Fashion Focus Magazine (Issue 4)

MEILING AND THE MOTH IMMORTELLE

BEAUTY LOCAL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL TOO

ROBERT

RILEY

UNAPOLOGETICALLY CARIBBEAN

ISSUE #4 / JAN/FEB 2018

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CONTENTS 5 8 10 14 16 18 21 28 36 38 40 48 52

TROP SHOP FASHIONTT update MEILING magic IMMORTELLE BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHER- IKENNA douglas ROBERT RILEY EDITORIAL - safia ali EDITORIAL - keziaH LENDOR caribbean korner - KORAL PHOTOGRAPHer - EUSTACE dyer EDITORIAL - naballah chi TOBAGO FASHION CODA 2018 DESIGNER DIRECTORY

COVER + BACK IMAGES: MEILING: Black organdy coat dress

over sequinned trousers.

Hand beaded back.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marlon James MODEL: Iyepha Biggot BELT: Vanessa Winston, Dominica CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING:

Emma Forster-Hiscock

Graphic Design: Ayrïd Chandler Printed by Scrip-J Printers A division of The Business Supply Group Limited 1 Fernandes Industrial Centre, Laventille.

Fashion Focus @ffconvention @ffconvention

FASHION CONVENTION LIMITED Studio One, 11 Tiara Boulevard, Diamond Vale, Diego Martin, Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. 1-868-471-1919 fashionfocusltd@gmail.com www.fashionfocus.org FASHIONFOCUS ISSUE 4

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THE HISTORY OF THE CARIBBEAN HAS IMPACTED OUR MINDS, OUR HEARTS, OUR CELEBRATIONS AND OUR FASHION. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DISPLACED BY COLONIZERS, ENSLAVED AFRICANS SUBJUGATED BY WHITE LAND OWNERS TO CONVERT NATURAL RESOURCES INTO FINISHED GOODS. SOUNDS DAUNTING? BUT SOMEHOW, OUR SENSE OF STYLE BEING AN AMALGAMATION OF THINGS PAST, THINGS PRESENT AND THINGS TO COME HAS ALWAYS BEEN BRIGHT AND EXCITING. CARIBBEAN FASHION IS UNPREDICTABLE AND MAJESTIC.

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MOVEMENT

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“There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at its crest, leads to success.”

A Shakespearean adaptation—we know, but it’s quite relevant. And here’s why.

TheTropShop is a Caribbean-wide movement committed to taking the creativity of our fashion designers and fashionpreneurs to the world, and getting their products into the hands of those enamoured by the Caribbean aesthetic, regardless of which far-stretching corner of the world they may be. It is a central hub for Caribbean fashion products, and through its powerful global, collaborative marketing machinery, makes the products more visible to international shoppers, who then have the ability to pay for their chosen items via credit card and have them shipped directly to their selected address, both cost and time efficiently. As expected, this new movement is making strides. And here’s what.

Since the launch of its one-stop-shop, fashion e-commerce website last November, a mere few months ago, TheTropShop has been breaking barriers, bridging gaps and generating sales for the Caribbean designers and fashionpreneurs who have come onboard. Indeed, the tide of TheTropShop movement is high and moving with serious momentum, and if you’re a fashion designer or fashionpreneur, you too can join the movement and propel your business forward by giving it unfettered access to the world. And here’s how.

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JOINING THE MOVEMENT

After an initial meeting to discuss your vision for your business, TheTropShop team will register your brand as a store on its e-commerce website thetropshop.com - and provide you with a unique URL. This will be your virtual storefront that will be used to promote and sell your products.

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SETTING UP YOUR STORE

Set up is easy. Simply provide your logo, product images, descriptions and prices, and TheTropShop team will upload them to your store. The team will then work closely with you to set your shipping zones, policies and prices.

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STORAGE OF YOUR PRODUCTS

Stock of your products is housed at TheTropShop’s international fulfilment center. You will work with TheTropShop team to set your minimum stock level for each product, based on the intricacies of your business. The team will also help you to manage your stock levels as product sales progress.

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PROCESSING ORDERS

Once a customer places an order from your store and the credit card payment is processed by the website. TheTropShop fulfilment team will immediately package the order and ship it to the customer. You will also be notified of the order via email.

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RECEIVING PAYMENTS

TheTropShop collects payments from your customers and transfers them directly to your preferred bank account. You have the option of whether you want the funds to be transferred after each individual sale or after you have accrued a specific amount of funds. It’s that easy.

TheTropShop caters specifically to micro, small and medium-sized businesses. As part of its family of fashion designers and fashionpreneurs, you will have access to a number of industry experts who will mentor you and help you to grow your business.

TheTropShop movement will take you as you are and will closely work with you to get you where you want to be—a formidable force to be reckoned with in the international fashion marketplace.

Join TheTropShop movement; the time is opportune. Move with the tide and propel your business forward. Dominate the fashion marketplace.

Contact TheTropShop team.

Email: tropshopcaribbean@gmail.com FB,IG,Twitter: @tropshopcaribbean www.thetropshop.com

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LOCAL TAILORS TO BENEFIT FROM SAVILE ROW TRAINING The Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Company Limited (FashionTT) alongside its parent company, the Trinidad and Tobago Creative Industries Company Limited (CreativeTT), has partnered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, MIC Institute of Technology (MIC-IT) and Savile Row Academy, to host a one-year Certificate Programme in Bespoke Tailoring, Pattern Drafting, Cutting and Fitting beginning on March 5, 2018.

At the media launch held at the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Wednesday 15th November, 2017, representatives from each organization were present to address their role in the programme and to sign a Collaboration Agreement, an agreement indicating their common line of action for the project. CreativeTT Director, Dionne Mc Nichol Stephenson explained the importance of the programme to the local creative industry, particularly the fashion industry, “This lucrative avenue of training has never been implemented in Trinidad and Tobago and is a strategic addition to the education sector in the area of fashion. It’s coming is timely as the global menswear market is burgeoning and is surpassing in growth and demand in comparison to the Female Apparel Market, according to recent research.”

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Dionne Mc Nicol Stephenson, Director of CreativeTT, Professor Andrew Ramroop, OBE, CMTT, Master Tailor and Director of Maurice Sedwell (Savile Row) Ltd, Senator the Honourable Paula GopeeScoon, Minister of Trade and Industry and Professor Clement Imbert, Chairman of MIC. Photo Courtesy Bain Photography

This programme will be facilitated by Professor Andrew Ramroop OBE, Founder of the Savile Row Academy, Master Tailor and Director of Maurice Sedwell, bespoke tailors of Savile Row. “Bespoke is the pinnacle of excellence. It is hand craft to the highest standards attainable; to traditional standards,” said Professor Ramroop.

The course will include four modules: A Foundation Module that will cover bespoke principles; Pattern Drafting Module; Trousers and Waistcoats & Introduction to Jacket Making Module and Jacket Making Module. MIC will provide the workshop venue and support skills courses such as Introduction to Business Management, Communication, Life Skills, Textiles Science and Mathematics. Graduates of the programme will be awarded a certificate in Ultra Bespoke Tailoring, Pattern Drafting, Cutting and Fitting, accredited by the Savile Row Academy, which will be equivalent to the National Vocational Qualifications at Level 4 of the United Kingdom.

Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, expressed her support and expectations for the tailoring programme. “This project takes us one step further from our reliance on oil and gas and one step closer to honouring the talents of our creative sector,

especially those in within the fashion industry.”

Lisa-Marie Daniel, General Manager of FashionTT, explained, “The economy can benefit in many ways through this programme; graduates of this programme will be better equipped to tap into the international men’s wear market which is currently growing at a much faster rate that women’s wear, according to recent research, thereby expanding market reach and increasing contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. By aligning with the famed

Savile Row Academy, international consumers will have added confidence in local products and quality which in turn can lead to increased sales.

Competitiveness on the international stage will lead to increased foreign exchange.”

This programme is from Monday to Friday and comprises of Full time (FT) classes from 7.30am to 3.30pm and Evening Classes (PT) from 5pm to 8pm. The location will be at MIC-IT in Macoya with an enrolment for 40 students (20 – FT and 20 PT).

FASHIONTT SUPPORTS MEILING FOR THE FIRST EVER COMMONWEALTH FASHION EXCHANGE Jason Lindsay, Chairman of FashionTT, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, Meiling, the Designer, Lisa-Marie Daniel, General Manager of FashionTT.

The Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Company Limited (FashionTT) is pleased to be a sponsor to designer Meiling as she represented Trinidad and Tobago at the first Commonwealth Fashion Exchange initiative on February 19, 2018. This initiative was celebrated at Buckingham Palace during the London Fashion Week.

The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange is a new project created to bring together fashion designers, artisans and creatives across all 52 Commonwealth countries to exchange skills, crafts and traditions to create bespoke looks to showcase to a global audience. The exchange materialised as an exhibition which showcased at a special reception at the Buckingham Palace, where many of the world’s leading fashion industry opinion formers and organizations were in attendance.

As a participant of the exchange, Meiling was asked to utilize a supply chain/craft from Dominica.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Meiling found it difficult to find a designer from Dominica who would have been able to collaborate with her. Soon she met with a designer whose home, save for her studio, was completely destroyed by the hurricane. This designer was able to produce a leather belt which became the fashion piece utilized and later embellished by Meiling.

The General Manager of FashionTT, Ms Lisa-Marie Daniel says “we are always proud to see any of our local designers flourishing and are happy assist them in any way we can. In this case, Meiling has been selected to represent our country at this exciting initiative. The exchange connected Meiling to a greater network of designers and craftspeople, as well as people in the fashion/retail industry at all levels. There is a lot that we can learn from them and, I am sure, they can also learn from the exceptionally talented Meiling.”

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Meiling, referred to as the Coco Chanel of the Caribbean, has a presence and posture that stands upright yet softly like a swan. In movement she is as graceful as the leaves of a bonsai tree in the most gracious morning breeze. Her aura is calming, while empowering.

She is a physical manifestation that effortlessly grips the attention for a closer look The organic tone and rhythm in her speech infused into her words, add that much more effect to the impact of wisdom she shares. Passion sewn into brilliant talent was handed to her by the universe when she incarnated. She then embroidered this material with hard work and beaded it with grace and love. Pieces of work which represents the Caribbean, combines white linen with khaki- inspired by Caribbean beach’s foam as it caresses the sands in blissful ebb and flow. Creations inspired by the Caribbean, but not aesthetically confined to a specific concept of the Caribbean. A versatile body of work that can be worn by women from any sidewalk or corridor of the world- at any time of year.

MEILING MAGIC

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It is inspiring to see a creative soul continue to create magical pieces for over four decades, evolve almost seamlessly with the changing tides in the business of fashion. She maintains her essence and her interwoven principles of hard work and love in the details, while moving forward ever so strongly in this age of social media.

The ability to maintain what FASHION FOCUS referred to as the ‘Meiling Magic’ for over four decades, she shared, comes through “… pure discipline, and continuing to work diligently everyday [while] being able to navigate the changes in fashion.” Meiling has remained relevant and has kept evolving through the windows of time in an industry where she is older than most designers. Her Instagram page, which she manages is testament that Meiling successfully keeps abreast of everything current, along international and regional popular culture. “I want to be able to appeal to the older woman, to the fifty plus, and I also want to be able to pull millennials in to the brand.”

Meiling’s curiosity may be one of the powerful traits that has seen her remaining in the industry as a powerful force and gamechanger. “I am not just curious about what is happening in Trinidad. I read a lot, I listen to music and of course I really get into what is happening in the fashion industry worldwide- both businesswise and creatively.” She continued by stating that “…many times, people believe their own reviews- but I believe I am only as good as my last collection. I get up every morning and I work very hard to maintain this brand. With Social media, the world has become so much smaller- so I am not competing with the Trinidadian designer who stands next to me… the world is my competition. Here in Trinidad I am a big fish in a small pond. I want to swim with the other big fishinternationally!”

Those were words pouring from the simply elegant creative and inspiring soul of a woman whose name has become synonymous with fashion, detail and classic minimalism. A creative soul who has wowed Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean, and the Commonwealth Community. The ‘Meiling Magic’, besides being blessed with a creative soul, she says, is in the attention she pays to detail, execution and the warm service extended to those who seek to wear her garments. “I could have been the greatest designer- but without great service, it is of no use.

Not every idea has to be brilliant, but everything I start must be finished, because every concept is only as good as the execution- and execution is only as good as how much attention you pay to detail.”

Meiling’s brand has been recognized by the Commonwealth Fashion Council, resulting in her being selected to sit on the board as the Caribbean representative. She shared with FASHION FOCUS that “…about a year ago I was asked to sit on the board of the Commonwealth Fashion Council as a representative of the Caribbean. I was a little hesitant, but I thought, if they asked, they must have had some faith in me. I was honoured, and accepted.”

The council has created The Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. An initiative that seeks to have “…established and emerging fashion talent from across the Commonwealth’s 53 countries showcase the power and potential of artisan fashion skills to

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marlon James MODEL: Iyepha Biggot BELT: Vanessa Winston, Dominica CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING:

Emma Forster-Hiscock

“…WORK TIRELESSLY...” deliver new networks, trade links and highlight sustainability. This year “…for the first time, The Commonwealth comes together to showcase a wealth of design and artisan fashion talent across its 53 countries. Selected design talent includes major names such as Karen Walker representing New Zealand, Bibi Russell representing Bangladesh and Burberry and Stella McCartney representing the UK” – Meiling was asked to create a piece for display from the Caribbean, along with Jamaica’s Arlene Martin.

Based on the quality of work she has produced over the years, which the council had been following, she was asked to produce a piece- a decision made by the Commonwealth Fashion Council. Meiling was deeply touched by this, as the decision had nothing to do with any recommendations from her beloved country- but purely based on the observations of a region that encompasses the one she calls home.

She was honoured to see her worked being so widely loved and appreciated.

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Creating, then curating the contents of a magical fashion showcase, each designer was asked to work in unison with an artisan. Meiling was asked to find, and work with any artisan, of her choice from Dominica. This was shortly after Dominica was left in tatters after the devastating Hurricane Maria.

Meiling took up the challenge, did a lot of research and was led to a website with all the artisans in Dominica. Bearing in mind an idea of what she wanted her creation embody- she was led to an artisan whose skills would meld beautifully with the vision. Vanessa Winston, in spite of having lost so much, agreed to work with Meiling. Meiling was touched, as the project brought Vanessa a sort of silver lining. The opportunity to display her work at Buckingham Palace came to Vanessa in a time where her children were relocated to Barbados, only a part of her workshop survived, and she was working tirelessly at rebuilding. “She had to fly over to St. Lucia for the initial Skype call because there was no internet in Dominica”- Meiling explained.

Great excitement was felt by Meiling at the thought of collaborating in a project with an artisanmoreso, collaborating in an initiative within which participants from all over the world are united.

She shared how important she believes widescale collaboration is to continuous synchronized growth and evolution.

Being a creative who is always willing to share and empower those who dream and work toward becoming their best in any industry, Meiling gives a reminder to those who wish to dive into the fashion industry.

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“EVERY CAREER COMES WITH ITS MOMENTS WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO DIG DEEP AND PUSH. I GET OVERWHELMED SOMETIMES BEFORE A COLLECTION STARTS, BUT IF YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU DO, YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE CHANCE. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, YOU MUST BE EDUCATED.”

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Meiling places great emphasis on the process of learning and honing a craft, just like a surgeon would in medical school. “I see too many young designers who just think because they can put four pieces of fabric together, they’re designersyou have to hone your craft.” The importance of interning was also stated as an important part of development. She stated “…when I was finished with school, I could have come home and worked with my mother who was one of Trinidad’s top dressmakers, but I interned. I interned in London for a year and didn’t touch a piece of fabric. I swept the floor, passed pins to the head designer, ran to Oxford street to buy zips, delivered Mrs. So and So’s dress. But I also absorbed so much creatively, while gaining great knowledge through immersion in the business of fashion.”

In giving a message to growing designers, she states “…work tirelessly- you cannot relax, you cannot believe your own reviews.” She continued by stating that “…you may do a collection and it is amazing, but you must get up the next morning and create a next one- never stop creating! Give good serviceI believe even if a design is great, what is it worth without great service? Pay attention to detail while being passionate about what you do.

And stay curious! you cannot relax on your laurels.

Remain disciplined, you may step into your studio and no new ideas come to you, but keep plodding on, and it will happen. Be brave, take chances and jump! Don’t be fooled by social media, likes don’t mean dollars… and as Chronixx says, do it for the love and not the likes!’”

She closed by speaking of being generous of spirit, and not being threatened by the gifts of others.

“So many designers and creatives have come in contact with me, and I have never felt intimidated or felt the need to hide what I know. What you have is special, and if you are sincere, it comes across in what you do. So, stay true to your signature while working hard. It took me about 10 years to find my signature, which I found through working tirelessly and experimenting with things like costume creation, for example, working with Peter Minshall, who was one of my mentors and greatest creative influences.”

Meiling has been in the Fashion industry for over forty years, and looks forward to growing even stronger wings as she glides into another four decades- doing it for the love and not just the likes.

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IMMORTELLE BEAUTY

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Local can be BEAUTIFUL TOO

On many business websites there is a tab called “FAQs” – Frequently Asked Questions that give the customer easy tidbits of information without having to contact the company.

On the Immortelle Beauty website, there are many questions that are asked of me frequently that I could never publish.

Q: “DIS IS LOCAL?” A: Yes the packaging is designed by a Trinidadian designer and all the products are made, manufactured and packed right here in Trinidad & Tobago.

Q: “YOU HAVE A PAMPHLET OR SOMETHING WITH A LIST OF ALL YOUR PRODUCTS?” A: Yes you can visit our virtual pamphlet at www. immortellebeauty.com where we have all our products and pricing displayed as well as full online store functionality. You can shop Immortelle Beauty from the comfort of your own home!

Q: “OH THESE PRODUCTS ACTUALLY FEEL REALLY GOOD!” A: Hmm. You seem surprised? Where does your expectation of less come from? Is it that it’s a local brand? Is it? IS IT? I receive these questions so often that I’ve begun to question how and why we as customers perceive our local brands to be so much more inferior than their international counterparts.

This psychology runs so deep it goes further than simply preferring to buy foreign fashion, cosmetics and other brands over local ones. It manifests also when we see a local brand operating close to or on the same level as brands in the US or UK or Europe, and we actually convince ourselves that they aren’t local at all and must be imported.

At Immortelle Beauty, our tagline is “Little Local Luxuries”. It is so important to me that the words “Made in Trinidad & Tobago” appear on all our packaging so that we can start changing the minds of our consumers and start expecting more of our local brands. If we begin demanding more, then the other brands will become more!

So many times in interviews I’m given opportunities to discuss the HOW and WHAT of Immortelle. When did you start? What’s the background? What’s the story behind the name? When I wrote this I wanted to discuss the WHY of the business.

Since I recently entered the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Business Training Programme, I have been focusing more than ever on Immortelle’s WHY. And what I discovered is that I want Immortelle Beauty through it’s products to empower women through beauty. To feel the glow that I feel every day when I douse myself with my favourite products. And to feel the confidence that I feel knowing that I started my day with a product that made me feel fabulous. To first feel comfortable in their own skin, so that they don’t necessarily need makeup to follow it up with.

I realized at the same time, that the products not only empower the customers through beauty, but the meticulous focus I place on continually demanding beautiful packaging, branding and external communication also creates empowerment within the community of local brands. Immortelle Beauty proves definitively that sophistication and ‘local’ are not mutually exclusive concepts. We also know that there are other local brands out there in fashion, food, beauty and other creative spaces that also place this focus on beautiful presentation now too. They need to be celebrated and recognized, but we also need to see this as the new normal. We as customers need to not only expect this high quality but demand it and seek it out from our local brands so our industries as a whole can become stronger and more competitive.

LOCAL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL. WE JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE IT. FASHIONFOCUS ISSUE 4

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IKENNA DOUGLAS THE ROOKIE & THE VET

Arguably one of the most sought after photographers on the local fashion circuit, this young man’s rise to the upper echelons of the industry in the last couple years has been nothing short of spectacular. From top Carnival bands, weddings, celebrities and designers from as far as Nigeria, this young talent is surely blazing a trail that his peers have to catch up to.

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www.idouglasphoto.com @idouglasphoto

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- 212 Location - African Ark Jewellery

TROUSERS, BLAZER NECKLACE

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ROBERT RILEY

PHOTOGRAPHER :

Matthew Creese @matthewcreesephoto FASHION EDITOR /CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kairon Newton @militantminimalist

UNAPOLOGETICALLY CARIBBEAN

Caribbean people usually jump at the first opportunity to migrate to the developed world, in search of opportunities for work, and career options outside of local offerings. While it is true that North America, Canada and Europe do possess infrastructure and institutions that facilitate academic and commercial pursuits, people from this region are usually quick to put their heritage and land of origin behind them as they make their way around in the big cities. However, Robert Christopher Riley’s experience has been the opposite. He was born in America to Caribbean parents, a union between his Trinidadian mother and Barbadian father. During his upbringing in Brooklyn, he developed both his academic proficiency mixed with extracurricular sports, but his innate culture led him to the arts through acting and has landed a spot in the dynamic television series, Dynasty. He

has also made appearances on the big screen, one of the roles in which we recall his unique style was playing the “husband-to-be” in the black comedy “The Perfect Match”. He is definitely a shining light to us all and has many more projects in the pipeline.

Throughout his journey, Robert has embraced everything Caribbean and proudly flies the flags wherever he goes. He had been exposed to Carnival at a young age and always understood the true meaning of the celebration. For this reason, he was set on sharing the stories and experiences with as many people as possible, which therefore led him to establish “Hollywood Massive”. Hollywood Massive is a carnival band in Los Angeles California,

SHIRT:

Anthony Reid for Meiling African Ark Jewellery

SHORTS, NECKLACE & CUFF:

Next Page: PRINTED TROUSERS & NECKLACE: African BLAZER: 212 Location NECKLACE: African Ark Jewellery

Ark Jewellery

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and an active brand represented within the annual Los Angeles Culture Festival that takes place on the last weekend in June on the streets of Hollywood Boulevard. Robert’s mission is to place his Caribbean stamp on the global arts and culture map, and he will not be daunted in his pursuit of excellence.

Robert’s fashion sense has also been shaped by his early life, as he fondly remembers his mother’s “orange dashiki” in the cupboard as a constant reminder of our origins. His grandmother used to tell him, “Boy, you cyah know where yuh going if you don’t know where you come from…”

He believes that...

WE NEED TO KNOW WHO WE ARE AS A PEOPLE, AND IT IS NO PROBLEM THAT THE CARIBBEAN AESTHETIC IS BEING INFLUENCED

BY EXTERNAL TRENDS. OUR PERSPECTIVE WILL REACH FURTHER AND DIFFERENT HYBRIDS WILL EMERGE.

However, the key is in the balance to retain the majority of our identity in design, with managed doses of other elements (he referred to them as “sprinkles”) in the process.

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NEVER LET THE WORLD FORGET WHO WE ARE. Entire video Interview available at www.fashionfocus.org

CARIB

BEAN CONTEM PORARY Because there’s more to the Caribbean fashionista than bright colours and loose, flowy fabrics.

Stylist: Safia Ali Creative Directors: Elena Marquez & Safia Ali Photographer/ Retoucher: Marc Jeffery

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MODEL | TONI JOSEPH BODYSUIT: Vivre

by Chelsea

TOP: Kalois TROUSERS: Adrian BAG: Blaanix

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Foster 212 Location

Céline Chee Woon Chee James HEELS: Koral Beach Boutique EARRINGS: Blaanix 212 Location T-SHIRT:

SHORTS: Shenice

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CROP TOP: Kalois MESH SHIRT: Kalois

Kalois PONCHO: 1491 Denim BELT BAG: Kalois BELT: Kalois SHOES: Koral Beach Boutique CULOTTES:

DENIM DRESS: Willow

and Oak

MESH DRESS: Kalois BEANIE: Levi

Marcus 212 Location

EARRINGS: Blaanix

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MESH TUNIC: Vivre

by Chelsea James BANDANA TOP: Samaroo’s FISHNETS: Blaanix 212 Location SKIRT: Shenice

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SHIRT: Meiling DENIM TOP: Adrian

Foster

RAINCOAT: Kalois CULOTTES: Kalois SHOES: Koral

Beach Boutique 212 Location

BAG & EARRINGS: Blaanix

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Papayo IN THE CARIBBEAN WE’RE A PEOPLE OF COLOUR BUT ALSO WE ARE A PEOPLE OF MOVEMENT. DANCING IS ALMOST SECOND NATURE TO US AND WE CARRY A VIBRANCY THAT CAN LAST THE ENTIRE YEAR THROUGH. IN FASHION MOST TIMES WE ARE IMPLORING PATRIOTIC CITIZENS TO ‘BUY LOCAL’ WHILE COMBATTING THE EFFECTS OF FAST FASHION. SO FOR A SOLID STREET STYLE TWIST I COMBINED SOME SELECT LOCAL AND RETAIL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FOR A ‘ROUND D TOWN’ STREET STYLE STEW. I HOPE IT INSPIRES YOU. Editor Keziah Lendor

KEZIAH LENDOR | MELVERN ISAAC | LISELI ROLLOCK | SADE THURAB @kezstylesinc FASHION STYLIST

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@melvernisaac PHOTOGRAPHER

@liselirdory MUA

@how.bout.some.braids HAIR

MODEL | Shawna

Mitchell ROMPER: Bene Caribe JACKET & JEWELRY: 212 Location

ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT: Vivre

By Chelsea BIKINI TOP: Vivre By Chelsea PANTS & CHOKER: 212 Location

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TOP: Vivre

By Chelsea PANT: Bene Caribe EARRINGS: 212 Location

Bene Caribe EARRINGS: 212 Location CHOKER: Willow and Oak CORSET & SHIRT:

SKIRT: 212

Location CHOKER: Vivre By Chelsea HEADWRAP USED AS TOP: Bene Caribe SHOE: Nike

T-SHIRT: Fashion

Focus SKIRT & ACCESSORIES: 212 Location

THE CARIBBEAN CORNER KORAL BOUTIQUE Nestled within the upper floor on the Eastern end of West Mall is a boutique that has grown in popularity over the past couple years for its beautiful layout, an extensive array of swim, resort, cocktail and even kids apparel, quality brands, and most of all, impeccable customer service. Koral Boutique and its unique management team are always on the cusp of trends, genuinely focused on keeping their customer base happy. Apart from stocking international brands from as far as Australia, the Koral family has recognized that local fashion brands are able to conceptualize and produce garments of an extremely high standard as well. After their own successful collaboration with local designer label Tobye & Shoma, the Koral team and has partnered with Fashion Focus to present “The Caribbean Corner�. This initiative will allow customers to access fashion designers from across the region within the Koral retail space on an on-going basis.

Visit them today to check out Barbadian designer J.Angelique

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EUSTACE DYER

THE MASTER OF DISGUISE

With a very intricate eye for detail, Eustace is easily one of the best photographers in the industry when capturing portraits and understanding skin tones. He is a master of angles and he says to his clients, “If your photographer is not laying flat on the ground to get the shot, then you’re wasting your time”. His eye for the unusual has carried him all the way to Amsterdam, where he will be initiating a cultural exchange between Caribbean and Europe. @trevorfelixphotography

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AN AFRICAN AFFAIR Vibrant patterns and beautiful head wraps.

Gorgeous Ghanian accesories accompanied by photographs of art. This fashion editorial gives a taste of Africa. The beauty, the clothing, the culture. It is representative of the hues within the colour spectrum.

Blending of foreground and background is a movement of African self-expression that radiates contemporary African culture.

Creative Director / Fashion Editor

Naballah Chi

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Luis

Young, Nicolas Rinaldo MUAs: Annastacia Lewis, Afeisha Morgan HAIR STYLIST: Annastacia Lewis CREATIVE DIRECTOR & STYLIST: Naballah Chi DESIGNERS: Naballah Chi, Afrika House ACCESSORIES: Afrika House MODELS: Dareem, Jabari, Michelle, Shakellah, Mileya, Temika, Leon Clarke (in the blue and black outfit) and Jalani Kojo (playing on the drum).

TOBAGO FASHION CODA 6

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The Tobago Fashion Coda, premium all-inclusive event is definitely the place to be on Thursday 26th April at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort in Tobago. Tobago Fashion Coda highlights the talent and creativity of local fashion paired with designers of international merit.

Over the last five editions, the Tobago Fashion Coda product has developed as a platform for fashion enthusiasts and buyers looking for an exclusive occasion that allows them the opportunity to indulge in a fashion showcase. High fashion, top models and the best in entertainment meet cuisine and premium bar for the best premium experience.

Tobago Fashion Coda has grown from strength to strength providing tangible support to the development and promotion of Tobago fashion through a high-quality production with live streaming to the global community.

Executive Producer for Tobago Fashion Coda – Don Grant is passionate about this year’s showing. “This year’s very strategic for us. We want to help our designers get exposure to the international stage.

There showcase alongside a European designer will be a great boost to the overall international consumption for our designers and a show of this nature. We are ever thankful to the Ambassador Jules Bijl of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their support in getting Liselore Frowijn to us.”

Lislore’s presentation at Tobago Fashion Coda represents a key strategic “building block” for Tobago’s Fashion movement as we develop a market driven fashion industry with Trinidad and Tobago as the fashion capital of the Caribbean.

This project is intended to draw increased attention from the fashion industry in the Netherlands, European and North American fashion hubs. Along with increased participation from established manufacturers and textile suppliers. It is intended that it will create pipelines that connect the T&T design community to the international fashion industry and ultimately produce quality designs to fulfill demand from international buyers.

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FEATURED 2018 DESIGNERS New York-area, Tobago born entrepreneur and fashion designer, Elizabeth Arthur presents Kimimi Swimwear. Kimimi (Sioux translation for a butterfly) was created to express a woman’s beauty. We are all different and beautiful in our own way. Her designs exemplify and accentuate feminine beauty- combining colour, style and patterns inspired by the natural beauty of the butterfly. kimimillc.com Ecliff Elie specializes in a variety of luxurious men’s apparel including resort, formal-wear, swimwear and corporate wear. The label continues to evolve, presenting an elegant, contemporary style for an ever changing, increasingly complex fashion market. ecliffelie.com A fashion pas-de-deux - Austrian designer, Andrea Jack Voigt and Tobagonian Designer, Dayle Abeje Angus will create a black and white collection of 20 looks which will honor their cultural heritage, their commitment to sustainable living and “upcycling” as they seek to build a creative bridge toward globalization. houseofabeje.com

DUTCH DESIGNER - LISELORE FROWIJN PRESENTS FULL SHOWCASE AT TOBAGO FASHION CODA 2018 As a designer, Liselore feels the continuous drive to capture and retransmit the energy she gets from art, music, people and different cultures.

For her, fashion is the best medium to weave all these different threads together into one eclectic outcome. Fashion is her playing field, and her challenge is to discover the unexpected. Her designs walk the fine line between high and low culture, each new piece a living painting carefully constructed to achieve the perfect balance between aestheticism and imperfection. liselorefrowijn.com

4pm - 10pm

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THE FASHION BRUNCH

Sun

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DRESS CODE:

Garden Glam

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CREATIVE COMMUNITY

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ADRIAN FOSTER

ADRIAN WILSON

A-LAN SWIM

RTW Women’s Clothing

Women’s Clothing

@officiallyadrianfoster

CAFD / UTT Student of the Year 2017 @adrianwilsonml

BHOWRAM ATELIER

CHARU LOCHAN DASS

CHRISTIAN BOUCAUD

Women’s Clothing

Women’s Clothing

Women’s Clothing

@bhowramatelier

@charulochandass

@christianboucaud

CLAUDIA PEGUS

DAWW CREATIONS

DEISHA DARE DESIGNS

Women’s Clothing

Men’s Clothing

Fashion & Art

@claudiapegusdesigns

@dawwcreations

@deishadaredesigns

DEITY 868

HAPPY CURLS HAPPY GIRLS

HOUSE OF KATHY SALON

Handmade Accessories & Jewelry @deity868_

Hair Products

Beauty Salon

@happycurlshappygirlstt

@houseofkathysalon

IMMORTELLE BEAUTY

J.ANGELIQUE CLOTHING

KALEEN SANOIS

Beauty & Skin Care

Women’s Clothing

Women’s Clothing

@immortellebeauty

@designerjangelique

@kalois

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@a_lanswim

CREATIVE COMMUNITY LISA SEE TAI

M.A.C DESIGNS

MEILING

Women’s Clothing

Lifestyle Clothing Brand

Lifestyle Brand

@lisaseetaidesign

@m.a.cdesigns

@meilinginc

MIMI KURUKA

NEHA KARINA

NWANNIA SORZANO

Graphic Tees

Women’s Clothing

Urban Clothing

@bhowramatelier

@nehakarina.official

@nwannia

SANIANITOS

SEAFRINA

SHAUN GRIFFITH PEREZ

Accessories

Women’s Clothing

Lifestyle Clothing Brand

@sanianitos

@seafrina_

@shaun.griffith.perez

SHIBHUE CARIBBEAN

THE BOW COMPANY

THE LUSH KINGDOM

Women’s Accessories

Male Accessories

Lifestyle Clothing Brand

@shibhuecaribbean

@_thebowcompany_

@lushcaribe

THE 1NDIVIDUAL AESTHETIC

VIVRE BY CHELSEA

WADADA MOVEMENT

Lifestyle Clothing Brand

Women’s Clothing

Lifestyle Clothing Brand

@1ndividual

@vivrebychelsea

@wadadamovement

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THE CONVENTION Sunday 08 July, 2018

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even ways to enjoy the very best of Tobago at Magdalena Grand

There is one special resort that provides you with a great selection of restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is open to the public and offers something for everyone.

Pembois Restaurant & Terrace offers indoor and outdoor seating on the pool terrace, a perfect morning start of the day with our renowned breakfast buffet. In the evenings, discover a new and different dining experience every night from a table d’hôte menu to the Grand Tobago buffet, Pan Asian Delights, The World of International Cuisine, or our Amerindian BBQ. Kali’na. Discover the unique Caribbean Fusion cuisine in an upscale and romantic environment in one of the top restaurants in Tobago…traditional Caribbean or Creole recipes prepared in a modern European way as well as dishes from all over the world, refined with typical Caribbean ingredients.

Salaka Grill. All day beverages are served along with an a la carte snack menu.

Enjoy great sandwiches, wraps, and salads in our poolside restaurant overlooking the Atlantic waves. In the evening, Salaka turns into a romantic seafood grill with oceanfront dining and no menus except for the chef’s daily recommendation from the chalkboard.

Robinson Crusoe is an English style Pub and Sports Bar that features daily happy hour from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Welcome aboard the Robinson Crusoe’s pirate ship and enjoy the ship’s provisions! A great selection of international dishes awaits you for a cosy causal bite.

Contact the resort for promotional rates.

Tavaco Lounge is the place to enjoy classic cocktails, premium spirits and sparkling drinks prepared by our award-winning mixologists. Unwind and be soothed by the sounds of our piano, jazz, and blues. Join us on Sundays between 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm for a tribute to the importance of Jazz on Tobago.

Benne Café offers a wide range of freshly ground and brewed coffee specialties and signature teas, along with homemade delights from our bakery such as heavenly croissants and mouth-watering cookies.

WWW.MAGDALENAGRAND.COM

The Fairways Bar & Grill located on the Tobago Plantations 18-hole golf course offers light breakfast choices, salads, snacks, and tasty dishes with a local twist.

Overlook the grounds of this former plantation and picture its history while sipping on a refreshing cocktail.

FASHIONFOCUS ISSUE 4 Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies | Phone: 868-660-8500 Fax: 868-660-8503 E-Mail: info@MagdalenaGrand.com

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