&5678 Dance Studio Premieres Cosmic Dance Journey ‘Outta This World’

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For Immediate Release

 

&5678 Dance Studio Premieres Cosmic Dance Journey ‘Outta This World’

An Interstellar Odyssey of Self-Discovery and Unity Awaits at Naparima Bowl this December

A moment of mesmerising folklore: Zara Adams embodies the eerie legend in Penelope Kalloo’s haunting choreography, Soucouyant, performed in &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

December 3, 2025 – San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago… &5678 Dance Studio invites audiences on a breathtaking journey from the mundane to the magnificent with its 2025 production, Outta This World. This original dance spectacle will transform the stage of the Naparima Bowl into a vibrant cosmos, exploring profound themes of curiosity, struggle and the divine light within us all. The production runs for three nights starting on Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m., and continuing on Saturday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m.

From front to back – Alyssa Balgobin, Jordann Ifill and Sanjana Ramnath are a delight in this 2019 flashback to Afiya Babb’s Villagers from A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

A vibrant moment of celebration and community from &5678 Dance Studio’s archives. Dancers bring Afiya Babb’s energetic folk presentation, Villagers, to life in the 2019 presentation, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

The story launches from a place of everyday monotony, where a group of explorers yearns for something more. Guided by a mysterious and powerful figure known as The Enigma, they are propelled on an extraordinary voyage into the deepest reaches of the universe. This immersive journey will see them traverse stunning celestial landscapes, from the dreamlike birthplaces of stars to the majestic realms of distant planets, each embodying powerful forces of the human experience.

The expressive Pripriyeh Warriors captivate in Charlene Harris’s modern piece, part of the dance studio’s 2019 repertoire for A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

But the path to enlightenment is paved with challenges. As the explorers venture further into the unknown, they must confront the vast, haunting shadows of space and their own inner doubts. It is a transformative tale of despair and hope, darkness and light, ultimately leading to a profound revelation about their own place in the cosmos.

Clockwise from left to right – The audience is drawn in as Alyssa Balgobin, Saskia Scott and Victoria Keane are captured in a moment of suspended embrace during Megan Tannous’s contemporary piece, Lost Souls, from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

“‘Outta This World’ is more than a dance show; it’s a spiritual and visual experience,” said Charlene Harris, Founder and Artistic Director of &5678 Dance Studio. “We are using the universal language of movement to tell a story that we believe resonates deeply with the human spirit – the search for meaning, the confrontation with doubt and the ultimate, beautiful realisation that we are all connected, we are all loved, and we are all, in our own way, outta this world.”

Alyssa Balgobin is captured in a poignant moment of release in Megan Tannous’s Lost Souls from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 repertoire, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

Through a powerful fusion of ballet, contemporary, modern, Afro-Caribbean and Hip-Hop dance styles, the production promises to be a feast for the senses. Elaborate costumes, innovative lighting and a sweeping musical score will engulf the audience in this cosmic parable.

From left to right – Lara Adams and Jade Fuentes embody emotion in the contemporary movement of Lost Souls by Megan Tannous during the dance studio’s 2019 presentation, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

Tickets for Outta This World are $200 and available for purchase at the dance school, located at Level 2, Carlton Court, Carlton Centre, St. James Street, San Fernando. For more information, call (868) 464-5678, email 5678dancestudiott@gmail.com, or connect with the studio via its website at www.5678dancestudiott.com, and on Instagram and Facebook @5678dancestudiott.

A moment of airborne triumph: This breathtaking lift captures the energy and expectation of Aviance Samuel’s contemporary choreography, Fairy Maids, from &5678 Dance Studio’s 2019 production, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

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About &5678 Dance Studio:

Founded by Charlene Harris, &5678 Dance Studio has been a cornerstone of dance education and artistic expression in San Fernando for over a decade. The studio is dedicated to nurturing technical proficiency, artistic creativity and personal growth in dancers of all ages and levels. Under Harris’s leadership, a team of dedicated, accomplished and certified instructors provides expert training with a focus on the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus in a wide range of disciplines, including ballet, contemporary, modern, Limón, Horton, folk and Hip-Hop. The studio’s philosophy centres on building confidence, discipline and a lifelong love for the art of dance, fostering a supportive community where every student can find their rhythm and shine.

A moment of lunar magic: Dancer, Sherelle Ishmael, leaves a lasting impression of awe and wonder in Nathalia Molina-Springer’s Limón piece, Full Moon, from the dance studio’s 2019 repertoire, A Day in the Village. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of &5678 Dance Studio.

 

WHAT:          Outta This World
WHO:            &5678 Dance Studio
WHEN:         Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 13, at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:      Naparima Bowl, San Fernando
TICKETS:     $200.00

Available at &5678 Dance Studio, Level 2, Carlton Court, Carlton Centre,

St. James Street, San Fernando

INFO:            (868) 464-5678 | 5678dancestudiott@gmail.com | www.5678dancestudiott.com | @5678dancestudiott on Instagram & Facebook

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

 

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

p: +1 (868) 367-5295

e: liza@estuaryPR.com

ACES Dance Academy Brings Mental Health to Centre Stage with ‘Behind The Smile’    

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ACES Dance Academy Brings Mental Health to Centre Stage with ‘Behind The Smile’

World Mental Health Day Premiere Uses Powerful Choreography to Spotlight the Urgent Challenges Facing Trinidad and Tobago’s Youth

Dance Theatre ProductionACES’s senior dancer, Samantha Johnson, is captured in a striking moment from Ripples, a piece featured in the academy’s 2023 production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

October 5, 2025 – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago… ACES Dance Academy (ACES) will lift the curtain on a pastiche of thought-provoking compositions in its 2025 dance season, Behind The Smile. Timely and relevant, the production coincides with World Mental Health Day to spotlight the pressing mental-health issues confronting Trinidad and Tobago’s young people. Directed by ACES’s co-founder, artistic director and choreographer, Akeisha Byng-Danzell, the performances run on Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Queen's Hall.  

From left to right: Anasofia Crouch, Samantha Johnson and Sahara Byng in a touching scene from Ripples during ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

A 2020 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) report underscores the urgency of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing mental-health crisis. Among children aged five to 15, conduct disorders, anxiety and headaches account for 17% of the mental health burden. By age 20, anxiety, depression and self-harm rise to 48%, with suicide representing one quarter of the burden among 20- to 35-year-olds.

Tiny troublemakers on the big stage! These Naughty Mice steal the spotlight in ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

ACES’s Christmas Angels display poised elegance on stage during the 2023 presentation, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Against this backdrop, Behind The Smile debuts at a pivotal moment. Byng-Danzell and her choreographic team urge audiences to reflect by using the language of dance to raise awareness and spark national dialogue on challenges affecting youth. “I am driven to encourage young people to be kind, empathetic, compassionate and grateful. We must listen to, support and lift each other,” Byng-Danzell said. “At ACES, we strive to create a safe space where our students can express themselves, and develop resilience and coping strategies.”

With dynamic intensity, Samantha Johnson soars through Evergreen electrifying audiences in ACES’s 2023 dance production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Through choreography, music and expression, ACES seeks to explore what lies “behind the smile,” addressing issues of bullying, depression and suicide, and fusing classical, indigenous and urban dance genres into modern lyrical, jazz contemporary, Hip-Hop, Indian, ballet and folk compositions. The diverse musical score features soca-fusion star Nailah Blackman and jazz trumpeter/composer Etienne Charles.

Counter clockwise from left to right: Senior dancers, Sahara Byng, Mckayla Sealey, Chloe Claxton, Kristen Low and Sian Ramsay, bring emotion and storytelling to life in ACES’s 2023 dance season, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

At each performance, patrons will have access to free mental-health screenings provided by Serenitas Mental Health Services, along with the chance to win a voucher for three psychotherapy sessions, valued at $1,200, with clinical therapist, Donika Byng-Jeffrey, MSW, CSW. Tickets for Behind The Smile are $250 and available at the school at #3 Longden Street, Port of Spain, and at the Queen’s Hall box office. For more information, connect with ACES on Instagram and Facebook (@acesdanceacademy), email acesdanceacademy@gmail.com or call (868) 276-3422.

Niemah Caseman captivates in the powerful performance, Morena Osha, for ACES’s 2023 dance production, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

Founded in 2014, ACES Dance Academy offers training in ballet, modern, contemporary, folk and Hip-Hop for students as young as four years old. With family and community at its core, ACES fosters resilience, discipline, confidence and self-expression in its students. Akeisha Byng-Danzell, certified as an Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) instructor, leads the faculty alongside Janeal James, Whitneyann Baptiste, Matthew McClean and Marissa Johnson, who together bring a wealth of experience and creativity to nurture well-rounded, technically proficient and artistically expressive dancers prepared for both stage and life.

The glorious choreography of the piece, Morena Osha, performed by senior dancer, Niemah Caseman, in ACE’s 2023 presentation, You Should Be Dancing. Photo courtesy Elliot Francois Fotography on behalf of ACES Dance Academy.

WHAT:       Behind The Smile

WHO:        ACES Dance Academy

WHEN:      Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 11, at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:   Queen’s Hall, St. Anns, Port of Spain

TICKETS: General admission - $250

ACES Dance Academy, #3 Longden Street, Port of Spain -

(868) 276-3422

Queen’s Hall box office – (868) 624-1284

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

m: +1 (868) 367-5295 

e: liza@estuaryPR.com

Trini Christmas Wish List – To Do

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If you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago for the Holidays there are many things to do to enjoy a true Trini Christmas. The people of Trinidad and Tobago are very creative. This boldfaced creativity is anything but seasonal. Anyone interested in the destination can spot this creative energy in the food, the music, the everyday lifestyle, the way the locals work and the way they party. Popular festivals such as Carnival highlight this creativity but the far lesser known and perhaps even captivating festivity also occurs during the Holidays, a pre-cursor to Trinidad Carnival.

Here are our Editor’s Top Picks for The Trini Christmas Wish List – Things to Do

“Up to Now” – Solo Exhibition by Nicholas Huggins

Are you captivated by creative murals and artistic direction that moves your soul? Nicholas Huggins is a local creative director and digital artist that you need to know. He has earned his stripes in the region for his creativity working with several established private and public sector entities. His career highlight came when he teamed up with Lennox Boogsie Sharpe (Pan Soloist), Etienne Charles (Composer)and Mick Seegobin (Motion Design) to create a Google Doodle for Google in celebration of steelpan. Nicholas’ design aesthetic is his signature love mark on this world. It is so distinct that even the untrained designer eye can identify it. If you have not fallen in love with his work yet there is still a chance that you will.  Nicholas Huggins is hosting a solo art exhibition, “Up to Now” featuring prints from his digital work, paintings, drawings and  so much more.  This is an exclusive experience because this is his first ever solo exhibition. We promise that when you fall head over heels with his work you are going to want to grow in love with his pieces. Nicholas makes your wish come true this season as his exhibiting pieces are also available for sale. This means that you can take them home with you. It also means they are the quintessential Trini souvenir and gift for your loved ones away or for your best friends who enjoy representing their nationality by showcasing their patriotism.

"Up to Now" - Event Details

  • Date: 19th to 23rd December 2023
  • Location: Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Federation Park
  • Opening Night: Tuesday 19th December 2023, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Exhibit Continues: Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd December 2023, 12 noon – 6 pm daily
RSVP

Paramin for Christmas, “The Experience”                                                Hosted by Nakita Henry of Patriotic TT

If you enjoy a stayover in Trinidad and Tobago, here’s an all-inclusive experience that depicts an immersive tale of the origins and heritage that help define a Trini Christmas. The cocoa panyols (espanols) settled in several communities throughout the island when they brought their expertise in cocoa farming to the cocoa estate and industry. Cocoa panyols influenced Trini Christmas by sharing their traditions of music, food and festivity. One such community located in the pristine hills of Paramin  is situated amidst some of the most spectacular scenic views. Tourists can expect to engage with the locals and see firsthand the preparations of an authentic Trini Christmas. Fortunately, Patriotic TT, a reputable company known for their patriotism and passion for Trinidad and Tobago has organized a tour this December that can’t be missed. Paramin for Christmas, The Experience has to be on the checklist for things to do in Trinidad this Christmas.

  • Date: 21st December 2023
  • Time: 1pm to 6pm
  • Prices: TT$400/adult, TT$275/kid
  • Features: La Vigie Lookout, Caves, Church
  • Food & Drink: Bread and Ham, Pastelle, Sorrel, Local Wines
  • Experience: Traditional Cooking Artform for Trini Christmas Ham – Ham Boiling in Pitch Oil Tin
  • Listen: Live Parang Music
  • Bookings: patriotictt.com/paramin-tours
  • Phone: +1 868 – 784 – 5269
Book Now

UpMarket - Trini Christmas Market

The creative work of  Trinbagonians; the creative entrepreneurs, the artists, the designers and the artisans is loud enough to speak volumes of the nation’s creative imagination. Creative markets are events that highlight art, craft, food and unique finds and take place throughout the calendar year. The adept hosts of creative markets in Trinidad and Tobago offer a Christmas twist for the holidays with festive creations inspired by local culture. Any visitor looking for the real treasure of the islands will find the bounty at these markets. The creative energy at these markets is so invigorating that one has to experience it to believe it. Visitors will find bespoke designs, rare keepsakes and design inspiration there. There are lots of markets to choose from with each offering a convenient location and an incredible mix of artisans and creativity. UpMarket is the first established and longest standing creative market in Trinidad and Tobago. The market curator, Janet Bloom Fabres positions the UpMarket experience as the premier market in the destination. This Christmas visitors enjoy flexible shopping with day and night time markets at The Lions Cultural Centre in Woodbrook.

Day Markets - 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  • Sunday 17th Dec. 2023
  • Saturday 23rd Dec. 2023
  • Sunday 24th  Dec. 2023

Night Markets -  3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

  • Wednesday 20th Dec. 2023
  • Thursday 21st Dec. 2023
  • Friday 22nd Dec. 2023
Go There

Happy Holidays!

Eid Party Planning

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Trinidad and Tobago is the mecca of cultural diversity. Citizens are free to celebrate the festivities of other religious sects without facing legal or socio-political penalty. On the 22nd April 2023, Trinbagonians joins the Muslim community in celebrating Eid ul Fitr. The day of festivity is anticipated after a period of fasting, prayer and charity during the observed Holy period of Ramadan. Friends and family are invited to partake in the celebrations which include religious prayer, feasting and dressing up. Today, the festivities have come a long way with the fusion of modern day trends and tradition. Here are some incredible resources for aspiring Eid party planners.

Fashion

Local fashion designer , franchise holder and managing director for Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Charu Lochan Dass has a beautiful collection just in time for Eid celebrations. This former London College of Fashion designer is popular for her elegant and timeless design aesthetic for the discerning woman. In our mini Eid lookbook, Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Ache Abrahams is featured wearing pieces from the collection. She is photographed by local photographer Sam & Co. Shop CLD's gorgeous kaftans and dupattas this season. Dress up and show up in CLD style this Eid!

Shop the Collection: CLD on Instagram

Visit the Website: CLD  Online

Discover More: CLD Facebook

Photo Credit: Sam & Co.

Model: Miss World Trinidad and Tobago, Ache Abrahams

Food

Traditional sweets such as halwa, sawine, vermicelli cake and dates are common at Eid celebrations. Trinidad and Tobago's gastronomy scene has taken its love affair with fusion food to the modern dessert table. They have taken into consideration the palate of their consumers. Chefs have levelled up to bring imaginative and tastefully designed yet exceptionally divine desserts to the storefront and into the hands, homes and hearts of many.

Vanilla Bean Gourmet is a halal certified cafe offering iftar boxes, iftar meals, baklava and chocolate covered dates with an assortment of fillings such as chai, almond joy, nutella, ashta, baklava and cookies and cream. This cafe offers dine in and delivery options via WiEat and FoodDrop.

These are just some of the amazing delectable items on the menu at Vanilla Bean Gourmet. Eid party hosts and even invited guests who wish to bring a gift to the host can take the hassle out of preparation and place their orders for pick up at 1.868.223.9527

Vanilla Bean Gourmet Cafe: Instagram 

Find them on Facebook

Decor

Hosts of Eid parties may elevate the experience by adding a few styled and decorated pieces to their spaces in honour of their rich ancestral history and culture. Designs inspiration trends can be borrowed from the Spanish Moors, Morocco and other indigenous Arabic influences. Decorations with intricate floral motifs and geometry in regal hues of purple, blue, gold, teal have been popular this year.

In this curated moodboard, the styling details are crafted with paper. Hosts who are "do it yourself" queens and home decor stylists can rest easy in crafting these looks. There are an infinite amount of sites that offer tutorials and shopping lists to begin the decorating journey. Crafting also promises to be a mindful experience in the art of being present for those who wish to slow down and enjoy the creative process. Discover handmade Eid decor below.

Homecrux.com

Avery

Life Happened

Martha Stewart

Fun

The convenience of digital downloads and prints keep hosts stress free. They can opt to share their invites in print or virtually as e-vites. Here is a gift of a free download of an invite that can be used for hosts' Eid party.

This year, guests can do more to participate in the festival. A game of trivia is a novel idea that can "break the ice" or "start the party". Guests can take the opportunity to get to know their hosts better through cultural exchange.

Anyone can test their knowledge with trivia. The goal is not essentially winning. It aligns more with being open to learning more about how people can be respectful of and learn to appreciate each other.

This brings the guests and hosts together to build teamwork through trivia challenge. Inherently, it also establishes and nurtures relationships whilst fostering the true power of community.

Hair By Renique, The Studio Salon

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In a land not so far away from Captain Hook’s shipwreck, Pixie Hollow and Peter Pan’s Neverland, you will find in the southernmost Caribbean a twin island state called Trinidad and Tobago. From the earliest settlers, the indigenous Amerindian tribes to the colonial masters of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage to the enslaved and immigrant people of Africa, India, China and Syria, the island has become a creative hub. Today, the bloodlines of the ancestors are survived by the unsurpassed creative energy of the current citizenship. In the mist of the morning pixie dust that covers this land, the creative pixies are easily identifiable. They are passionate about their craft as master craftsmen and women in their trades. They are always upskilling to hone their craft and to be their best to all those who they are called to serve. The pixies stand in their indelible power with the affirmative that when they show up they are standing with the support of their ancestors and all those who came before them. In this feature, two equally gorgeous and talented pixies bring their styling superpowers to fulfill their purpose to uplift all those who bask in their presence.

 

The gregarious art form of styling is far from restricted in the pixie hollows of hairstylists. Hair by Renique, The Studio Salon is conveniently located in Woodbrook, Port of Spain. The studio offers cut, colour, styling and keratin treatments. Hair by Renique, the Studio Salon accommodates for every hair type from curly to straight and everything in between. The chief in command is the beautiful hairstylist Renique Brown. This boss babe is joined by another bombshell stylist, Summer Honnock from Hair by Summer H. The synergy of their personalities and talents combine for a comradery that is hinged on a platonic friendship that is nurturing and supportive of the other. They inspire and aspire to be their best selves in their creative professional space. They continue to educate themselves and never fail to share what they have learned with each other. This is extended to client consultation where they are excited to empower clients to take care of their hair.

 

The Studio Salon exudes a class of untouched excellence with a burning passion for their craft in hairstyling. The pixies go the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction. They respect themselves, their craft and their clients even more. They consult with their clients and never forget to have empathy for them. It is crucial that Renique has realized from the get go the critical role that stylists get to play when they are invited into the lives of their clients to share in being part of their client’s life story. There is no moment that is too big or too small  for Hair by Renique, The Studio Salon from vacation and travel hair  to fixing a “diy” hairstyle gone wrong to lustrous wedding or proposal hair to some much needed self-care.  A haircut and hair colour treatment is a discovery of self where the participant enlists the aid of the pixies to guide them as they shed layers of self before dreaming in colour. It is a bespoke and transformative experience that is cleansing and detoxifying as they prepare you to reset to renew and realign.

Hair By Renique Before & After

 

Hair by Renique offers a sacred space for all. Renique’s passion for her craft is reflected in her mindfulness of her clients’ experience from booking to arrival to wait time, to hairstyling and follow up. She ensures client bookings are seamless and hassle free. It is worth noting the humility of the creative pixie who embraces rather than expunges client feedback. Hair by Renique, The Studio Salon always follows up with their clients post transformation as it is key to their lifelong journey of continued growth and development.  The stylists take the time to listen and talk effectively to all who grace them with their presence. The management of clients’ needs, wants and expectations is gravely considered before they sprinkle their pixie dust.  Renique acknowledges the creative power that lies within her hands and that of her team; to create something from nothing and to create from chaos comes with an irrevocable responsibility for creation,  for themselves and for their clients.

She values the divinity of hairstylists’ gifts, the importance of creating from a clean heart, mind and space and that of blessing all those who enter her sacred creative space and leave with blissful and healing vibes through the sacred exchange of energy. Hair by Renique, The Studio Salon embodies a creative prowess that empowers other pixies to own their respective gifts so they can reciprocate the blessing of their presence in the lives of others.

Book Your Appointment

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyrenique/?hl=en

Whatsapp: 1.868.722.9832

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairbyrenique

Email: Renique.Brown@hotmail.com

The Art of the T – A T-shirt Odyssey

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RGG Denim Vintage Soul Festival T-shirt

(Click image for more on The Art of T)          (Click link to shop and style this look)

The t-shirt has played an integral role in the lives of mankind from as early as the 19th century. It has been inspired by paradigm shifts and powerful movements in history. Consistently, it has emerged as a visual statement and a medium for communicating a message or stance in society. The t-shirt is fashion’s graphic contribution to lifestyle. This resonates strongly with Trinidadian designer, Jessel Brizan of The Jessel Brizan Design Group. Jessel is the curator behind The Art of the T. The Art of the T: A T-shirt Odyssey pays homage to the t-shirt. Brizan describes the virtual t-shirt exhibition as a t-shirt odyssey and a thematic exploration of t-shirt design. Some of these themes include Art, Revolution and Typography. The Art of the T is an online event that features updated versions of Brizan's designs available in limited quantities. Some of Brizan's labels featured in The Art of the T are Embryo, RGG Clothing Co. , Rgg Denim Co., Red Gold + Green and Urban Militia. Eco friendly fabrics, printing techniques and sustainable practices were considered in the curation of The Art of the T for the conscious consumer who is virtuous about their purpose in environmental and social responsibility. Regardless of its muse, the art of the T is partial to storytelling.

Urban Militia 'Born To Love' T-shirt

(Click image for more on The Art of T)          (Click link to shop and style this look)

The plain t-shirt tells a tale about the American labourers who cut their jumpsuits in half so they could better manage the sweltering heat of the warmer seasons. The t-shirt takes us on a maritime adventure to 1913 when the plain t-shirt was manufactured as an undershirt for the U.S. Navy. In 1948 Thomas E. Dewey, American presidential candidate distributed t-shirts decorated with his campaign slogan, “Dew It For Dewy.” In the 1950’s the t-shirt maneuvered the buoyancy of time and started an unnerving battle with the social code associated with the t-shirt's transition from undershirt to outwear attire. Furthermore, popular culture provoked this change with Hollywood actors like James Dean wearing the t-shirt solo to suit the rebellious nature of the character he played in the film, "Rebel Without a Cause". The time was opportune for the t-shirt uprising and people became creative. They embraced and explored the opportunity to decorate and embellish their tool of revolt, the t-shirt.

RGG Steel Soul Soca Unisex T-shirt in White 

(Click image for more on The Art of T)          (Click link to shop and style this look)

Soon the t-shirt design industry was seen as a sustainable and profitable industry for entrepreneurs. The momentum, invested interest and growing demand for the graphic t-shirt led to the invention of t-shirt printing machines that would then catapult the t-shirt industry. The 1970’s further fueled the demand for graphic t-shirts. It heralded the reverence of the punk era. It was a time when people found their voice and flooded fashion with graphic t-shirts that conveyed their sentiments about anything from current affairs to personal interest. The world was ripe with insurgence from the farce of equality for women’s rights, gay rights and civil rights. People were unafraid to use the graphic t-shirt as their way of speaking out against antagonistic issues which continued to pain the world.

RGG Denim Vintage Soul Festival Unisex T-shirt in Yellow

(Click image for more on The Art of T)          (Click link to shop and style this look)

Fast forward to the 21st century and t-shirts are still advocacy emblems. T-shirt activism became the strife of fashion designers who rejected the tirades of the presidential elect of 2017.  New York Fashion Week was presented as a platform for designers to stand united with all citizens negatively impacted by the changes from the new administration. A year prior to this event, fashion house Dior made their t-shirt debut with the statement, “We should all be feminists.” In 2017 models sashayed down the runway in protest t-shirts designed by international fashion designers like Prabal Gurung who was raised in Nepal. He included slogans on his soft knit t-shirts like “Our minds, our bodies, our power,” “Stronger than fear,” and “Revolution has no borders.” He was inspired by the recent Women’s March in New York which he participated in by walking with others to support the cause. Former Project Runway designer, Christian Siriano delivered his message with his shirts stating, “People are people”. Creatures of Comfort gave their contribution with silkscreened t-shirts capturing the words, “We are all human beings.” Together the t-shirt and its wearer would make memories that survive to depict the visual stories of an unforgettable moment in time.

RGG Kaya Roy Unisex T-shirt

(Click image for more on The Art of T)          (Click link to shop and style this look)

The Caribbean and by extension Trinidad and Tobago is also party to the graphic t-shirt from light activism to satirical nuances. In Jessel Brizan’s Art of the T, there is something for everyone. The fabrics used for the t-shirt construction in The Art of the T exhibition are soft, lightweight, ecofriendly and manufactured sustainably and ethically. The T-shirt odyssey expresses several themes. The Typography Series plays on the art and technique of arranging type to create artwork that is appealing and legible. The collection is inspired by traditional word games, abstract elements and geometric shapes. It is creative, colourful and highly recommended for the playful at heart, mind and soul. The Pop Art Series draws on the influence of iconic pop art designers like Roy Lichenstein, Andy Warhol and Peter Blake. The series also features the Urban Militia and RGG labels which represent local and global issues from the likes of British colonialism to the revolutionary Che Guevarra.

RGG Kaya Roy Unisex T-shirt in Pink Poui

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Jessel Brizan’s Art of the T exhibition is available for viewing and shopping online. Most of the t-shirts are crew neck and unisex to accommodate for everyone including the gender fluid and non-binary identity. Stylists advise that the opening of the neck of the t-shirt should rest close to the neck line. A quick style tip in choosing between the crew neck and the v-neck t-shirt is the length of one's neck. Persons with average length necks can choose either style. Persons with longer necks will benefit from deciding on the crew neck style versus the v-neck as the v-neck style will further elongate their already long neck. T-shirts can be worn fully untucked but stylists recommend half tucking the t-shirt for men who want a more stylish look. Lightly tucking in the T-shirt also helps to break up the body’s proportions so the wearer does not imitate any of the nefarious two or three dimensional shapes. Fit is critical in menswear so the size of the t-shirt selected must best suit the body type. The t-shirt should end between mid to upper crotch with preference given to mid length to avoid tummy flashing when arm stretching or lifting. The sleeves should end at mid bicep and they should lightly hug the arm without being too tight or too loose. A tailor is a wise investment for men who do not have the average body type and struggle to find the right fit.

RGG Geotype V2 Unisex T-shirt

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The Art of the T exhibition has a diverse range of design prints that makes each piece a great base for layering or as a statement piece when worn on its own. The never ending controversy over the appropriate age or time and place for wearing graphic T-shirts is still out for verdict. Stylists whose clients are honorary gentlemen have reserved the graphic T-shirt for their clients to wear at concerts and events. They believe this distinguishes gentlemen from their younger selves and aligns with the sophisticated sense of style for their mature clientele. On the other hand, T-shirt bantons insist on wearing them all day, every day, in every way and everywhere. T-shirt aficionados confounded about which style direction to choose can rest assured that they can trust their intuition and let their inner compass guide them. If all else fails, they can book a stylist who is an expert in this field. In any case the wearer is guaranteed that any selection from The Art of the T takes the wearer on a journey through life and style. The t-shirt offers the opportunity to represent identity and to allow the wearer to visually express themselves wherever they go whether for travel and leisure or travel with a purpose. The t-shirt becomes the solace for the wearer who can stand in their power knowing that the Caribbean community, history and identity also stands with them.

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