f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

The Trinidad
experience
A Fabulous
Fashion Parade
By Giselle La Ronde-West
Giselle La Ronde-West
Fashion Week in Trinidad and Tobago was no ordinary display
of talent. It was an exceptional event that showcased the
tremendous creative ability of the people of the nation. From
May 29 to June 2, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain
was all about lights, camera and action, with twenty designers
displaying their clothes on the beautiful bodies of our talented
models. Hyatt welcomed the crème de la crème of the fashion
and entertainment world each day, bringing a great deal of
excitement their way.
The dazzling array of colour and use of natural fabrics by
the designers was in keeping with the theme, Save our Earth,
Live Green. Despite the glitz and glamour of each evening, the
clothes took on natural tones and hues. The designers were
careful to bring home the theme throughout the entire week. The
opening of the event started on the Friday, with a dance about
Mother Earth conquering the evils of the earth—pollution and
other human destruction.
It set the tone for that first evening, which featured designers
Heather Jones, DLR “D,” Fariiworld, Michael’s Vogue Designs,
Sonia Mack, Millhouse menswear, Brown Sugar and CPFS.
Heather’s designs were as usual, vibrant and striking, while
Michael’s Vogue Designs had an avant-garde twist to them, and
Sonia Mack, the Haute Couture designs of Trinidad and Tobago.
The St. Kitts outfit by Judith Rawlins aka Brown Sugar, presented
freedom of movement with a contrast of bold and subtle.
The swimsuit section designed by Christian Boucaud, was
very stark and daring, putting an interesting edge on the Sunday
evening’s show, along with Zadd and Eastman, M Squared, Peter
Elias and Kimya Glasgow. That evening, Anya Ayoung Chee,
former Ms. Trinidad and Tobago (Ms. Universe representative),
introduced her first offering to the Fashion world, in her line
called Pilar, named after her brother who died tragically. This
was an interesting presentation that showcased a wide variety
and combination of colour. However, it was Peter Elias’s burst of
colour that captivated the audience.
On June 1, the introduction of yet another new line was seen.
The well-known entertainer, Machel Montano, offered his line
of kids’ wear called Boy Boy, which followed from his recent
concert and book launch of the same name. This presentation
was different and fresh with all the children coming out in
various designs of pants, skirts and trousers, all in white cotton
with different coloured Boy Boy T-shirts. It was a breath of fresh
air after all the colour and adult models. He showed alongside
Radical Designs, Mariska’s, Stacy Smith Designs, Simply
Garnett’s, Earth member for Life and the unmistakable styles of
Claudia Pegus.
The second year of Fashion Week in Trinidad and Tobago was
memorable. The Hyatt Regency was an ideal location, with its
high ceilings and competent staff. It was a great opportunity for
new, established and rediscovering designers to come together
to show off their talents to a very eager and interested audience.
Everyone anxiously awaits the start of Fashion Week 2010.
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago