S&M Custom Design, led by visionary designer Santia Mckoy, proudly presents the “FORTY” Collection, a celebration of artistry, innovation and life marking Santia’s Mckoy’s 40th birthday.

By Livingston Magazine / Editor in chief : Jamee Beth Livingston / Photos : Paul Dairus

Imagine the power of a single letter, penned by a fourteen year-old dreamer in Haiti named Santia McKoy, containing the key to her future self. This letter, brimming with hope and determination, would become the catalyst for an extraordinary journey. Her vision, once confined to the pages of that letter, began to materialize as doors of opportunity swung open. With unwavering resolve, Santia pursued her dreams, overcoming countless obstacles and defying expectations. Her story became a beacon of inspiration, igniting a flame of possibility in the hearts of other young dreamers. As she grew, so did her impact, transforming not only her own life but also the lives of those around her.

This prophetic message, a beacon of hope and possibility, ignited a spark that would burn for twenty-six years, culminating in the extraordinary Forty collection. As Designer marks her  milestone birthday, she’s not just celebrating another year – she’s embracing the fulfillment of a lifelong vision. “Turning 40 is a milestone, and to celebrate, I’ve crafted something truly special.”

From the vibrant streets of Haiti to the dazzling world of fashion, Santia’s journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. As a young girl, surrounded by the hum of sewing machines in her family’s shop, she discovered her calling. With each stitch and design, she wove not just clothes, but hope for a brighter future.

Let Santia’s unwavering spirit inspire you. Her journey from designing school clothes for friends to creating her own fashion empire shows us that with passion, perseverance and belief in oneself, we can turn our wildest dreams into tangible success.

The Forty collection, featuring four exclusive pieces and a limited-edition hat series, embodies the timeless elegance and cutting-edge design that defines the brand. Each garment in the collection is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and creativity, making a bold statement in contemporary fashion.

“This collection is a personal tribute to the journey I’ve taken over the past forty years,” says Santia Mckoy, founder and designer of S&M Custom Design. “Every piece is infused with the passion and creativity that have shaped my brand, and I’m excited to share this milestone with the world.”

Each garment has an emotive story, all four uniting together simultaneously at the exact time they should have been. The silver dress is made from a custom- colored metallic fabric, symbolizing modernity and timelessness. Adorned with forty handcrafted roses, it carries a deeply personal significance for Santia. “As someone who is passionate about roses, I find great meaning in creating these floral embellishments which represent the years of my life and my journey as a mother of three girls. My aim with this collection is to maintain a sense of elegance and empowerment that reflects my own story and experiences. I hope for it to become a signature piece for birthdays and anniversaries, adaptable to milestone ages with a floral arrangement that reflects the corresponding age.”

The peach represents female empowerment. The dress posed a distinctive design hurdle. She crafted it thrice, refining her concept with each version. Though the initial notion held potential, the ambiance fell short. She reworked it, and the second try effectively conveyed the sought-after atmosphere. The third iteration finalized the design, incorporating a bow at the neckline that harmoniously aligned with the collection’s overarching symbol of female empowerment.

The elegant pink dress symbolizes her love and commitment to her husband Adrian, who encourages and supports her aspirations.

“I have designed this couture gown as a representation of our upcoming vow renewal celebration. The dress features a metallic fabric with a captivating bubble effect on the sleeves and train, creating a truly stunning pink wedding dress. The front of the gown is adorned with a graceful pink bow that beautifully unifies the four sections of the dress.”

The white dress exudes a regal presence, embodying the essence of a queen, her empire, and the realization of her aspirations. The elegant white dress exudes a sense of grandeur, its visual presence extending far beyond the initial perception. When paired with a cape, the dress assumes a majestic appearance, which undergoes a distinct transformation upon the cape’s removal. as it reflects the time needed for a new era to unfold. dresses can transform into multiple looks. For example, the main look can be reimagined as three distinct looks: a practical look, a high-fashion gala and red carpet look, and an elegant dinner look without the cape, each with three matching hats.

“My aspiration is for this collection to continue being an integral component of my brand, embodying creativity and couture. The collection marks a significant step in my personal and professional development as a designer, a deeply personal blend of my own identity and style’.

Santia’s journey reminds us that our dreams, no matter how distant they may seem, have the potential to shape our reality. Designer Santia’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, creativity and self-belief. As she unveils her new designs, we’re witnessing the beautiful convergence of past aspirations and present achievements.

The “FORTY” Collection will be available exclusively through S&M Custom Design’s official website. For more information visit SMCustomDesign.com