Designer Ayanna Dixon on the Best Goat Curries and Music Halls in Kingston

Ayanna Dixon is a fashion designer who incorporates illustration into her creations. Her brand, ASD, is made and manufactured in Jamaica with a mission to reflect, represent, and uplift all Caribbean women.

How Would You Describe Jamaica?

Honestly, it may sound cheesy to say, but I believe Jamaica is the heartbeat of the world. From our music to our people to our beaches, Jamaica stands out. Other islands are undeniably beautiful, however, the vibrancy and personality of our people set us apart. Whether it’s reggae or dancehall, there is something here for everyone. Jamaica is a true star – we’re small, yet we’ve made a tremendous impact globally, especially through our music. Moreover, the positive energy here is infectious. See – cheesy! But also true.

What Does Jamaica Smell Like?

I attended fashion school in NYC, and I’ll never forget the first whiff of air upon landing back home – a sun-warmed, salty sea-air scent that is quintessentially Jamaica. Additionally, the smell of curry evokes memories of home, bringing warmth to cold, grey winters in NYC.

Your Connection to Jamaica

In Jamaica, our motto is ‘Out of Many One People.’ This emphasizes our country’s diversity; we have white Jamaicans, Black Jamaicans, Chinese Jamaicans, Indian Jamaicans, and mixed Jamaicans. Everyone is considered 100 percent Jamaican. My brand, ASD, focuses on representation and its significance. Jamaica’s diverse beauty inspires me, and I strive for my brand to capture that essence. Furthermore, I want my brand to empower people, making them feel sophisticated, sexy, and happy.

Top Spots to Grab a Bite

I absolutely love curry goat. Most restaurants in Jamaica can whip up a decent version, but my favorite is at The Cove Coolout Restaurant & Bar in Kingston. I’m also always up for good lobster; Aunt May’s and Aunt Merl’s at Hellshire Beach are fantastic options! Jamaican Chinese food is another gem – it’s distinct from American or Trinidadian styles. My go-to place is Dragon Court. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with the strong margaritas at Chilitos.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

There are numerous captivating murals in downtown Kingston. The city is enhancing its creative flair, making it exciting to see the work of local artists.

Where to Hear Music?

Check out the Kingston Dub Club! They host concerts, primarily featuring reggae artists, and Sundays are dedicated to dub music. The atmosphere is lively, and the vibes are authentic.

What Excites You About Jamaica Right Now?

Our music – artists like Protoje, Sevana, and Koffee are doing remarkable things. The music scene is booming, and it’s being dubbed the Reggae Revival. The uplifting messages in our songs are exactly what we need at this moment!

What Do You Miss Most When Traveling?

The beaches and the warmth of our people. If someone sees you down, they will take a moment to cheer you up. This is a unique characteristic of our people, who know how to uplift each other even in tough times.

Follow Ayanna Dixon on Instagram @ayanna.asd