Kaj Designs Hosts Legacy Atelier

Kaj Designs Hosts Legacy Atelier

 

Mid-Luxury Fashion House Bids Farewell To 2017 With Exclusive Retail Experience

 

 

KajFAB models strike a pose in front of the Kaj Flagship Boutique. From left to right: Fertility tank dress; long sleeved evening dress; silk kaftan; and maxi dress with ring accent. Makeup by Lyndy-Anne Parks of Lady Parks Makeup Studio. Photo courtesy Kyle Keens-Dumas of Konsortium Studios for Kaj Designs.

 

January 4, 2018 – Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago… Tobago’s premier mid-luxury fashion house, Kaj Designs, will usher in the New Year and 2018 Carnival seasons with an exclusive Kaj Legacy Atelier. KajFAB femmes will enjoy 50% off all legacy items as the brand celebrates the bold, signature flair gained over its disruptive 12-year history in Caribbean fashion. Featuring both limited edition and one-of-a-kind creations from several Kaj collections including the resort wear of Shore Culture and Tribu Sauvage, the atelier will run throughout the New Year and Carnival seasons by private viewing only, while stocks last.

 

Kaj’s provocative innovation, the Signature Halter Lounge Shuffle, was first shown as part of the Shore Culture runway presentation at the 10th Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) in June 2010 in Kingston, Jamaica. Photo courtesy Pulse Investments Limited.

 

In June 2010, Kaj premiered the barefoot luxury of the Shore Culture collection at the 10th Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) in Kingston, Jamaica. The CFW audience welcomed the scintillating charms, textures and tones of the Caribbean as it set sail with the first-ever Kaj Resort collection. The fashion house presented a sea of undulating fabrics in rich tones of magenta, fuchsia and teal with flowing, easy creations befitting a luxurious vacation of leisure. Reflecting the sun-kissed iridescence of its Caribbean landscape, the collection lavishly drapes the feminine contour in ribbons of ombré and tie-dyed chiffons, silk rayons, silk satins, organzas and crepe georgettes with subtle accents in suede, leather, taffeta, coque and pheasant plumes and coconut shell.  Designed with versatility and feminine comfort in mind, the effortless silhouettes of Kaj’s Shore Culture collection can be worn in the day and night, ideal for festive New Year and Carnival functions.

 

A captive audience was treated to the majesty of Kaj’s sheer strapless Bohemian lounge dress, with wooden beaded fabric accents, at the 2010 CFW during the Shore Culture presentation. Photo courtesy Pulse Investments Limited.

 

In June 2011, Kaj marked an historic milestone with its launch in the French Caribbean and the placement of the Kaj Resort line at Guadeloupe’s exclusive Caribbean boutique, KOD. This move established KOD as the first retailer of the Kaj brand in the region. In February 2012, Kaj received one of its highest honours as it was selected to represent the Caribbean in an initiative of the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA) entitled Caribbean Collections. This initiative sought to create opportunities for access to European markets via participation in the British Council and the British Fashion Council’s inaugural International Fashion Showcase for Autumn/Winter (A/W) 2012 during London Fashion Week (LFW). For the label’s LFW debut, Shore Culture was favoured as it featured at an LFW-produced exhibition held at The Charing Cross Hotel while select pieces featured at a private showing at the Corinthia Hotel.

 

Folded envelope tunic and Bermuda shorts from the 2010 Kaj Resort collection, Shore Culture. Makeup by Lyndy-Anne Parks of Lady Parks Makeup Studio. Photo courtesy Kyle Keens-Dumas of Konsortium Studios for Kaj Designs.

 

A trailblazer in Caribbean fashion, Kaj boasts several accomplishments that are irrefutable Caribbean fashion firsts. In a pioneering move to capture international markets, the Tobago fashion house made history with the May 2013 launch of its sophomore resort collection, Tribu Sauvage, in USA and Singapore. Kaj was the first Tobago brand at ENK International’s exclusive fashion tradeshow, Intermezzo Collections, a staple of the US fashion trade circuit. With its humble Intermezzo debut, Kaj successfully captured the attention of New York’s leading fashion industry publication, The Daily Front Row. Amidst more than 900 of the world’s foremost fashion brands, Kaj was featured in TheDailyFrontRow.com’s haute highlights alongside Alice and Olivia, Nicole Miller, L.A.M.B. and Rebecca Minkoff.

 

The KajFAB safari of the Kaj Resort collection, Tribu Sauvage, featured on the catwalk at the inaugural Fashion Festival Bali in August 2013 at the luxurious Stones Hotel in Bali’s Legian region. Featured is Kaj’s maxi dress with ring accent. Photo courtesy Anggara Mahendra

 

Later that same month, the brand led as the first Caribbean brand to exhibit and show at the international fashion tradeshow, BLUEPRINT, during Singapore’s fashion week, Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX). With its runway debut at BLUEPRINT, Kaj’s creations of bold tribal infusions set against a backdrop of wild animal and camouflage prints stood out among the pervading contemporary Asian aesthetic.

 

Kaj’s trendsetting camo raglan tunic with daring waist-high side slits, of the Tribu Sauvage resort collection, on the runway at the 2013 Fashion Festival Bali at the Stones Hotel, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Also featured is Kaj’s faux-pocket maxi skirt. Photo courtesy Anggara Mahendra.

 

These favoured pieces later graced the runway at the inaugural Fashion Festival Bali (TFFB) in yet another daring move by the fashion house to forge ahead in infiltrating South Asian markets. On August 31, 2013, in the closing show presented by Indonesia TATLER, Kaj brought its signature flair to the TFFB runway. The high profile, 7-day event took place at the lavish Stones Hotel in Bali’s Legian region. Set against the breath-taking backdrop of one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, TFFB attracted an exclusive audience of media, fashion professionals and enthusiasts, leisure travellers and Asian Pacific celebrities and socialites including Michael and Lindy Klim and Casey Burgess.

 

The bold simplicity of Kaj’s Tribu Sauvage resort collection was captured during a 2015 Global Runway promotional photo-shoot on location in Verona, Italy. Featured are Kaj’s magyar tee with tribal pocket accents and its classic trousers with pocket accents. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

 

With a steadfast focus to establish Kaj as the Caribbean’s foremost mid-luxury fashion brand, the fashion house embarked on a strategic mission to penetrate European markets. This led to the launch of the Kaj Resort line at the Martinique-based online boutique, Kameri, in September 2014. In Nov 2014, the brand’s CEO, Liza Miller, was one of three female entrepreneurs selected to be part of exporTT’s gender programme participating in the CARTFUND French Caribbean Outermost Region (FCOR) trade mission alongside nine other Trinidad and Tobago companies. This opened the door to fourteen B2B meetings with buyers and other trade partners that generated ten trade leads. This was closely followed by the brand’s January 2015 launch at the Martinique-based boutique, Pygmées. By the last quarter of 2015, Kaj was introduced to the thriving UK luxury fashion market via its distribution with the London-based online boutique, Global Runway, coupled with an advertising campaign in Britain’s lavish specialist consumer magazine, Destinations Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad (DWHA). Kaj further strengthened its market presence as DWHA’s exclusive international fashion brand and partner at two of London’s leading trade events, The National Wedding Show (TNWS) and the World Travel Market London (WTM London). This was accompanied by Kaj’s retail placement at Guadeloupe’s exclusive boutique, Jheipour.

 

The sensual tribal infusions of Kaj’s long sleeved evening dress in a taupe, cream and black print captivate in the streets of New York City during a 2015 Global Runway promotional photo-shoot of the Tribu Sauvage resort collection. Photo courtesy Global Runway.

 

Kaj will commemorate this legacy of cutting edge creative excellence, fine quality and timeless luxury with its ongoing Kaj Legacy Atelier. KajFAB femmes may experience the exclusive versatility and impeccable finish of the Kaj Designs brand, shopping limited edition classic resort as well as one-of-a-kind legacy pieces including the brand’s signature innovation, the Shuffle. Join the Kaj Legacy Atelier Facebook (FB) event at http://bit.ly/KajLegacyAtelier or visit Kaj on FB at fb.me/KajDesignsLIVE or on Twitter and Instagram @KajDesignsLIVE to stay in the KajFAB know. For more information, email KajLegacy@estuaryPR.com.

 

Kaj’s exhibitor’s booth at the fashion tradeshow, BLUEPRINT, during Singapore’s fashion week, Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX). Photo courtesy estuary PR.

 

WHAT:              Kaj Legacy Atelier

WHO:                 Kaj Designs

WHEN:             Throughout the New Year and 2018 Carnival seasons, while stocks last.

WHERE:          By private viewing only.

PAYMENT:     Cash and cheque payments accepted.

 

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Liza Miller, Managing Director

estuary PR Limited

Phone: (868) 367-5295

Email: liza@estuaryPR.com

www.estuaryPR.com

 

 

Meiling, The Designer Icon for Bridal 2017

Simple Silhouette Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Bridal season is in full swing and brides are scampering to “say yes to the dress”. My heart goes out to the destination brides who are panicking over deciding whether they should go with silk, satin, taffeta, chiffon, lace or cotton blended fabrics for the tropics, finding the right hues for their bridesmaids, checking in the dress and woes of paying exorbitant fees only to arrive stressed out, in full “bridezilla” mode with a wrinkled wedding dress in hand at their dream destination wedding location. Rest assured brides, brides to be, bridal party and guests you can find top notch, internationally acclaimed fashion designers in Trinidad and Tobago who can hear your S.O.S and save your life for your “big” day.

 

Off Shoulder Lace Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

The destination wedding dress designer that beams of an effortlessly chic Caribbean aesthetic is Meiling Esau, otherwise known by her brand name Meiling Inc. This designer grew up in an environment where her mother, Evelyn Achong was a prominent woman in her field as a seamstress. Meiling’s passion for this fashion led her to pursue her studies at Lucie Clayton School of Design in London in the 1970’s. Meiling was immersed in the creative culture of London.  She was exposed to creatives, creative design, creative thinking and design management. Meiling graduated and returned to her homeland. After working at a garment factory where one of her prototypes became a top seller Meiling decided to stand on her own and set up her own atelier in 1982.

Vintage Wedding Dress

http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Since Meiling’s debut on the fashion industry scene she has copped many achievements some of which include the Chaconia Silver Medal in 2008 for her longstanding merit to the Trinidad and Tobago business sector. In that same year she was awarded the title of “Grand Master of Fashion Design” at Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica. In 2010 she was one of two designers from the English speaking Caribbean invited to showcase at Plataforma K in Colombia. In 2011 she was the only one invited to return to show. In 2012 The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago honoured  Meiling with The Woman of Influence Award. In 2013 she was listed as a national icon of Trinidad and Tobago. She was also invited as one of the top global designers to the Women of Influence Summit in that year. She received Ocean Style Award in 2013.

Lace Sleeves and Details for Wedding Dress

http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Today Meiling’s aesthetic is considered minimalistic however I prefer the term Caribbean chic. Her focus is on the quality of work and her talent is found in design and craftsmanship. In the age of digital printing and mass production Meiling adds the extra “oomph” to her work with hand sewn details. In addition, she still believes in her mother’s words that the inside and outside of the garment being constructed must have a beautiful finish. She has designed uniforms and outfits for Trinidad and Tobago athletes to top entertainers. As a creative she has surrounded herself in creative spaces with veteran creatives such as Peter Minshall. Her product line is differentiated from her own clothing lines in haute couture, resort and bridal to her diffusion line entitled, “MSquared” for the local retail department store Micles  and recently she added on Meiling Complete featuring scent diffusers, candles and body creams.

Lace Detail on Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

So now that you have a fair idea of the brand (Meiling Inc.) we can begin to explore your options for saying “yes to the dress”.  Meiling has an established repertoire in the Caribbean and the Latin American community for her work in the local fashion industry. She has a keen eye for detail and a unique vision based on her knowledge and functioning in several destinations with her clients including brides and some eloquent to brazen personalities from multifaceted cultures. Meiling has worked with contemporary and vintage designs in fabrics that range from silk, satin, lace with intricate embellishments and hand beading to name a few. The advantages of choosing Meiling include a 100% guarantee that your wedding dress will be a timeless design and that you will stand out. The quality of the garment construction is flawless. Your dress will flatter your figure and accentuate your best highlights. You will be in the proficient hands of the expert who is familiar with silhouette to body type ratios in fashion. Also you will have several fittings in the lead up to final production.

Unconventional Bridal Gown

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-bride/

Your wedding dress will not just be a product you bought off a rack but the result of an inimitable, delicate creative process where your soul is reverberated throughout the statement piece. This means whilst the designer will design and create the dress you too will have a direct say in perfecting your look for that memorable day.  Your dream wedding dress becomes a reality. When you look back on the occasion you will not just have the snapshots of that point in your life. You will have a reminder of your identity at that stage in your life, a reflection of your growth and transition to your new role in life and most importantly it will stand the test of time as evidence of your power to create and to contribute to the collateral beauty that is life.

White Top with Lace

Photo Credit: Shaista Deen

The Veronica Dress

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

As a bonus you can also fit the “M” brand into your wardrobe with Meiling’s latest resort wear collection for your destination soiree/ island romp with your newlywed husband. Choose from a variety cotton blends and light, breathable fabrics for your destination honeymoon ensemble. Her most recent collection boasts of distinct, functional, chic and trendy pieces. They range from shirt dresses, dhoti jumpsuits, kite dresses, cowl dresses, off shoulder, strapless tops with lace details, apron inspired tops, denim shirt dresses and long black dresses with tassel details. If you preview her collection online you would notice that most of the resort wear is featured in white or black. Again, this is Meiling’s signature as she pairs the simple but effective pieces as blank canvases to the individual character with the individual in mind as the artist. Basically, when you purchase Meiling’s resort wear it becomes your blank canvas which you bring art to life via “painting” your persona and the experiences you create, the activities that you do and the journeys you take with the designer wear.

 

Dhoti Jump Suit

Photo Credit: Shaista Deen

Swing Dress with Silk Tie

Photo Credit: Joshua Brizan

Off Shoulder Crop Top

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

If you wish to share your new-found love for the Meiling brand with your bridal party you can browse the collection. Ultimately, you will make your life and theirs easier by selecting appropriate dresses for the bridesmaids. You can even work with the designer on flower girl dresses.  Moreover, you can make this option convenient and accessible by listing Meiling on the R.S.V.P or details card as the premier choice for destination wedding wear in Trinidad and Tobago.  The flights to Trinidad from the U.S.A are only a few hours and you will reach here in no time at all. Hotels and other accommodations are available in Port of Spain where Meiling is located. They are only a stone’s throw away from her boutique. You can request a taxi driver at your front desk and be on your way to your appointment with Meiling. Thus, you will rescue yourself from the drama and stress of a million phone calls and instant messages from your relatives and invited guests badgering you about what they should wear to your destination wedding.

Denim Dresses

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

Eyelet Strap Sundress

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

When the wedding and honeymoon is over and you return to your home you do not have to hide away your resort wear. Your bridesmaids and even your guests will thank you later because they can bask in designer bliss by wearing these pieces in spring, summer, autumn and even winter. The only requirement may be reinventing the outfit again with a personal touch of layering it for the colder seasons and dressing it down for the warmer ones. Neither yourself nor your bridal party/guests would regret the choice of colour as white and black can mix and match with a plethora of accessories.  I am also a firm believer of the influence of creative design. Regardless of the season you all choose to wear your Meiling attire you will definitely be moved by donning the outfit. The rationale is straightforward; good design inevitably evokes emotion and makes as much of an impact on the way you feel when you wear it and when you see yourself wearing it.

Cowl Neck Dress with Lace Detail

Photo Credit: http://www.meilinginc.com/meiling-201617/

White Peasant Top with Lace

Photographer: Shaista Deen

The advent of the internet makes your destination wedding dress a few clicks away from being a dream come true. It can literally save you the nightmare of dress shopping, late night foraging for bridal trends and exhaustion from the tears and anxiety of running out of time. Instead place yourself into the safe haven of competence, expertise and professionalism by booking Meiling Esau of Meiling Inc. in Trinidad.

 

Kite Dress

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Tied Neck Caftan Dress in Chiffon and Silk

Photo credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Shirt Collar Caftan in Chiffon and Silk

Photo Credit: Jordan Lum Hung

Cowl Collar Caftan in Chiffon and Silk

Photo Credit: Joshua Brizan

Connect with Meiling today!!!

Website: http://www.meilinginc.com/

Email: meiling@meilinginc.com

Location: #6 Carlos Street in Woodbrook, Port of Spain

Hours: Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Saturdays at 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Telephone: 1.868. 627.6975 or 1.868.627.2122

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meilinginc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/meilinginc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meiling-esau-1491097

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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/