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 

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!

Playing Fass: Bountiful bosoms and the backless dress

It is every girl's dream to have large boobs! Women have invested billions specifically to breast augmentation in the plastic surgery industry. You don't even have to be wealthy- today I heard one of the girls from Teen Mom2 (one who was living in a car) say that she was thinking about a boob job! Ample breasts are a coveted dream by all except those who have it- those like myself.

When you love fashion, DD's are quite problematic. Dainty, feminine silhouettes and soft sheer fabrics can look like hooker-garb when draped over mountainous mammaries. Unless you're wearing a large box (or tailor all your garments by a pricey specialist) a simple shirt at work can be a peep show with gaping holes between buttons.

The world has recognized our plight and a bunch of products have come out to help us out with being able to rock all the popular fashion trends with ease. Some shirts come with secret buttons which button on the inside between the buttons on the shirt facade.  That seems to be working well. Also, a lot more brands, like Victoria Secret to name one, are making not only attractive bras in larger cup-sizes, but even swimwear! So no longer will I be scaring children (nor attracting their hungry baby siblings) on the beach!

The biggest challenge lies in the dreaded backless garment. An exposed back is so sexy. Hilary Swank's plunging asymmetrical navy Guy Laroche dress that she wore to the 2005 Academy Awards was a monumental fashion statement. It could be one of the sexiest yet still quite sophisticated dresses to ever walk any red carpet. Why can't I have a moment like that?! So I tried a thing.

Hilary Swank as feautred in US magazine

Low back converter straps

Yesterday I played over fass and wore a dress with a very low back and strap detail that draped over the exposed shoulder blades. So beautiful! I tried my Maidenform Lo-back bra converter straps, but they wouldn't go low enough, plus they took away from my bra's support and also dug into the skin around my belly. Since they don't make Nu bras in my size nor have I encountered a backless bra (yet) that can fit me, I decided to go with a pair of Free bra adhesives. Basically it is a sticker that you shape and place over yourself to create support and modesty.

Playing Fass in people house

Necklace by Melissa Phillips

They did the trick! I was very confident strutting to Simply Runway at Grand Bazaar and then to a fashion meeting with some very chic ladies. Compliments galore! Was feeling great until the stinging began. As gravity kicked in the stickers were being pulled off slowly- like the worse Band-Aid ever made. After many bathroom visits where I could discreetly assess my plight, I surrendered to the reality that when I get home (which at this point could never be soon enough) I would be peeling this "bra" off together with some skin. As the hours went by this thing got worse. Not only was all the support gone, but the discomfort was unbearable and the fear and reluctance to go home and skin myself, was creating major anxiety.

So if you have full bosoms and a curvy body, just say goodbye to the loose backless sheaths. We can't have everything. At least we have cleavage. I don't know if that's a sufficient enough consolation prize.

By the way, when I finally got them off (after a PAINFUL 15 mins of peeling away a millimetre at a time and throwing body powder and spraying dry shampoo on myself, I only ended up with minor bruises. Still- not worth it though.

I'm having a dress custom made by Van de Vlugt, with careful boning and lining so that I can attempt this bold bra-lessness once more. I'll keep you posted on if this works. In which case, Darcel will become very popular with the big boobied ladies.