Eclat

Was so proud to attend the opening night of Eclat this evening at the Gallery at Fine Art in Woodbrook.
Graduates and present students of CAFD showed some of their garments and jewellery designs as well as framed art with varying themes. It was a wonderful first step for our new designers to not just show their work, but have it available to all of us.

Among the pictures I must say that the paintings by Adrian Foster really stood out to me. One of his pictures involved a backdrop of strips of different fabric and paper that were painted black.  In another one he arranged actual plant leaves as a halo. If you like mixed media- Check out Adrian's pieces! Women are the central figures of his beautiful work. I am lusting after "Missy" which is a picture of a chic girl with over-sized sunglasses and a huge Blue bow! She is too cool. He also makes a strong statement about the elegance and pride of black women, featuring them in several pieces; their strong, graceful bodies adorned.

Something else you would find there is jewellery by Melissa Phillips. I met Melissa for the first time after I spotted her in an amazing mixed fabric and bead necklace, walking down the CAFD corridors. I literally chased her to introduce myself and beg to find out where she got such a unique piece! After learning that she had made it herself, I hesitated all of a nano second before placing an order for my own! Since then I'm always eager to see what she has new- Without fail, I am questioned and complimented when I wear her pieces.

Some of the students lent the actual garments from their Junior Thesis collection to the exhibition. Ricky Bhowram has a really outstanding piece with a showstopping giant tulle skirt. However, the real eye-catcher of the ensemble is the apparent laser- cut top, which was actually done by hand!

Other featured artistes included Damian Moore with a big selection of fashion drawings with an Indian feel and paisley motif. Liselle Cooker's paintings like "Girl Talk" are fun and bright! James Hackett (the man who can do everything) presented as well. Hazel Stanisclaus, the amazing woman who was patient with me throughout my Apparel Construction, Pattern Drafting and Draping courses at school (God bless her heart. She's such a gem), showed some really great bags! Very unique and artistic with impeccable craftsmanship. Demisha Johnson, Ann Marie Alexis and the well-known Delia Alleyne all too have pieces on display and for sale.

So I urge you, if you are on the wave of buying into local talent and fashion, visit the Fine Arts gallery at the corner of Rosalino and Warren Street. The Eclat exhibition goes on until October 6th. Have a look and be impressed.