Adrian Foster Breaks the Bias

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 moodboard

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.

adrian foster designer quote
adrian foster wrap crop top

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.

adrian foster young voyager style guide
adrian foster inspo

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

The Neha Karina Destination Bride

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

Trinidad and Tobago is eclectic as a weddings destination. There are so many cultures here. It is possible to do any type of wedding imaginable in a location that is united by cultural differences. Undeniably, hosting an an Indian Wedding right here is an immaculate reality. This destination has gorgeous temples, qualified marriage officiates to do Hindu wedding rites, exceptional wedding planners, Indian food caterers and of course Ind0 Trinidadian fashion designers.  Moreover, couples can choose from an array of design concepts to  copy and paste from including traditional Indian cuisine, designer wear and décor.  They can opt for Indo Trinidadian inspired weddings which are  adaptations of Indian culture rather a fusion created in Trinidad and embraced by all.  The added bonus here is that the couple gets to experience firsthand distinctive culture in an untapped (English speaking) destination at cheaper rates and closer proximity than flying to the East (if the couple is from the western side of the world). The bride can be least of all worried if she decides to choose a local  designer.  Her outfit would be designed and customized just for her. No one would be wearing a replica of her outfit. Needless to say her bridal party and her guests can also get their fittings and customization done at the same place. Instantly, the designer that comes to mind for the destination bride who yearns for a more ethnic appeal is Neha Dawar of the fashion label Neha Karina.

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

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

Neha Dawar was born in India. I officially proclaim that she is a love child of India and Trinidad. Although she grew up in Trinidad she pursued her studies in fashion at schools in India, Dubai and Trinidad. Not too long ago she graduated with her BFA in Fashion Design from The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design. Often she visits India and Dubai where she is exposed to fashion from that side of the world. She has been quoted as discussing her overall aesthetic as East Indian with West Indian and European details to minimalism steeped in subtle traditional elements to edgy, contemporary modern day Indian wear. The designer often starts with natural fabrics although she has used man made fabrics at times. She believes in starting with minimal designs then building and eventually developing them to the point where they are ready to achieve the style and look set out for it.  Neha is special because of her educational background, experience and the fusion blood line that pulses through her veins. Her creativity and source (s) for inspiration come from a creative space that is common to her only. There is only one Neha Dawar and this is boldly found in her label Neha Karina.

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

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

The Neha Karina Destination Bride can choose from several designs in her bridal collection. Her engagement wear can also be found among Neha Karina’s collection. The finest silks featuring intricate hand beading, hand stitching, embroidery, luxurious details and embellishments add regality and pomp to the Neha Karina bride’s identity. Undoubtedly, it was this feeling of royalty that inspired Neha to create, “The Heiress Bridal” collection, “The Princess” collection and  “ The Timeless Unique Bridal” collection  to name a few.  Now brides who want to live Disney inspired Princess Jasmine roles can look to her collection to live that dream. Even those who do not take to Disney’s productions but swoon over the labour of love and lavish details of the graceful and poised Indian Bride can peruse the collection. Modern day women who seek to find their bridal identity can also find something in the collection that suits them. Neha designs bridal accessories.  These accessories include minimal to ornate jewelry designs and other pieces that complement her stunning bridal collections.  If the bride has her own ideas then she can also connect with the designer and have a few consultations on how they would collaborate to bring to life a design. Neha has designed pieces for Hindu and Muslim brides .

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

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

The bridal party can feel less than left out at Neha Karina especially if the bridal party includes “millenials”. This is not to chastise the brand in any way as a brand for a younger demographic as senior persons from other generations often enjoy Neha Karina’s fashion and style. Basically, this is merely noted here because “millenials” are taking over and if they are not getting married one can bet they will be part of a bridal party or on someone’s guest list. Needless to say this generation is conscious of brands that are rich in culture and purpose. Hence, if the bridal party is not styled by Neha Karina outfits but they acquire bridal accessories or statement pieces, these will be worth more than memories of a time gone by for them. The symbolism and profound attachment to Neha Karina’s pieces will be pronounced by the bespoke emblems of their support for movements from cultural integration to world peace.  In any case they would still be on point as the Neha Karina brand is a powerful fashion label that is pivoted on creative and high quality fashion design that empowers the individual to stand up for a greater cause and make positive impacting contributions to the world.

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

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

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

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

Honeymooners and guests can also find reassurance in any on Neha Dawar’s collections as the designer also creates resort wear for the tropics.  Forget about being the belle of the ball or wearing what the best friend wore for her honeymoon. This is not “Keeping up with…” the lifestyles of others but “keeping up with… carving out one’s own bridal identity and lifestyle.”  Neha Karina’s resort wear is trendy. It’s contemporary designs stand out. They are designed to suit the climate of the tropics and capture the fusion of Indo Trinidadian culture without being skewed as religious Indian wear. These designs persuade brides to build their entire bridal wardrobe inclusive of honeymoon wear from Neha Karina collections. The designs are simple and functional but riveting in aesthetic appeal. Brides can step up their bridal game with modern day resort wear and set their own bridal trends. The flexibility of Neha Karina resort wear entails wearing these same pieces throughout the year and being astute enough to mix and match prints. Accessories like bangles, earrings and head pieces can be kept and used to add a pop of colour to everyday wear or a hint of swag.

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

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

Neha Karina’s flagship store is based at Hilton hotel in Trinidad. This designer boutique is also a one stop shop. Neha Karina offers styling services for the bride inclusive of hair and makeup. This makes things even more convenient and accessible. I recommend the couple to pre plan a trip and stay at the hotel where the bride will be able to work with the designer through design inspirations, consultations and fittings. The designer also does customized wedding invitations among other things. Perhaps the couple can even discover design ideas with Neha Karina for tokens/wedding favors for their “big” day. Whilst in Trinidad the couple can hire a wedding planner and go site seeing to scout for scenic locations to exchange nuptial vows and do a taste testing of  Indo Trinidadian fusion cuisine.  If the destination couple is interested in having an ethnic wedding or ethnic inspired wedding attire then their bridal bliss is guaranteed in a Neha Karina ensemble.

Connect with Neha Karina

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nehakarinaTT/

Email Address: nehakarinatt@gmail.com

Telephone No. : 1.868.621.5907

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nehakarina.offical/

 

 

 

 

No Room for Cultural Appropriation – The Hakka Express

When discussions of food takes place Trinbagonian people in particular become quite passionate. It is such a touchy subject (no pun intended). People often get quite intimate to describe their love affair with their favourite food, their detrimental journey fasting from it, their lack of behavior when gorging on their delectable treats. Some people get so extreme you can immediately visualize them as movie character Smeagol to Gollum hoarding their food and screeching, “my precious”. Jeez people take it down a notch! Okay I am just kidding it is your life to live after all and not mine! But do not  take for granted your luck to be born in a multicultural nation, Trinidad and Tobago. There are so many variations of ethnic food in this country yet little to zero discrimination or offense taken from preparation, cooking or consumption in comparison to other nations. This is why I say there is no room for cultural appropriation but cultural appreciation for Hakka as even this type of food can be embraced in the safest haven for culture in the Caribbean and possibly the world.

hakka outside

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook)

My first experience with Hakka cuisine took place a few months ago at The Shoppes of Maraval branch. Now if you are familiar with The Shoppes of Maraval you will understand how challenging it is to choose somewhere to dine as there are so many options and so little parking at peak “hungry man/woman” hours. Nonetheless, The Hakka Express is fairly new there so if you are one of those persons who likes to try new cuisine you may more than likely be motivated to try Hakka unless you are pulled down by the centre of gravity to buy your same old lunch time special. Perhaps you are more like me and leave The Shoppes of Maraval with purchases from Hakka and another food outlet.

hakka

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook )

Regardless, I chose Hakka because I fell for their history of origin story. It is said that over a hundred years ago a tribe of Chinese persons called the Hakka people travelled to Calcutta, India and settled in a village called Tangra. It was there that the fusion of traditional Chinese cuisine, Indian spices and Indian ingredients began to take place and the Hakka food was born. The graphic design for the Hakka Express logo is electrifying and bold boasting of the strength of the people, the warmth of their service and the fiery blends of their gastronomy that hit your palate with a tasty yet feisty kick. I chose spicy noodles, deep fried chili eggplant and peppery shrimp (not the actual names of the food ). The service was impeccable and the prices were reasonable if you decide to go with a two portion combo or any of the combos. However, if you are feeling to splash the cash a bit more then you will discover that the entire menu is your playground to do just that. Overall, The Hakka Express maintained a clean, friendly and safe ambience great for their target market of walk ins with kids, families, couples and friends. Usually, they are open every day from 11 a.m.

hakka food

(Photo Credit: Hakka Facebook)

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(Photo Credit: S3Mini ) (Noodles, Eggplant and Shrimp)

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(Photo Credit: S3Mini) (Hakka Express Take Away Box)

If you would like to find out more about The Hakka Express see below.

https://www.facebook.com/Hakka-Restaurant-Bar-307368162647835/home

http://hakkarestaurant.com/