#anyaayoungchee – 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.”

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/

Meet the Bloggers

Posted on June 5, 2015by admin

Who are bloggers?

Blogs are web logs. Bloggers are skilled professionals in search engine optimization, social media marketing, writing, editing, publishing posts, designing and maintaining the design. Mostly, they are very knowledgeable about their field of expertise or hobby area whether it may be fashion, design management, creative design, the arts, lifestyle branding. Often their perspective is unique. They can be corporate bloggers, hobbyists, activists, stylists and even personal bloggers. They can be male or female. Furthermore, what they bring to the table in terms of their vision is even more worthwhile.

(Featured Designer Brands from Exhibit A )

Why do we need them?

The frequency of blogger inclusion has infiltrated the modern era of marketing. Today there is little to zero marketing divide. The target market reach is global. The customer is at the finger tips of the business man/woman. Lifestyle organizations have already recognized this. Hence, the blogger becomes pertinent, useful and important. The bloggers have their own niches and fan base. They can market other brands and drive publicity levels to higher heights. They can also be very critical and the way of the world proves that positive reviews can lead to the beautiful start on customer loyalty, target market confidence and a functional marketing campaign. However, a negative review just may lead to the downfall of the product or service the company offers. The way in which this commentary is handled needs to be determined beforehand. A negative review can point to dire changes and bring attention to some concerns for product/service redesign for improvement.

(More Designer Brands from Exhibit A)

What is the problem for bloggers?

One of the main problems for bloggers interested in making a job out of this is income generation. There are several opportunities to create revenue online for bloggers. Nonetheless, other requests for them to attend and do media coverage are met with insufficient compensation. Bloggers have expenses too especially to do media coverage or a review (travel expenses, cellphone, internet, wardrobe, makeup, hair, time for editing, publishing, marketing). It is the blogger’s decision to take on such a request with or without pay for whatever rationale (charity, passion, favor or whatever). However, they have been underrated and gone unrecognized for their hard work, effort, time and contributions to the social media landscape and their countries for too long. Their only support being their reader and follower fan base without aid from a legitimate body to advocate for some or any of their concerns.

What has Trinidad and Tobago done to aid this problem?

The first edition of the networking event “Meet the Bloggers” was launched on the 4^th May 2015 at Home smack in the middle of Exhibit A ( a designer space curated by former Project Runway Winner, Anya Ayoung Chee for shopping, creating, networking). The event was used as a platform to connect the “behind the scenes” bloggers with the designers, their fans and the public. The free event also allowed the space for networking, collaborating and of course shopping/buying local. It was quite ironic that this promotional event promoted persons who pursue their own end of public relations in their stratosphere. It was also a strategic move to identify faces to names of these blogger brands in a more intimate community setting. Moreover, it was also wise to recognize bloggers as they are the underground movement working tediously and passionately to promote local and regional lifestyle and designer brands. This is the first time in Trinidad and Tobago’s history that the bloggers were given this type of credibility and recognition for their contribution. The event went on from 4pm – 7pm and it was sponsored by Ciroc and Johnny Walker Gold Reserve who provided cocktails for patrons.

Photo Courtesy: Exhibit A

https://www.facebook.com/ExhibitAatHOME?fref=photo

Who were the Bloggers at the event?

“Designer Island, is an elegant, intelligent online publication highlighting some of the best in Caribbean creative life. We are inspired by everything about island life: the landscape, the food, and the creatives and makers working in photography, design, art, fashion, food and literature. Sharing profiles meant to inspire and entertain. Founded in 2011 by designer Tanya Marie, to share the work of creative practitioners in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. Designer Island has since expanded into a full online magazine, partnering with writers, editors and photographers.

Who we really are as a Caribbean people.
We show you our Caribbean, as we know it. It’s the way we live, work, play, create and think, all through the eyes of creatives living on an island,” Tanya Marie Williams.

http://designerislandlife.com/

“Twodotpick is a platform where Shandelle Loregnard showcases her style, thoughts and inspirations to the public about Fashion. She fuses her Caribbean background with her New York experiences to create her unconventional daily looks on the blog.”

www.twodotpick.com

“A tale of 2 trini girls, (Marsha and Cherry) well women really, who are enjoying and discovering the beauty within and the beauty of the twin isles of Trinidad and Tobago. Primarily a food and fashion blog with a focus that spans local culture from our corner of the world.”

2trinigirls.wordpress.com

“Trinidad and Tobago is eagerly bursting with talent; hundreds of budding entrepreneurs
and artists who want to make it in the global fashion industry. As a Stylist and Owner of
an online department store www.NoMoreFashionVictims.com which sells exclusively
Caribbean and Latin American brands, I observe the challenges, risks and triumphs of
our designers, creatives, and followers,” Stephanie Ramlogan

Photo Courtesy: No More Fashion Victims Inc

“Guyanese Fashion Blogger, Critic and Shoe Fanatic. Putting my MSc to use in a Rad creole style since 2013 via The Online Runway. Basically encouraging Caribbean based Fashion Communication in a
blunt manner,” Ashma John

www.online-runway.com

The End?!

In a nutshell, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean bloggers will continue to advocate, support and help revolutionize the social media landscape whilst still giving back to their host destinations. Meet the Bloggers is just one initiative that will hopefully spin off and inspire other initiatives to recognize the contribution and concerns of bloggers.

“Special thanks to Anya Ayoung Chee for this opportunity”

"A Few Steps in the Right Direction" – Trinidad and Tobago Fashion

Posted on May 21, 2015by admin

The local fashion scene is buzzing with amusement, intrigue, glitz and glam. As a destination in this turn of the century Trinidad and Tobago’s revived fashion journey has only now begun. Trinidad and Tobago, as the premier fashion destination in the Caribbean upped the ante in the first quarter of the 2015 calendar. It seems like there were a few positive steps in the right direction for Trinidad and Tobago, the fashion destination.

( Photo courtesy: Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications)

The Fashion Look Book

The Creative TT and Export TT collaboration has fostered a brainchild in the form of a Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Look Book. There has been liaison with a target market in the French Caribbean to promote the sale of local fashion merchandise. The Creative TT board members anticipate that this will stimulate understanding by local fashion designers to be export ready. To aid this initiative there was a fashion workshop hosted by Creative TT for local designers on themes of export. A panel including Jennifer Williams Baffoe (specialist business advice consultant for creative industries), Raymond Wong (Professor at Fashion Institute of Technology/ co-owner of Intricate Concepts Inc. and Fourfront 1602), Soma Lisa Choudhury (Branding and Marketing Specialist for luxury designers) and Romero Bryan (luxury brand designer/ London College of Fashion graduate) participated in Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week 2015. They shared their creative expertise and international industry experience in these workshops.

(Photo courtesy: Creative TT)

2TFW

Another noteworthy step was the launch of 2TFW by Ashley Christmas. Ashley is a fashion designer and fashion events producer in the sister isle of Tobago. Ashley is responsible for the re-branded 2TFW formerly Tobago Fashion Weekend. Christmas spent his years in the U.S.A and in New York under the tutelage of Raymond Wong and Joseph Mbeh. Christmas launched a clothing line and debuted his collection at Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week in 2008 – 2010. In 2010, Ashley participated in a Tobago segment of Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week. In 2011, he created Tobago Fashion Weekend. This year 2015 Tobago Fashion Weekend became 2TFW (Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week). It was expanded to include twenty five designers and spanned a week of educational workshops, tours, commercial opportunities and networking for fashion designers, models and all those involved in the industry. Fashion shows at Piarco International Airport’s atrium were used as promotional events for (Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week) 2TFW. In addition, an online fashion store became part of the fashion week with the sale of promotional fashion week attire.

(Photo courtesy: 2TFW)

http://dus1.org/

http://2tfwstore.com/

International Media Coverage

Trinidad and Tobago realizes that the international marketing and the social media platform today bridges the gap in communication by connecting destinations to the world especially in the name of fashion. Claire Sulmers, an international fashion media representative was photographed frolicking in Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion, fun and food. Claire Sulmers graced 2TFW this year to do media coverage for the event. She is actually the owner and editor in chief at The Fashion Bomb Daily an online blog for urban “fashionistas”. The blog showcases fashion from runways, editorials as well as beauty and style advice. Fashion from around the world even minority groups appear on the blog. Claire has been trained under the eye of journalists and has worked her way up to owning and publishing her own blog. Some of her experiences include working at Vogue Italia, Essence Magazine and AOL. Also, she has an affiliation with Harvard University.

(Photo courtesy: Fashion Bomb Daily)

http://fashionbombdaily.com/2015/05/12/claires-life-maracas-beach-in-trinidad-in-andrea-iyamahs-kanda-high-waist-bikini-and-tess-blue-beach-cape/

Creative Space

Forward advanced incrementation is brought back home with the person the Caribbean identifies as the one who gave second breath to Trinidad and Tobago’s Fashion Industry, Anya Ayoung Chee. She has created a space for creative artisans and like minds to network and collaborate at her HOME. She launched Exhibit A. This is a part of HOME where designers can host displays and shopping nights to name a few. These projects are curated under the supervision of The Project Runway Winner. This step is indicative of a safe haven and mentorship platform to fill gaps in the local fashion industry from commercialization, marketing and distribution from local designers to consumers.

In the future, this “pay it forward” system could potentially connect more dots than originally intended. The stakeholders, game changers and veterans help these creative entrepreneurs and they in turn help others by sharing what they know. It is a tried and true principle that has worked in other industries for years. It is definitely transferable to Trinidad and Tobago, as an aspiring fashion destination.

(Photo courtesy: Exhibit A)

https://www.facebook.com/ExhibitAatHOME

Caribbean Fashion Recognition

This year a few pivotal points were established in Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion. However, another event will make a powerful statement in taking Trinidad and Tobago and by extension the Caribbean’s fashion to the world . This event is called Caribbean Style Week. This will be held in south Florida from June 23rd – June 29th 2015. Caribbean fashion, models, designers and stylists will be showcased. Panels,workshops, runway shows and special events are planned for this Caribbean Style Week. Caribbean fashion is gaining its fair share of international recognition. This can only mean more viability and visibility for Trinidad and Tobago and the region.

https://www.facebook.com/caribstyleweek?fref=photo

http://www.caribstyleweek.com/

Basically, if the stars continue their alignment and this momentum is reciprocated at light speed or even at this organic pace then the future for the creative industries (fashion) and Trinidad and Tobago as a fashion destination seems hopeful.