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

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!

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

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.

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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Why should I have to buy local?

The hashtags "Supportlocal" and "shoplocal" are really trending these days. We want to show off our latest purchases from the Pop-up shops and Upmarkets, proving that we are economically conscious, contributory and a little bit cooler than everyone else. Hey, I do it all the time.

I do it because I too am an entrepreneur in this budding Caribbean fashion climate. I know the challenges and I am genuinely proud of anyone able to overcome the reasons why they can't, and who can produce something worthy of retail and showing off.

I encourage my friends and social media followers to put down the credit cards and give the American online department stores a break. I wear the local styles to convince them that right here in Trinidad we have great clothing and jewellery and they don't need to resort to the cheap stuff fabricated by the hands of young Asian children.

So when I see shows like Tobago Fashion week, I get depressed. We want people to buy locally designed and manufactured merchandise, but we are not designing for them. How can you convince an uber trendy F21 brand follower to buy the garish and outdated looks that we call the "Caribbean Aesthetic". Does "Caribbean" have to mean straw hats and nakedness? Where is the consumer research? Where is the wear-ability? Where is the evidence that these designs were sketched with even a passing thought of who the buyer is? I find it quite stereotypical and unwelcome that this "Caribbean Aesthetic" is being marked by Afro-centric prints and cheap fabric.

Burberry Prorsum S/S 2012 will continue to be one of my most memorable collections to date.
The designer used the motifs we've been doing year after year here in the Caribbean and made it fresh, young and cool.
THIS is what Caribbean or Afro-Caribbean inspired should look like.

Styling , staging and models are of extreme importance to your brand presence. We too often skimp on these things, scouting models who are inexperienced and willing to work for free, and well, stylists? What are those? Caribbean or Tropical motivated themes are by no means new. They have been used time and time again all over the world and with major success. The only ones failing at getting the equation right are US- who actually come from the lands that breed these inspired looks.

Dolce and Gabbana 2012

Stella McCartney Spring 2011

Do not even talk about the quality. I have certainly spent good money on locally made clothing that has literally  fallen apart at the seams. You cannot charge designer prices for poorly made clothing with fabric that can easily be found at any store selling cloth downtown. What makes your clothing special? What makes you different from a seamstress? What is your edge? How are you transforming the resources we have here in the Caribbean and making it your own? I know it is expensive. I'm in it too. Do not jump in head first if you are not ready. What are your plans for sustainability? How are you convincing to people that they should convert from mass market shopping to your product?

I will continue to shop local and remain brand loyal to the designers that are worth the name and support. I can tell you though, that they are few.

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Pop Hop, a Launch and Runway oh my!: Busy weekend for Trini fashionistas

Whatever plans you made for next weekend; CANCEL THEM. There are at least three much anticipated events happening on the 12th and 13th of April.

Can we also talk about how cute the poster is?

First off, is the cleverly named Easter Pop Hop Shop by Team M at Meiling's on 6 Carlos Street from 4pm to 8pm. I have regrettably missed every shopping event that this group has thrown because of work, but not this one! The fantastic list of designers include some of my faves; Anthony Reid, Meiling, Rachel Ross, Sanianitos, Shannon Alonzo and Zee D. They ask that you come in Easter Headgear, so I cannot wait to see what people are going to turn up with. If you need more info, check out their Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/419103741567651/









On Sunday the impressive Charu Lochan Dass opens her boutique on Gallus Street Woodbrook, her second branch following her store in Princes Town. To celebrate the opening she is having a special launch at the location. I for one am over the moon about this expansion, since it all goes a bit fuzzy for me once I speed past Chaguanas. Finally I will be fitting myself into some of her exquisite pieces!

After you post some selfies at Charu's, quickly get over to NAPA for Runway Shift! Cocktail hour is at 6.30 and the show starts at 7.30pm. Finally after a 9 month long screening process, 5 designer finalists will be showing their mini-collections to Simply Runway customers and the fashion public. They are competing for three three-month rent free Spots at Simply Runway Accents. The aim is to move local fashion from Runway to Retail; a stifling transition for many aspiring designers in the Caribbean.The initiative was conceived by Simply Runway Owner, Candice Baccus, and after a year of detailed planning and coordination, I am very happy to see this monumental day come true. Young, up and coming designers really struggle with the retail aspect of their business, and I hope that this project stirs a revolution in the business of Trinidad-made fashion. The finalists are all CAFD graduates; Adrian Foster, Anicia Brooks, Lisa See Tai, Mary- April Coutou and Megan Charles. I know have my favourites, but I am looking forward to see what each designer has come up with.  Oh , and btw, I'm the MC, so come say hi.
To follow up more and to find out where you can get tickets,this check out the page : https://www.facebook.com/runwayshift 

2014 Style Resolutions

Together with all the promises to stop cursing, smoking and eating KFC, it may be best to throw in some style resolutions for 2014 too. The Caribbean is known to have quite an impressive number of Fashion Laggards, adopting trends and fashions only after ensuring that everyone else already likes it. God forbid we START  a trend. It's out with the old and in with the new.

1. Ditch your Little Black Dress

We live on islands. It's summer 24;7, 7/52. Black is for sunless folk. The new LBD is the Little Bold Dress. Get simply cut, but superbly fitting sheaths in the colour that lights up your eyes! Go for curve skimming silhouettes in colourful prints and optical illusions.

Regina Salomao 2014

2. Cut your hair

Unless you are getting creative with face framing styles, and rocking different updos on a daily, why is your hair cascading past your boobs? Leave that for the mermaids who have no bikini tops on. Get with the programme. Super-long hair is so 1970's. Where your hair stops, is where the eye will be drawn. Your hair ends around your waist, well you better skip that doughnut, because you are asking everyone to look at your mid-section. Your hair ends at your shoulders; you're asking people to notice your fantastic smile.

3. Learn to sew

I'm not saying to go take a draping course at FIT, but spend an evening with your Grandma, or pick up a book that teaches you the basics. Learn how to form a dart, hem jeans, attach buttons, fix seams, etc. How many times have you turned away from buying a fab outfit because it was a little too big, or too long? This ends in 2014.

4. Buy Local

2013 showed us that Trinidad's got Talent. So many Trinidad based designers showed us fun, stylish and well-made collections. Keep following this blog to learn about different designers. Their work is at great prices, and often custom-made for you! Put down the credit card and step away from the laptop. Give the online shopping a lil rest.

5. Reuse, Re-wear, Recycle

I'm not a fan of buying an outfit to wear once. It's an absolute waste. When you're out shopping, only purchase pieces you can imagine yourself wearing at least 3 times. I know with the advent of Facebook photos and Selfies that you don't want to be caught repeating an outfit- but hey, if Kate Middleton can do it, who are you? Find ways to turn pieces into something else. Wear a pencil skirt over a body con dress and it becomes a top. Layer. Tie. Wrap. Accessorise.

Off the Rack!

Here I am with the humble talent behind the brand

Yesterday I attended what I was told was the first of many Off the Rack events by Designer, Adrian Foster. At these fun soirees, you can pick up your AF RTW pieces. He had his popular Romper Wraps, new Wrap Trousers (in different prints, lengths and fabrics), printed pant suits, shirt dresses and button-ups oh my!

With even close scrutiny, you can only see what I call immaculate tailoring. His trousers fit perfectly- hugging the curves and skimming the bumps. The fabrics are a textural adventure, ranging from smooth taffetas, to breezy cottons and then heavier embroidered weaves.

The next time you hear that one of these is coming up, do whatever you can to attend! (Even if it's for the complimentary wine and food!) It is really special to see this brand grow. I just know that Adrian Foster is going to be a name on everyone's lips!

Egyptian inspired copper printed pants suit. Jewellery by Cocoa Vintage

Vertical Monochromatic Print Wrap Jumpsuit

Made these Emerald Indian Printed Wrap Trousers mine!

Pretty Please

I was just looking at the review of another one of those fashion fora where an analyst discussed the necessary efforts, such as (manufacturing, e-commerce, etc) for the advancement of the fashion industry in Trinidad. The usual elephant in the room raised his trunk at me. There is an important issue that no one mentions. It is quite apparent, and we all know it, yet it seems like we are scared to say it.

A lot of the local designs are...well... ugly! Hear me out. There is so much investigation going into how we should market the Caribbean aesthetic, and I am fully on board with all of the suggestions. However, a significant obstacle for the industry is that Trinidadians just are not biting. This is partly due to the fact that a vast majority of local "designers" produce undesirable garments. People don't want to buy ugly, unwearable clothes!

While I was looking at the programme on CTV this evening, footage of some fashion show was displayed, and most of the designs were in poor taste! They were obviously constructed horribly, there was no cohesion in the looks of the collections, the designs were definitely not relevant with any fashion era I could think of, and even the models looked like absolute amateurs! A fashion show is the stage for the public to view what the designer has to offer. If what you have to offer is tacky polyester/spandex ruffly ill-fitting stupidness- Please desist from "representing" Trinidad fashion. You are contributing to our problem.

The ideal representative designers who will be able to help propel our Fashion industry as one which can compete internationally and relevantly, are those who are thoroughly educated in terms of design concepts, fashion marketing, their target client, trend forecasts, knowledge of fabrics and detailed tailoring and construction. They are those who can put this knowledge into practice, as well as provide for the demand with an efficient manufacturing method as well as transaction strategies. They work according to the international fashion week timeline, and have developed internet networks as well as physical stations where clients can interact with the fashion. They have a concept about what they want to represent aesthetically and otherwise  and commit to this with any form of merchandising that they put forward. And last but not least, they have a good idea about what real women wear- they have incorporated a stylist to help determine the most appropriate colour-ways and silhouettes for their collections.

So before you think it is as easy as stitching together two old pieces of cloth and calling yourself a designer, use this as a checklist. And pretty please, make our fashion pretty, please.