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THE BELIZE TIMES
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Rebecca Stirm captures 4th win on Mission Catwalk AGSelectPR, Kingston, Thursday, May 24, 2012 Having won prior challenges on episodes two, four and six, Rebecca Stirm’s episode 9 win makes the Belizean the winningest designer on Season Two of Caribbean fashion reality series Mission Catwalk which has seen participants from five Caribbean countries competing in its second season. After a visit to the Hope Zoo, the seven remaining contestants were instructed to design a gown for a charity gala and a second garment for a charity luncheon inspired by one animal from the zoo. Rebecca chose the turtle because it was “an unusual and unique animal that people didn’t already have preconceptions about what turtle- inspired garment should look like.” Using a kaleidoscope patterned fabric similar to the pattern on a turtle’s shell; Rebecca created a gown with dramatic neckline while using layers of different fabrics in circular cutouts to build a skirt that
would mimic a turtle’s shell while still allowing movement. For her second outfit the kaleidoscope fabric was more prominent and used for most of the blouse, while the pencil skirt was in a monotone beige. The judges Keneea Linton-George host and executive producer of Mission Catwalk, Novia McDonald-Whyte senior associate editor lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer; menswear designer Carlton Brown and guest judge designer Celia Levy commended Rebecca on the structure of her design. For Levy the fact that it was “wearable” was also highly appealing. Her high scores won her a feature in Style Observer as well as a JA$50,000 (US$583). Unfortunately this week, Kesia Estwick of Barbados was eliminated. The St. Phillip designer had scored her first win two episodes back. Six designers are still in the running for the chance to show at London Fashion Week. They are Crystal Powell, Gregory Williams
Chaa Creek seeks Eco Kids Summer Campers Cayo District, May 23, 2012 Chaa Creek has had a rich past as an ancient, bustling ancient Maya community and trade centre, as a vibrant part of the early British Honduras chicle and logging industry and as one of the many farms supplying San Ignacio town before becoming home to Belize’s first eco-resort. We respect this colourful heritage while at the same time recognising the importance of contributing towards a positive future. As part of our commitment to Green sustainability, all of us at Chaa Creek are continually promoting greater environmental awareness and respect for the things that make Belize so special. We also try to pass on our passion for protecting Belize’s unique natural beauty and resources. And who better to reach out to than the future custodians of Belize’s natural wealth – our children. This year Chaa Creek is once again sponsoring the Eco Kids Summer Camp; an exciting, fun filled educational adventure set within a pristine 365 acre private nature reserve that is home to an extraordinary range of wildlife, birds and flora. During the week of July 21 – July 29, 24 lucky kids aged between eight and 13 years old will get the opportunity to learn first-hand about their incredible natural heritage and, most importantly, learn how to protect and ensure its survival for their own children’s wonder and enjoyment. The Eco Kids Camp is not only an amazing educational opportunity, it is also a lot fun. And the good news for parents and kids is that it’s free! Twenty four young people will be
invited to attend this week long, all-inclusive educational adventure as Chaa Creek’s guests. And all-inclusive means just that - everything is provided, from comfortable lodging in cabins at the Macal River Camp, delicious, healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners as well as snacks throughout the day, a range of carefully designed activities and events, all arts and craft materials and even special tee-shirts. Camp counsellors will be with the kids 24 hours a day and tours will be conducted by our licensed naturalist guides. During this amazing nine day - eight night adventure, the Eco-Kids will learn about biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and ancient Maya history and culture including traditional healing and medicinal plants. The focus will be on the Three “R”s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This is a program designed to instill values that will have a positive impact on how children conduct their lives, their relationship with our precious Earth, and the sustainable development of our resources. They will come away with a deeper understanding and respect for the natural world and their place in it. Exciting guided educational activities include hikes to ancient Maya sites where young people will learn about Maya culture while taking part in real archaeological excavations under professional supervision. Imagine horseback riding through beautiful jungle trails while identifying birds and exotic animals and studying medicinal and other useful plants. The Eco-Kids will also learn hands-on sustainable organic farming techniques and take part Continued on page 22
and Janel Jolly of Jamaica, Ryan Chan of Trinidad & Tobago, Kerin Scott of Barbados and Belize’s Rebecca Stirm. The lucky winner of Mission Catwalk Season Two will
Rebecca Stirms turtle-inspired gala design (Photo by Adrian Creary)
Rebecca Stirm (Photo by Alty Benjamin)
also receiveJMD$500,000 courtesy of National Commercial Bank of Jamaica (NCB) to start their clothing line, industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of singer Jamaica, a contract to sell their designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine, a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion and an apprenticeship with Master Savile Row Tailor Andrew Ramroop.