K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
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C O L L E C T I O N
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
Join us on Facebook Facebook: K2K Alliance & Partners (“K2K”) Website: k2k-carnival.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: GARY JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY MAKE-UP ARTIST: ANALESE REDMAN MODELS: JUSTIN WANG, SHANELLE ESCAYG, SOOWAN BRAMBLE
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2016 COLLECTION ISSUE NO. 5
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NOTES FROM THE FOUNDERS Our 2016 collection takes a stab at fantasy in fashion UNDERSTANDING THE COLLECTION The 2016 Collection, Searching for Shangri-La, is inspired by the novella, Growing Black Orchids
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ORCHIDS Introducing K2K’s newest platform its book club.
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COURAGE LAUNCH The Inaugural Gala took place at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad on October 17, with Amsale Aberra as the featured Speaker
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The beauty is in the details
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Tailored pieces please!
Website: k2k-carnival.com Facebook: K2K Alliance & Partners (“K2K”) Photography: Gary Jordan Photography Make-up Artist: Analese Redman
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The management team would like to thank our Sponsors Cher-Mere & MEP Publishers who have supported the brand from inception and continue to be our strength year-on-year. We would also like to thank photographer, Gary Jordan and his dedicated team, who continue to make the impossible possible. We feel truly blessed to have you as part of the K2K Family. Last but not least, we are indeed grateful and humbled by the commitment and support of our masquerader base.
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NOTES FROM THE FOUNDERS
THE 2016 COLLECTION
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uilding a brand requires a number of factors – dexterity, hard work and patience. But perhaps, one of the most important qualities is courage: the ability to pursue a dream even when it seems that the odds are against you. Courage after all is fuelled by drive and motivated by passion – but once you find it there is no turning back.
“Don’t just dream. Dare to dream bigger”
n NormaTWIN S
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BASED ON THE NOVELLA
GROWING BLACK ORCHIDS
U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E C O L L E C T I O N: The 2016 Collection, Searching for Shangri-La, is inspired by the novella, Growing Black Orchids, where the protagonist describes her life as a “Meadowland in Bloom”- a green grassland filled with a variation of flowers e.g., roses, sunflowers, orchids, hydrangeas and carnations, with each flower, representing an emotional experience and in some instances a re-awakening. One of the most interesting tidbits about the title choice for the 2016 Collection is that its name wasn’t always coined as Searching for Shangri-La. When we first completed the novella, we entitled The 2016 Collection, Meadowlands (in Bloom), but each time we revealed the name to a friend or family member each said that they couldn’t connect. When we first reveal the title to our mum she said, “Girls, I haven’t read the book, but the name of the 2016 Collection doesn’t move me. How about you call it Shangri-La?” We both giggled at our mother’s notion and in the end, we did as we usually do, we screwed up our faces, and turned up our noses, telling our mum that we would reconsider the name, thinking that she had to be wrong. A few months later we decided to reveal the title to a dear friend while sitting at the waterfront at PJ Clarke’s. “That title doesn’t sound like you’ll. You guys usually have a title that makes you think a little deeper, longer, harder,” Marls said. We frowned. And as the wind picked up on the dock and cooled our cast-iron of mac and cheese, we each thought, Holy Moly! Mum MIGHT be right. If we had to be brutally honest the real game changer came in May 2015 through a phone call with an artist who said, “Words have power and when people say it in the spirit that it is meant to be said, it does something, it moves people, allowing that energy to flow in and among others. It’s like at the Barcelona Olympics Games Opening, when the entire stadium said: HOLA! There was an electric energy that flowed through the people. It was contagious… Sometimes all you need is one good word.” While we have to admit we couldn’t simply settle on one word (giggle), we are so excited to present our 2016 theme (Searching for) Shangri-La. Funny enough, we think that at some point in everyone’s lives he/she is searching for something, whether it is happiness, peace or a silent place where the noise of the socio-political environment dissipates. Shangri-La is a meadowland in full bloom, a place we go to find our center.
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS AUDIBLE EXPERIENCE
365 T H E
C O N C E P T
The Carnival Experience over the last 15 years has morphed into an expensive treat with Carnival packages ranging from 500USD to 2,000USD. Thus, when the brand was conceptualized in 2010 one of its main goals was to ensure that the consumer received something that could be used after the Carnival Season and as a result, K2K, fusing fashion with mas was born.
Over the past five years the brand has grown its Platform, with the newest product being “The Color of Courage Platform” launched in 2015, as well as “K2K Audible Experience,” launched in 2014. To-date we have moved passed Fashion + Mas to what we really believe is the heart of brand, Fashion + Mas (with a Purpose), with that purpose being to inspire. Two of the core questions that we ask ourselves are: What does storytelling mean to us? And how can we inspire through storytelling? The K2K Book Club and Audible Experience does just this. It provides a wider platform to unconsciously resonate specific themes. And over the next five years we are excited to release each of our Collections in tandem with our Audible Experience. The novella, Growing Black Orchids, will be revealed in tandem with the 2016 Collection.
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FA B R I C S , C O L L A G E , R U F F L E S
THE 2016 COLLECTION
New season. New wardrobe. Color-drenched sunsets, sand between your toes and Carnival Monday and Tuesday are just around the corner. And for that, you will need bold color, something that makes you stand out in a crowd, something that makes you feel like the sophisticated person that you are. As K2K celebrates its 5th year, we welcome our Luxury Collection, a mix of classic chic, elegance and glamor. It is undoubtedly luxury at its finest. What comes to mind as we review the Collection is that old song Let the Flowers Bloom Again, and bloom again it has. Our Collection is filled with ruffles, collages and lace detailing which add a romantic flare to the garments. Hand sewn petals and flowers spring up everywhere, providing an image of budding flowers in an undulating green pasture, bringing fantasy to reality. All-in-all, 2016 has it all going on! Show stopping make-up trends, a kaleidoscope of color, intricacy with an easy going nature, luxury with a modern edge, effortless fluidity with a hint of sexy. Undoubtedly, art requires patience, passion and practice, but at its core it is a therapy for the soul. And funny enough, K2K at the most basic level is a therapeutic artistic expression. From writing the storyline, to sketching of the Collection, to the interpretation of the sketch to design, to the collage work, to hand sewing the beadwork, every action requires you to find your Zen. With that said, yearin year-out much of the final magic takes place in the quiet space of our apartment, with one or two of the ah-ha moments happening in the cube at work. The interweaving between fashion and flora is deep-rooted throughout history, with K2K’s 2016 Collection stretching its stems to create a visually moving dancing Botanical Garden. The essence of Spring is translated through the use of vibrant colors, floral appliques, lace patchwork into frayededge dresses, then overlaying of flower and petal motifs.
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T H E D E TA I L S
THE 2016 COLLECTION
Some of the fabrics choices are unconventionally striking but seek to hit the home run, when it comes to executing the feel of moving trees. Even though the the overarching theme, Searching for Shangri-La is a sort of whimsical romantic experience, some of the designs interplay sharp sequined lined fabric with organza, providing a dose of edge to the Collection.
2016 Collection Pink Orchid Bodysuit Co-Founder, K. Norman
In the 2016 Collection it is the flower’s beauty as well as fragility that is in focus. Replete with feminine style lines, from traditional ballroom-styled gowns that exude refinement, to hippie mini dresses that display a woman’s stems, there is
something that showcases the beauty that resides in every woman. Flowers are both romantic and sensual and that dichotomy is beautifully expressed in the risqué yet sexy appeal of sheer and tulle, providing a sort of teasing allure. Floral designs may be one of the more overplayed trends throughout fashion history, but for Carnival 2016 the botany-infused designs are not your average garden variety. T H E S E C T I O N S : Even though the novella analogizes several different flowers, the band comprises of 6 main sections • (Unearthing) Forget-Me-Nots • (Walking Amongst) Hydrangeas • (Forever) Lily • (I Am) Orchid • (Beyond the) Roses • (Discovering) Sunflowers
2016 Collection Surrounded by Ivy Bodysuit Co-Founder, K. Norman
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NOVELLA, GROWING BLACK ORCHIDS Inspiration for the theme: Searching for Shangri-La
Novella Production: K2K Alliance & Partners Narrator: Kerry Campbell & John Reilly Series: Chances Are Summary: Kathryn M. Fern bears the scars from a lifetime of being mute. The fear of being labeled different is her main companion and the terror of venturing out of her comfort zone is her major keep back – until she finds an unsuspecting friendship in Conner U. Knight and an undeniable connection in Nicoli B. Hunte. Both Conner and Nicoli help Kathryn heal from the wounds of her tormented past and each teach her what it really means to have a voice. Inspiration for the Band / 2016 Collection Kathryn’s story takes you on a journey through a meadow, filled with an assortment of perfectly imperfect flowerbeds, where each flower represents a new experience. The flaws of each flower symbolizes her capacity to make mistakes, while the flowers’ visual appeal represents her ability to correct and grow from those mistakes. Throughout the story we watch Kathryn come into her own, in essence bloom.
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365 T H E
C O N C E P T
K 2 K
- W H E R E F A S H I O N M E E T S M A S W I T H A P U R P O S E
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BEHIND THE SCENES: IN THE SUNDRENCHED SALON, FASHION SAID “HOW DO YOU DO”, TO MAS
Amsale’s gowns have been worn by some of the most well-known women in the world, including Halle Berry, Julia Roberts and Salma Hayek. She is frequently featured in film and television such as 27 Dresses, The Hangover, Grey’s Anatomy, Oprah and The View. Amsale is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and a Trustee of the Fashion Institute of Technology.
AMSALE ABERRA, OWNER, DESIGNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF AMSALE, KENNETH POOL & CHRISTOS (RIGHT), KATHY NORMAN & KAREN NORMAN, CO-FOUNDERS OF K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS (LEFT) AMSALE FLAGSHIP SALON, MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK VIDEOGRAPHY: CJ STUDIOS I MATT LENZ
k2k-carnival.com
THE COLOR OF COURAGE
AMSALE + K2K
WHERE FASHION MET MAS WITH A PURPOSE Soft spoken with a humble demeanor, and a smile that could brighten the darkest room, internationally acclaimed, Ethiopian-born, Wedding Designer, Amsale Aberra, may not initially appear to be one of the world’s most influential champions in the industry - But she is! Mother, entrepreneur, designer, creative director and mentor, Ms. Aberra wears many hats, yet maintains that warm and caring nature which is undeniably 100% Amsale. Earlier this year, the Co-founders of K2K sat down with Amsale and became inspired by her remarkable journey. “Building a brand requires many attributes of which, dexterity, passion and patience are important. But perhaps, one of the most important qualities is courage,” Amsale admitted, “Having the tenacity to face your fears head-on in any industry is important.”
On October 17, K2K is honored to host Ms. Amsale Aberra in Trinidad and Tobago, for the premiere of their newest initiative, The Color of Courage, in which she will be an honorary speaker. The Color of Courage is a power-talk series that seeks to inspire professionals through insightful discussions led by industry ambassadors; change the way that professionals think about stumbling blocks; and find coping mechanisms to address industry challenges. The event will be in the form of a Gala Dinner and will also reveal K2K’s 2016 Collection.
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C O U R AG E Amsale Aberra’s career as a couture bridal and eveningwear designer began in a very personal way, when she couldn’t find a simple, refined gown to wear on her wedding day in 1985. “Everything was so overdone and overly adorned,” she recollects. Today, the Ethiopian-born Amsale is a leading designer in the world of luxury bridal gowns.
AMSALE ABERRA OCTOBER17
Inspired to create elegant and understated dresses for women like her, Amsale began custom-making wedding gowns in her New York City loft that fused pure, archetypal silhouettes with couture craftsmanship and sumptuous textiles.
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
THE COLOR OF COURAGE
INAUGURAL DINNER
PHOTOGRAPHY: GARY JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHY
On October 17, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad, K2K Alliance & Partners held its Inaugural Gala Dinner for the launch of its newest campaign “The Color of Courage.”
Ornate lanterns hung from the ceiling creating a magical feeling in the dimly lit room, where black and white damask linen created a contemporary finesse.
The Port-of-Spain Ballroom was transformed into a chic white forest with ivory orchids and hydrangeas springing up from every table.
“When I entered the hall I felt like I entered another world,” said one of the patrons in the event. “The décor had me feeling excited for K2K’s 2016 reveal. And of course, K2K didn’t disappoint.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR
No detail is ever to small with K2K!
The black and white theme was continued throughout the room, from the napkins to the programs, to the tiny tokens filled with chocolate covered almonds, to the gifts bags, every last detail was fussed over to ensure that patrons felt appreciated for attending the event.
Who Ever Said That Art Couldn’t Be Edible? For those patrons with a sweet tooth, Michelle Sohan, Owner of Bakery Treatz, also left a beautiful surprise in the goodie bags!
A specialty cupcake also themed in black and white to complement the décor, was offered to attendees. “K2K was honored to partner with Michelle, for the initiative, “The Color of Courage.” Michelle’s attention to detail is exquisite, whether her perfection is showcased in large cakes or something as appealing as a cupcake. Her marksmanship is incredible. More importantly her cakes are absolutely delicious too, giving true meaning to edible art.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL & CAMILLE LOWHAR Setting up at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad
PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR
Creating the Magic Creating magic is never easy, whether that magic is translated in the costuming arm of K2K or the production of a show or in this instance, a Gala Dinner. Nonetheless, year-on-year, K2K is blessed to work with a very dedicated team to execute even the most challenging work. This year would like to thank Marcellins Creations for collaborating with K2K.
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DESIGNER: LISA SARJEANT PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR
Fashion On The Red Carpet Fashion greeted the guests as they walked on the red carpet. K2K was excited to have the opportunity to showcase Lisa’s beautiful work. Guest got an opportunity to learn more about local designers as they made their way into the ballroom. Lisa's Fabrics was created by Textile Designer Lisa Sarjeant Gonzales. Lisa is specialized in the art of Hand Dyed Silk, with each piece is one of a kind. Specializing in silk and color blends, Lisa is intimately involved in designing every piece from the fabric selection to hand mixing the dyes for the fabric. A textile designer for over 20 years Lisa is inspired by the bright tropical colors that surround her as she in fact lives on the Caribbean island Trinidad and Tobago.
19 DESIGNER: MICHELLE SOHAN, OWNER OF BAKERY TREATZ
PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR Setting up at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad
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Hours before show time Arlene Alexander (dance choreographer) works with her team to execute a perfect production
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SINGER: RAYMOND EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHER: YEMI OGUBANKE
The event was attended by members of Parliament such as, the wife of the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Sharon Rowley, the Speaker of the House of Representative, Bridgid AnnisetteGeorge, the Honorable Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Ms. Nyan-Gadsby-Dolly, the Honorable Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon, as well as local fashion stalwarts such as Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones and Peter Elias and legendary icons such as Peter Minshall. The evening started off on a reflective note with Raymond Edwards, who not only sang “The Prayer” but spoke on a high level about his personal struggles, with cancer and walking disability, demonstrating that courage is not merely demonstrated by bold acts of valor, but rather, is exuded in our daily lives.
OPERA SINGER: MAEGAN POLLONAIS PHOTOGRAPHER: NIGEL FRANCO& CAMILLE LOWHAR
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The program was followed by a speech with Amsale Aberra who, spoke about her own struggles to build her multi-million dollar brand, Amsale. Opting to speak freely, Ms. Aberra gave a personal account of her journey, disclosing to patrons that no journey is easy and that there is no clear roadmap for success, but the catalyst for success is determined by how you cope with your fears. Dinner comprised of a three course meal at which time, patrons were serenaded by a saxophonist, Malcolm Boyce, to a wide range of melodies.
Rachel Brown, singer songwriter (left), Tanesha Willis ( K2K International Representative (middle), Amsale Aberra, Owner of Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Christos Bridal (right)
Opera Singer, Maegan Pollanias, opened up K2K’s unveiling of the 2016 Collection and Premiere of the novellla, Growing Black Orchids in dance, with a pore raising rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” All-in-all, the Gala Dinner was an evening where fashion met mas with a purpose.
SAXOPHONIST, MALCOLM BOYCE PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR
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PHOTOGRAPHY: NIGEL FRANCO & CAMILLE LOWHAR Setting up at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad
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Tree Walkers – Straight from the Hyatt to the Savannah stage
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS 2016 COLLECTION
STYLE
THE WOMAN’S ISSUE
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Shangri-La speaks to seeing the world not as it, but rather, as how it could be. You see, although the environment around us has the potential to treat us harshly, all we truly require is love and a little warmth from the sun in order to bloom. At the end of the day, your Heaven or your Eden could be right here if you allow it to be.
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MOTHER SHANGRI-LA
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MOTHER SHANGRI-LA
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MOTHER SHANGRI-LA
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It feels like rain…
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: IT’S RAINING IN SHANGRI-LA
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: IT’S RAINING IN SHANGRI-LA
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And when the rain came, it brought blessings anew
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: It’s raining in Shangri-La
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MY CALLA LILY
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MY CALLA LILY
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: MY CALLA LILY
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: LILY IN THE WATER
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: FOREVER LILY
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Lily a representation of holiness, faith and purity
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: …And then the rain came at midnight in Shangri-La
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Sometimes, when it rains it pours
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: …AND THEN THE RAIN CAME AT MIDNIGHT IN SHANGRI-LA
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“Wherever there is light, no matter how weak, the sunflower will find it… That is a life lesson” Helen Mirren
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: DISCOVERING SUNFLOWERS
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Discovering Sunflowers
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We are all golden sunflowers inside Allen Ginsberg
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: DISCOVERING SINFLOWERS
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“I want to be like a sunflower; So that even on the darkest days, I will stand tall and find the sunlight”
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SECTION: Caught in morning showers, in Shangri-La
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Caught in morning showers, in Shangri-la
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The rain like most things has its own modus operandi, It washes away the debris giving way to a fresh start
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2016 COLLECTION
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Caught in morning showers, in Shangri-la
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Beyond the Roses
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Beyond the Roses
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2016 COLLECTION
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“A Rose by any other name is still a Rose”
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2016 COLLECTION
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2016 COLLECTION
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Red, a color for every season
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION BEYOND THE ROSES
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2016 COLLECTION
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: WALKING AMONGST HYDRENEAS
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: WALKING AMONGST HYDRENEAS
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: WALKING AMONGST HYDRENEAS
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The beauty is in the details
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION
SECTION: Forget-me-not
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM ORCHID
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM ORCHID
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS 2016 COLLECTION
STYLE
THE MEN’S ISSUE
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM BLACK ORCHID
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“Orchids, a challenge to grow but easy to raise, but once nurtured into full bloom they represent power & absolute authority”
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K2K ALLIANCE & PARTNERS THE LOOK / THE FASHION / THE MAS
2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM BLACK ORCHID
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM BLACK ORCHID
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM BLACK ORCHID
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2016 COLLECTION SECTION: I AM BLACK ORCHID
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SFS SEARCHING FOR
SHANGRI-LA
MESSAGE FROM CHER-MÈRE’S FOUNDER
THE LEGACY
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE
Cher-Mère herbal products are natural, herbal and eco- friendly. Cher-Mère brand supports over forty products for skin, hair, body and seeks to guarantee a wonderful product experience for everyone.
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C H E R- M E R E BEAUTY STARTS HERE
PA S S I N G O N T H E L E G A C Y
CHER-MÈRE
In the Beginning: Cheryl Bowles, Biochemist, Founder and Managing Director, gave up her top executive job at Nestlé, the world’s largest food company. She was the company’s first woman Executive, Chief Chemist, Head of Quality Control, and Head of Research and Development. In addition, Ms. Bowles, co-founded and presided over Nestlé’s Credit Union, and served as Head of Safety and Development , Nestlé, Trinidad and Tobago. Cheryl Bowles gave up a fantastic salary and opportunities to travel all over the world to pursue the development of the brand that would become Cher-Mère. The name Cher-Mère, meaning “Dear Mother” in French was derived from the unity of the first part of Cheryl’s name and part of Merle, her mother’s (deceased) name. The Journey: Cheryl Bowles trusted her instincts, having no previous experience working with herbs, aromatherapy or cosmetics, and decided to chart a new course through an unknown terrain. Determined to make it on her own, she declined Nestlé’s offers to retain her. With vivid memories of her grandmother using the peeled skin of the cucumber on her face for improved complexion; and fresh aloe and the white of an egg to make a facial mask, Ms. Bowles was armed with firsthand knowledge of the Caribbean’s possession of some of nature’s best herbs and botanica for the appearance of youthful, healthy and vivacious looking skin. It is from this arsenal of knowledge and technical expertise that Cher-Mère’s natural product blends have been formed. Cheryl Bowles’s mother Merle Bowles, deceased, was an inspiration to her and suggested the creation of a hair food for Caribbean people. Merle Bowles, an esthetician and hair dresser, used the herbal hair food on her clients. It was well received, and the Hair Food was the first of 30 products currently on the market. Subsequently, the name Cher-Mère was born. “Cher-Mère” is a registered trademark in parts of the Caribbean, USA, UK, and Canada.
The Herbarium Ltd. (THL), the parent company of Cher-Mère, commenced business in one store in the basement of Roundabout Plaza, Barataria, selling its own locally formulated teas and herbs. One of the company’s first employees was Veronica Lewis, who journeyed with Cheryl Bowles as a sales assistant at Roundabout Plaza. Ms. Lewis, now the longest serving employee, now serves as Production Supervisor at The Herbarium Ltd. The Herbarium Ltd., with its extensive product line of 30 products, operates four day spas and a kiosk in Trinidad and one day spa in Barbados. The Cher-Mère Brand is also distributed in Guadeloupe, New York and London. The future: Aba Bowles-Mortley, Cheryl’s daughter, has always been an active part of the company and now continues on the legacy in the position of Assistant General Manager/International Marketing. As a small child, no older than 5 years old, Aba would often accompany her mother to trade shows, explaining to potential clients the benefits of local herbs used in the teas that were sold. As Aba grew older, she has covered every facet of the company from production to distribution, even working as an esthetician in the Day Spas, and has been given the name “the little boss” from inception. Now with a PhD in Materials and Chemical Engineering, Dr. Mortley continues to forge ahead and build on the brand that is Cher-Mère. Source: http://www.trinidad.chermerecaribbean.com/cheryland-aba.html
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FOREVER LILY
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The beauty is in the details
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SETTING THE STANDARD IN A TAILORED SUIT The suit makes the man And the man makes his statement
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Each suit is unique to the wearer
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MIND, BODY, SOUL
YOGA ANYONE? In association with this year’s theme of Searching for Shangri-La, K2K Alliance and Partners is excited to collaborate with TeachMeYogaT to offer a Yoga class on the beach, with certified yoga instructor Tanesha D Willis, post Carnival. Shangri-La challenges you to open your mind to see the world as it could be, rather than how it is. This yoga class will do the same; stretching your mind, body, and soul! We are always searching for something, be it happiness, peace, or Zen. Come learn how to open your mind and relax your body, continuing your quest for Shangri-La. 200 RYT Certified I Faith Hunter Yoga
Instructor, Tanesha D Willis Bio: After healing from a traumatic knee surgery, in January 2013, Tanesha completed her first teacher Level 1 Teacher Training through Tranquil Space. In February, she began teaching at LA Fitness, and volunteering classes for various non-profit organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. After 6 months of teaching, TeachmeyogaT would have to undergo another knee surgery. Bruised but not broken, she would employ the tools learned in Yoga, such as self determination, to continue to inspire others and push through, as they watched her public recovery and journey. December 2013, inspired to further her studies, TeachmeyogaT completed her RYT certification through Embrace with Faith Hunter 114 Yoga Studio.
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A Rose Among The Thorns
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