Tuesday, 26 May 2015

The Fashion Soucouyant Bite We Ah Wah? - Where Are the Fashion Collections?

After all the dingolay, after we have drank our fill of societal babash, after we wore our best dan-dan...When all the strobes lights and applause has been silenced....What are the remnant thoughts we are left with?

Another year of 2TFW (Trinidad Tobago Fashion Week) has passed. Themed, Saga Pinto in Dungarees (A stylish person, well dressed in denim) which held it's two main shows, during May 16th - May 17th, 2015, at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago. And also hosted a designers workshop, which was an excellent initiative within the week of activities.

Riddled with event/project management chaos, the production lacked efficiency, adept overall administration and decisive planning. This harmfully affected the entire fabrication of the two nights of runway shows. Post the show, some patrons were also not pleased and shared various comments on social media, such as; 


"From the apsect of a media worker covering the event it was very bad in terms of organization. I stood all evening the two nights I attended. Those shows both started nearly if not over two hours late. I Never received my media pass (even though my accrediation was approved), never received any programme or order of appearance with the names of the designers and their collections to aid in my story writing had to be taking photos and writing same speed, I could gripe for hours..." -- Anonymous

"The show gets worse as the years goes by...not enough seating accommodation..pple standing...i actually got bored....and well as the 3 others who went with me....they all wanted to leave b4 the show actually finished....the catwalk was soooo low...couldnt even see properly....couldnt even see the person who was hosting....unless you turned around...." -- Anonymous 



Meanwhile, as models gave their best walks unto the runway. Patrons and potential buyers got to see just a glimpse of what is stamped with the label, 'Made in Trinidad & Tobago'. I couldn't help but hmmm; the oh so famous phrase, made popular by Sesame Street..."Somethingsssss, missing...". What was absent throughout the two nights of runway shows? Fashion Fundamentals, 'Collections". 

The development of a Fashion Collection is a creative challenge for every seasoned and upcoming designer but I strongly believe this is one of the principle elements why our local fashion industry still labours through to be recognized and well respected. 



"Let's also talk about some of the designers as well and their lack of proper editing,collection cohesiveness and quality control...".-- Anonymous 


Continually, show after show, runway after runway. We see a few amazing silhouettes but never much of a cohesive collection of clothing. Fortunately, there were a few designers that broke the mold and made the fashion conscious go, Aye-Yah-Yie! And from an objective viewpoint, inspiring designers, such as Brown Cotton, Lisa See Tai and William M. & Co, were the few brands that carried patrons around the Savannah of Fashion Imagination. 




Brown Cotton by RisAnne  - Collection: Empire CaribĂ©

The Bridal Resort Collection, featured adventurous, vivacious, luminous golden form fitted gowns, emerald green flared skirts and draped pieces very suitable for the unconventional bridal party, guests and for the classic woman. With this collection, Martin created an intriguing and classic combination of bridal and resort wearSee More at: https://www.facebook.com/BCOStyle




Lisa See Tai 

Lisa See Tai is one of the first graduates of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) at the University of Trinidad & Tobago (UTT). https://u.tt/index.php?fashion=1

See Tai's love and passion of the tropical rainforest,was well depicted in this collection. All pieces reflected the natural essence and colours of the rainforest , line and form designed for a sensual island lifestyle.

See more at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-See-Tai/1455080408048748?sk=timeline








William McIntosh - Collection: The Western Movement 


The Classic American western movies was a clear influence to this collection.
The Western Movement RTW collection, 15, combined arcadian looks with the true spirit of the open western aesthetic. Cotton and Printed Linens served best to the entire vibe of the overall menswear theme.




In Conclusion, I do hope that Post mortems are undertaken by those who organize these events and the designers themselves. We have many issues within out local fashion industry that we must not allow 'lick-bamcee' and the denial bite from the 'Fashion Soucouyant' to make us ignorant to the changes that must be made.  

We can continue to have fashion shows everywhere, at fancy venues or even on the Bus Route. However, never must we become complacent and satisfied with mediocre standards for we won't mature correctly. 

Regardless of the behind the scenes foolishness that occurs within and between those who are fashion enthusiastic. Strong belief with the correct approach and passion, we will get it right one day. 





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