Runway Trends from Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week

Whether by coincidence or some poorly publicized organizing, we seem to be in the middle of an unofficial fashion week in Trinbago. J.Angelique, Noor, CLD and Modett have had shows this week, giving us insight to what designers are coaching our women to wear. 

White Out

Maybe it's the heat that has designers fixated on white. This very sophisticated neutral looks best on rich skin tones and definitely is the best choice for cooling down in the island heat. We have seen mostly creamy whites on cotton, but J.Angelique embraced a brighter tone for her interesting slant on bridal with the Reception Collection.

Noor

Adrian Foster

J.Angelique

CLD

Mixed Print

Seemingly random prints with overlapping geometric and tribal pattern in bright colours- a bit of a mouthful and and eyeful, but on column dresses and other clean silhouettes, it works.

Sew Lisa

Bene Caribe

Amen Print House

Sheer the love

Unlined and transparent lace and chiffon give more than just a peek at underlying bare skin.

J. Angelique

J.Angelique

CLD

Fancy Pants

With the go -to outfit having long been a fancy frock, designers are embracing pants by making them the highlight of the look. We are seeing more and more flowy wrapped trousers and sleek jumpsuits.

J. Angelique

CLD

Lisa See Tai

Cape diem

Elegant and strong, and thought only suitable for cooler climates until now, capes have come to Trinidad. In sheers and even jersey, these accessories are a bold statement that can elevate even the simplest looks.

The Lush Kingdom

J.Angelique

CLD pictures courtesy Eustace Dyer Photography

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Have a Sip!

A launch I have been waiting for- the J. Angelique boutique!

Spent a fun Saturday evening at the new Valsayn boutique for the sexy brand! Divas (and their gentlemen) came out for a Sip! I was welcomed at the door by Strategist Rian Codrington and a tray of deadly shots of venom! The showroom  displayed all the past collections and the new mini-Collection Mod Divinity!
I grabbed a couple of girlfriends and newbies to the J.Angelique movement, and we had a time!

Rian updating us all on all the fabulousness that they have planned for the brand

oooh that Sangria did it!

The original Diva! Janelle Forde

Mod Divinity

Right to Left: Designer Janelle Forde, Leah, Me

OOOOh... And the best part was this little sneak peek!

To the new batch of graduate fashion designers

Mark Eastman

For over two weeks now I have been contemplating about writing a review on the Mode Repertoire Fashion Show, put on by the CAFD graduating class of 2013. I felt as though my critique would not be fair nor objective since I was a classmate of many of these students, as well as had experienced much of what they have. I beamed with pride at every design that walked that runway- I couldn't honestly call out the disasters, because I know these young people, and I know their struggles; individually and collectively. It's like an aunt showing off a nephew's finger painting- all she she sees is the love and dedication in the toil, instead of the actual work.

Designer: Adrian Foster

Designer: Darscell Douglass

What I'm going to say will anger some people, but they will not be able to refute. Yes, these students showed us that they have immense talent, and put out some really great collections, but you have no idea what kinds of hurdles they had to overcome. This is why I am doubly proud of them. In my "interview" to get into CAFD,  I was told that many people drop out because the work is difficult. Well, I love difficult. I seem to attract a challenge everywhere I go, but it's a good thing because I work best under pressure. They were wrong, however. People don't leave because it's too hard, people leave because there's a lot of bullshit to deal with. Teachers and students have tirelessly voiced their dissatisfaction with the system and its runnings. Being intolerant of dis-organisation and run around answers, I had to leave. Now don't get mad and call me ungrateful. I cannot deny the wealth of knowledge that I acquired not only in classes, but through my relationships with lecturers and colleagues. I made wonderful friends and discovered talent that I know will make marks in this world. Nothing is perfect, CAFD. Don't get your panties in a bunch because I am openly saying what so many choose to irritably whisper by day in shadowy corridors. With experience and attention I don't doubt that the school has potential. In the media it is glorified. I just hope that it can live up to its name.

Some of my fave (and fab) peeps 

Friend and Designer, Ricky Bhowram with his show-stopping Electric Wedding Dress
( modelled by Former Miss TnT, Athaliah Samuels)

As for the 2013 graduating class, what stood out to me was that many of the looks that were shown, did not look like student work. You can see that certain restraint and maturity came in, with clean, no-fuss designs from many. I spotted several current and future trends. I saw clearly who the designers were in their clothing, as well as who their clients are. The tailoring was fantastic; better than a lot of the practising designers that work throughout the region. the students gave us work that was imaginative yet wearable, beautiful yet innovative. I'm very excited to see what comes of them. I'm hearing that not many of them have plans for the future, but I hope that after a brief hiatus (aka a vacation soaked in indulgent relaxation) that they get the ball rolling. Not everyone has to be an independent designer. I spoke to a graduate who hopes to do work for Meiling, I know of one who is with Janouras and a couple who are working on their business models. There are so many opportunities to be made. Graduates, MAKE your own path.

Graduate now teacher, James Hackett's Line: "The Lush Kingdom"

The amazingly talented, Sarah Woodham

I would like to express heartfelt congratulations to the entire class, as well as the Year 3 students who put down some impressive work at the Designer Critique show as well. Keep dreaming and making it come true.

Supporting Local! I'm in Adrian Foster while Simply Runway Owner, Candice Buccus looks elegant in a J.Angelique pencil skirt. Candice came to the show to allow the graduates to register for an opportunity to have their Collection featured and sold at Simply Runway in a specially designated spot, rent free!

The Year of the Snake: J. Angelique's Launch of Venom and Jin Forde

I definitely saw this one coming; a 2013 Runway Collection inspired by the snake motif (Check out below, an article I wrote in February). What I had not expected, was that a Caribbean based designer would be the one to recognise this growing trend and put together an innovative Travel Collection using the symbol in all its glory. This is why I love J. Angelique. Designer Janelle Forde and her partner Rian Codrington are a beautifully oiled machine when it comes to relating their vision for the brand to the fashion masses. They remain current, creative and consistent.

An Article I wrote for CocoBelle Magazine in February '13

Fashion Seasons pose a tricky situation for designers in the Tropics. In Trinidad I see Easter and Christmas Collections popping up instead of the traditional Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter seasons, seeing that climatically we do not experience temperate conditions. At CAFD, I brought up this question to a tutor, and was told that if we are to be considered on an international scheme, and to expand our market, that we need to participate in a 4-season plan. However, while I do agree, I have to congratulate designers for finding niche markets by designing for Resort and now, Travel. If you look at the consumers of our locally based fashion, they are women of the world who love travelling and experiencing different cultures. They are people who despite living in the Caribbean, take vacations to other islands, go on cruises and spend weekends lounging poolside.

A popular J.Angelique Silhouette; "Swim Dress"

As I said before, the J. Angelique brand remains consistent. The aesthetic will always be straddling the limit between sexy and over the top. Janelle loves to experiment with different ways to reveal what she sees as the most tempting erogenous zones; cleavage, hips, thighs and back.

Loved this detail! A butterfly Travel Case

Loved this Jacket! The peplum moved so beautifully

I do have to say that the surprising twist of creativity came in with the debut of Jin Forde; a women's work-wear line! To me, this will be the more successful collection. I saw many pieces that would work well in the life of real women (with real bodies), especially women who love wearing the brand when at play. Jane ain't no dull girl! I heard over the chatter, that people had concerns about the fabrics used for the work collection and I must agree. Especially under the bright lights, the textiles in the collection appeared too sheer or clingy for office. However, J.Angelique does promise the consumer the option to change fabrics when having the designs custom-made. Also, when observing a Runway show, I urge critics to recognise that Runway Styling is very different form real-life styling, and often has nothing to do with it. So when you see a plunging neckline on a jacket over a bare chest, and a thigh high slit strutting your way, don't by any means think that this is what you should be wearing to work on Monday. All pieces are tweaked and manipulated for Runway so as to create visual interest and spark a reaction from the audience. Imagine what a bore it would be to see comfort heels clunking their way along a catwalk... 

Asymmetrical Peplum Dress

All in all, the evening was a pleasure. The show was well planned and executed. Attention to detail was paid, and a consciousness about the fact that fashion is a business, was definitely made clear. Kudos.

Designer Janelle Forde