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Andre Terry’s signature, show stopping designs not only enhances the body to perfection, but sets him apart from other designers!
He started designing clothes as a hobby at the age of 16, and began featuring them in fashion shows in 1982. Due to the increase volume of custom work for his individual clients. Terry opened his own company. It’s My Turn (IMT) Designs four years later. His collection ranges from day wear, to glamorous one-of-a-kind evening gowns and unique men’s wear.
During this period he also toured with the Paul Mitchell Hair Care Shows throughout the country, and created designs for FAME Dancers from the popular Television show. What he thought was a hobby turned into a lucrative career that literally took him by surprise.
In 1990 the Andre Terrry teamed with Melinda Ballard, former publicist for designers Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren. He eventually opened a custom boutique in downtown Austin, Texas. As sales soared, Terry increased his staff and moved his operation to Dallas, Texas. He began selling his designs to stores and boutiques throughout the country, including the popular African artifacts and clothing store African Imports, located in Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth, Texas.
In an attempt to reach a larger more diverse market, Terry added a division that targeted the growing needs of the gospel community, Some clients include Hamilton Park First Baptist, St. Luke Community United Methodist Church and St. John First Baptist Church in Grand Prairie, and Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin’s Gods Property, to name a few. He has also designed outfits for Mrs. J.D. Jakes, wife of Pastor T.D. Jakes of Potter House.
Terry is a native of Austin, Texas, and says his talent comes from his grandmother who helped him develop his craft to become a designer, because according to his grandmother, he used to nap under her sewing machine.
Currently, his company offers designs in four divisions: Men, Women, Bridal, and Church, and his designs are priced from $200 to $1,800. His clients range from entertainers such as Monica Calhoun, Kim Fields, Angie Stone, Dave Hollister, and Leon to name a few to Dallas’ own Dallas Black Dance Company. He spent several years designing costumes for Shucky Ducky ringmaster for the Universoul Circus. He was Designer of the year in 2004. His knowledge of fashion styles and image development has given him the opportunity to travel the country touring with National Plays such as Friends and Lovers and Issues staring some of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
“What makes my clothes so unique in their versatility and flexibility; they can be worn more than one way,” Terry, said.
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