From the Stage to the Shop Part 2: Getting Personal

There is so much excitement over our recent and somewhat sudden eruption of local talent in the fashion industry. I too am a fan of this resurgence of design, and the public interest in wearing clothing made in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. Yet, as a Personal Stylist I do have growing concerns about the designs and the messaging, and whether or not the consumer is the thought, instead of the concept and the dream.

The biggest reactions are of course given to the avant-garde looks that come down the runway. They push the mind out of its confines and initiate awe at the mere thought of how they were achieved. Wonderful. Yet, it isn't a competition to see who gets the loudest gasp from the audience. These clothes must eventually reach a closet, and a human body in a real world. A collection should be able to be broken up into wearable and flattering pieces that function in the lives of the target customer. These target customers are some of my clients. When they are only exposed to extra-worldly aesthetics and all kinds of saga straps and sheer paneling; it can get pretty sad.

On Project Runway All Stars, Marie Claire editor-in-Chief, Joanna Coles sounds like a stuck record with her constant concerns about whether or not a bra could be worn with a garment. To the designers, it can be annoying. These pesky bras get in the way of gorgeous, daring backless masterpieces. However, research shows that even though the guests at the fashion shows love the way these perfectly cut dresses suggestively skim over an almost naked body, these are the pieces that are destined for a sale rack when the season ends. The fantasy on the runway and in the Editorials is just that- a Fantasy. In reality we have children to chase, in-laws to please and boobs that sadly don't defy gravity. The real challenge in design does not lie in transferring your ethereal vision into a tangible realisation, but in translating this creativity into a garment that is not only fresh and new, but effortless to wear, care for, and that makes the wearer feel and look amazing.

Design from Delia Alleyne

Another concern I have about our runway presentations is that of Personal Style.There definitely are the designers who know who they are and have a clear picture f the person for whom they are creating clothing. In this list I must include Delia Alleyne who with every piece that she has constructed, has stayed true to her feminine punk aesthetic. Despite the theme of the collection, she stays grounded.You will never have every woman in the world wearing only your garments. What you can aim to achieve is to attract all the women who fit your style. Think about her (or his) lifestyle, age, routine-- does she work out? What kinds of movies would she be into? Where does she live? Does it rain a lot there? Is it hot? Is she a family person? Does she like to travel-- you need to know your sample client as though she is your friend and design for every part of her life. Think about Versace. Donatella's girl is definitely a vamp. She has the men following her every move. She's not shy. She works out like crazy and only eats sexy food. Her hair, nails and face are always immaculate. She's loves to party and stays out late, and so on and so on. The clothing is therefore very revealing, and flashy. Several pieces are dresses meant for evening and social events. The models are sexpots. The fabrics are all bedazzled and brightly coloured with major peacock attitude.

Gisele Bundchen in Versace

I go through clients' wardrobes and see clothing that really makes me wonder. In Trinidad it is not so clear to the consumers about which store is theirs.You go through the malls and you see the same thing in every shop. The "Plus size" stores have the same designs and cuts as the mainstream stores, just in bigger sizes. If I never see another sheer blouse for as long as I live, it would be too soon. All jeans come in the same cut. Same colours. Same prints. Same, same same. We need to get closer to a place where someone can be looking out for new stuff to arrive because that store, or that designer always has something for them. It's like how the young, daring girls run immediately to Topshop, and America's sweethearts do not pass go; do not collect $200 and march directly to J.Crew or Ann Taylor Loft. We need more sense of identity in our retail marketing. I'm not saying it's not there at all- but MORE. 

Topshop 

Our fashion industry has been definitely making considerable progress. I am looking forward with eagerness to see it fully blossom. However, I do think it is important to keep the business aspect in mind, and incorporate personal stylists, fashion strategists, buyers, researchers, marketing managers, etc. into the mix so as to maintain this grasp we have on the public's attention. Let us keep them interested by giving them a product that is not just something to look at.

From the Stage to the Shop: Tobago Fashion Weekend Afterthoughts

I spent the week rummaging through Social Media, macoing hardcore to catch a glimpse of the Tobago Fashion Weekend happenings. I was quite saddened to see that I missed out on what appeared to be a fantastic platform for new and more well-known designers to show what they're made of. It was really a special moment to see UTT Students showing alongside veterans like Claudia Pegus, and standing their ground with work that was comparable in technique, quality and beauty. Congratulations to everyone who showed! Despite the rain and other hiccups, TFW definitely did not disappoint.

Sterling Nelson

Sonia Noel

I know everyone has been waiting to hear my commentary on which designs I loved and which ones in my opinion crashed like a 747 on a rainy day, but as I perused the hundreds of images posted to Facebook, I thought of a bigger matter than that of my taste and criticism. What is the purpose of all of this? Even more, do people get the whole purpose of it all?

I believe it was Anthony Rahael who said that Fashion Shows are not just a pretty display for people to ooh and aah at. (Paraphrasing of course.) They are a part of a business model. Fashion shows are an opportunity  for buyers, stylists and customers to see the fashion product, so as to make a decision regarding purchase.

Christian Boucaud Easter Collection

Very recently I see boutiques starting to incorporate Trinidad based designers' items in their stores and I must say I am thrilled at this progress! Rachel Ross and Meiling are now joined by Fete A.G.D. jewellery at the Gallery in Long Circular Mall. Vamp Boutique on Mucurapo Road houses Statements by Sarah Young as well as Hak Gwai Designs. Indulge on Tragarete Road started by carrying Christian Boucaud, and now have Whole Peace Swimwear. Afiya Bishop currently has made samples of her own label "Loud" available at her store, next to trendy imported garments, and I'm hearing talks of her soon to be including another Trinidad based Label (Not at liberty to disclose this yet, but it makes me pretty excited!!) These are just a small few, but I know of at least 2 more very popular shops that are scouting local designers to stock on their shelves! Let's not forget that some designers like Christian Boucaud and Rhion Romany, have opened up their own shops!

As an individual consumer, I urge you to take a look at the great stuff that you have available to you right here. Some of my favourite things I have ever worn have been designed and constructed right at home in Trinidad.

Designers are on a wave to have clothing Ready to wear. Van der Vlugt and Adrian Foster put out special designs this past month, available in select colour and sizes, ready for you after alterations. Our fashion industry is finally becoming a tangible resource as it is reaching our consumers more readily. I expect that soon we will be able to view and purchase pieces online!

I started NoMoreFashionVictims as a means to open up the eyes of my fellow Trinis to the fashion industry. The market will not exist nor grow if the potential consumers are not just uninterested, but unaware of what the industry is in the first place! I am happy to see people's eagerness about attending Fashion Socials like the Filtered Fashion schmooze Thursdays at Paprika, as well as Fashion Shows and Launches. (Heard that J. Angelique's launch is totally booked out already!) It is great to know that people are not only looking to see what is happening, but are coveting and purchasing fashion made in Trinidad!

Designer Christian Boucaud with Model Athaliah Samuels at TFW2013

I have been saying all along that 2013 is the year for our fashion. The steps have been small but steady and I am hopeful about the future. I now await an increase in school programmes, workshops and the availability of the human resource and machinery required to grow these small businesses. For now I will close my eyes now and dream of the the department store dressing room where I would hang up garments from Zadd and Eastman next to Michael Kors and Max Azria.

Zadd and Eastman TFW2013

Zadd and Eastman

Photo Credits: Inken Janning, Tobago Fashion Weekend, Christian Boucaud Designs, Adrian Foster

Mama Mia: My top Picks for Mothers' Day Gift ideas

2013 has brought us amazing launches in Trinidad fashion that would be perfect to gift to a stylish mom!
With Outlet Market and UpMarket coming around more often, as well as all the Fashion Weekends, Pop-up shops and jewellery shows, your toughest job is sticking to shopping for Mom and not for yourself!

1. Jewellery

•  I dare you to find me a woman who does not enjoy receiving jewellery! This month Y Art Gallery is showing a great lineup of conceptual exquisite pieces that are perfect for a sophisticated, art-loving, unique woman. This is definitely for those who have extensive budgets, but even if it's just to go have a peek, take your mother down to the gallery to observe these intricate and fantastical pieces of jewellery.
  

Ring by Jade Drake with a miniscule silver sculpture

• Another Launch you will love is Fete A.G.D. Analicia Dubrisingh will be launching her latest collection at The Gallery, Long Circular Mall on Saturday May 11th. I have been lucky enough to get a sneak peek of what is to come, and let me just tell you that this is her best work yet! Beautiful collar necklaces, inspired by Egypt and heavily embellished with multiple hand-beaded stones. 

• At UpMarket on Saturday I met a quiet young lady with a bold look and great pieces! I learnt afterward that her rough-cut diamond encrusted pendants are available at Vamp boutique on Mucarapo Road. Aptly named, her line is called Statements by Sarah Young

  

  Sterling Silver Heart with Embedded Rough-cut Diamonds

  2. Desserts!
• This first treat is actually not for eating! Consider it a calorie free goodie! Feeling Smitten carries an a line of adorable soaps and other pampering suds that look like the most delicious naughty sweets! The products are carried exclusively by Smudge.https://www.facebook.com/FeelingSmittenTT?fref=ts

• My absolute indulgence right now is Cathy Sun's French Macarons. This infectiously bubbly lady creates the cutest french style desserts, with pretty packaging to match! The intense quality and richness of the truffles are an unexpected bonus! She uses the best quality ingredients available! Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/frenchmacaronstt

1. Style

• To be able to give someone the gift of confidence and to have them love the skin they're in, is priceless! Introduced for Mothers' Day I have designed a special customised one-on-one Styling session which can be bought in the form of a gift card! They come inserted in adorable Origami Card Holders, made out of specialty paper! Learn more about them at : http://www.stephanieramlogan.com/#!gift-cards/c1fmn

Here is an Interview I did with CNC3 talking about Style and Shopping for Mom:

Part1

Part 2

• A stylish working lady would definitely appreciate a piece from Emphasis! They carry beautifully tailored pieces in classic designs with modern details! Best part is that they do complimentary alterations! The store is located at Simplicity Mall, Murray Street in Woodbrook. 

A versatile Emphasis Dress I wore to an event recently

• A designer to keep an eye on right now is Darcel Van de Vlugt. She has shared some of her secret plans for the near future and it looks FAB. Most recently she has shown a beautiful Swing Dress in different rich jewel tones! With a loose easy silhouette and graceful drape, it is a timeless piece suitable for most body types. Best part? It is a steal of a deal at $600! This is a definite opportunity not to be passed up! 

  

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