BBFW 2015 Review

This year marked the 10th year of Barbados Bridgetown Fashion Week and it was once time again for fashion lovers to gather and see the SS 16 collections of up and coming designers. I’m still basking in the glow of the collections that were featured on November 21st and 22nd. I have to admit the students of the Caribbean Market Center, D’Marsh Couture, the Barbados National Dress Project as well as the Yendor bag collection stole the spotlight for me as they produced some very outstanding collections, each with it’s own unique artistic voice.

Here are my favorite looks from the designers of both nights:

When I saw the Him by Mark Pierre, three words came to mind. All I think was punk, edgy and androgynous. This collection would be ideal for the man who loves to push the fashion boundaries.

As for the collection I Am Nyvek, let me just say that every woman present that night wanted at least one piece from this collection. There was great detail paid to these pieces and in my opinion the whole collection was clean and looked effortless.

 

D’Marsh Couture from the USA showcased both a men’s and women’s collection that both had a fun flamboyant side to them. The looks were polished but still a relaxed vibe.

The Barbados National Dress Project by Rodney Powers was themed Wear It With Pride and as the blue and yellow stripes came down the runway being a fellow Barbadian I felt extremely proud and I would love to cop the shift dress from this collection.

The showcase of the Yendor bag collection titled Body And Sole also by Rodney Powers peaked my interest as the bag were made using the leather of the black belly sheep, which is an animal indigenous to our country Barbados. The bags came in a wide variety with something for every taste level with clutches, chain strap, backpacks and other styles. My overall opinion was that they had a sophisticated look with great detail and craftsmanship.

 

*Photos have been edited for this post, original photos are from Muze Caribbean*

Click the link below to see all the collections that were featured.

Muze Caribbean

My Top S/S 2015 Couture Collections

The media was once again buzzing with excitement, Couture Fashion Week 2015 showcased some marvellous collections that were full of pieces that are red carpet worthy and perfect for the social butterfly. Whether you’re a fan of the traditional theatrics and drama or the pieces that are more modernized, the shows gave a taste of everything and it seemed to be a never ending array of exquisite embroidery and glittering crystal beading, frills, draped chiffon, creamy satin and the exceptional manipulation of lace to mention a few, all to create dreamy pieces. Here’s a look at some of my favourite pieces……

 Elie Saab

View full collection here

Jean Paul Gaultier

view full collection here

 Giambattista Valli

view full collection here

Ralph & Russo

view full collection here

Versace 

view full collection here

Alexis Mabille 

view full collection here 

What were your favourite collections?

My Top 5 Spring/Summer Trends

For some of my readers I know it’s still freezing outside, but lucky for me I’m in Barbados soaking up the sunshine (sorry didn’t mean to rub it in). However, due to this weather I’m totally excited and looking forward for the fashion for spring/summer 2015 to hit the stores as some stores are already trying to get rid of their winter stock to make room. Based on what was seen on the catwalks across the fashion weeks from the major fashion capitals five main trends were very prominent among the designs. So I decided to give you trendsetters a heads up about what will be hot this season so you’ll know what pieces you should be looking for to add to and what to keep in your wardrobe before you hit the stores and become overwhelmed. Fortunately, some of the trends from spring/summer 2014 will be still fashionable this year, like florals, sheer, crop tops and the 70’s influence. So, without further ado, here is a look at the top 5 spring/summer fashion trends that you’re gonna want to get your hands on in 2015:

Top 5  Spring/Summer Trends 

Florals

I know you must be thinking “Florals? For spring?  That’s very groundbreaking.” Well, we all just have to accept that florals are here to stay, just like peanut butter is always affiliated with jelly, it would be awkward to go through the season without this staple.

Sheer

Designers seemed to be in loved with how they can play with sensuality and still make it sophisticated. This trend seems like it never going away either, come on we must admit that we like the idea that it make us feel like we’re wearing nothing. However, remember to keep it chic, an opt more for sheer panels instead of head to toe all over sheer.

Gingham

Notoriously affiliated with tablecloths, this print is in for a comeback that will best any picnic tablecloth. Whether blown up or shrunk down in size it gives a retro and vintage feel.

Bohemian

Put on your flowers headbands because the hippies are coming to town, well, the Retro-Fab ones from the 70’s I mean. The new “boho” look for spring 2015 includes flowing Bohemian inspired prints, trapeze dresses, tie-dyes and lots of colour.

Crop Tops

The “Red Carpet Gown” is getting a run for it’s money as more fashionistas are preferring to pair a crop top with lady-like skirts or well-tailored trousers giving just a subtle peek of midriff skin.

Hope this helps my Trendsetters, Happy Shopping

Happy New Year

There is nothing like a fresh calendar year….. a brand new 365 days  

This is not another “New Year, New Me” post because we all know that most of the times we end up setting goals that we somehow manage to not complete most of them by year-end anyways….. le sigh. Instead this is just a short post from me to you hoping all of you enjoyed your holidays and had a blast ringing in the new year. I can’t believe the holidays are basically over already, but on the brighter side 2015 has so much in store.  With that being said, let’s not rob ourselves of happiness by rushing through 2015 trying to fulfill lifetime goals in a year’s time but rather live one day at a time and enjoy the moments while we work our way closer to becoming a better version of ourselves.  So, let’s set our eyes to the horizon and look towards the fashionable future.

Happy New Year to all my trendsetters and may 2015 bring you and your family good health and a lot of happiness!

Pompasetting

Last post my trendsetters, I told you that the fashion beast within me was awaken and I was left hungry for more. Well, I was given the opportunity to feed this beast at the recently held PompaWeekend at Divi Southwinds’ Pure Ocean Restaurant. Judging from last’s year event, I was excited to see this year’s fashion show and  I wasn’t disappointed as it introduced me to many new local designers that I was totally unaware of.

The PompWeekend, which is in its second year, is another opportunity for young fashion designers to showcase their designs. This year I have to say that organiser and publisher Toni Thorne and her team at Pompasette Magazine outdid themselves and gave the true definition of a seamless runway with close to 20 designers showing. There were so many collections to see and there was something for everyone including fashion for both males and females. The looks included elegant and casual ready to wear pieces, business wear, bridal wear and swimwear. The designs were chic, playful, urban and edgy with the use of colour, patterns and construction that ranged from demure to risque. I have to give credit were credit was due and even though some of the designers were self-taught, it truly didn’t show as the collections were of high standards.

As Toni always says,” Pompasette is more than just a magazine” and in addition to the stunning runway show the finalists of the “Wear the Issue” Inter-school competition held by Government Information Service (GIS) walked the catwalk in their T-shirt designs; there was also the launch of Settlers Season which was previously known as “Settlers: The West Coast Experience”; as well as entertainment provided by an artiste from the Honey Jam Jazz Barbados. Kudos must go out to Toni Thorne and her team on another successful event.

Here’s a look at some of my favorite designs:

Don’t forget to grab your free copy of the latest issue of the Pompasette Magazine available in various locations island-wide.

(BBFW) Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week 2014

For a brief moment I wanted to rip my shirt off with my bare hands and scream “feed me more” like WWE wrestler Ryback but with my son in hand and realization of my surroundings I had to refrain. BBFW 2014 had awaken my inner beast and left me hungry for more. The independence weekend kicked of at the Hilton Barbados Hotel with an invite only cocktail launch and press release that promised fashion enthusiasts that they were in for a treat. Take my word for it, as it was surely a weekend to remember with two nights of fresh and innovating designs showcasing Spring/Summer 2015 collections from both the local and international celebrity designers. The air was filled with loud coos of approval, blinding flashes and shuttering sounds of the cameras.

The runway shows kicked off with Jewelry by Antonia. It was a selection of beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets that ranged from simple yet stunning pieces to more elaborate breath taking ones. These designs would make the perfect statement piece as the could be worn with a red carpet look or easily dress up a more toned down outfit.

The collection by Jacqueline Benn Schuppe  was named Ling Ling; a name she is affectionately known by and it was influenced by the 50’s.  Clever use of denim, tulle, lace and cotton modernized her vintage inspired pieces. One could never refer to her collection as dated with an array of dresses, classic blouses and skirts well accentuated with accessories appropriate to the time the era from pearls to turbans and other head pieces.

Up and coming designer Carla Gittens fresh from Jamaica Mission Catwalk season 4 where she was first runner-up debuted her collection Designs By Carolori for the first time here at BBFW. Carla’s collection was feminine and give an air of effortless with bold bows and flowers to compliment some of the contemporary designs.

This was the second time for Charles Corvsky Dieujuste showing at BBFW and he surely lived up to expectations based on his previous showcase. Once again femininity and sophistication was evident as his collection breathed luxurious elegance with chic flowing pieces. Charles final piece was a crowd pleaser, comprising of a black lace and tulle dress which was more risque but it was still coherent with the other looks as it easily flowed down the runway.

Learning a second language is always a plus and it offered me the privilege of working with designer Karlos Nunez as Dominica Republic as his translator. His menswear line entitled “Men Tailory” had a touch of the 40’s yet it was very modern. There was a wide selection of ready to wear pieces that were sharp and crisp accessorized with suspenders, gold chains links, hats and designer bags. His pieces showed great detail, craftsmanship and understanding of fabrics. Favorites with the crowd and myself were his trench coats pieces which had a hint of suspense to the character. Over all his collection would be perfect for the man looking for the “charming gentlemen” look.

The word “Anticipation” would be an understatement when referring to the level of excitement there was to see the collection “Alien Queen” by Viktor Luna finalist of Project Runway season 9. Viktor drew his inspiration from the pop king himself, the legend Michael Jackson. Just like Michael was ahead of his times, Viktor’s collection was avant-garde, futuristic, biker chic yet feminine. His designs mostly consisted of leather pieces, bondage straps, armor like details, spikes and studs giving a yin-yang feeling of good and bad merged into one. The final piece really embodied the collection’s name “Alien Queen” and at the end of his collection all I could say was ” Abduct me now! Beam me up Scottie”.

So there is no doubt in my mind and I can truly say that once again Barbados has proved to be the fashion capital in the Caribbean.

(BBFW) Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week_ Final Showcase

All good things must come to and end….

For the final night of Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week (BBFW) belonged to the men. The featured designer of the night was Carmichael Byfield of House of Byfield hailing from Rotterdam, Netherlands. He stepped away from the concept of the more tradition suits and produce an array of colorful, edgy, modern day suits for his menswear line with the use of bold prints. Even though his pieces were daring being loud in both color and print; the designs still had a range between the more demure man to the more extroverted man with the big personality. From the entrance of the first model to the finale, he held those present in his palm of his hand with his eye-catching, elaborate designs and presentation.

This year was another great showing from the fashion designers and we look forward to seeing for much more from in the future.

*All photos aren’t mine, some photos belong to fellow fashion blogger Natasha Beckles of In My Wardrobe.

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(BBFW) Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week_Second Showcase

After the rain out comes the sun;
Shining in the sky bright like a diamond.

With a sunny start for the second day, Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week 2013 (BBFW) was very eventful with the first ever kids fashion show and a night that proved to be one that was not to be missed by any fashion lover.

The duo designers for the kids show was Giordan William of Barbados, who debuted the Lemon Lily  for the girls and the Bearded Gecko for the boys. The young models brought smiles to faces of those attending as they strutted down the runway in designs that were the bit age-appropriate, fun and very charming.

In the night-time segment, there were more local designers as well as some from the Caribbean region and they all pulled out the stops bringing their A game. Getting the party started was Isabelle Baulu from Barbados with her Sea Reinas swimwear collection. The line was very feminine and chic from bikinis adorned with frills and fringe accessories to sultry one pieces.

Then Kesia hyped up the evening more with her Kiss Urban Collection. Known for her ‘good girl gone bad’ street-wear style, the models appropriately paraded to the track “bad girls” by M.I.A with plenty of spunk and attitude. The only word that came instantly to my mind in regards to KISS was ‘wicked’ and this year Kesia include some men pieces to her collection and they were just as wicked as the women’s.

The evening continued on a high as the first designer from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago was  Dawn Scott of Dawn Creations with his menswear line. His collection displayed great craftsmanship, as his tailoring was impeccable with clean lines exquisite details. He turned the male models into “sharply dressed businessmen” as they came the runway.

Continuing to fly the Trinidadian and Tobagan flag high was the two part team of Anthony Red and Charu Lochan Dass which came together to showcase the collection entitled Island Fusion. This line was a great hit with the fashion lovers, the women’s line was very elegant and sensual with a few risqué pieces; while the men’s line was more casual and relaxed.

Final designer of the night was Kimon Baptiste of Kimystic Designs hailing from St. Vincent. She brought a true Caribbean feeling to the night with her use of bright tropical colors in designs that came in casual pieces to classy elegant gowns.

The second showcase was quite a grand showing I couldn’t wait to see the final night’s showcase.

*All photos aren’t mine, some photos belong to fellow fashion blogger Natasha Beckles of In My Wardrobe.

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(BBFW) Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week_1st Showcase

Through the rainy weather I waddle and wade,
No Mr. Rain, you can’t rain on my parade….

Fashion lovers braved the heavy showers to head to the Independence Square for the spectacular of the first night of Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week 2013 (BBFW). For the first night, the talented barbadian designers were they showcased their ready to wear Spring/Summer 2014 collections.

Opening the show was the designer Shanika Burnett with her Shakad Luxury Resort Line. Her designs brought the sunshine onto the runway with her women and menswear collection. Her pieces very easy on the eye and transported one to a private cabana on a remote island. Shanika portrayed great craftsmanship in her use of natural fibers, colorful tie-dyed and hand-painted creations.

 

Roazana Moseley of  La Rosa Couture was different from the regular line up of BBFW as she modeled her creations for full figured women. From the runway it proved that curvaceous women can still be classy, chic and voluptuous. She had a collection that ranged from relaxed flowing pieces to form fitting pieces.

The remarkable Rhea Cummings Jordan who on the very said night wore both hats of model and designer debuted her Aria Urban Fashions collection at BBFW. Rhea’s ensembles very colorful utilizing the colors pink, green and orange with the inclusion of bold prints. As the vibrant designs came down the runway, it was evident that she created for the “fun girl” with architectural cut-outs, daring hem lines and bared midriffs. The line had a flirtatious air about it as models parade the designs with coquettish antics especially in the finale as they blew bubbles into the crowd.

Bring down the curtain on the first night was Kesia Estwick with her Keisa Couture. As of the norm Kesia didn’t disappoint and her designs surely spoke for her. Know more for her streetwear collections, Kesia showed she was versatile with an ethereal collection that married classy and chic with edgy and modern successful. She exhibited a line of elegant pieces that were full with sheer sultry pieces and fairy tale couture gowns in an array of prints, whites, blacks and oxblood reds. All the pieces had intriguing details from both the front view and the back.

Judging from the first night viewing, the second day of shows promised to be day not to be missed.

*All photos aren’t mine, some photos belong to fellow fashion blogger Natasha Beckles of In My Wardrobe.

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The Wait Is Over_Barbados Fashion Week

All those who wander aren’t lost….

For those of you who follow my blog would have noticed that I have blogged in a while and for that I would first like to apologize for my absence. I missed being in touch with you trendsetters but so much has happened between my last blog post and now, from working on set the final episodes of  British Ireland Next Top Model (BINTM) that was filmed here in Barbados to being busy doing my YouTube vlog “Island Chic” along with personal life. However, I’m pleased to say that the wait is over and the time has come, finally my hiatus is over. I knew it was only a matter of time before I found my way back to you trendsetters as my love to share my style, fashion tips, meet fellow fashion lovers and most of all talk fashion would never die.

In other news, the excitement is building here in Barbados as Bridgetown Barbados Fashion Week (BBFW) is upon us once again. It is schedule to come off this weekend October 25th -27th, over these three days there will be seamless of runway shows blended with art and entertainment. It will feature top local designers such as Kesia Estwick, Rozana Moseley, Shankia Burnett, Rhea Cummings Jordan, Brandi Estwick, among others, Regional designers as well as international celebrity designers. Adding to this excitement is for the first time ever BBFW will showcase kids fashion and have designs for plus-size models. This event will give fashion enthusiasts the opportunity to see and admire with plenty ohhs and ahhs the featured collections as well as socialize.

I can’t wait for all the buzz of activity to start and to bring you trendsetters all the highlights from the shows.

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