#jesselbrizan – Travel With A Purpose

The Art of the T – A T-shirt Odyssey

Posted on November 13, 2021by admin

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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

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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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

Blue Basin Stores – The Best Kept Christmas Secret

Posted on December 8, 2015by admin

Why?!

Parking: The Christmas season is always traffic crazy and there is limited parking. Some people are even guilty of “creating park spots”. At Blue Basin Stores this is the least of your worries as you have ample parking.

Location: Although nestled in Port of Spain, the Capital City of Trinidad this secret is best kept tucked away at in the Cruise Ship Complex at Port Authority at number one Dock Road. The energy and vibes from the visual merchandising at the store is but one factor that plays a part in the zen energy and vibes exuded from Blue Basin Stores. The other part well let’s say you just have to get acquainted with the aura of the store owner, Jessel Brizan so you can experience that yourself.

https://www.facebook.com/BlueBasin/app/251458316228/

(Facebook Shopping!)

Convenience: So you don’t want to leave your glass of wine, your laptop, smart phone and the bed because ‘baby it seems too cold outside?!’ No problem. Blue Basin is online too. You can shop through their facebook store, website or order by phone. There is even free delivery for persons in Trinidad.

http://www.bluebasin.co/

(Shop Online)

Ethics: If you want more value for your money then this is the store for you. Blue Basin Stores carry brands like Afrofunkk which includes designer collections which are made from custom and responsible textiles. The popular turtle warrior bracelets are also available. These are made from recycled glass from glass bottle debris recovered from local beaches. Often these beaches are habitats for the endangered leather back turtles.

Bundles of Joy: Tis the season Blue Basin Stores gives you sweet deals and gift cards. Get introduced to Blue Basin’s gift cards for the loved ones who you simply can’t decide on for gift giving. Also check out their Bundles of Joy Specials from December 1st 2015. There are some awesome deals in store so visit Blue Basin Stores while these stocks are available.

Build a Dream: At Blue Basin Stores, Jessel Brizan the owner and curator of the store has found a space for Trinbagonian and Caribbean designers who are all small business entrepreneurs and creatives with a dream for their brand and for this country. When you shop at Blue Basin Stores you are shopping local and supporting their dream. You are building up a small business entrepreneur and making their dream for the future come true.

Save the economy: Yes it has been confirmed that the country is in a recession but ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. By shopping local you can help save the economy. You can help keep the economy afloat. The money that you spend is repatriated to the local not foreign economy.This means there is a chance for multiplier effect and others in the economy can benefit. There are more linkages and less leakages. You are inevitably diversifying the economy when you contribute by supporting local. Help diversify the country from an oil dependent industry to an economy that is well diversified with the resources and talent readily available to take it forward!

So this Christmas I wish you a very Blue Basin Christmas!!!

A Fashionista’s Summer – #fashiontourtt

Posted on August 24, 2015by admin

On Saturday 29th August 2015 Trinidad will experience a fashion tour. The tour is being hosted by the sole proprietorship, Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago. This company is in the business of branding and promoting a Trinidad and Tobago ethos via creative design in fashion, food, frivolity, fun, travel & tourism. The sole proprietor’s aim is to be a pioneer in innovation and design by improving lifestyles with impressions that last. The tour is part and parcel of the company’s aim to diversify the Trinidad tourism product and promote a niche tourism concept called creative tourism.

Creative tourism has been defined by Richards and Raymond ( 2000 ) as ” tourism which offers visitors the opportunity to develop their creative potential through active participation in learning experiences which are characteristic of the holiday destination where they are undertaken.” The fashion tour is under the purview of creative tourism. The clustering of industries such as the travel and tourism industry, the creative industry, the food and beverage as well as other commercial industries were strategically clustered to foster this product creation and economic linkages in Trinidad.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Go-Trinidad-and-Tobago/452373394796548?fref=ts

The primary target market for this tour is the new tourist whether that person is a stay over tourist or an expat in Trinidad. This person is interested in experiencing more than sun, sea and sand. The new tourist attracted to this product fancies a sense of belonging, identity, creating and taking back something with them, a sense of identity, a sense of community, increased self esteem. The secondary market is aimed at the domestic tourist and the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora who are keen on the Trinidad lifestyle. The market may include fashion buyers, fashion students and even creatives.

This is the first tour since the prototype tour in November 2014. Again, Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago felt that preference should be given to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago for the tour. Hence, the marketing campaign was heavily geared towards them as there was a feeling of not wanting the locals to feel ostracized in their home country. Other foreign entities were also approached similarly to the previous prototype tour.

The tour features major fashion game changers in the Trinidad fashion industry landscape. The tour starts at 10:00 a.m. at Simply Runway at Grand Bazaar. An interactive styling session will be completed there with participants and local socialite, stylist and fashionpreneur Stephanie Ramlogan. Simply Runway’s owner, Candice Baccus is significant to the tour. She is the first fashion boutique to host rent free spaces for local designer graduates from the Caribbean Academy for Fashion and Design at The University of Trinidad and Tobago. She also accommodates stylist internships for emerging stylist graduates from the same university.

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

Stephanie Ramlogan who will execute the styling segment has her contribution to the fashion climate too. She is a known fashion blogger for No More Fashion Victims and a contributory writer for the Guyanese owned fashion blog; The Online Runway by Ashma John. In addition, No More Fashion Victims is also the premier local designer e-commerce store in Trinidad.

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

The next stop is Blue Basin at The Cruise Ship Complex in Port of Spain. En route to Blue Basin the tour guide, a travel and tourism student will engage the patrons in an interactive game on Trinidad’s fashion history. On arrival at the first Caribbean designer department store patrons will indulge in festivities with Jessel Brizan, designer and owner of Blue Basin. He celebrates the store’s one year anniversary in fine style. There will be discounted shopping, complimentary wine, hors d’oeurves, a live deejay and more activities. Jessel Brizan was a lecturer at the Caribbean Academy for Fashion and Design. He will be discussing his creative process with the group and inviting them to open discussions on creative design with him and some other designers that are featured at his store.

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

The next stop is Woodbrook at designer atelier, Charu Lochan Dass. Charu was born in India and raised in Trinidad. She has been in retail for several years which added significant experience to her designer studies from the London College of Fashion. She has showcased her designer collections in New York, Amsterdam, Canada and Ibiza. Some of her designer pieces are also available in Ibiza for purchase. She will offer guests insight to her creative business and the creative process as well as introduce them to designer retail therapy. CLD will also provide patrons with refreshing fruit kebabs.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/CLD-Charu-Lochan-Dass/171916886337887?fref=ts

The final stop is at creative designer Shaunelle Ramesar’s studio also in Woodbrook. Shaunelle is Trinidadian but has spent much of her childhood frequenting St. Vincent where she was exposed to more Caribbean craft culture. She was on scholarship in Italy and pursued studies in design. She now focuses on creating bespoke designs exclusively for the bridal industry. She also dabbles in fashion accessory designs. Shaunelle’s work has been featured in Italy’s Vogue magazine. She also enjoys designing for an international clientele. She is only available via appointment. Patrons will get her take on creative design and tour her studio.

https://www.facebook.com/Shaunelle.TT?fref=ts

The tour then returns to Grand Bazaar and patrons disembark the tour bus. Persons wishing to gain some more information on the tour can visit the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/863238693750368/ or send an email to letsgotrinidadandtobago@gmail.com

A very BIG thank you

to all

designers, stylists, fashionpreneurs and stakeholders

the fashion tour would not be possible

without you!