Fashion Caribbean returns to mixed reviews

After a two-year absence, Fashion Caribbean has returned with an impressive line-up of designers and models.{{more}}

The event, which took place at the Emerald Valley Casino on Saturday, August 14, was spared the inclement weather that has afflicted the island of late, but did not manage to escape the residual mud – much to the displeasure of many patrons.

However, that did not extinguish their ‘oohs and ahhs’ and favourable nods as the designers’ clothing and jewelry hit the 50 foot runway.

Models from the Image Modelling Agency strutted their stuff on the catwalk in a delicious blend of men’s and ladies’ wear, swim wear and jewelry that reflected immense creativity and professionalism – all coated with a decidedly smooth Caribbean feel.

Designers utilised a plethora of fabrics, textures and colours to create a visual feast for the show’s patrons.

One attendee remarked: “I was really impressed with the designs. I saw a lot of clothing that I will definitely be enquiring about!”

“It was a good show,” another chimed in. “But the mud and poor lighting in the audience really annoyed me.”

There was not much variety with respect to the origin of the designers, compared with previous years, but the designs were of a significantly improved standard – many of them already fit for the international stage.

Designers included Trinidadian labels Kaj Designs, Ecliff Eli Designs, Sean Griffith Perez, Zadd & Eastman, and Millhouse; Earth Member for Life (by Ashley Christmas) from Tobago; Cole Facts from Guyana; Queen Esther’s Kuumba Designs from St Lucia; Pat Blackman from Barbados; and local designers ‘Scrapie’ Dopwell, Brenda McIntosh-Iroha, and Ingrid John (Natural Beats).

The ‘Fresh Faces’ segment featured the up and coming talents of Jeremy Payne (Silky Ruff), Monifa Walker, Kevern Bacchus, Deon Paul, Shernicia Mayers, Sophelia Blucher and J’nel Charles.

Fashion Caribbean’s creative director, Kimya Glasgow, said that the planning committee was pleased with the general outcome of the show, and that the feedback it received from the designers and regional invited media was favourable.

Glasgow acknowledged the criticisms from some of those who attended the show, but pointed out that the short-comings were mostly beyond the organising committee’s control.

“The criticisms we received were down to the weather or the fault of outside contractors. But we want to move forward, and learn from what went wrong,” Glasgow explained.

She also said that future Fashion Caribbean shows will be dependant on public response.

“We would like to have more shows, but that depends on demand. It’s not just about us forcing it on people.”

Glasgow added: “As long as people want Fashion Caribbean, we will bring it to them.”

Fashion Caribbean began in 2001, and is the brain child of managing director Monique Arthur-Tash. The major sponsors were LIME, Grenadine House and Oasis Spa.