Supporting Local Fashion

For as long as I have been dressing up, I have been wearing imported brands. I am a slave to Guess, Bebe, J. Crew, Macy's-- the whole shabang!

Only when I began formally styling in Trinidad did I realise what an injustice I was committing, not only to the local economy, but to my fellow local fashion enthusiasts! I admit it is much easier to go online and with the matter of a click (and 2 weeks shipping time) all that glitters from Forever 21 and Asos.com are yours. I decided to try it Trini Style. I have been only shopping locally, particularly from local designers and crafters, not so much in local shops with imported merchandise from USA though.

The response? People are noticing! I have never received so many compliments and "Where yuh get that?"s
When I answer them by saying that someone made it for me, or that I bought it from a jewellery designer in Belmont, the reaction is priceless! Why do we look far and wide for fashion when we have it in our backyard? I'm not saying to give up on the Marciano blazers completely, but I am suggesting that you look to our local creators and vendors for gems that make you unique.

Both Dresses attracted quite a lot of attention at two December Weddings! They were both custom made by Janelle Forde for J.Angelique.

Contact the designer at www.jangelique.com


I am also in love with Koko Karibi. See http://www.facebook.com/kokokaribidesigns?fref=ts for all their amazing pieces!

My friend Andrea and I in KoKo Karibi earrings!

Closer look at my earrings

            

Bought this ring for my cousin for Christmas!
(Gifted friends and family with local
fashion this year)

 My boyfriend did a good job getting me this Turquoise necklace from House of Jaipur!

My Spirit is feeling Stylish already!

So I missed the first day of the official first Style Spirit Weekend. Sad. Definitely made up for it at the Jewellery Trunk show this morning though! For those of you who did not go, don't worry I'll tell you what you missed and where you can get it again.

Some business cards for the designers that showed

Let me start off by saying that Mel Gabriel, you have guts girl. So many people sit back and whine about lack of government support in the fashion industry (I've done my fair share of ranting). Mel has started, what I feel is, a revolution in the direction Trinidad fashion. I have been saying for a while that the industry is better off in the hands of the people. It is a passion- driven, obstacle-laden, time-devouring sector that can only be nurtured and developed by the people who have true vision and the determination to mold it into a substantial  force. Kudos to Mel for this fashion weekend. Hard luck FWTT.

Koko Karibi dyed Agate rough slices with onyx 

I got up this morning, put nothing but ebullience in my belly, and head down to Medulla Art Gallery with my focus on Koko Karibi. I made my way to their table first and as expected, swooned over their expertly crafted pieces. My hand started to scratch one time! Unfortunately the pieces I lusted for the most were prototypes and would require time to be custom made. I really wanted to wear the designer tonight for the first set of Style Spirit fashion shows! I still walked away with some goodies; a Christmas gift for a well-deserving goddess in my life, and two pairs of earrings. I'm marking down the polished stone necklace for my Christmas gift registry.

One of the pairs of earrings I got from
 Koko Karibi

Next to Koko Karibi was C.L.A.S.P. who I also looking forward to seeing! I included her fresh water pearl and Swarovski crystal key rings on my Christmas Idea list on           www.facebook.com/nomore.fashionvictims.1. 

Again, my favourite pieces were already grabbed up and reserved for the fashion shows later. Bummer.

What awaited me outside on the deck was definitely unanticipated. Past the fabric woven necklaces by Rachel Amy Rochford, and some oversized wooden African inspired wonders was a humble and sweet Indian vendor with a table covered in countless intricate pendants, rings and ornaments from Thailand and other parts of the East. My soulmate. The shop is called "The Oblique Imperative" and I must have spent an hour ooh-ing and ah-ing at the Tibetan Ohm motifs and Lapiz Lazuli. Rohan's charming Goan Indian accent helped to transport me into a world of rich culture and devotion. I am a sucker for India and it's magic. When I spotted the Elephant ornament with it's trunk raised- well that was it. I was sold. I will be visiting this zen shop again. I was moved to lunch at House of Jaipur immediately after! (To see Rohan's things contact hanicsousa@gmail.com. He is based in St. Ann's.)

Tibetan Ohm pendant

Deep green Jade ring with Ohm engravings