“Everywhere I go,
How I look good so,
Barbados I come From!”
Exerts from a Barbadian folklore song
The splendor of Barbados Fashion Week 2012 continued as we were graced by the presence of designers from our neighboring Caribbean islands of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, proving that Barbados is the Fashion hub of the caribbean. Eight designers one hailing from Guyana and seven recent graduates of Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, showed their Spring/Summer 2013 collections on the night appropriately named ‘Caribbean Fiesta’.
The first designer to hit the runway was Guyanese Carol Frazer and a hit indeed she was as her collection had a natural vibe with a sense of ease and comfort. The collection brought a reassuring and nice change from the usual expectations of the runway consisting of light-weight fabrics and prints including hand painted designs and accessories. Carol’s use of unconventional materials like rope was also warmly received by the attendees.
Next was designer Anicia Brooks from Trinidad, whose collection found the right balance between glam punk and girly. Her collection had fashion-forward visual aesthetics with the use of leather, spikes and studs, jersey and jeans. Anicia collection was one of my favorites designers of the night bringing an aura of urban chic to the night.
Trinidadian designer Linda Joseph exhibited a collection that was simple but yet chic. Her effortless incorporation of minimal silhouettes, geometric construction and emphasis on strong shoulders and neck-lines gave a luxurious and feminine touch to the collection.
Another designer from the Trinidad was designer Makisa Lewis. The models came down the runway donning pieces from the collection that were very feminine and sophisticated. Makisa mastered the use of ruffles and sheer creating movement with her pieces and contrasting sassy with elegance.
The only male designer from Trinidad contingent was Mark Eastman showcasing his collection which highlighted his tailoring skills. His collection would be the boast of any fierce, fashionable woman. He wonderfully manipulated the materials to create gorgeous flowing pieces injecting swimsuits into collection as well.
Another designer from Trinidad was one who stood out to me as a pioneer was Natasha Lewis, despite being wheelchair bound she didn’t see it as a hindrance and honed her skills of creating solid lines. Natasha’s produced a collection consisting of contemporary elegant looks.
From the looks of Sharon Christopher collection, it appeared as if she was designing for the working woman in mind. This designer from Trinidad had a collection that was polished and chic as Sharon tastefully used intricate pleats throughout her collection which give the feeling of extreme femininity.
Bring the second night to a close was Stacy Smith also of Trinidad who exhibited a collection employing intriguing cut-outs and colorful designs all the while creating flattering shapes as well.
It was another fabulous night produced by Unique Production Worldwide Ltd and filled with a potpourri of designs from our Caribbean designers.
Photo Credit: Cullen Perrotte
Related Articles:
Barbados Fashion Week: The Launch
Barbados Fashion Week 2012: 1st Night
Barbados Fashion Week 2012: 3rd Night
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