My Passion for Fashion – Page 2 – Travel With A Purpose

The Lost Tribe's Riddim

Posted on February 6, 2017by admin

Before I proceed with my review for The Lost Tribe Carnival 2017 I would like to set the record straight on my thoughts about our Carnival fashion. I want to reiterate that Trinidad Carnival remains a haven for “creatives”. This means there is always room for more design aesthetics, creativity, new directions and new concepts that resonate with or even challenge the traditional ideals. Of course our Carnival fashion is embedded in our history and we owe all of this that we have today; our creativity, our skills, our talents to the foundation that gave the present day mas’ men and mas’ women their jump off into the Carnival scene. There are so many niches in the present and there is still room for more. As “creatives” we are entitled to critically examine art forms but we must not judge and bash each other for being too traditional or too modern because this is Trinidad Carnival. All the different facets of Trinidad Carnival encompass our Carnival fashion landscape and neither is wrong for bringing to fruition their contribution to Trinidad Carnival fashion.

Photo Credit: The Lost Tribe

The Lost Tribe Carnival had its debut in 2016. The Creative Director Valmiki Maharaj and Co – Creative Director Anya Ayoung Chee sought to expound upon a mas that was missing from the Carnival. They felt it was time to deliver the people from the lack of theatre, drama and storytelling on the Carnival road. They intended to bridge a gap between traditional mas and modern day. The Lost Tribe Carnival brands itself as an alternative concept band.This year their presentation awakens the creatives in dance, music and theatre yet again as they bring forth “The Riddim.” The cast of designers include Shawn Dhanraj, JP Richardson, Keegan Simon, Nadya Shah, Shari Cumberbatch, Simon White, Jeri-Lee Alexander & Lauren Baccus and Aaron Schneider. “The Riddim” in my words would describe the sound of Trinidad Carnival.

The Areito Section

Areito is a traditional, Amerindian based prayer ceremony. The female costume includes head piece, bra and bottom piece, full-body chain and backpack. The male costume includes head piece, chest piece, sharwani pants and backpack.

Photo Credit: Laura FerreiraPhoto Credit : Laura Ferreira

The Bamboo Section

This section was inspired by the sound of the tamboo bamboo musical instrument and was designed to produce the sound off the moving Bamboo Cathedral. The female costume features head piece, bra and bottom piece, cropped top, hip chain, leggings and backpack. The male costume includes head piece, sleeves, long pants, satchel and backpack.

Photo Credit: Laura FerreiraPhoto Credit: Laura Ferreira

The Cutta Section

The Cutta Drum from The Laventille Rhythm Section heavily influences this section of The Riddim. The female costume features hoodie, bra and bottom piece, leggings, bracelets, foot pieces and necklace. The male costume includes turban, dhoti pants, Indian Drum and backpack

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

The Djun Section

This costume is described as being an inspiration from the “Djun – Djun” drum from the Laventille Rhythm Section. This drum also fits into the category of traditional war drums. The female costume consists of headpiece, whole piece, cuffs, neck piece, necklace, cape and backpack. The male costume consists of headpiece, arm pieces, pants, neck piece, backpack and Djembe Drum.

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

The Dudup Section

This section bears influence from the Dudup pan or as The Lost Tribe considers it; the forefather of the steel pan. The female costume includes head piece, monokini, bangles, neck piece, cape and standards. The male costume includes neck piece, belt, pants, backpack and standard.

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

The Iron Section

This theme has connotations of the first strike, heartbeat and soul of The Laventille Rhythm Section. The female costume entails tiara, bra, monokini, cuffs, collar and backpack. The male costume includes head band, collar, khaki pants, leg pieces and backpack.

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

The Jab Section

The Lost Tribe Carnival defines The Jab as a spirit. They believe The Jab is a profoundly dark and inspiring story rooted at the core of local culture. The Jab costume is inspired by the sounds, visualization and movement of the J’Ouvert experience. The female costumes highlight headphone head piece, bra, monokini, Obi belt, bangles and backpack. The male costume showcases headphone head piece, neck piece, joggers, Crix tin, whistle and backpack.

Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira Photo Credit: Laura Ferreira

After previewing these costumes I understand and appreciate The Lost Tribe Carnival’s contribution for 2017. I am fully aware that the creative process was carefully planned and executed. The costumes are synchronized with their “behind the scenes” meanings and relate to the design production. This is a revolution in Trinidad Carnival fashion and it is coherent. Their efforts to introduce theatre, drama, and storytelling are on point. There is zero mismatching of concept to creation. The cast of designers under the stewardship of the creative directors has managed to capture their stories in the essence of the costume design. However, this does not stop here as this group used the modern day facilities and technologies to make their impact and etch their brand identity in the hearts and minds of all who are interested in being part of their tribe. You can contact The Lost Tribe Carnival at 2017.losttribecarnival.com or you can take my Carnival Fashion tour which will be offered this Saturday 11^th February 2017 to learn more.

In closing my words of advice for the creative community and the spectators of Carnival Fashion are, “Embrace who we are and the bigger picture of what we are and the direction for Trinidad Carnival rather the greater vision for Trinidad Carnival, respect each others work, focus on the task at hand, at “getting it done” and to consistently and continuously work together because united we will stand and divided we will fall.”

Eastern Fusion Fashion in Trinidad

Posted on November 1, 2016by admin

Fashion has always been a way for one to express oneself and make a statement about one’s identity without saying a word. It is more profound than surface appeal to increase one’s attractiveness. It delves with a psychology of colours as each colour has its own meaning. Similarly each fabric whether silk or cotton attracts particular vibrations and energies. When the Indians arrived to Trinidad they brought their customs and their ways of dressing. Some of those remain inherent in the styles of Trinidadian styling today. Silver toe rings were worn in pairs on the second toe of each foot on a woman. It is said that this custom had certain reproductive health benefits for the woman. Also it was insisted that the ring ought to be silver to better absorb energies from the earth that would pass through the body and refresh the being wearing the toe ring. Bangles were cited as having benefits of keeping energy in the body and helping women with blood circulation. Nose rings were marked for benefits of reducing pain when the married woman goes into labour. It is believed that the nose ring would connect with a nerve that runs through that part of the body.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/212584044881223568/

Of course there is a glaring difference in perception of colour by persons in the Western world versus persons in the Eastern parts like India and Pakistan. We live in modern day Trinidad, an island in the Western Hemisphere juxtapose to Eastern and Western influences. This makes our culture and fashion even more vibrant and dynamic. Our creatives steadily made their move in fusion fashion. Local “fashionpreneurs” who recognized the importance of ethnicity to our culture (even those who have an affinity for East meets West trends) picked up the pace to fill the gaps and deliver fashion tailored to anyone interested in the Eastern Fusion Fashion niche in Trinidad. They identified fabrics, materials, tones and trends with the Trinidadian in mind and created looks that suited the Caribbean woman. The top local Eastern Fusion Fashion designer brands are House of Jaipur, Neha Karina and Aiela Fashions.

Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/Achkemus/hatecopy/

Photo Credit: http://instaliga.com/ru/hatecopy?page=1089952981849780449_2120555&loadCount=2

House of Jaipur is owned by Dhisha Moorjani. She was born to Indian parentage and raised in an Indian home in Trinidad. After her parents passed she devoted her love for them into the brand House of Jaipur. She converted her parents’ home into a beautiful boutique that offers persons the chance to experience Indian lifestyle and culture. She has several Indian fashion fusion lines, luxury resort wear, festival wear and modern Indian wear that she designed herself. There is a tea room for persons to gorge on Indian delicacies and sip from a chai bar. She also curates lifestyle pieces at her store so you can take away not only memories but a piece of the House of Jaipur experience with you. House of Jaipur located at #14 O’Connor Street Woodbrook was recently renovated and has been transformed even more to entertain and excite your senses when you visit!

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/houseofjaipur/?fref=ts

Neha Karina, the brand is very versatile. It is owned by Neha Dawar who is from India . She is of mixed parentage Trinidadian and Indian. Neha lives in Trinidad now. She has also completed her studies in India, Dubai and locally at The Caribbean Academy for Fashion and Design. Neha has an online fashion and beauty series called Coffee and Lipstick. She is also a stylist and marketing consultant. This designer focuses on youthful ethnic bridal wear, festival wear as well as contemporary wear. You are almost guaranteed to find a striking statement piece in her store and I dare you not to leave without it. Persons can also collaborate with Neha and book a custom fitting for a style they may be interested in wearing. She also stocks stationery and a few lifestyle pieces for those interested. Neha Karina is located at Hilton Hotel in Trinidad.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Last but not least is ethnic designer, Sharmila Maharaj. Affectionately called Mila this designer is also a trained aesthetician, Mehendi artist and beauty expert. Born to a Brazilian mother and a Trinidadian father she grew up with two cultures. The Trinidadian community she grew up in and quality time with her friends from the East played huge roles in sculpting Mila’s attraction to the Eastern world. She is an avid jet setter and immerses herself in whichever culture and demographic that she interacts with. It is therefore no surprise to me that her journey in life has taken her creative soul on this path to create a supply of ethnic “athleisure” and contemporary ethnic fusion wear for the demand that is needed in Trinidad. She is the first person in Trinidad to create an athletic leisure “athleisure” hijab. She has also taken note of what is fashionably trending globally and used appropriate forecasting for her local debut. Her recent collection boasted of scarves, maxi shirt dresses and funky Samosa pants just to name a few. Her clothing can be described as exclusively modest and reasonably priced. Mila’s boutique is based in Central Trinidad. You can browse her boutique collection online and discover a whole new world of fashionable clothing and accessories that have been awaiting your arrival all this time.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/aielafashion/

So folks if you did not know where to get your Eastern Fusion Fashion vibes now you do!

May the positive energies from these pieces find a way to your closet!!!

May the designers continue to ignite the souls of you and others with their passion and creativity!

Rain Fall Fashion – Jessel Brizan

Posted on October 25, 2016by admin

Unlike other destinations Trinidad does not have all four seasons to keep up with the seasons of fashion. We have two seasons and they include the dry season and the rainy season. Of course we have a festival culture due to the magnanimous support of varying cultures sporadically dispersed throughout the length and breadth of the country. One may find that we have lots of themes at different times of the year such as bridal, avant garde, ethnic, western, contemporary, resort, business and swim wear. Today I want to highlight one designer who is definitely keeping it real this rainy season. His name is Jessel Brizan and he owns several design lines. He is a former lecturer in fashion at The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design at The University of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also the curator for Blue Basin Department Stores. At this store he curates clothing and accessories from local fashion designers and creative entrepreneurs who are in keeping with his standards for ethics and integrity in fashion.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JesselBrizanDesignGroup/

At Blue Basin Stores you can find unisex wear. The design aesthetic of his design labels are reflected throughout his store concept and the products. The identity of the brand is easily distinguishable. There is a true sense of Caribbean lifestyle reverberated in his brand that is unparalleled. This rainy season he has crafted and curated staple pieces that every fashionisto/fashionista ought to have in their closet. His clothing is not only durable but timeless. Hence purchase of a Jessel Brizan Design is a guaranteed investment for life. Time, effort and enough research has gone into the production of his pieces to carefully suit the season and the target client. This is why I say you will be rushing off to get your hands on his designs to wear it immediately until I believe you may get so addicted they earn their own space at the forefront of your closet.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JesselBrizanDesignGroup/

Unfortunately, I cannot show you everything from his clothing collections but I can definitely sneak you a peek so you can go do your own style stalking when you make the free time to do so. You must also know that the days for stealing your boyfriend’s jackets, shirts, pants, beanies and wearing them are over. Ladies now you can buy your own pieces and watch out for your guy friends who just may take a “long term” borrow. When you purchase a Jessel Brizan Design you discover that finesse is in the tailoring and the feel of the fabric. The quintessence is in the complete style profile on the person who wears them well. At Blue Basin Stores you can ask about mix and match options that suit you best.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JesselBrizanDesignGroup/

Some of us are extremely fashion conscious and things that mass consumers consider trivial are actually important for the Jessel Brizan Design Group. The curator has been careful to exclude designs that are unethical. There are eco bracelets at Blue Basin Stores made out of glass that has been recycled into glass beads and completed with tassels in honour of the leather back turtles that frequent the shores of Trinidad. The Turtle Warrior bracelet is a reminder to clean up the beaches and save the turtles that come to shore for nesting. Other concerns such as child labour and exploitation are void from occurrence at this establishment. Designs are kept original and every effort is made to reduce mass consumption and high wastage. You can rest assured the Jessel Brizan Design Group’s collection whether handbags, belts, cardigans or wristbands is an aesthetically attractive, safe, rare and reasonably priced designer addition to your closet.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/JesselBrizanDesignGroup/

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Carolyn Mohammed – South Trinidad's Famed Hairstylist

Posted on September 28, 2016by admin

She’s been cutting and styling my hair since my toddler years until now. I have watched her grow from strength to strength just as she has looked on at my life. She had been schooled in hairdressing and styling from as early as I can remember. In those days this art was very much in high demand as it is now. However, she was a salon professional understanding the foundations of the retail of product, the dynamics of hair care, the styles to better frame one’s face and quality customer service. She was not only trained in hair but aesthetics too. She did facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing and makeup too. She built her brand very strongly from then until this week. The advent of social media and new trends in hair and beauty regimens did not leave her behind. She was an exceptional professional who believed in her brand. She always stood ahead of the hair game by educating herself on the latest techniques, tools, products and styles. Despite her stellar looks and dreamy service she remained humble, her prices were unbelievably affordable and the quality of her work ensured her clients remained loyal. Undeniably, the attention their hair received brought her even more clients.

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

Truly, she grew into a hair icon that believed in her brand, worked hard for what she wanted in life and enjoyed her passion. She loved to challenge herself to be one of the best in delivering extraordinary hair colouring techniques to her clients. Her gift to the world was using her passion to make others happy. She took her role as a hair professional very seriously. She would often talk about the regularization of standards in the local hair and cosmetology industry. During her earlier years in this profession persons in this industry were trained and qualified in their field. They also served a considerable amount of time working with senior professionals and learning from local and international brand ambassadors.

As times changed and the digital era sprung into effect more hair and beauty professionals popped up over Trinidad and Tobago. Some were untrained in proper hygiene practices and others were millennial youtube hair and makeup stylists. The beauty industry catapulted into one of the most lucrative and at times tax free income earners ( for the increasing number of freelancers who are unregistered business owners) in Trinidad and Tobago. She adapted yet she was still an avid attendee to hair and beauty shows for salon professionals. However she too would notice the lack of regularization, policy, guidelines and standards in the industry. It became as though aspiring beauty professionals were starting to take advantage of clients. They were cutting corners, burning out their clients hair with low quality hair care, diluting products with their own mix ins and selling mediocre products and services at exorbitant prices. She never failed to mention her concern for professionals’ apathy and her fear for what the booming hair and beauty industry could soon become.

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

Albeit there are still quality beauty and hair care professionals in the country there will be none like this one. She used high quality products. She did house calls to clients as she was saving up for investment into a salon. She never cheated her clients and always sold at affordable prices. She even had an option where the client who brings her another client gets their next haircut or hairstyle free of charge. Also, since she was a salon professional she had access to salon products (these products are not readily available for the public) for her clients at reasonable rates. Her hands were so gifted that I trusted them to dye my hair for the first time in my entire life this year. We had that type of relationship where I would say to her, “I have no idea what colour I want or what I want to do but I trust you so do whatever you want with it. ” She decided and she went in for the cutting, styling and colouring and I loved it! Despite not having her own salon yet her home was outfitted with salon chairs, sinks and the latest hair products and tools. She gave the most amazing hair wash and head massages.

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

Salon professionals double as clients’ therapists. The experience is a personable one where the client inevitably develops a friendship with their salon professional. She was no exception as her clients offloaded their lives on her while she renewed them with beauty therapy. She held her own too as she had her own family. She was the “dopest” mom to two of the coolest boys I know. You see even though she had the opportunity to live her passion and use her gift to help others she had other roles to play. She was a doting wife and mother. She did all her domestic duties to her best and took care of her family. She was a soul in a body fulfilling her role here on earth as a mother and as a wife. She never faltered in any area. She listened to her boys. She disciplined them and she always made sure she spent time with them. They even learnt a thing or two from her styling skills by just being around her. The kids even slayed the latest undercuts during their vacation time.

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

She had an insatiable appetite for life and for striving to be at her best in life. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worst yesterday afternoon. I learnt from phone calls and a television broadcast the terrible news that she was on her way to pick up her eldest son from school with her younger son in the vehicle when a truck skidded off the road and slammed into her car. She died on impact, her son was injured and taken to the hospital. Many wailed and bawled and many remain shocked by the sudden death (including myself). We have lost a valuable soul because that is what she was a beautiful soul in a body here to fulfill her role as a mother, as a wife, a sister, a cousin, a friend and a salon professional to share her gift with others. Whether it was or was not her time to die is something I cannot say nor you or anybody else. No one will ever hear her side of the story as to what happened that fateful day that she passed. We can only pray for her soul and hope that she finds peace and that she crosses over to the other side (for those of you who believe in that stuff). I believe we will meet again if not in this lifetime perhaps in another lifetime. Until then I will keep her soul in my prayers and the fondest memories of her closest to my heart.

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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International Celebrity Beauty Expert, Neema Ali, Searches For The Caribbean’s Next Millennial Makeup Artists

Posted on May 25, 2016by admin

International celebrity beauty expert, Neema Ali of Kreating New Faces.

May 24, 2016 – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago… In a bold move to expand the US-based celebrity brand, Kreating New Faces (KNF), throughout the Caribbean, renowned makeup artist, Neema Ali, will host a Trinidad and Tobago casting for makeup artists. The twin-island’s entertainment, film, fashion, music and creative fraternities will soon welcome its newest elite member with the fast-approaching launch of the award-winning KNF. The first round of castings will take place on Saturday May 28, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the brow and makeup salon, Ultimate Beauty Queen.

Ali’s flawless finish on author and speaker, Lakia “LB” Brandenburg aka “The Wife Coach”, at a March 2016 promotional photo shoot. Photo courtesy Lakia Brandenburg.

The makeup artist, male groomer, stylist, image consultant, educator, motivational speaker and life and wellness coach eagerly shared, “I have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to impart. I look forward to nurturing a cadre of trustworthy, business savvy, talented and highly creative professionals who deliver the highest standards in service while using beauty to create platforms for self-love, self-worth and appreciation.”

Ali does on-set makeup application for calypsonian, Karene Asche, at a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

Ali attends to every detail on-set at a recent photo shoot with Dr. Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

With over 20 years of experience consulting in the beauty industry in the United States of America (USA), Ali has amassed an extensive résumé of accomplishments. Most notably, through the Teknique Group, she was the on-set makeup artist and hair stylist for five seasons spanning three years of the number one hit reality TV series, VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: New York and Atlanta. During this time, Ali’s celebrity looks were known to go viral with widespread recreation of makeup by fans globally.

Ali’s TV accolades also include makeup artistry for Dr. Heavenly Kimes during Season 3 of Bravo’s Married to Medicine. She also executed on-set makeup for Season 1 of VH1’s Gossip Game and on-camera makeup for Tasha Marbury during Season 5 of VH1’s Basketball Wives. Her glamourous makeup artistry has been sought out by a host of celebrities for red carpet events including TV One’s Jennifer Williams for the 2016 NAACP Image Awards; actress Garcelle Beauvais for the 2015 ESSENCE Festival; and poet Erica Mena for the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards. Other red carpet credentials include a glamour suite for the 2014 BET Awards.

Male grooming behind the scenes with Ali and calypsonian, Chucky Gordon, at a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

Ali’s flawless finishes can also be seen in promotional photos for TV One’s Here We Go Again and the movie, Dead Beat Dad Rehab 2. In former years, Ali executed runway makeup for the Season 11 Finale of Project Runway during New York Fashion Week 2013. That same year, she did a three-city tour with international cosmetics brand, Cover Girl, for Taylor Swift. Ali launched her career in the world of beauty as one of MAC Cosmetics east coast Operations Managers in the USA.

Makeup artists interested in mentoring under Ali are invited to attend the first round of castings where they will be required to create their best look in twenty minutes. All applicants are asked to walk with their makeup kits, a model for creating their look and a résumé. There is a registration fee of TT $350.00 per applicant. For more information, join the Facebook (FB) event at http://x2t.com/KreatingNewFacesTTCasting or connect with KNF on IG @kreatingnewfaces or email kreatingnewfaces@gmail.com. Connect with Neema Ali on IG and Twitter @iamneemaali. To book Neema Ali, contact Liza Miller of estuary PR at liza@estuaryPR.com or (868) 367-5295.

WHAT: Kreating New Faces TT Makeup Artist Casting – Round 1

WHO: Celebrity makeup artist, Neema Ali, of Kreating New Faces

WHEN: Saturday May 28, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Ultimate Beauty Queen, Suite 25, A&A Mall, Charlotte Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

REGISTRATION: TT $350.00. Walk with makeup kits, a model for creating one look and an up-to-date résumé.

Ali applies last minute touches as she prepares Lord Superior on the set of a recent photo shoot. Photo courtesy estuary PR.

For booking and media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

Phone: (868) 367-5295 / (868) 761-1195

Email: liza@estuaryPR.com

www.estuaryPR.com

cANYAval returns for Trinidad Carnival 2016

Posted on January 13, 2016by admin

Carnival Monday Wear continues to dominate the Carnival fashion scene and carve out a niche of its own in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. We wanted to know more about one particular brand that has been setting the pace for Carnival Fashion since the inception of Monday Wear that is cANYAval. We found out from the store manager of Exhibit A, Charissa Mohammed what she has to say about the brand.

Q: What is cANYAval?

A: cANYAval is a carnival inspired brand that offers an online retail platform (www.thecANYAvalshop.com) featuring apparel and accessories designed for the on the road, fete-ing and liming, with a host of contributing designers, whose lines are curated by founder, Anya Ayoung-Chee.

Q: Is that the only role of cANYAval?

A: cANYAval is also an events production company specializing in Carnival inspired experiences, held in Trinidad and in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. cANYAval travels the world with carnivals collaborating with the bands throughout the world, including Toronto, Los Angeles, Jamaica, Barbados, and more.

Q: How can persons access cANYAval for purchase?

A: During the Trinidad Carnival season, Exhibit A hosts the cANYAval Pop Up Shop where all items available online are also available in store, the featured designers are hosted and carnival related activities are on constant rotation.

Q: Who are the designers for this year?

A: Keisha Als makes a return as well as lots of new collaborations from Rhion Romany to Summer Jade and so many more.

Q: Where can persons find more information on cANYAval?

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thecanyavalshop/?fref=ts

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/canyaval/

P.S.

There is a sale on last year’s Carnival Monday Wear

so hurry to the cANYAval website while stocks last!!!

Photo credits for article:

http://www.thecanyavalshop.com/

https://www.instagram.com/canyaval/

Trinidad Fashion Run – The Carnival Fashion Tour

Posted on January 7, 2016by admin

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago will be having their third fashion tour on the 30th January 2016. This year the event is called Trinidad Fashion Run. The event coincides with Trinidad’s Carnival season. Hence it is the intention of the company to feature Carnival costuming and its huge impact on fashion in Trinidad and vice versa. Fashion and Carnival affect and effect each other as they make up an exclusive part of Trinidad’s fashion history and fashion landscape to date.

There will be four fashion stops on this tour all inclusive of light refreshments, gifts, giveaways and games. Again the mission is to diversify the local tourism product by promoting creative tourism via development and execution of these local fashion tours for domestic and international tourists. Subsequently, this “buy local” campaign is hoped to create diversity and sustainability of the economy.

Caribbean fashion lifestyle department store and a former fashion tour show stopper; Blue Basin will be making a return to the itinerary. The appeal of the true Caribbean can be felt at this stopover. In the majority, the owner and the exclusive addition of ethical and quality designed clothing and accessories can account for this. Menswear is also popular here with brands like Urban Militia, RGG, Red Gold and Green.

The second stop is dedicated to the evolution of Carnival costuming so there will be a stop at Passion Carnival Mas Camp. The squad of designers behind the “Amazon” presentation aimed at strength and dominance of the woman for next year’s Carnival presentation. These designers include Sonia Mack, Rajin Gopie, Rene Williams, international photographer Calvin French, internationally recognized hair stylist Ashvin Bally, fashion designer Noor, Fazad Mohammed and Alejandro Gomez. The face of Passion Carnival 2016 is Heidi Andrews, Miss Global International Queen 2015.

The third stop is at Exhibit A, the designer space curated by former Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung Chee. It offers emerging and established designers a home for retail of their designs. However, in the spirit of Carnival the store will be transformed in Canyaval which is the Carnival Monday Wear brand and collection under the purview of Anya Ayoung Chee. Carnival Monday Wear is the latest addition to Trinidad’s fashion scene.

The final fashion stop takes the patron down memory lane with a trip to Mas’ Rebellion. They are making their first debut next year on the streets for Carnival. The Mas’ Rebellion team has inculcated creative director Keir Roopnarine as well as the industrial designer, illustrator and writer Ayodhya Ouditt into their talent base for their design aesthetic and narrative on Heroes or Villains in the United States of Trinidad.

The tour is hosted by Ashanna Arthur, Miss World Trinidad and Tobago 2009. It is carded to start at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Tickets are only TTD$200.00 per person

(Photo Credit: Gary Jordan Photography)

If you wish to find out more information then feel free to email us for more details at letsgotrinidadandtobago@gmail.com

Mas’ Rebellion: The Rebirth of the Carnival Costume

Posted on December 30, 2015by admin

Carnival costuming has largely been a part of the fashion landscape in Trinidad’s fashion history. In the 1950’s creativity, new skills, new ideas, a more involved public, tactical and strategic wire bending, movement of costumes, architecture and engineering were recognized as key tenets in the construction of these costumes. It is in that same decade that Harold Saldenha won band of the year with his choreography and design for his presentation Imperial Rome 44 B.C. to 96 A.D. Another artist, Peter Minshall was incredibly instrumental in using architecture in his designs so costumes were lighter and their movement on masqueraders could be more balanced. He also introduced the theatrical side of Carnival with story boards for each presentation. These were relative to whatever the current situation in Trinidad was whether that was controversial, social or political.

Carnival is a rough two months away but it still falls in the year of 2016. It seems to be the year of change, rebirth and innovation in the spheres of design and fashion which are not exempted here in Trinidad. Here we see the reinvention of Carnival costumes for a new band to the mas foray. The name of that band is Mas’ Rebellion. They make their debut next year. At the heart of these rebels is their refusal of mas as just a parade through the streets. Whilst Carnival costuming has evolved and many genres of old and new and many more variations currently exist this band is affirming their rebellion against the current trends. They believe in giving life to the artform that once depicted art, beauty, politricks, commentary on state, society and humanity.

Heroes or Villains is the theme for next year’s presentation. Their storyboard for Carnival 2016 talks about the United States of Trinidad and it puts an interesting twist on the current political state of affairs in Trinidad. The characters in the band are all found in the story and they are either heroes or villains. You can read more about the story here http://masrebellion.com/index.php/storytime

Their creative director Keir Roopnarine collaborates with local designer Ayodhya Ouditt for 2016.

His biography is as follows;

Ayodhya is a designer, illustrator, and writer with a passion for science and the environment. He earned a BFA in industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design, focusing on design for social change. His earliest memories involve scrawling dinosaurs on walls, bending wire for blue devils, and acting with Lilliput Children’s Theatre. Despite filling scores of sketchbooks with creatures and characters over the years, he eventually pursued design for social change, because of a desire to solve world problems. He has co-designed prospective medical products, illustrated for NPR’s science blogs, won ADDY awards for Collier Morrison Belgrave, hosted STEAM workshops with teachers at the Korean Gifted Summer Institute (St. John’s University, NYU), designed carnival and stage costumes for Lilliput, and produced the concept art for 2015 Carnival King, “Ahtwajé”. By day he is a design consultant with his mother and uncle (also experienced designers and artists), at Studiouditt. By night, he brings the Rebellion to life, through comics and costume. Like the others, he believes that Carnival need not compromise story and spectacle for the sake of sexiness. We can have all.

Biography & Photograph courtesy Mas’ Rebellion

(http://masrebellion.com/index.php/about-the-rebellion?id=114)

The rebellion’s design candidates who are either ‘Heroes or Villains’ include the Jacka Lantern, Red Queen, Pierrot Grenade, Soucouyant, Lagahoo, Midknight and Ibis in the story. However the Carnival costumes available for registration include Angelic Ibis, Lagahoo, Bookman, Soucouyant, Midknight, Vengeful Ibis, Blue Devil Clans and Red Devil Clans. More information on registration for the costumes is available here http://masrebellion.com/index.php/hov-costumes

Their mission and philosophy statements are as follows:

We believe in story and spectacle. You will embody a character, an idea or a concept. Your costume will be one piece of a greater whole: an epic story: told through bodies and motion; through colour, light and sound.

We believe in diversity. No one is too big or too small to be a Rebel. No one is too dark or too fair. No one is too gay or too straight. No one is too old or too young, and no one is too wassy or too stush! If you love our art and you love our costumes – you can be a Rebel! If you want to have a good time on the road – you can be a Rebel! If you want to get on bad bad bad – you can be a Rebel! If you want to stand up and take a small wine here and there – you can be a Rebel

They ask just three things from their masqueraders.

Love your body and your costume on the road
Respect each other and stay safe
Have a great time

Mission and Philosophy courtesy Mas Rebellion

(http://masrebellion.com/index.php/about-the-rebellion)

So there you have it 2016 promises to be a really interesting year for Trinidad.

To be part of the Mas’ Rebellion experience you can also follow them here

https://www.facebook.com/masrebellion/?fref=ts

Passion Carnival Unleashes the "Amazon" for 2016

Posted on December 29, 2015by admin

Traditionally, women of Carnival wore round necked, short sleeved blouses with skirts gathered and draped around the waist. They adorned their head with headscarves. They even joined their male counterparts in wearing masks. In 1858 white masks worn with costumes to hide blacks and coloureds from being identified for involvement in violence; the aftermath of the then Carnival parade. Women were found wearing satin dresses too.

In the 1920’s Carnival fell into hands of coloured middle class and the gay colourful free people. Pretty mas was also popular in the 1920’s and the black middle class joined the streets and respectable women played on the trucks disguised in pretty mas. There were all types of women to be found in streets for Carnival. This included Jamettes who were ill repute on charges for lewd behaviour. Then there were the high society women who wore elaborate costumes, embroidery, beads, braids, attend parties at private homes and elite whites paraded in small bands at elaborate balls; Government House, Prince’s Building, Queen’s Park Oval.

Fast forward to 1955 and short skirts were brought to Carnival streets when it was considered indecorous to show legs. This was the start of the bikini era as we came to know it. In 2016 there will be many costumes influenced by fashion and fashion influenced by costume. There will be continued concern for the creative direction of mas and costume comparability. Whilst striving to give into the high demand for this type of mas in these modern times by the increasingly younger masquerader population there is a relatively new band that balances this demand with the supply of creativity and design in Trinidad. Take a look at our question and answer segment with the band, Passion Carnival who will introduce their presentation for 2016; “Amazon” .

What is Passion Carnival?
Passion Carnival is one of Trinidad’s premium all-inclusive carnival bands.

Where is the mas camp located?

At #12 O’ Connor Street Woodbrook Port of Spain.

ATHENA

(Photo Courtesy Passion Carnival)

How long has it been in existence?
It was founded in 2014 by Dr. Anthony Harrysingh, Christian Nath and Mark Pagwandas and has since excelled in the industry.

ZENOBIA

(Photo Courtesy Passion Carnival)

Why is Passion Carnival unique?
Passion takes pride in providing customers with excellent service, quality and an enjoyable carnival experience. We welcome old and new masqueraders to take part in the experience with us.

NAMORA

(Photo Courtesy Passion Carnival)

Describe what amenities are available to persons playing with Passion Carnival?
As a premium all-inclusive band, we provide all amenities as follows:
• Premium bar and meals (snacks included)
• Washroom facilities on the road
• Full security detail
• Cool zone
• Passion branded Monday wear
• Passion souvenir bag
• Passion Rest and Refresh Zone- lunch service area and rest facility

MINO

(Photo Courtesy Passion Carnival)

Explain the concept for “Amazon” the 2016 presentation.
Our design team worked on creating a refreshing and modern line of costumes for masqueraders. The stunning pieces are all based on the concept of the amazon. We wanted to make the female costumes a bit more prominent and downplay the male costumes in comparison. This was done to emphasize the dominance and celebrate the strength of women.

AUGUSTINA DE ARAGON

(Photo Courtesy Passion Carnival)

Tell me more about the design of the costumes.
We recognize that masqueraders may have the want to tweak certain things on the costumes such as wanting high-waisted pieces, monokinis or wanting more or less fabric. Our design team would work with most requests as we want our customers to feel beautiful, be fully comfortable and be able to enjoy the experience of Carnival.

Who are your designers for this year’s launch?
The designers for 2016 include: Sonia Mack, René Williams, Ashvin Bally, Fazad Mohammed, Rajin Gopie, Calvin French, Alejandro Gomez and Noor.

Where can we find more information and register for Passion Carnival’s Amazon?

For all section pieces, you can go to www.passioncarnival.com

We are also on facebook https://www.facebook.com/PassionCarnival/?fref=ts

Give the Gift of Fashion – De Coteau Designs for Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2015by admin

(Carnival Monday Wear Photo Credit: De Coteau Designs)

1.Who is the designer behind the brand?

My Name is Tiffeny De Coteau, founder of De Coteau Designs. I am an Engineering student at UTT. I am studying Manufacturing and Design Engineering. I really do enjoy designing anything basically so that’s why I chose that field and to start my own business.

2. What’s an engineer doing in fashion?

I started De Coteau Designs without any official training I just bought a sewing machine a few years ago to sew clothing for myself. Eventually I gained confidence to sew for friends and tackle swimwear. I took some classes to learn pattern making and construction of swimsuits. I am still learning as everyday we learn something new.

3. Describe your products?

I do women’s wear including swimwear, Carnival Monday Wear and resort wear which are my main focuses right now.

4. What are your plans for the Carnival fashion scene?

This is my first year with the Monday Wear so I am still getting my name out there. I am designing swimwear for the carnival beach goers.

5. What are your plans for the future?

I have already started an Easter Collection and I am collaborating with a designer from Dominica too so stay tuned for that.

6. How can persons interested in your collection or wanting to collaborate contact you?

Anyone wishing to purchase can do so my DM on IG which is @ Decoteaudesigns or email decoteaudesigns@gmail.com

A note from our editor:

Season’s Greetings All,

I hope you enjoyed this article on Carnival Monday Wear. I just wanted you to know that Monday Wear is relatively new to our fashion landscape. The beauty and functionality in design of Monday Wear is the added bonus that one does not have to wait for Carnival to wear it. These statement pieces are perfect at adding that pop to a simple outfit whether it be a maxi or mini skirt even a pair of skinny jeans, ‘jeggings’ or shorts. If you want they can also work as a dual function outfit. You can cover it up with a blazer for a more chic daytime affair and let loose without the jacket for your night time rendezvous! It’s a “win win” situation as you can buy one piece and use it over and over again with so many different pairing options! So shop now and buy these local pieces for the yourself and the fabulous ‘femmes’ who would love the gift of fashion this Christmas!!!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago