What the hell do you wear to a fete?

As an avid Machel Follower, I will be finding myself in Fantasy's fete tonight. Tried on my outfit and asked my boyfriend the usual "Do I look fat in this?", not expecting that my ample bodiness was the least of his concerns.

 "Why you don't wear something a bit more stylish?" Why? Let me tell you why.

Fetes are hot. You sweat. A lot. They are often on gravel or in mud. You have nowhere to sit. You get stepped on. It's super crowed. The toilet is a dark portable latrine. You aren't doing the waltz, you're basically reenacting Monday morning's aerobic class, and my favourite; people are drunk and spill drinks on you. I don't know about you, but the event doesn't seem to call for high heels and silk embroidery.

You have to find something breathable and easily washable. Sexy and sleeveless, but with the possibility of wearing a strapped bra underneath (the bra-less jump and wave may result in injury). Shoes as comfortable as sneakers, but as blinged out as Beyonce's aura. Short pants that won't ride up, but that accentuate the ass-ets since soca related dancing refers basically to waist down movements only. AND if your boyfriend is anything like mine, you better make sure the whole thing looks pageant appropriate.

I put on a cropped t-shirt and high waisted white knit shorts. It seemed to fit the criteria. I guess I was wrong. What do you wear to the fetes to stay cool, comfortable, sexy and able to jump and wave without ripping a seam? Hint: Contrary to popular response, "Rubber slippers" is not the answer to the above question.

Over the next few weeks of palancing I'll be solving this. Stay tuned.

What to wear to the wet fetes

Every year I wait with eager anticipation for Soaka- the best fete EVER.

This year, I went to bed around midnight and tried to peel myself off of the bed when my alarm sounded Kes "Your Body Wukking" at 2.30am! I put the coffee to brew and jumped in the shower to stretch out the cricks in my lower back with some Snake oil. I checked my body parts, made sure everything was intact. Since foot, waist and neck were working fine, to Soaka I went!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p31mbXaJPdc

The party starts at 3am and goes on through sunrise and the hours when you should be home making Sunday lunch. When Machel comes on, he calls for the water trucks to soak the crowd with enormous water hoses. Sounds like the prelude to pneumonia but it really is the BEST morning of your life.

This year I thought I would be all chic and wear my J. Angelique white ruffled bodysuit.

 I had never worn it before, and it was perfect with some blue denim shorts for a wet fete such as soaka. It definitely caught the attention of many a media photog. You can imagine my horror when I was handed a small plastic bag of yellow dyed powder. I was even more horrified at the overwhelming smell of scented talc- and the appearance of rainbow coloured clouds. Machel was set to shoot his video for Fog at the fete- I had only just received the memo that he was inspired by Phagwa for the concept. Before I knew it, I was covered in pinkness and my new suit was ruined.

So what to wear to the wet fetes?
I would have said to wear a cute crochet cover up, or a sleek monokini and hot pants- But since I "fraid powder" I would say wear whatever you don't mind ruining. A plain white vest, disposable shorts and waterproof makeup are your safest bet. You never know when a phagwa session might mysteriously present itself.

J. Angelique bodysuit has been soaking in a solution of bleach and water. Hoping for a miracle, Lazarus style.

First Fete for the season

Casually one evening, as my Bestie, Esty and I were taking our weekly power-walk around the neighbourhood, he says to me “Oh by the way Leecy (His younger sister Analicia Dubrisingh) is applying for Parsons and wants your opinion on some things that she’s submitting.” I always knew that their entire family was Fashion oriented, starting with their Beauty Queen Mom, then their Mc Queen obsessed older sister and Estevan with his modelling and immense knowledge of the fashion world. Looked like the baby of the family was about to wade in the style pool herself, with her hand-made beaded jewellery. “Cute” I thought.

What I met on their kitchen table was not “Cute”. It was PHENOMENAL!!! Little Leecy did that?! I was flabbergasted! She had this elaborate multi-strand pearl necklace that weighed heavily enough to create amazing drape along the collar bone. There were several pieces that I saw that had me just speechless! I could not believe that someone so young and without any formal training in jewellery design and construction, could create such masterful pieces of art. She imported beads in a plethora of materials and intricately weaved them securely with wire, and fastened with ribbon, trimmed with even more detail. So needless to say, over a year later when Esty invited me to the launch of “Fete”; the debut of Analicia’s jewellery line, at The Gallery last night I was thrilled! Then I was even more excited when they asked me to wear one of her pieces and strut around in it all night at the show! 

Fete oversized blue beaded cuff

Rachel Ross

The Gallery is sort of a hub for the “who’s-who” of fashion and extravagance in Trinidad. It is essentially a gift shop, but what founder Sheena Thorpe provides, is far beyond your everyday “gift”. It is an experience of luxury and visual decadence, from the smoothly carved mahogany bowls, to the aromatic room diffusers and exquisite “Toffees to go”. The Gallery plays a remarkable role in highlighting the opulence within the fashion and creative industry in Trinidad. For too long had the image of a turtle carved in a coconut been the perceived standard for what we have to offer creatively. At the Gallery one can find E Coudray (a two century-old Paris perfumery) alongside Meiling’s line of scented candles and silk sleepwear. You will see Kenneth Jay Lane jewellery (donned by Jackie Onassis) next to Trinidad’s own Rachel Ross’s exquisite accessories, and now “Fete” by Analicia Dubrisingh.

A few pieces from Fete

Chejo

There was another exhibition last night for Chejo; a jewellery collection by Kristy Collado (from the Dominican Republic). Her huge display showed a variety of different Tribal style necklaces and body chains. She also had a bowl full of leather knotted necklaces that I thought were pretty interesting and fashion forward!

At the debut Analicia showed five pieces from her Collection. The earrings she wore are also a prototype for the line, with an Indian Inspired pearl beading in concentric layers. The rest will be at the store soon and just in time for Christmas. I coveted this orange and turquoise double stranded necklace (see picture below) for TT$1300.00, however due to the overwhelming demand for the particular piece, I’m going to have to wait for a replica to be made.

My favourite part of the night had to be speaking with Mrs. Dubrisingh; mother of the designer. We talked about how there is talent bubbling over the rim in Trinidad, but so few people are fortunate to have the opportunity to have their work showcased in a legitimate way. She told me that Analicia’s history with bead work started when she was a small child, and would get lost for hours in her Lisa Frank bead kit! She never ceased her interest in creating jewellery. She never thought that something big would not happen. “Fete coming together and being sold at The Gallery is purely the result of preparation meeting opportunity” I told her. With enough passion and focused energy, magic will happen.