#lifestyleblog – Travel With A Purpose

Brian Mac Farlane's Cazabon The Art of Living

Posted on February 9, 2017by admin

In 2017 designer Brian Mac Farlane has taken to his mas camp his plight to advocate to the authorities the restoration of the country’s indigenous heritage and architecture. His presentation this year is called Cazabon: The Art of Living. It is his intention through the designs that he can call to action the “powers that be” to do something to preserve the wealth of the nation’s national heritage particularly the architecture from the artist, Jean Michel Cazabon’s era ( late 1800’s and the early 1900’s). His expectations would materialize in the form of haute couture costumes displayed on persons owning roles from that era in a spectacle bound by a unanimous magnitude of architectural inspiration. This presentation would convene several artisans from costume to fashion designers. Brian Mac Farlane even took under his wing top graduates of The University of Trinidad and Tobago: Caribbean Academy for Fashion and Design.

Voyage de la Mode by Claudia Pegus

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Cazabon’s paintings are colourful and resemble snapshots of the period the artist existed in and its immediate society. The people during that time wore colourful clothing because they were free to do so (post emancipation era). However, the designers took an all white disposition with several shades of white, hues of gold and brown. Since this is art one has to question the artist’s intention and the message he wants to communicate (which one will only know when one asks the creative director because art is subject to multiple interpretation). I am under the impression that these characters are cast in white because they are souls of the people of that time. Cazabon’s art featured stills of life paintings whilst Mac Farlane and his cohort of designers depict this time capsule through creative costume design and movement of haute couture clothed masqueraders.

Monsieur Mille Fleur and Madame Mille Fleur by Brian Mac Farlane

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

The regalia, glitz and glamour of Cazabon’s era via this band were launched at one of the Magnificent Seven buildings late last year. Again highlighting Brian’s fixation with the conservation and restoration of architecture that served its prime during Cazabon’s time. In an interview Mac Farlane was noted for saying that his intention is to use unity to break silence and present splendor, beauty and revelry with a purpose via acknowledging profoundly rich heritage and culture. Designer icons and the local fashion industry’s rising stars occupy the band’s creative cast. Their names include Claudia Pegus, Peter Elias, Dale Angus, Dianne Hunt, Adrian Foster, Heather Jones, Dhisha Moorjani, Fazaad Mohammed, Charu Lochan Dass, Harvey Robertson, Kaleen Sanois and last but not least Brian Mac Farlane.

Le Belle Creole by Peter Elias

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Aristocratic Aura by Heather Jones

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

The sections include names like The White Hall Affair (designed by Adrian Foster), Apna Desh (designed by Dhisha Moorjani), Citizens for Conservation ( designed by Harvey Robertson), Felicity (designed by Charu Lochan Dass), Gang Gang Sarah and Tom (designed by Dale Angus), Messenger of Change (designed by Kaleen Sanois), Le Belle Creole (designed by Peter Elias), Mademoiselle Boissierre (designed by Dianne Hunt), Madame Boissierre (designed by Dianne Hunt), Ministress of Hope (designed by Dianne Hunt), Madame Mille Fleur ( designed by Brian Mac Farlane), Monsieur Mille Fleur (designed by Brian Mac Farlane), The Gate Keepers (designed by Fazaad Mohammed), Aristocratic Aura (designed by Heather Jones) and Voyage de la Mode (designed by Claudia Pegus).

Madame Boissiere by Dianne Hunt

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

The White Hall Affair designed by Adrian Foster is already sold out. The White Hall was formerly owned by Joseph Leon Agostini. Following his death it was then occupied by Robert Henderson and his family. However an account of the interior design, architecture and atmosphere of social events at the White Hall from the author of “The Great Eight”, Mr. Anthony De Verteuil seemed to inspire designer Adrian Foster. He took reference from this 19^th century Edwardian era. He believes that the spirits of Henderson’s guests remained within the walls of the magnificent building. He believes they merged with the Corsican, Moorish architecture forming silhouettes from French style windows and fretwork trimmings to large coral stone pillars that support the structure. He believes their trapped souls continue to roam the hallways and main ballroom as their haunting presence continues to preserve the rich history of time.

Photo Credit: Adrian Foster

The White Hall Affair by Adrian Foster

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane’s Carnival Mas’ Camp

Apna Desh is designed by Dhisha Moorjani of House of Jaipur. The costumes from Apna Desh- Our Land/Our Country reflect the conservative fashion and cultural design of traditional mas. These costumes feature a full collection of ethnic inspired Indian accessories detailed in silver. The female costumes come in several options. These include Sari or Gharara and top (skirt and top). The Apna Desh costumes are investment pieces as they can be worn again at a non Carnival occasion. Dhisha Moorjani (House of Jaipur) states, “It was Brian’s idea to use this theme and I followed the guidelines for colour scheme; beige and sepia tones. I used lots of cotton. In 1886 Cazabon’s painting of Indo Trinidadians was displayed at The Colonial Exhibit in London (renamed politically by Geofferey Maclean “The East Indian Group and The East Indian Women”). It depicted an Indo Trinidadian family; a mother, a father, a daughter. They are seen standing in their thatched roof house. The men are in their Kurta and Dhoti pants and the women in their flowing saris. The costumes for Cazabon The Art of Living feature options of Sari or Gharara which are sewn and easily arranged especially for anyone who never wore a sari. There are lots of silver pieces as accessories to reflect the heavy adornment of their bodies in jewelry. They did not trust banks during that time and converted their gold coins into jewelry.”

Apna Desh by Dhisha Moorjani (House of Jaipur)

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane’s Mas Camp

Citizens for Conservation is designed by Harvey Robertson. He affirms, “The conceptual stages of design and learning about the work of Citizens for Conservation inspired my design. The group is most known for its recent efforts to keep historical architecture alive. The demolition of the Greyfriars Church on Frederick Street in Port of Spain also inspired my designs. This church was built in the 1800’s during the Cazabon era. The materials for this costume consist of 100% cotton with shades of white and hues of brown.”

Greyfriars Church

Photo Credit: Joshua Lue Chee Kong

Citizens For Conservation by Harvey Robertson

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Citizens For Conservation by Harvery Robertson

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Felicity is designed by Charu Lochan Dass for the brand CLD. In her words, “ Felicity is the bringing together a mix of pleasures and stylishness. It depicts both mid 1800’s fashion and the sobering yet intricate Victorian architecture. It exchanges historical extravagance for modern mobility, keeping the traditional trims; gloves and head scarves to bring to life an era so filled with presence and sophistication.”

Felicity by Charu Lochan Dass (CLD)

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Gang Gang Sarah and Tom is designed by Dayle Angus from Tobago. This costume is detailed using lots of natural materials such as cowrie shells to represent the cotton from the silk cotton tree. The designer had a vision for a rugged, strong look for this costume. She collaborated with Dwayne Trim of Mudern Mud in Tobago to include this neutral colour element in her design aesthetic. Designer Dale Angus says ” The whole idea around Cazabon is his representation of all aspects of society during that time period. It translates to what was happening in Tobago at that time, you would’ve seen a rise in the folklore. Gang Gang Sarah is a folklore that originated between the late 1800’s – early 1900’s. When we talk about architecture of that time period and the use of nature, I approached him ( Brian Mac Farlane ) with Gang Gang Sarah. The main focus was the silk cotton tree. The tree stands today in Tobago and it is seen as a historical treasure. “

Gang Gang Sarah and Tom by Dayle Angus

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

Messenger of Change is designed by Kaleen Sanois. The battymamzelle or dragonfly is used as the symbol for messenger of change. The base of the costume was inspired by this creature. The designer drew inspiration from common details of colonial houses seen in the lace work and the light weight cottons. Despite being a representation from the Cazabon era more flare was added to the look with gems, piping and gold accents. Designer Kaleen Sanois reiterates, ” The Messenger of Change is the mascot of the band. The message is that we need to come together as a people, to be united and to enjoy the country that is our own, and celebrate what we have left of our culture. Anybody can be The Messenger. I believe we’re all artists in some way and should use our art to promote positive change in any way. The Messenger of Change falls into the Cazabon era as a reminder that we are beautiful and unique people just like the battymamzelle.”

Messenger of Change by Kaleen Sanois

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Mas Camp

The Gatekeepers section is designed by Fazad Mohammed. In his words he describes the characters’ portrayal, “I am majestically unyielding and a grand sight to behold. My magnificence lives on through the traditions that now unfold. I stand guard at the treasure’s place centuries apart, defy me and to this day you shall know my wrath. We defy the ravages time and stand among the chosen few, we are the gatekeepers of the Estates and our presence beckons to you!” – Fazad Mohammed 2016.

The Gate Keepers by Fazad Mohammed

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

He goes on to say that he was always fascinated by the grand opulence of our heritage sites and their presence, which gives people a peek into a period in history that shaped their existence today. The Cazabon era set the tone for inspiring their creations for 2017 carnival and the design team saw it fit to present a collection that reflected the periods fashion and trends as well as stimulate discussion on the preservation of local heritage monuments. Through the portrayal of “The Gatekeepers” Fazad presents a look at the Grand iron and metal designs that adorn the magnificent structures. He also wanted to pay tribute to the men and women that contributed to its preservation. To this day he feels there is a sense of ethereal presence within these structures that stimulates one’s curiosity about life on the other side of the grand gates.

The Gate Keepers by Fazad Mohammed

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

He believes that The Gatekeepers therefore, are those story tellers that brings to life this period in today’s modern world. Furthermore, he asserts that he would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the grand architectural magnificence and craftsmanship of the wrought iron artists. He feels that their creations adorn and protect our heritage estate houses and is a source of great inspiration to our current masterminds and architects. In this collection Fazad confirms that he maintained a strong connection with the actual fine fashionable fabrics of the period, ie cotton, silk, satin, lace and chiffon. He states that the accessories mirrored the opulence of the fine jewelry crafted from pearls, gold and other gems. Fazad feels that the greatest significance is the wire work done by our local craftsmen to tell the story of the grand wrought iron artisans of the period.

The Gate Keepers by Fazad Mohammed

Photo Credit: Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp

If you would like to know more about the presentation of Cazabon: The Art of Living then please review the information below.

Brian Mac Farlane’s mas camp is located at #49 Rosalino Street Woodbrook.

Telephone Contact: (868) 625-8931

Email Address: macfarlanecarnival@gmail.com

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

Website: www.macfarlanemas.com

The Mac Farlane Carnival Mas Camp is one of the featured stops on my Trinidad Carnival Fashion Tour this Saturday 11th February 2017. If you would like to take the tour then please contact me at letsgotrinidadandtobago@gmail.com

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Destination Chocolate is Trinidad

Posted on October 21, 2016by admin

My dear sweet hearts how have you all been keeping?!! I trust that you all are doing well or finding ways to be inspired to live life to the fullest!!! Anyways I am here to empower your chocolate intuition and heighten your buyer senses to be more alert to the gratifying destination of chocolate that we get to live in!!!

International Chocolate Day was celebrated this month with a chocolate exhibition at The University of the West Indies’s St. Augustine Campus. The event included a two day expo hosted by The Cocoa Research Centre. This year marks the fifth year that they are having this event. This initiation intended to stimulate public awareness, pride, support for the local cocoa and chocolate products. It served as an opportunity to attract investment and capitalize on this venture to direct collaboration, strategic thinking and decision making in a way forward to develop this niche market as a form of economic diversification for the country. The International Chocolate Day celebrations in Trinidad did not only include this event but a culmination of other events scattered over the country. I was fortunate to attend one out of the many. There were persons from cocoa research units, cocoa gene banks, some owners from the estates where the cocoa is grown and supplied to the vendors as well as local chocolatiers. Yes chocolatiers!!!! These are the persons who make the chocolate right here at their homes in Trinidad.

Gina’s Chocolate Truffles

https://www.facebook.com/Ginas-Chocolate-Truffles-108816425817731/

House of Arendel

http://www.arendel.com/

Some chocolates were priced higher than others. Some were wrapped in gourmet luxury packages whilst others were simple. Nonetheless, the energy of these creative people in the room was so electrifying. Some entrepreneurs in fashion and beauty sold cocoa pod accessories as well as cocoa infused body scrubs, cocoa butters and other spa items. These cocoa products were unique. You see the cocoa grown on each estate variable. Several growth and development factors in agriculture and the immediate environment affect the smell, taste and look of the cocoa crop. Hence when chocolatiers get their cocoa beans they are already flavoured with blends that are aromatic, spicy and even fruity. Obviously the chocolatiers add their other ingredients to make their bean to bar or bean to truffle more delectable and exquisite.

J.B Chocolates

https://www.facebook.com/JB-Chocolates-720072051413363/

Cocobel Chocolate

https://www.facebook.com/Cocobel-Chocolate-253083854729802/

The first time I interacted with a chocolatier was about six years ago at The Shoppes of Rose Hall in Montego Bay Jamaica when an Indian boutique owner had advertised her collaboration with a chocolatier for the mall’s annual Halloween event. I was so intrigued that the home chef chocolatier business was a “thing”. The second time I dealt with a chocolatier he was the head pastry chef at Sandals Resorts. He expressed his interest to visit Trinidad because he heard about our high quality and distinctly flavourful cocoa beans. Of course as an advocate for all things local I gave him some contacts for The University of the West Indies’s cocoa and agriculture unit. ( Interestingly enough my final year thesis was on agrotourism in the community of Brasso Seco in Trinidad.) So when I returned to Trinidad I visited the research unit myself and as years passed I finally made the trek to the Brasso Seco community to visit their cocoa estate and Dr. Kelly Warren (yes the U.S. researcher who fell in love with the community and decided to make it her home). She is definitely a mover and shaker for agrotourism in that community. Eventually my life would cross paths with the lovely Gillian Goddard of Suneaters Organics and Soular. She is one of the chief advocates for the cocoa industry and the owner of several organic agriculture startup companies. So my excitement and interest in creative entrepreneurs continued to escalate.

Brasso Seco Cocoa House

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

Soular Cocoa Nibs

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

Needless to say I am by no means a “sugar rush” fan as I try to maintain my diet as much as possible. However, I do indulge in artisan chocolate with higher cocoa percentage to sugar content. I choose the higher cocoa content because of the nutritional benefits of cocoa consumption. The cocoa bean can be broken down into its nutritional components of iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, copper, selenium, potassium and zinc. The value added advantage of using cocoa include but are certainly not limited to a reduction in high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, constipation, bronchial asthma and in some instances cancer. It is great for healing bruises and cuts. It improves skin, brain and heart health. Cocoa is rich in copper so it aids anyone suffering from such deficiency. Last but not least cocoa is abundant in flavanoids, antioxidants and antidepressants which help cleans and enhance anyone’s mood.

Exotic Mountain Pride

https://www.facebook.com/Exotic-Caribbean-Mountain-Pride-Ltd-200679296662008/?fref=ts

So next time you are about to bite into your local chocolate bar or make some cocoa tea or get a cocoa body wrap or pedicure remember how blessed you beautiful people are to get your hands on these precious treasures right here in destination chocolate.

I bet you all will be making up for missing out on International Chocolate Day.

These fabulous gems are only a phone call away so get your orders in early before the Christmas rush.

Start eating your way to a happier and healthier you!

Take care my luveys

*smooches*

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

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Carolyn Mohammed – South Trinidad's Famed Hairstylist

Posted on September 28, 2016by admin

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

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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

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

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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

(Photo Credit: Carolyn Mohammed Facebook Page)

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