Brisayon Watson‘s unexpected journey from science and sports to fashion has redefined what it means to create. Known as a “fashion engineer,” Brisayon designs multi-functional garments that push the boundaries of creativity and practicality. His signature pieces, like the denim trench coat, combine style with purpose. Inspired by his mother, his first collection, “Melinda,” showcases his dedication to detail and innovation.
With eyes set on collaborating with celebrities and integrating technology into fashion, Brisayon’s mission is clear—transform fashion by engineering the future. His work is more than design; it’s an inspiration for the next generation.
Starting the Journey: From Science to Fashion
Ten years ago, I never imagined I’d fall in love with creating clothing. Growing up, I was known as the “sports guy” or the “science guy,” with a passion for fashion that remained dormant until 2015. It all started when a friend of mine, who was losing weight in college, bought a sewing machine to resize his clothes. As broke college students, we couldn’t afford new wardrobes, so when he told me how inexpensive and simple it was to alter clothing, I decided to give it a try.
That Christmas, I asked for a sewing machine, but my family didn’t quite understand my request. A year later, I asked again and finally got one, though it sat unopened for two months. One day, while cleaning my room, I tossed a trench coat and jean jacket onto my bed and thought, “Why not try making a denim trench coat with sherpa lining?” Once I started sewing, I was hooked. It reminded me of my childhood love for building Legos and K’Nex—time disappeared as I focused on each stitch. The positive response I received for that jacket fueled my desire to create more.
Combining Design and Engineering: The Early Years
After that first denim trench coat, I began experimenting with hoodies and altering jeans, honing my skills. I asked friends for their old clothes, breaking them down to understand construction techniques. Initially, I tried combining different fabrics to create unique designs, thinking I was onto something. However, as more people saw my work, they began comparing it to other designers, which was both flattering and disheartening. I wanted originality.
In 2018, I finally found my niche with a garment I called the “drop-down trench.” It was a jacket that functioned as both a regular-length jacket and a trench coat. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and I knew I wanted to continue pushing the limits of functionality and creativity in fashion.
Fashion Engineering: Defining a New Path
The title “fashion engineer” was never something I set out to claim, but it became a recurring theme in the comments on my social media posts. People noticed how my creativity in clothing could be applied to other industries, though I hadn’t initially thought of it that way. My designs focus on creating versatile, multi-functional garments that align with my philosophy of “less is more.”
I began designing clothing that could be worn in multiple ways, extending its use and keeping wardrobes fresh. The term “fashion engineer” stuck because I wasn’t just designing clothes—I was engineering them to serve multiple functions and push the boundaries of what fashion could be.
Challenges and Achievements: Finding My Place in Fashion
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is immersing myself in the fashion industry without any initial connections. I create because I love it, not for the hope of overnight success. Even if I had no future in this industry, I’d still think about clothing every day. The legacy of influence, inspiring even one person to learn and grow from my work, means more to me than fame.
Opportunities have come and gone, including being asked to participate in competitive fashion shows. For one reason or another, I’ve never made it past the interview stage, but I refuse to sacrifice my integrity for the spotlight. One of my most memorable achievements is creating my first collection, titled “Melinda,” after my mother. The collection represents her strength, beauty, and my deep admiration for her.
Setting Myself Apart: The Power of Detail and Functionality
What sets me apart from traditional fashion designers is my focus on functionality and detail. I create garments that aren’t just pieces of clothing—they’re conversational pieces. My attention to even the smallest detail pushes me to go beyond making standard garments. We have such a finite time on this planet, so why not push the boundaries of creativity and make something truly unique?
Advice to Aspiring Fashion Designers
If you’re interested in incorporating engineering into your designs, my biggest piece of advice is to know your math. Measure everything multiple times before cutting, because precision is crucial. One mistake can set you back hours or even days.
Additionally, let your mind wander. Don’t confine yourself to what’s considered “normal” in fashion. Experiment, explore, and don’t be afraid to create something new. Often, people won’t appreciate your vision until it’s right in front of them, so trust in your creativity.
Handling Pressure: Staying Confident in a Competitive Industry
The pressures of social media weigh heavily on me. Creating clothing comes naturally, but keeping up with social media can be overwhelming. I often feel like I’m not doing enough, that I should be more well-known by now. But I remind myself that I am where I need to be at this exact moment, and that keeps me grounded.
Looking to the Future: Evolving with Technology
My long-term goal is to inspire others to push the boundaries of fashion. I’d love to create one-of-a-kind pieces for high-profile celebrities, eventually building a high-fashion brand on a global scale. I also have a deep interest in integrating technology into fashion. One of my current fixations is creating energy through movement in fabric, which could be used to power electronic devices. The possibilities for the future of fashion engineering are limitless, and I’m excited to continue evolving alongside it. In three years, I hope to be living off the clothing I create, collaborating with celebrities, and continuing to inspire others to think outside the box in both fashion and engineering.
Photos Private archive
