherd’s Pie with layered mash potatoes, minced meat and plantains. Then I got this idea for lasagna from my friend’s mom! I put pineapples and sausages – it’s like a Johnsonville Hot Links.”
