On Saturday May 23rd 2015 I will be speaking as a part of a very influential and insightful panel for the #GotBizSwag workshop hosted by the fabulous Favala! The event is sold out, so I thought I would share my small segment with those of you who are going to be missing it. I will be speaking about the symbiosis between bloggers and fashion designers, despite the ever-growing fear and denial of a bad blog review.
Essentially, for designers, the purpose of a fashion blogger is to create brand awareness and to market product to existing and potential clients. Bloggers have the potential to build content and bolster your brand message, if managed and engaged in a meaningful way.
Blogs are personality driven and therefore are better able to connect with potential buyers than say, a company Facebook page. Blogs are often based on the writer's opinions (as opposed to a report), and the material in its subjective nature, will carry a negative or positive tone. This is what will engage people, helping them to form their own ideas and decisions about the brands in question. There are so many benefits to incorporating blogging into your marketing strategy:
1.Social Media Imagery
A picture is worth a thousand words (or Likes lol) Bloggers often share content to various social media outlets simultaneously. In seconds, an Instagram post can be shared to Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook. Despite the content or caption, your image will be potentially seen by thousands. So many designers are discovered by their clients via pictures they saw on their Newsfeed. Getting into magazines and the newspaper is cool and all, but a social media share is gold, especially if your handle is plugged into the caption! Come to papa!
2.Fashion Bloggers are the new supermodels
Let's look at Saucy for example. Trinidad Carnival Diary has a massive following. She is now seen as a a major influence in the Carnival business. If it's good enough for her to wear, then we all need to wear it too! Getting blogger approval is the biggest way to turn your looks into trends. Remember, bloggers want to promote themselves as well. They are not anonymous ghost writers, they are their own brand and they need to look the part. There is value in this cross promotion. You want them in your clothes.
3. Bad reviews get people talking more than Good reviews do
No publicity is bad publicity. Ultimately you want your name out there. People want to insert their two cents into the bacchanal so they will research you when they hear about the hot mess that you are. Chances are, they will form their own opinions and you might just land a client. Chances are you don't, but you gained a few hundred more people who know your name now. Next time you have a show, that many more people are going to want to see what you come up with. Do not shy away from this massive marketing group because your skin isn't thick enough to face an innocent jab at your work.
4. It's useful advice at the end of the day
You don't like what a blogger said about you, but maybe you should at least think about it. It is an outsider's opinion and surely a very honest one. You may have become accustomed to friends and family patting your back so much that your head swelled up and you don't see your short comings. Ego is a big part of the Trinidad fashion world. Consider what the blogger and their followers are telling you. There is always room to improve.
5.Working together with bloggers is one of the most powerful digital PR tactics.
J. Angelique is a great example of a brand that has benefited from a healthy designer-blogger relationship. Designer, Janelle Forde has been able to reach a very wide audience with her social media fashion shows, where her new collections are debuted through a synchronised release of images and information over the social media feeds of different bloggers. She is able to reach thousands more than a regular fashion show would, and she is spared the expense of a production.
Thirty one gifts is a retail store that send bloggers products from their catalogue and asks them for reviews. This gains them tonnes of Social Media exposure and generates so many sales and so much brand awareness for the cost of some purses and clothes.
Of course it is important to seek out bloggers that are best suited for your brand. A great tip is to select bloggers based on how widely their content is shared, and not based on how many followers they have. Retweets, comments and engaged followers are most important.
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Friday, 22 May 2015
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
Why I don't Support Local
They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. I believe something similar occurred with the ever popular SupportLocal hashtag within the fashion community of Trinidad and Tobago. In an attempt to bring attention to locally created fashion design, every post on social media bore #SupportLocal. It was catchy so it caught on, yet I can't help feeling that it has done more hurt to the industry.
Trinis have a problem with the idea of anything local. If it comes from Trinidad, we believe it is somehow inferior.This is because it is commonly found that Trinidadian people have a lack lustre work ethic, and this attitude must be reflected in the craftsmanship and quality of whatever they create. I am not going to say no.It is true. A lot of Trinidadian entrepreneurs do not have what it takes. I am not talking about talent, but drive and diligence. That said, a lot of them do have it. By attaching the word "local" to fashion produced here has done two things, it has attached the stereotype of poor quality, and it has imposed a fence around our fashion, guarding it from having international appeal.
The Support Local movement was created to stimulate economic activity here. We have the resources to provide attractive fashion right in our country, yet so much shopping is abroad through Online purchases or through travelling with the purpose of buying fashion. I much prefer to encourage local/ regional people to "ShopCaribbean" in order to develop our industry and have it seen as a valuable resource. The difference between "SupportLocal" and "ShopCaribbean/ShopLocal" is that the word "Support" is often attached to causes which need your patronage and charity. Frankly it means "Give us some money please. We really need it". People know what you mean even when you sugarcoat it with words like "Support" when you mean "Give", "Pay" and "buy". Fashion is a business! Be straightforward! We want you to shop and buy fashion made in your region! Most importantly, the difference between asking people to support and asking them to shop, is that lending support is done from an emotional place. I don't want people to buy Caribbean fashion because they feel they need to give something to these struggling designers. I want people to Shop Caribbean because there are amazing designers here who make fantastic clothing and accessories. I would never ask someone to "support local" and buy something that is irrelevant in the international fashion climate, nor things that are cheap and ugly. Lastly, we want to encourage people to build brand loyalties with Caribbean labels. Asking for their support is like asking them to throw a quarter in your cup; it doesn't imply an ongoing relationship, it feels like a one-time thing.
I want Caribbean labels to be on the tip of your tongue like international ones. I don't want them grouped as "local designers", but just designers in their own right! The regional market is too small to keep building this barrier and locking in fashion made in the Caribbean. For the industry to thrive we need to reach the world.
#ShopBeautifulPieces #UniquePieces #HandmadeWithLove #IknowWhoMadeMyClothes
Trinis have a problem with the idea of anything local. If it comes from Trinidad, we believe it is somehow inferior.This is because it is commonly found that Trinidadian people have a lack lustre work ethic, and this attitude must be reflected in the craftsmanship and quality of whatever they create. I am not going to say no.It is true. A lot of Trinidadian entrepreneurs do not have what it takes. I am not talking about talent, but drive and diligence. That said, a lot of them do have it. By attaching the word "local" to fashion produced here has done two things, it has attached the stereotype of poor quality, and it has imposed a fence around our fashion, guarding it from having international appeal.
The Support Local movement was created to stimulate economic activity here. We have the resources to provide attractive fashion right in our country, yet so much shopping is abroad through Online purchases or through travelling with the purpose of buying fashion. I much prefer to encourage local/ regional people to "ShopCaribbean" in order to develop our industry and have it seen as a valuable resource. The difference between "SupportLocal" and "ShopCaribbean/ShopLocal" is that the word "Support" is often attached to causes which need your patronage and charity. Frankly it means "Give us some money please. We really need it". People know what you mean even when you sugarcoat it with words like "Support" when you mean "Give", "Pay" and "buy". Fashion is a business! Be straightforward! We want you to shop and buy fashion made in your region! Most importantly, the difference between asking people to support and asking them to shop, is that lending support is done from an emotional place. I don't want people to buy Caribbean fashion because they feel they need to give something to these struggling designers. I want people to Shop Caribbean because there are amazing designers here who make fantastic clothing and accessories. I would never ask someone to "support local" and buy something that is irrelevant in the international fashion climate, nor things that are cheap and ugly. Lastly, we want to encourage people to build brand loyalties with Caribbean labels. Asking for their support is like asking them to throw a quarter in your cup; it doesn't imply an ongoing relationship, it feels like a one-time thing.
I want Caribbean labels to be on the tip of your tongue like international ones. I don't want them grouped as "local designers", but just designers in their own right! The regional market is too small to keep building this barrier and locking in fashion made in the Caribbean. For the industry to thrive we need to reach the world.
#ShopBeautifulPieces #UniquePieces #HandmadeWithLove #IknowWhoMadeMyClothes
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Designers, who is your customer?
There are so many conversations around what we can do to better the state of the fashion industry in Trinidad and Tobago. I spent a lot of time believing that the product had to be improved. It was only at lunch one day with a very experienced person in the field that I even considered that it was not the product, but the market. For years I started to adapt this new perspective to the situation, and finally, with no surprise, I have realised it is not black or white or even grey. There are countless factors that choke the progress of this industry. I of course could never address all in a blog post, but I'll start with a major one for me; target markets.
(Please note that I am merely an observer and this is my opinion.)
I'll try to be concise. We can discuss each point in detail later.
1. Fashion itself is multifaceted and we look at it here as all in the same
Every Tom, Dick and Harrylal calls himself a designer in Trinidad. You know to sew and your cousin bought a bridesmaid dress from you? You are a designer. You went to CAFD and graduated. You are a designer. Yes, if you have designed clothing and have sold your work, technically you are a professional fashion designer. However, we need to put these works into categories. Someone whose idea of manipulating fabric is to apply puff paints and safety pins, is not in the same category as someone who knits works of art that are visually stimulating as well as flattering to a human form.
Essentially there is Haute Couture, Ready to wear and Mass Market. I think it needs to firstly be made clear, what category your work fits into, and that you stick to the guidelines of your classification. Trinidadians need structure. The workings of fashion are still too ad hoc.
2. I believe it is important to build this structure for the customers.
Luxury fashion is not a necessity. So please get over yourselves. Nobody absolutely has to have that jacket. They want it. It is a lust thing. People need clothes, not fashion.
Who buys out of want, and not need? Rich people. Are you targeting rich people?
Rich people (and I apologise for using such a broad and somewhat crass term but it gets through) can hop on a plane and shop anywhere. What are you doing to compete with the appeal of brands that they see expertly advertised in glossy magazines? What are doing to compete with flashy window displays and impeccable craftsmanship? How does your name stand up to the names that they want to show off? If you had a logo printed shoe, who would want to wear it? These are not rhetorical questions by the way. I really want designers here to consider this reality.
Trinidad has money. There are wealthy shoppers in Trinidad. However, if every existing luxury designer in Trinidad were to target this group, they would all be poor. Actually on that note, if you entered a fashion business in Trinidad to become a Millionaire, stop reading now and do up a CV. Fashion in Trinidad will not make you money, yet.
Firstly, consider that people have tastes. If there are 10 wealthy luxury shoppers, 6 are probably willing to shop local, and out of 6, 2 might have a taste for your clothes. I am also being very generous with these figures. You literally see the same people wearing the big local names. THE SAME PEOPLE over and over.
3.Easy Targets
So with our limited wealthy shoppers, we now target the ones who aspire for that lifestyle but are a bit more upper-middle class.These still shop big designer names, but pay attention to what they are buying. This is a good group to target. Trinidadians like to show off. This particular group is wearing Louis Vuitton and Hermes too, but unlike the wealthy shoppers, they want you to know that they can buy these brands! You ever realised that the richest people walk around looking super normal in old t-shirts and 3/4 pants? The less than wealthy ones are those in flashy sunglasses, posting Facebook pictures of themselves popping Moet on a yacht. That's why I love them. Easy targets.
They are so identifiable. They wear their brands on their sleeves. Look out for rhinestone logos everywhere. They will be wearing Christian Louboutin because the red sole is immediately recognizable. They will be in Chanel quilted bags and hash-tagging MAC lipstick shades. Interesting is how they shop. Sunglasses, shoes, bags. These are classic and timeless accessories that will never go out of style. Things that you can wear over and over for years. I bet you they will never be found in a psychedelic printed Marc Jacobs Tee.
Ugh, I'm straying. My point is, that we are not designing for this group, and they are the ones who will buy you if you market yourself well enough and build a name! Rhion Romany I believe is branding himself quite well. People are starting to associate the brand with money. "OMG She is wearing RR? I need RR!" You want people to feel proud to say who they are wearing because they won't have to explain who it is or how much it costs. People will know and they will covet. This customer is great because they are your brand ambassadors and they are paying you! They will be you social media marketers for free!
4. Money is not only Luxury
When your tanty and Nenen hear you are designing they immediately say "Oh Goush.When you are a big designer we goh see yuh ting on the Red Carpet!"
MMM....Not necessarily. We definitely tend to get carried away with the glitz and glamour of this industry, but do not forget names like GAP, Levi's and Old Navy. I don't think the owners of these companies' owners are eating Ramen or living in a studio apartment. The magic is in volume. Have you ever passed through the Eastern Main road in Tunapuna, any day of the week and observed what is happening? People like frigging ants! Shopping all day! Rattans is reaping the glory. Every classification in fashion has its market. People don't only shop because they have money. "Price is right" style shopping is enormous in our culture. These people who are budgeting to feed their families and buy school books, have the fanciest nails, longest weaves and trendiest clothes known to man! Everyone wants the thrill of buying something new! They may not be splurging on a big fancy Italian brand, but they are buying anything that fits their pocket!
If you can produce inexpensively, something fashionable, wearable and stretchy (hey, elastic is God's gift to the mass market! No fitting issues! One size fits all! SELL SELL SELL!) consider this group for your business.
What we are doing is silly. If I walked into a store and saw Forever 21 rompers hanging next to Alexander Wang and then a Valentino rep in the corner ready to take my measurements, I would be most perturbed, but we do it here! We put Aisling Camps on the same Runway with Sally Lochan Dass and children who are entering design competitions. How is that not nuts? I know it's hard with the budget, and our favourite excuse, the government, but there must be a better way. The customers do not give a fuck what your challenges are. It is not charity. It is not about supporting local, it is about shopping local because you like the product not the "Made in" tag. Produce quality and produce appeal. That is all.
(Please note that I am merely an observer and this is my opinion.)
I'll try to be concise. We can discuss each point in detail later.
1. Fashion itself is multifaceted and we look at it here as all in the same
Every Tom, Dick and Harrylal calls himself a designer in Trinidad. You know to sew and your cousin bought a bridesmaid dress from you? You are a designer. You went to CAFD and graduated. You are a designer. Yes, if you have designed clothing and have sold your work, technically you are a professional fashion designer. However, we need to put these works into categories. Someone whose idea of manipulating fabric is to apply puff paints and safety pins, is not in the same category as someone who knits works of art that are visually stimulating as well as flattering to a human form.
Essentially there is Haute Couture, Ready to wear and Mass Market. I think it needs to firstly be made clear, what category your work fits into, and that you stick to the guidelines of your classification. Trinidadians need structure. The workings of fashion are still too ad hoc.
2. I believe it is important to build this structure for the customers.
Luxury fashion is not a necessity. So please get over yourselves. Nobody absolutely has to have that jacket. They want it. It is a lust thing. People need clothes, not fashion.
Who buys out of want, and not need? Rich people. Are you targeting rich people?
Rich people (and I apologise for using such a broad and somewhat crass term but it gets through) can hop on a plane and shop anywhere. What are you doing to compete with the appeal of brands that they see expertly advertised in glossy magazines? What are doing to compete with flashy window displays and impeccable craftsmanship? How does your name stand up to the names that they want to show off? If you had a logo printed shoe, who would want to wear it? These are not rhetorical questions by the way. I really want designers here to consider this reality.
Trinidad has money. There are wealthy shoppers in Trinidad. However, if every existing luxury designer in Trinidad were to target this group, they would all be poor. Actually on that note, if you entered a fashion business in Trinidad to become a Millionaire, stop reading now and do up a CV. Fashion in Trinidad will not make you money, yet.
Firstly, consider that people have tastes. If there are 10 wealthy luxury shoppers, 6 are probably willing to shop local, and out of 6, 2 might have a taste for your clothes. I am also being very generous with these figures. You literally see the same people wearing the big local names. THE SAME PEOPLE over and over.
3.Easy Targets
So with our limited wealthy shoppers, we now target the ones who aspire for that lifestyle but are a bit more upper-middle class.These still shop big designer names, but pay attention to what they are buying. This is a good group to target. Trinidadians like to show off. This particular group is wearing Louis Vuitton and Hermes too, but unlike the wealthy shoppers, they want you to know that they can buy these brands! You ever realised that the richest people walk around looking super normal in old t-shirts and 3/4 pants? The less than wealthy ones are those in flashy sunglasses, posting Facebook pictures of themselves popping Moet on a yacht. That's why I love them. Easy targets.
They are so identifiable. They wear their brands on their sleeves. Look out for rhinestone logos everywhere. They will be wearing Christian Louboutin because the red sole is immediately recognizable. They will be in Chanel quilted bags and hash-tagging MAC lipstick shades. Interesting is how they shop. Sunglasses, shoes, bags. These are classic and timeless accessories that will never go out of style. Things that you can wear over and over for years. I bet you they will never be found in a psychedelic printed Marc Jacobs Tee.
Ugh, I'm straying. My point is, that we are not designing for this group, and they are the ones who will buy you if you market yourself well enough and build a name! Rhion Romany I believe is branding himself quite well. People are starting to associate the brand with money. "OMG She is wearing RR? I need RR!" You want people to feel proud to say who they are wearing because they won't have to explain who it is or how much it costs. People will know and they will covet. This customer is great because they are your brand ambassadors and they are paying you! They will be you social media marketers for free!
4. Money is not only Luxury
When your tanty and Nenen hear you are designing they immediately say "Oh Goush.When you are a big designer we goh see yuh ting on the Red Carpet!"
MMM....Not necessarily. We definitely tend to get carried away with the glitz and glamour of this industry, but do not forget names like GAP, Levi's and Old Navy. I don't think the owners of these companies' owners are eating Ramen or living in a studio apartment. The magic is in volume. Have you ever passed through the Eastern Main road in Tunapuna, any day of the week and observed what is happening? People like frigging ants! Shopping all day! Rattans is reaping the glory. Every classification in fashion has its market. People don't only shop because they have money. "Price is right" style shopping is enormous in our culture. These people who are budgeting to feed their families and buy school books, have the fanciest nails, longest weaves and trendiest clothes known to man! Everyone wants the thrill of buying something new! They may not be splurging on a big fancy Italian brand, but they are buying anything that fits their pocket!
If you can produce inexpensively, something fashionable, wearable and stretchy (hey, elastic is God's gift to the mass market! No fitting issues! One size fits all! SELL SELL SELL!) consider this group for your business.
What we are doing is silly. If I walked into a store and saw Forever 21 rompers hanging next to Alexander Wang and then a Valentino rep in the corner ready to take my measurements, I would be most perturbed, but we do it here! We put Aisling Camps on the same Runway with Sally Lochan Dass and children who are entering design competitions. How is that not nuts? I know it's hard with the budget, and our favourite excuse, the government, but there must be a better way. The customers do not give a fuck what your challenges are. It is not charity. It is not about supporting local, it is about shopping local because you like the product not the "Made in" tag. Produce quality and produce appeal. That is all.
Saturday, 21 March 2015
5 Steps to being Sexy
1. Own that shit
For you to understand this point, it's easier to illustrate what's not sexy.
You know when someone gives you a compliment and says
For you to understand this point, it's easier to illustrate what's not sexy.
You know when someone gives you a compliment and says
" Gosh girl, you have such great legs!"
You immediately rush to say,
"Oh Gyad! I'm so fat! I haven't been to the gym in months!"
Oh Gyad is right. Who's ever going to want to give you a compliment again when all you do is throw it back in their face with scorn? Say "Thank You" and start looking at your legs with new eyes! Someone saw beauty in them! Someone found they were sexy! Start seeing yourself as sexy and it will come true.
2. Dress for your age
Sometimes we think dressing younger means we look younger, or dressing more maturely will make us seem a bit more older and sophisticated. WRONG. A fifty year old women wearing her daughter's clothes looks even older, and a twenty year old in Mom's 80's jackets is not impressing potential employers by looking older. For every age, body, personality and woman there is a type of sexy. Do not try to be your daughter's sexy. Do not try to be a celebrities' sexy. Plunging necklines and booty shorts aren't becoming when you start to have grandchildren. Try showing off your curves with styles that skim your natural silhouette. Highlight your eyes, your mouth, your shoulders.
I know, I know. "Age is just a number". I hear you. You feel young! But sorry to break it to you, you no longer look that way! It doesn't mean you're not hot! Feeling young has nothing to do with how you look. Be active and enjoy life. When you stuff yourself into spandex pants and put on bright matte pink lipstick you are not doing yourself justice! Sexually you are more knowledgeable and experienced! Show that off! Less is more. Be demure and tasteful. Trust me, it's much sexier.
3. At least look like u give a shit!
You saw Gisele and Jennifer Aniston on E news looking all natural and walking around with no makeup on being all fly. Newsflash! They are wearing makeup and were probably styled to create an effortless look! I'm not saying you have to go overboard and take an hour before you leave to go to Massy Stores to pick up some turkey ham, but don't feel that sexy bed hair is created on a pillow. It's created with a curling iron and salt spray.
Quick steps to look radiant and sexy even when you feel you don't have to:
1. BBcream or tinted moisturiser, just to even out your skin so you look fresh and not blotchy
2. Sheer or Mineral Under eye Concealer to help with the overall tone without being cakey or heavy
3. Tinted lip moisturiser
4. Highlighter and sheer blush (You can skip this is you want but it makes a huge difference in literal seconds!)
5. Clean, wrinkle free clothes that fit you and look like they're from this decade.
4. Feed your body well and it will Reward you
I sure as hell don't feel to strut around in a bikini after a burger and fries! The food we eat has a huge psychological impact on the way we feel and of course look. I heard somewhere that we should eat foods that reflect the way we want to be, for example foods that are vibrant, fresh looking, firm and natural, instead ones that are stale, fatty and limp. Who wants to be limp? lol
5. Flaunt what yo mamma gave you
As I said before, everyone has their own sexy. Everyone is different and unique, so of course what makes them sexy would also vary. Know your body. Go to the mirror right now, strip down and look! What parts do you believe are amazing? Don't say none. Refer to Number one on this list. There must be at least one thing- your eyelashes, your ass, your calves your toes-SOMETHING! When you figure out what it is, focus all your outfits around showing it off tastefully. (Unless it's your pudenda. Never show off your pudenda. Camel Toes will never be in style)
Saturday, 29 November 2014
My Choices for The Best Fashion Designers in Trinidad and Tobago
2014 has been a big year for Trinidad fashion, with all the shows and pop up markets and the opening of NoMoreFashionVictims.com which acts as a platform for these brands to reach customers around the world. I have noticed some amazing work that needs to be celebrated! I grouped my personal favourites as nominees for the best that the Trinidad and Tobago fashion industry has given us this year. Honestly, in some of these categories, I can't narrow it any further, so please vote for your favourites in the comments to help me decide!
Best Signature Design:
Some designers have become recognised by a single piece
Adrian Foster's Long Wrap Skirt
Meiling's Kite
Christian Boucaud's belt
Most impressive Debut:
With their work bubbling on the fashion scene surface since 2013, theses designers have blown us away without warning, with innovative design work and covetous pieces with massive commercial appeal.
Aisling Camps
Zidelle Daniel
Charu Lochan Dass
Best fine Jewellery Designer
Micha Gomes
Janice Derrick
Ilmes
Best Fashion Brand
These labels cater to a lifestyle. It's easy to become brand loyal with them when they dress you beautifully for work, play and days-off.
Sew Lisa
Meiling
J. Angelique
Friday, 21 November 2014
A Spectrum of Opinions.
Since I wrote that I was less than impressed with Noor's Boudoir Collection, everyone seems to be calling me up or approaching me to ask what I thought about Spectrum. In a nutshell, although there were some dull moments in the show as well as some issues I had with the service at the door, I can say that Noor got the memo and is starting to design the way she was meant to be.
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| The gold effect on the runway was created with sneaker prints in gold paint. That was a lil ratchet. |
Sometimes designers want to please the crowd and fit in. I feel that was the main problem with the Boudoir Collection. Noor was trying to appeal to Carnival-loving clients. She wanted to be overtly sexual and daring and unexpected. It was a flop. It did not feel natural. Then she showed her Maasai Collection in the middle of this year and we began seeing her feel more confident with who she is as a designer. Personally I own 3 pieces from the Maasai Collection! The clothing breathes beautifully and feels very cool against the skin. The designs from Massai were sexy with exposed backs under draped sheaths of printed lightweight silk, and the graceful slope of the silhouette down the middle of the neck to wrap gently along the rib cage and to the small of the back--- THAT is sexy. Not leather panties or whatever that was before.
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| Classic Noor Silhouette |
I had my fingers crossed for spectrum. The set and the location were not good, nevertheless, the turnout was magnificent. Noor manages to bring all kinds of fancy names to the yard. Latoya Woods opened the show in a fully beaded white wedding dress. I can't begin to tell you how I hate to see wedding dresses in fashion shows. (Unless they end the show and are so friggin amazing that people lose their mind and jump to their feet howling). However I was less distracted by the dress and the fact the veil refused to co-operate, and more taken by how horrid this beautiful woman's hair and makeup was. Latoya Woods is one of the most gorgeous women in the entire world! The power of a bad wig I tell you!
A bit let down, I have to say that the show recovered nicely after that. Noor's signature draped kerchief dress made several appearances down the runway, each time draped in a subtly different way, but every one of them well done. That's the Noor brand to me. That kind of sleek, goddess-like silhouette. Many more jewel toned separates and dresses followed. There were no innovative shapes or design elements, but that's okay. The clothing was wearable, flattering and tasteful. There were definitely some misses, but they were easy to overlook as I found the Collection to be overall quite fine. I will heading to the boutique soon since I have my eye on a pair of green trousers.
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| My favourite look of the night |
As I see Noor getting closer and closer to the designer she is meant to be, I have to say that the styling of these shows remains consistently poor. It is very difficult to see the potential of the individual pieces under such horrible hair and makeup, as well as the way the pieces are put together and how the jewellery and shoes do not accent but fuddle the look. When you go to her boutique and see the clothes on the rack they are way more appealing. That's unfortunate though, because the runway is supposed to create the image for buyers to covet. Also, I do appreciate the use of real women and non-models in a show, but in a country where even our models are (let's face it) non-models themselves, I felt it took away from the presentation. Most of them could not walk and if the wig couldn't help Latoya, who were you kidding thinking it would look good on anyone?! Also, I feel like Penny and Giselle have had their moment. They had this moment a couple decades ago. I would so much prefer to see them in front rows and not on runways.
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| I would be careful with this belt and kind of embellishment. It borders looking cheap and we know it's not |
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| Warning: Do not try this hair and makeup at home. |
To end on a positive note, I am definitely seeing Noor move forward more and more with every collection. Each has outshone the last. She already has quite an influential fan base, so I look forward to even better work in the future.
Thursday, 6 November 2014
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from Caribbean Resort Style Week
This whirlwind month of fashion shows, product launches and Christmas markets was kicked off last weekend with the annual Bits and Pieces Christmas pop-up on Saturday and the Resort Style Week Port of Spain Show on Sunday at the Trinidad Country Club. The show lineup was impressive with big names like Meiling, Zadd and Eastman, Claudia Pegus and Millhouse to name a few. It was expected to be the fashion event of the year.
I can't get too lengthy and I don't want to go one reviewing each designer. There's another show in a couple hours and I need to hustle if I want to make it! So, here's the gist of it, and how I feel.
I'm always going on and on about the Caribbean aesthetic, and by now even I am sick of hearing about it. This show though, was a clear indicator of what Trinidadian designers think of the way Caribbean people dress or should dress.
The Good: The strongest designers to me are Meiling, Zidelle Daniel for XOZ, Adrian Foster, Charu Lochan Dass for CLD, The Cloth, Aisling Camps and Zadd and Eastman. Meiling, Aisling, CLD, Adrian and Zidelle all have something in common. Their aesthetic is clean, easy to wear, architectural, well-constructed and classic yet with special and surprising elements. They shy away from colour, which with the stigma of Carnival and our fusion of vibrant cultures, is a deviation from what some may perceive as a signature detail in the "Caribbean Aesthetic". Yet, they insert into their collections subtle and unexpected moments of chromatic hues here and there.
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| (left)Chartreuse ribbon belted over Meiling's a denim and gingham patterned look from Meiling's "Borrowed from the Boys" Collection |
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| On a mostly monochromatic collection, Zidelle incorporated this multicolor beaded bodice. Yes! Those are beads! |
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The Cloth and Zadd and Eastman are very different from that first group. They embrace the conventional island inspiration of vivid flora and kaleidoscopic cultural influences. Yet, they maintain very sophisticated style lines and thoughtful design. While I am very drawn to the boxy silhouettes and woven cottons of the others, I am still enchanted by the flowy ease of Zadd and Eastman's collection, and the almost jarring juxtaposition of prints from The Cloth.
Somewhere between these two groups is that "Caribbean Aesthetic".
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| My favourite look from Zadd and Eastman |
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| The Cloth |
The Ugly: I was shocked to see certain pieces on that runway, let me tell you. I won't call any names or post any pictures because people are sensitive. I never mean to embarrass or insult anyone but some things have to be said. Puff paints and glitter glue do not belong on any runway anywhere except for Project Runway's Threads which features little children getting creative with crafts and clothes. Zidelle Daniel made feathers out of fabric and cleverly layered them over one another on a casual crop top and hand stitched them into place. If she can invest so much thought, effort and creativity into a basic piece, how dare you squirt colourful glue onto silk like if this is kindergarten? You are spoiling good and expensive fabric. Not acceptable. You can do better than that. Also, I saw a "Sari" with a deeya painted on it. A sari is a piece of cloth wrapped. draped and tucked around a body. That is your design? A piece of cloth that people have been wearing since clothing was invented? This is what you do to make it modern? You draw a deeya on it? It baffles me that this particular collection was shown on the same platform as the greats. Fabric surface treatments have long been a Caribbean thing, but there must be some way more current, sophisticated and beautiful than drawing and painting pictures like if people want to be murals. If it looks like it belongs in a gift shop in Piarco, start over. I know not even you want to wear that.
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Zidelle's Beautiful Fabric FeathersIf you would like to subscribe to my blog and have the posts emailed to you first, scroll back to the top and submit your email address! Thank you for reading! |
Saturday, 25 October 2014
More is More: How to wear your statement Jewellery
We all have them- basic T-shirts, simple shift dresses-- They are elegant and timeless pieces that recently have been pushed to the back of your closet.
I say it over and over again, that these investment pieces are the foundation of your wardrobe; they can be worn countless ways and paired with each other to create new looks. Yet, we are in a really glamorous time in fashion, where everyone seems comfortable in neon and fringe and embellishment that we once reserved only for Carnival. How can we adapt our basic staples into this new flashy trend?
Accessories of course!
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The Jacqueline Renée Spiked Collar shown above is a definite statement piece! Usually less intimidating than out-there clothing, are the unique accessories that you can transfer from outfit to outfit. Use oversized collars to dress up white blouses, dresses or even bikinis!
Click here http://bitly.com/1uV5KY5 to check out more of these amazing hand-made collars from Jacqueline Renée
Going for a more dressed-up look? Your Jacqueline Renée Spiked Collar can even add some dimension to a black maxi dress!
I say it over and over again, that these investment pieces are the foundation of your wardrobe; they can be worn countless ways and paired with each other to create new looks. Yet, we are in a really glamorous time in fashion, where everyone seems comfortable in neon and fringe and embellishment that we once reserved only for Carnival. How can we adapt our basic staples into this new flashy trend?
Accessories of course!
The Jacqueline Renée Spiked Collar shown above is a definite statement piece! Usually less intimidating than out-there clothing, are the unique accessories that you can transfer from outfit to outfit. Use oversized collars to dress up white blouses, dresses or even bikinis!
Click here http://bitly.com/1uV5KY5 to check out more of these amazing hand-made collars from Jacqueline Renée
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| Accessories from Jacqueline Renée and Cocoa Vintage on this simple Victoria's Secret look to show how you can take it up a few notches. |
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| The same Jacqueline Renée Collar with some Bohemian inspired Flowered Sunnies makes what was a cool casual look even cooler. |
Going for a more dressed-up look? Your Jacqueline Renée Spiked Collar can even add some dimension to a black maxi dress!
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Monday, 22 September 2014
Brides and Planners, prepare to swoon.
I overheard two of my best girlfriends chatting a couple nights ago. Newlywed told Nearlywed that the dress is the most important detail of the wedding. I laughed and interjected, "And the bride and groom!" They laughed harder. Nearlywed assured me , "No, it's the dress!"
Until I am engaged and wrapped in the whirlwind of planning this momentous day, I may never fully understand the modern day miracle that is finding your perfect dress. I am slightly obsessed with TLC's "Say Yes to The Dress" where hopeful brides try on look after look, waiting for that "Aha" moment. These people are visibly moved and shaken by the experience. It really isn't just any old dress. I definitely know the power of clothes, so I can only imagine what it must feel like to see yourself the way you wished you would look when you fantasized about Prince Charming slipping on that glass shoe.
Here's where you can get excited. "Say Yes to The Dress" is filmed at Kleinfeld; home to the most beautiful bridal design labels you can name. Guess who's coming to the The Wedding Convention? Hint: His name is Terry Hall!
In order to take 2014’s Wedding Convention to a new, globally competitive level, Trinidad Weddings (home of www.trinidadweddings.com & the TW Wed-Zine magazine) was able to leverage its linkages with top bridal industry players to bring this year’s esteemed guest speakers Terry Hall and Julie Albaugh to Trinidad.
Terry first took interest in fashion during high school, designing a prom dress for a close friend. After graduating he landed at Calvin Klein and then Ralph Lauren in Palm Beach and New York, where he styled VIP clients, super models and celebrities. Always attuned to the glamour hidden within every woman, he enthusiastically participated in preparing young ladies for the Miss America Pageant as well.
Terry first took interest in fashion during high school, designing a prom dress for a close friend. After graduating he landed at Calvin Klein and then Ralph Lauren in Palm Beach and New York, where he styled VIP clients, super models and celebrities. Always attuned to the glamour hidden within every woman, he enthusiastically participated in preparing young ladies for the Miss America Pageant as well.
Never forgetting his design
and fashion roots, Terry had always loved dressing brides for their weddings as
a hobby and finally decided to turn his passion into a career path. Soon after,
Terry became the Fashion Director of Kleinfeld. He smoothly made the
transition from banking to brides and has never looked back.
When asked,
“What is your favorite thing about working with brides?” He said, “Seeing a
bride’s face in the perfect dress and the realization that this is a forever,
memorable moment!”
In the past three years, Terry has essentially
become the face of Kleinfeld. His expertise in the fashion and bridal
industries has landed him both national and local coverage on Good Morning America, Fox 5 News, NY1, The Today
Show, Huffington Post Live, Disney’s Ever After Blog and more. Terry also
appeared on Oxygen’s, The Face, as a
guest judge alongside Nigel Barker and Naomi Campbell, and now he'll be joining us in Trinidad when he is hosting a stylish brunch as a part of the Wedding Convention 2014.
So unless you plan to get married in a bikini, clear your Sunday because I'm making this even sweeter. All attendees get a $450 gift voucher from Kleinfeld! To get a special discount mention the code NMFV<3TWC in an email to contactus@trinidadweddings.com.
Make sure to bring a print out of this voucher at registration on Sunday to be eligible for the discount!
P.S. I'm going to be there!
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Sunday, 7 September 2014
Trinidad-based Fashion Labels Show at NYFW 2014
I have been majorly envious to see all the wefies of a whole bunch of Trini fashionistas and fashionistos alike, living it up in New York for Fashion week to see and show Collections for Spring/Summer 2015. Stylist Crystal Ivy London is one of the lucky few to be swept into the madness and excitement for a New York Minute. Thanks to her you get to get a first look at the Collections shown by Adrian Foster, Charu Lochan Dass and Delia Alleyne right here! They showed tonight at the 9th Fashion Gallery NYFW event at the Helen Mills Event Space in Chelsea.
Adrian Foster SS2015
CLD S/S 2015
Delia Alleyne
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