Promoters put Fashion Caribbean on hold

After 7 years, Image Modelling Agency has decided to put its brainchild, Fashion Caribbean, on hold.{{more}}

Created as a way of promoting Vincentian models in the region and beyond, it was the first of the region’s major Fashion events and has been featured extensively in the regional media.

“We know that small businesses such as the many boutiques and hairdressers get increased revenue because of Fashion Caribbean, as it is one of those rare occasions in St Vincent where everyone dresses up fashionably to attend. It creates a small but significant economic bounce for the country and we hate to disappoint them and, of course, our loyal followers.

“Unfortunately, it has become difficult to put on the kind of show that is going to bring positive attention to St Vincent and the Grenadines and put it on the map as a Fashion destination. With a working budget of EC$50,000 to $80,000, it is difficult to make a profit, and in some cases it can be a financial loss. Even with the unfailing support of the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines and our loyal sponsors, we are forced to compete with shows that have come after us, like Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica, with a budget of US$1million.

“These [other Caribbean] shows have been able to have the added value of attracting boutique and resort buyers and heavy-hitting media, and utilize local and international celebrities to bring attention to their events.

“We felt we owed an explanation to our loyal followers and those who depend on Fashion Caribbean for their income and business growth,” says Managing Director Monique Tash.

Image has decided to reposition and rebrand the Fashion Caribbean package as a viable, high-quality Vincentian product worth exporting, just like our Vincentian Resorts, Beaches and Agro-products like Pepper Sauces, Spring Water, Music Artistes, etc. They will be pulling together a group of Private and Public Sector Advisors and Stakeholders to form a rebranding and repositioning committee.

Image will be focusing on smaller, high-quality shows, with an emphasis on the audience, such as Mr Image MACHO and Face of Shabeau, and participation in overseas fashion events that can bring additional profile and portfolio building opportunities for Image models.

The models are currently making preparations to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at Islands of the World Fashion Week in the Bahamas in November. The Agency will, therefore, be engaged in a number of fund-raising activities to make these trips possible.