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

Mama Mia: My top Picks for Mothers' Day Gift ideas

2013 has brought us amazing launches in Trinidad fashion that would be perfect to gift to a stylish mom!
With Outlet Market and UpMarket coming around more often, as well as all the Fashion Weekends, Pop-up shops and jewellery shows, your toughest job is sticking to shopping for Mom and not for yourself!

1. Jewellery

•  I dare you to find me a woman who does not enjoy receiving jewellery! This month Y Art Gallery is showing a great lineup of conceptual exquisite pieces that are perfect for a sophisticated, art-loving, unique woman. This is definitely for those who have extensive budgets, but even if it's just to go have a peek, take your mother down to the gallery to observe these intricate and fantastical pieces of jewellery.
  

Ring by Jade Drake with a miniscule silver sculpture

• Another Launch you will love is Fete A.G.D. Analicia Dubrisingh will be launching her latest collection at The Gallery, Long Circular Mall on Saturday May 11th. I have been lucky enough to get a sneak peek of what is to come, and let me just tell you that this is her best work yet! Beautiful collar necklaces, inspired by Egypt and heavily embellished with multiple hand-beaded stones. 

• At UpMarket on Saturday I met a quiet young lady with a bold look and great pieces! I learnt afterward that her rough-cut diamond encrusted pendants are available at Vamp boutique on Mucarapo Road. Aptly named, her line is called Statements by Sarah Young

  

  Sterling Silver Heart with Embedded Rough-cut Diamonds

  2. Desserts!
• This first treat is actually not for eating! Consider it a calorie free goodie! Feeling Smitten carries an a line of adorable soaps and other pampering suds that look like the most delicious naughty sweets! The products are carried exclusively by Smudge.https://www.facebook.com/FeelingSmittenTT?fref=ts

• My absolute indulgence right now is Cathy Sun's French Macarons. This infectiously bubbly lady creates the cutest french style desserts, with pretty packaging to match! The intense quality and richness of the truffles are an unexpected bonus! She uses the best quality ingredients available! Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/frenchmacaronstt

1. Style

• To be able to give someone the gift of confidence and to have them love the skin they're in, is priceless! Introduced for Mothers' Day I have designed a special customised one-on-one Styling session which can be bought in the form of a gift card! They come inserted in adorable Origami Card Holders, made out of specialty paper! Learn more about them at : http://www.stephanieramlogan.com/#!gift-cards/c1fmn

Here is an Interview I did with CNC3 talking about Style and Shopping for Mom:

Part1

Part 2

• A stylish working lady would definitely appreciate a piece from Emphasis! They carry beautifully tailored pieces in classic designs with modern details! Best part is that they do complimentary alterations! The store is located at Simplicity Mall, Murray Street in Woodbrook. 

A versatile Emphasis Dress I wore to an event recently

• A designer to keep an eye on right now is Darcel Van de Vlugt. She has shared some of her secret plans for the near future and it looks FAB. Most recently she has shown a beautiful Swing Dress in different rich jewel tones! With a loose easy silhouette and graceful drape, it is a timeless piece suitable for most body types. Best part? It is a steal of a deal at $600! This is a definite opportunity not to be passed up! 

  

  http://www.facebook.com/houseofvandervlugt?fref=ts