Raising the Bar

Charu Lochan Dass; creative director for the newest fashion label to come out of Trinidad; CLD, has raised the bar when it comes to the level of quality and style in the fashion we produce. I left her show energised! Every look that came down the sleek Aria Lounge runway was blow after blow of gorgeousness. She has described her look as sophisticated and sensual, but from what I saw I would say it is bold and daring, straddling the line between risque and classy. Her necklines plunge low, her slits peak high, and her lacy bodices reveal a peepshow of bare breasts. Yet, with the elegant colour palette and the lustrous silk fabrics, the styles are far from hoochie. I also heard Charu say in an interview, that her look is not of the Caribbean aesthetic. I beg to differ. If uber sex appeal, pops of vibrant colour, breathable, water-like fabrics and tropical inspired prints are not Caribbean, I don't know what is. It's the new way to view this often debatable "Caribbean aesthetic". Coconut bras, grass skirts and hand-painted turtle motifs are not it.

She has a definite consciousness of who the CLD woman is. The CLD woman is not afraid of what people say. She is the one everyone is whispering about when they see her, because she captivates attention. You want to be known by her. She is powerful and confident, yet relatable and fun. She takes care of her body, and is always up for a glamorous night out.

Fantastic CLD branding, with chic shopping bags,
professional Lookbook and great Logo tees. No website yet though!
CLD better get on that quickly! This is too good to be watered down by being run via a fb page.

From the pictures that most of you might have seen by now (my photography skills failed miserably), I'm sure you have, as I did, swooned over the romantic yet modern cool-toned floral print used throughout. It's on blouses, trousers, a pantsuit and dresses. Ah, separates. How my heart sings when I see designers acknowledge the practicality and sellability of separates. Then BOOM. Lipstick red trousers turn the corner, and the palette changes to the racy hue, painting a series of sixties inspired silhouettes. I'm just in awe of her craftsmanship, knowledge (and application of it) and vision. I am such a fan. This entire collection is on my Christmas Wishlist.

If I had to give any advice, other than to keep being fabulous, I would say two things. Firstly, even though the clothing is absolutely beautiful as shown on the runway, for real life, perhaps inserting a semi-sheer nude lining under the front panels of the lacy bodices will help make the garments a bit more marketable. I don't know how many of us are comfortable enough baring our nipples to the world. Also, the Collection is being called 2014 Ready To Wear. I would hope what is meant is that it is Spring RTW, implying that mid-2014 we have another Collection to see! I think the aesthetic has massive International appeal, and I would love to see a Fall/Winter Collection as well.