From “Canvas to the runway” Dominican fashion debutant stirs heads
By Lin-Jay Harry-Voglezon
Expectations of the “Caribbean Fashion Tourism 2013”, held on Tuesday, 4th June at the Grand Ballroom, New Yorker Hotel, Manhattan, may have been dampened. For by the time the 8th of the 13 ensembles of fabric were sashayed across the runway approximately 80% of the less than capacity filled room had departed. The show time started beyond the scheduled 7pm and as the more than 40 models, inclusive of twelve males, changed from one designer’s couture to another, the estimated 5-10 minutes intervals lingered without even meaningful Caribbean rhythms.
But Caribbean Fashion which began three years ago, as an integral part of Caribbean Tourism Week, now in its 40th year, and also part of Caribbean Heritage Month, remains promising.
This year the event aimed “to empower Caribbean aspiring models and designers … give them the platform to achieve international presence” and provide “an opportunity for buyers and investors to observe and decide which of the fabulous designs on the runway they will invest in.”
But if one was looking for many “aaha” or “wow” moments he had to search. Yes, there were several innovations in the casual, formal and beach wear pieces displayed by all designers but they were short on creativity. Generally, one witnessed a strong North American influence in tones and textures chosen by the designers, instead of the vivid color schemes of the Caribbean or balanced integration of the two. And the models, including international supermodel Georgie Badiel and Miss Jamaica, Chantel Clarke, 2013 Face of Fashion, were not so exotically decorated in make-up and hair styles that you were distracted from the clothing. They looked natural.
One observed too that the innovations as displayed catered for proportional persons, those with long legs and short torso, long torso and short legs, but not for plus sized people.
The most striking ensemble was by Glenda Jones, a Dominican based in Texas, and debutant to fashion shows. So much so that Miss Bahamas who reportedly is heading to Miss World is seriously contemplating wearing her signature pieces. Reportedly too, Miss Jamaica indicated a similar interest.
Perhaps the most striking creative piece was the rope dress by Jones. As a fashion concept it is seductively teasing to the imagination. It allows the body to freely breathe air and sun yet denies bold expressive hugging or revelation of the feminine contour. One can imagine decked in it at the poolside, on the beach, at a carnival, or during a casual walk in the gardens over a tee shirt for instance.
She explained that her pieces are meant for multipurpose usage. For example, the same beach wear, with a few feathers added could be applicable for carnival or other festival settings. “I believe fashion must tell a story” she said, “I want my signature brand to be worn more than once.” Most of her 32 pieces were based on African fabric but she added intricate braiding, gold and turquoise as her signature.
Jones who is also an artist, with four children books about to be published, is a business graduate which she says makes a whole lot of difference in her ability to market her couture.
The 13 designers whose fashion pieces ranged from 10 to 32 included 2010 Caribbean award-winning designer Queen Esther of Kuumba Designs (St. Lucia), Rykardo De Jude Pneuaner (Barbados), Derrica Williamson (The Bahamas), Glenda Jones (Dominica), Carol Fraser (Guyana), Prajje Jean-Baptiste (Haiti), Gillian Francis – Minka (Jamaica), Kimya Glasgow (Saint Vincent & The Grenadines), Simon Duncan (Trinidad & Tobago), Alain Moore – (USA); Mainstream Brands: Katty Xiomara, Gunas, and A+ Dreams (Black Heart Fashion).
The Caribbean Fashion Show is a joint venture between the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation and Face Of Fashion. Part of the proceeds are donated to the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation that provides scholarships and financial assistance to Caribbean nationals pursuing studies in tourism and hospitality.
