Trini Christmas Wish List – To Do

Posted on December 17, 2023by admin

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: 19^th to 23^rd December 2023
Location: Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Federation Park
Opening Night: Tuesday 19^th December 2023, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Exhibit Continues: Wednesday 20^th to Saturday 23^rd 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: 21^st 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 17^th Dec. 2023
Saturday 23^rd Dec. 2023
Sunday 24^thDec. 2023

Night Markets - 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday 20^th Dec. 2023
Thursday 21^st Dec. 2023
Friday 22^nd Dec. 2023

Go There

Happy Holidays!

Adrian Foster Breaks the Bias

Posted on October 20, 2022by admin

Universally, society has finitely socialized global citizens to accept ethnic, gender, socio-economic class and other arbitrary labels as the absolute definition of self. In October, the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago joins India, the Indian diaspora and the world to celebrate the festival of light over darkness, Divali. It is worth noting that the ancestry of the Trinbagonian began epic years ago and emerged through genealogy blending from some Amerindian, European, Indian, Chinese, African and Asian bloodlines. Some might even say that the complexity of our diversity identifies the national citizen as “TBC - Trinidad Born and Confused.” The East Indians arrived to this country as indentured labourers in 1845 on the Fatel Razack (Fath Al Razack), the first ship to bring the Indian immigrants to the island from India. As part and parcel of their contribution to this state, the East Indians brought their style of dress, traditions, customs and lifestyle. They joined other nationalities on the island who were ripped from their respective motherlands and would meet many more before their new home became an independent state where they would be now known as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.

Today, the ‘TBC’ identity crisis is real for the Trinbagonian who feels neither here nor there. They may experience fear of failure to fit in with a specific group(s) or stand out. All hope is not lost because as the Trinbagonians continue their evolution they have become conscious and undeterred in their mission to unlearn the age old, social conditioning by stereotype. They understand that the diversity and complexity of the Trinbagonian lineage represents to the world that which The House of Angostura's rum is renowned for; aged and blended to perfection. Trinbagonians are finding their way to hold their own and to redefine their authenticity of self as per their own terms. Fashion designer, Adrian Foster is just one of the many breaking the bias and this reverberates in his creative work and the extension of self, especially in his most recent contribution, the Indo-fusion sari top and shirt dress.

adrian foster sari shirt dress style guide

Adrian Foster’s design aesthetic can be described as modern minimalism that’s thoughtfully designed. His instagram biography speaks of him as, “a lover of all things beautiful.” (If you have ever worked with Adrian Foster you would understand that his biography speaks to his creative and energetic being as well. He is an unapologetically beautiful person.) Adrian, a darker toned Trinbagonian of mixed parentage is also openly gay. Foster, a creative entrepreneur leads by example through education in his art form and design through his thoughtfully designed collections. Adrian chooses to celebrate his uniqueness and embrace the blessing of mixed lineages which empowers him to tap into these connections between self and ancestry to inspire design.

Adrian tells a story in his design of the sari shirt dress. He has reimagined the history of the East Indian arrival to our country. His narrative posits the question about a young Indian voyager who is about to set sail in 1845 aboard the Fatel Razack instead she time travels to Trinidad and Tobago in the year 2021, "what would her life look like?" His vision for the sari shirt dress represents the beginning of the young Indian voyager’s time travel transition. Although she has to adapt to a new way of life, the essence of her roots will continue to journey along with her. Undeniably, one can expect that she feels disoriented and displaced existing in a space and time that has some semblance to her homeland but is stark different. She now has to rely on her instinct and intuition to adjust to this new life. Adrian Foster empathizes with the young voyager and visualizes that her clothing becomes modern and practical; her traditional sari is now a cropped day-dress, her half-slip transitions into an asymmetric pencil skirt. She develops a taste for colour as she begins to immerse herself in the rich, cultural vibrancy of the island which identifies with her clothing. She is a modern day Caribbean woman.

Furthermore, Adrian expounds on the young voyager’s story in modern day Trinidad and Tobago with the fusion of design details. He makes it possible to explore the sari shirt dress as gender neutral, a true depiction of sexual orientation in the present day society. He extracts this design detail with the mandarin collar from the traditional Indian wear for men, the kurta. His design fusion makes its mark when he lowers the neckline at the front and cuts the collar on the bias for a far from subtle but gentle drape along the neck. The sari shirt dress is complete with Adrian’s addition of a pleated shawl to be dressed over the shoulder or head respecting tradition by way of resonating with the form and function of Indian heritage, rituals and affairs.

Indian clothing has survived to be worn at rituals, celebrations and festivities with ornate designs to more contemporary east meets west fusion styles. It has become part of the Trinbagonian lifestyle and culture to celebrate and represent diversity and inclusion through clothing, food and festivity. Indian wear is worn by anyone in Trinidad and Tobago regardless of social class, sexual orientation and race. Adrian Foster’s asymmetrical wrapped crop top is yet another design that the young voyager would be donning in her new life. Subject to interpretation, the asymmetry gives her the freedom of choice to pair her crop top with articles of clothing other than the sari such as pants. It sanctions her to be whoever she wants to be without the religious, racial and socio-political confines of her past.

This Divali, Trinidad and Tobago stands (sits/limes) united to set aside our difference of opinions (disbeliefs and all other nuances of fallacy that make us human) to share with each other our interpretations of Indian influenced culture. If you choose to support local and wear Adrian Foster’s sari shirt dress and or wrapped crop top by pairing and accessorizing them to create your own signature look then that is a fashionably bold and representative choice. Remember that our freedom of choice as citizens of an independent and democratic twin island state is a privilege we get to actualize and enjoy. May we be privy to knowledge that every action and inaction just as every word said and unsaid becomes our responsibility to own. May we value our ability to choose and our better human quality to be mindful in our choices. May we choose to respect each other's differences. May we choose peace in times of conflict. May we choose hope and courage in times of struggle and strife. Above all else may we choose light over darkness.

Shop Adrian Foster this Divali

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(Ph): 1.868.472.0948 (M): Af.adrianfoster@gmail.com

Neha Karina – Fashion that Empowers

Posted on October 16, 2022by admin

Travel is back this October with Divali celebrations underway in Trinidad. Just a few shy miles off the coast of South America, this southernmost twin island state in the West Indies offers you the world wrapped up in the gift of fashion. An ocean away from the capitals of fashion and the debutants of fashion week, Trinidad holds its own when it comes to fashion. Due to Trinidadians’ insatiable appetite for all things deep fried, rum spiced and rum spiked, it is safe to say that we welcome all sizes. The Divine designed the Caribbean woman with infinite love in mind. Neha Dawar of Neha Karina World is one such fashion designer creating and styling gorgeous looks indiscriminately. This year, we invite you to travel with no regrets, come for Divali, stay for the fashion, shop that look and buy that dreamy lehenga, kaftan or regal kurta that was designed just for you.

Today, the fashion, hospitality and travel industry must meet the demand of experiential travelers seeking immersive and authentic experiences where they can be their true selves. Amid the incessant desire to nip, tuck and Photoshop for the travelgram, tourists interested in traveling deeper are fast realizing that real life experience is what happens when you are busy making other plans for the perfect photo opportunity. Fashion is the creative medium that disrupts this divide. Neha Karina World is one such fashion brand known for effecting change through fashion. The brand is owned by Neha Dawar, one of the most sought after ethnic wear designers on the island. Conveniently located at the shops of Hilton hotel in Trinidad, tourists can opt to stay in and shop local.

Born in India but raised in Trinidad, Neha celebrates the cosmopolitan Trinidadian identity in her designs. The beauty of the culture is obvious in the intricate beading, embroidery details, silhouettes, colours and choice of fabrics. Each piece is handcrafted and custom made to flatter any shape, size, ethnicity and gender profile. Neha’s design aesthetic is a mix of modern, contemporary glam with a twist on the Indian classics. She designs for the Desi bride, bridegroom, bridal party, guests and anyone interested in ethnic wear. Travelers who shop Neha Karina World come in all sizes and geographic origins making her brand international. Neha is a true creative and proves that she can apply and assert herself in any design field that she enters. She is trained in the art form of makeup artistry, Indian classical dance and sits on the committee for Miss India pageantry. Her diverse background helps her to understand the dynamics of cross cultural exchange which is reflected in her design.

Her signature style is her ability to use her platform of fashion for empowerment. Fashion becomes more than form and function for Neha and the person shopping the Neha Karina brand. Her design effects sociological and psychological change. This can be likened to betrothal to an enhanced awareness of self where one feels grounded in love yet strong enough to seize the day and fierce enough to lead from an intentional space of love. Neha Karina becomes the regal armor for anyone donning her ensemble. They are clothed in garments that support their cause and that are beside them in their public and private lives. When designers create from concept to material manifestation, they create with their life force energy and from an indescribable magical space influenced by their years of life experience, formal education in design and their creative intuition. The end result is a look that has been styled to emulate a vibe forged from their labour of love.

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Phone: 1.868.707.2800 Email: info@nehakarina.com

The Art of the T – A T-shirt Odyssey

Posted on November 13, 2021by admin

RGG Denim Vintage Soul Festival T-shirt

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The t-shirt has played an integral role in the lives of mankind from as early as the 19^th 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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

The Chambray Shirt – An Impetus For Change

Posted on October 20, 2021by admin

Style Inspo: Football legend, David Beckham dresses up his chambray shirt with matching sports coat and trousers for H & M Modern Essentials campaign photo shoot. (Photo Credit: E-Online )

Historians have traced chambray’s origins to the mid 1500’s. The plain weave cotton chambray is often mistaken for denim. Chambray is not denim because it is woven differently. Unlike denim it is softer, lighter and thinner in its fabric construction. These characteristics make chambray an excellent addition to any wardrobe despite being more suited for persons living in climates prone to arid conditions and humidity. The advantage of chambray’s finely woven texture is its high thread count which accounts for a more breathable and longer lasting fabric. This is guaranteed to keep its wearer stylish and literally cool. It is yet another reason why it is considered a staple especially in designing shirt collections for men. However, there is more to this fabric than its physical aesthetic. Astoundingly, chambray transcends all generations with a relatable message that is familiar to all travelers who experience this journey called life. Chambray’s story is steeped in a tale about a revolutionary past, a thought provoking present and a vision of hope for the future.

Style Guide: Chambray Shirt + Chino Shorts in Light Gray + Men's Braided Laced Up Loafers in Gray + Watch + Wallet + Aviators in silver accents and tones. Shop RGG Denim Co. Island Chambray Shirt (click to shop your 'must have' chambray shirt)

Intriguingly, the name Chambray is derived from the English spelling of the French word “Cambrai”. Cambrai was a French town associated with a lightweight and plain weave fabric similar to chambray. The chambray shirt became popular in the early twentieth century among the American labourers who donned chambray shirts and denim trousers to work. The indigo dyed fabric became a favourite for plant operators, drillers, miners and other skilled workers of the blue collar class because it did a better job at masking the grime and dirt that soiled their clothing due to their working environment and conditions. It is this moment in history that also birthed the name “blue collar” earmarking the skilled labourers by the blue collar chambray shirts which they wore in the manual and industrial fields of work in contrast to the “white collars” of office and managerial workers. The chambray shirt became the premier choice for the U.S. Navy’s uniform in 1901 until World War II because of its durability, practicality and rugged aesthetic. Nevertheless, America was not alone in adopting the chambray shirt and its blue collar identity. Australia also became a living testament of this distinction between worker stereotypes.

Style Inspo: Style icon, David Beckham in long sleeve chambray shirt, black chinos and chelsea boots. (Photo Credit : Pinterest)

Globally, the classification of workers based on the new collar classification sparked an unwavering interest from groups who could no longer turn a blind eye to the exponential growth of unjustified working terms and conditions for the blue collar workers. Europe, Britain, Australia and America saw the establishment and the rise of labour movements and trade unions that challenged employers, advocated and fought for the blue collar workers who toiled in hazardous conditions. Trinidad was not exempted from this movement as trade unions mediated the biggest women led industrial strike in its history. In 1939, The Reknown Factory owned by Phillipa Mahanna Haddaway and her husband ceased operations due to an industrial strike led by women only garment workers. The trade union that represented them demanded a 12.5% increase for the underpriced and overworked women garment workers. Workers from shirt factories such as Sabga’s Shirt Factory, Briks and Chizer and Straumwaser also joined the strike in solidarity with the women.

Style Guide: Chambray Shirt + Checked Wool-Silk Jacket + Wool Trousers in Gray + Brown Oxfords + Leather Backpack + Belt + Watch Shop RGG Denim Co. Island Chambray Shirt (click to shop and style your chambray shirt)

Traditionally, chambray fabric was used to create shirts. It was only after World War II that it served as a muse for fashion. When the war ended the chambray shirt became an inspiration for Hollywood actors and actresses. Soon the trend caught on and the chambray fabric became a flexible way to get creative in styling the denim look without the additional weight and features of the denim fabric. Today, chambray shirts are still worn by both men and women but it is no longer designated for the workplace nor a certain classification of workers. The chambray shirt continues to dominate the fashion scene. It is stylists’ leading choice in building a foundation wardrobe for men. Stylists fancy the chambray shirt because it is an essential and versatile men’s shirt. It transitions exceptionally well from daytime to nighttime.

Style Inspo: International Celebrity, David Beckham in semi buttoned down, monogrammed chambray shirt, black chinos and signature white t-shirt at a former FIFA World Cup event. (Photo Credit: Pinterest)

The sartorial features of the chambray shirt reveal that it’s an ideal choice for travel. The chambray shirt is not a seasonal item which means it can be worn all year round. Men who are travelling for business or leisure and love to pack light can enjoy more than one look from the same shirt regardless of the destination’s climate. They can layer it with coats, jackets and sweaters or dress it up for an evening out. Likewise, they can opt to dress it down by wearing it on its own and pairing it with the right wash, fit and length of tailored chinos, jeans or trousers. The chambray shirt is a "must have" article of clothing for men who are ready to transition from their college “frat boy” lifestyle and graduate to the gentlemen’s club.

RGG Denim Co. - Island Chambray Shirt- Shop (click to shop 'must have' chambray shirt) (Photo Credit: Jessel Brizan Design Group)

Trinidad has not been excluded from the chambray shirt affair. The chambray shirt is more than a trend in styling menswear locally. It is a reminder of the resolve to continue to contend for the rights of others. Trinidadian designer, Jessel Brizan is the beautiful mind behind The Jessel Brizan Design Group (JBDG) and the commemoration of the Island Chambray Shirt under his label RGG Denim Co. In addition to being the founder of JBDG, he is an educator, distinguished fashion professional, published author, mentor and philanthropist. Brizan has almost a decade of combined international and regional experience and expertise in fashion which has proven to be instrumental in transforming the local fashion industry. He has committed his concept and philosophy in business to philanthropy through fashion in a move to nurture a culture of giving in all aspects of life and business.

Style Inspo: Football icon, menswear guru and entrepreneur extraordinaire, David Beckham is wearing rolled sleeves with his chambray shirt, white chinos and sneakers. (Photo Credit: PopSugar)

It is no surprise that this class act designer has added the chambray shirt to his collection. He is able to espouse the history of the people of this world and their concerted victories whilst continuing to bring awareness to the battle for human rights, fair trade and ethics with the chambray shirt. Brizan understands that the person who wears the chambray shirt is not only making a home for an essential piece in building their basic collection. The wearer is also making a conscious decision to make a statement by wearing a symbol of the strength and the resilience of a global people and their continued wager for the restitution of workers’ rights worldwide. The Island Chambray Shirt from the RGG Denim Co. label is currently in stock and available for order online for anyone to access and be part of the movement. Undeniably, an informed decision to wear a chambray shirt for travel and lifestyle is a decision to live with intention and the conviction of purpose. Chambray is more than an essential shirt; it signifies the impetus for change.

Shop RGG Denim Co - Island Chambray Shirt