CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE – 6/25/2016
Posted on April 23, 2016 Leave a Comment
CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE 2016
AWARDS & FASHION SHOWCASE
In observance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Karib Nation, Inc. is hosting its 7th Annual CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE AWARDS & FASHION SHOWCASE.
This spectacular event will take place on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Samuel Riggs Alumni Center, University of MD campus, and will feature celebrated artists and fashion designers from across the Caribbean Region including Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE IS A SHOWCASE OF FASHION, MUSIC AND ART, HELD ANNUALLY IN THE MONTH OF JUNE TO COMMEMORATE AND CELEBRATE NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE CAPTURES THE FLAIR, GLAMOUR, AND LAVISH ELEGANCE OF THE CARIBBEAN REGION, WHILE SPOTLIGHTING THE DYNAMIC AND INNOVATIVE CARIBBEAN FASHION INDUSTRY, AND AWARDING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS THE DESIGNERS HAVE MADE OVER THE YEARS. THIS YEAR’S SHOWCASE WILL CELEBRATE BARBADOS & GUYANA’S 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, WITH DESIGNERS FROM MOST OF THE CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN REGIONS…
In observance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Karib Nation, Inc. is hosting its 7th Annual CARIBBEAN STYLE & CULTURE AWARDS & FASHION SHOWCASE.
This spectacular event will take place on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Samuel Riggs Alumni Center, University of MD campus, and will feature celebrated artists and fashion designers from across the Caribbean Region including Belize, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia.
KARIB FASHION FOCUS – “STYLE”
Posted on April 13, 2016 Leave a Comment
RHION ELIJAH ROMANY 
For quite some time, this alumnus of Queen’s Royal College has been an ardent admirer of and inspired by well-known local & international fashion impresarios, who have fine-tuned their skills to transform and enhance the global meaning of style to suit ever-changing social trends. A Caribbean climate of inspiration allowed Romany to channel his natural ability of selecting edgy, contemporary designs for his clients via his wildly successful retail boutique, KrAze.
The stirring of his honed design talent, however, came with the successful launch of his exclusive swimwear collection for summer for Cropover 2012.
A mere 2 years later, the young designer has amassed a sizeable Fan base, as well as glowing praises from his peers in the industry. The experience also served as a constant state of creative awakening: it challenged the daring 24 year-old to nurture & explore the untamed arena of fashion design.
For Rhion, design inspiration is easily motivated by the evolution of the Trinidadian social lifestyle. His productions draw real-time references from the spaces that he occupies, and he takes pride in the progress of his generation that continue to reciprocate creative avenues that keep fashion trends unique and current.
Rhion’s point of view & impeccable taste levels remain highly consistent for his premiere collection. He is a man who unapologetically continues to design for a woman, appreciate body construction and encourage his female clients to reclaim & celebrate their feminine form. There is a distinct air of elegance and richness embodied in Rhion’s design taste, and one can always expect progressive pieces of work on his runway that wholly rejects tameness and sameness in approach.
With such highly-applauded collections as “Monroe” and “She Wolf” under his belt, the birth and growth of the Rhion Romany Brand has unleashed an energy of confidence for this promising designer to give the masses a taste of “the refined”.
To date, his designs have been worn by everyone from America’s Next Top Model’s Bianca Golden to the stage dancers for award-winning Soca Sensation Machel Montano. His creations have graced the runway for audiences such as CreativeTT’s “Masquerade” event in honor of Vogue Italia & HOT Couture in St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. The ЯR brand has now announced a partnership with TRIBE Carnival for an exclusive line of Monday Wear for the 2015-2016 season.
With his next collection “Domina” on the way, his point of view comfortably positions his female clientele in a innovative space for Trinidad & Tobago: armed with the audacity to always be bold, sophisticated and timeless, ready to take on the world.
JORIS HENDRIK
Joris Hendrik, a young Belizean, is among the first local fashion designers in his country to be internationally recognized in Belize’s burgeoning world of couture.
He began his studies in architecture, because he knew he had a talent for design and drawing, but soon realized that he could not ignore his passion for all things fashion. In 2010 he left full-time studying at the University to pursue a career in fashion design. This brave move has seen him cultivate his own distinctive and innovative style. His unique creations are in fact inspired by architecture and are bold and ready-to-wear. His work with unconventional materials in his Eco Love line caught national attention early on and landed him a fantastic opportunity to showcase his work to H.R.H. Prince Harry during his visit to Belize in March 2012. Joris Hendrik’s Eco Love gowns are made from alternative materials with a portion of all proceeds being donated to environmental clubs which help preserve the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef system in the World. The Joris Hendrik label comprises of two lines of women’s wear: Joris Hendrik Ready-to-Wear and Eco Love. Both collections represent two differing points-of-view that complement and balance one another. Both are very personal, original and deeply feminine in their expression.
The Design Process is comprised of artistic responsibility and excellence. The Joris Hendrik Collection stresses the importance of the Sustainability Principle.
DIANNE JOHN
BEAUTIFUL CARIBBEAN WOMEN
Posted on January 28, 2016 Leave a Comment
BEAUTIFUL CARIBBEAN WOMEN…….
Help us celebrate the strength and beauty of our Caribbean Women! Here is a list of some of the most beautiful and famous Caribbean Women………..
MARISA MAHADEO
Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe 2013 finalist.
MERCEDES LeANZA
Mercedes LeAnza is an American film actress & producer. Born November 12 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. She is of Spanish, Italian, Danish, Venezuelan and Trinidadian descent.
She and friend Sarah Louise Wilson (Actress/ Director / Writer/ Producer) founded their independent film production company Stella Bella Productions. The first film Mercedes LeAnza Produced & Acted with Stella Bella Productions Jelly (film), a John Hughes (filmmaker) themed romantic comedy starring Sarah Louise Wilson.
SARAH JANE WADDELL
Sarah Jane Waddell is probably one of the most down-to-earth beauty queens that you’ll ever come across. Her lively spirit, warmth, humility, friendliness, compassion and straightforwardness are commendable.
The 26-year-old accomplished her dream of winning the 2014 Miss Trinidad & Tobago Word competition.In 2012, she participated in local leg of the Miss Universe pageant where she copped the third runner-up spot and was awarded the prize for “Fan Favorite”.
A former student of Political Science and Mandarin Chinese, she is also fluent in Spanish. Currently holding the position of Account Executive at Ross Advertising, the professional equestrian also delves in copy writing and social media management. Before the world of advertising, she did work as an event coordinator and was also a strategic communications officer at the Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Energy.
JACKIEMA FLEMMING
Jackiema was born and raised in Sandy Point on St Kitts Island. Describing herself as ‘Dynamic and optimistic’, she currently works at a bank and is saving up for her future in which she has dual aspirations to either train to become an attorney, or study to be a Dietitians. Aside from her career plans, Jackiema likes to play table tennis, to model, and to sing. She is an avid reader, citing the Harry Potter series as her all time favorites, and when it comes to music, she absolutely loves house music.
SANYA HUGHES
Sanya, a former Miss Jamaica Universe 2002, was named the “Sexiest Woman Alive for North America and the Caribbean” by Global Beauties, the leading authority on beauty pageants. She was selected for this honor from a field of 260 candidates. These candidates were the world’s most beautiful women who competed in Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth during 2002.
Sanya appeared in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), alongside Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.
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CARIBBEAN FASHION FOCUS – “Style”
Posted on January 15, 2016 Leave a Comment
MUTAMBA by JACQUI “Amba” COHEN
“Kingston Style”
Inspired by ethnic prints and designs, Mutamba’s creations are interesting and an exciting mixture of colors and fabrics. Artistically charged outfits blend everyday simple Street Style with evening elegance. MUTAMBA designs is a line designed by Jacqui Cohen. She has been in the Fashion Industry for years and is a regular fixture at Caribbean Fashion Week, as a featured Jamaican designer. Her pieces are ethnic inspired, with Indian and African fabrics used to construct modern pieces.
STELLA JEAN
Former Model STELLA JEAN
Spring Summer 2016 Collection.
Autumn/Winter 2014-15
Stella Jean is an emerging Haitian-Italian fashion designer and former model, whose cultural identity often provides inspiration for her eponymous label.
- She is a mother of two, and resides in Rome with her children.
- Jean, pronounced like the French word for John, was born in 1979 and raised in Rome to a Haitian mother, Violette Jean, and an Italian father, Marcello Novarino.
- Her decision to use her mother’s maiden name for the brand was in order to equally represent both parts of her heritage; a consideration that is also evident in her collections.
- Jean was studying political science at Sapienza University of Rome, when she dropped out to model for Egon von Fürstenberg, the fashion designer and ex-husband of Diane von Fürstenberg.
- In July 2011, after turning her hand to design, self-taught Jean became one of the winners of the prestigious Vogue Italia talent contest Who Is On Next; despite the fact that her application had been previously been rejected two years in a row.
- In September 2012, Jean presented her debut collection at Milan Fashion Week.
- Jean has established her signature aesthetic as a merging of the exoticism of her creole heritage and the craftsmanship of her Italian roots. The result is classic feminine tailoring – cinched-in waists and dirndl skirts infused with bold tribal prints and color.
- “I want to communicate through clothes a concept of opposite worlds and traditions fusing together in a sophisticated way and standing side by side with equal importance, not covering the other up,” Jean said.
- In September 2013, Giorgio Armani – in an unprecedented move – personally selected Jean’s spring/summer 2014 collection to show at his 550-seat Teatro show space during Milan Fashion Week.
Stella Jean
CHARLES CORVSKY DIEUJUSTE
The elegance of New York City, along with the picturesque visions of his native Haiti– with its rich culture full of life and ambiance, plush green mountains and a colorful array of flowers, became the spark which ignited his passion as a fashion designer. His family, savvy with textiles and knowledgeable in the art of garment-making, gave him the exposure he needed to teach himself the skills to begin his journey. With a strong educational background in fashion marketing and management from Berkeley and a two year dual-placement with contemporary fashion brands LaRok and Elizabeth and James, the vision of his collection began to emerge.
With a focus on quality garment construction and opulent textiles, Charles’ mission blends feminine sophistication, romanticism, and impeccable workmanship. Through a palette of vibrant colors and a splash of sensuality, Charles embodies the female physique with pieces that not only complement but exude signature style.
“Fashion is something that came in me as I grew up. Since I was, I believe around the age of 8 or 9, I told my mother my goal was to become an artist.” “As you may know, Haitians wouldn’t allow that for their child. As I am sure she wanted the best for me. But since I was young I wanted to study fine arts and everything that was involved with it.” “When I came to the states things changed. The older I got the more passionate I got when it came to the arts.” “However, garment making was in my family. One day it dawned on me why not fashion? Ultimately, at the very end its art or in other words wearable art.”
“In the future I am hoping to becoming a House Hold name. A House Hold name like Oscar De La Renta, Givenchy, Elie Saab.” “These designers inspire me to be great and this is the goal I am setting for myself.” “I am a start-up brand/company of 3 years.” “My goal is to be a part of New York Fashion Week. That goal I am sure is around the corner. Events in the future completely not sure. ” “All I can say is to stay tuned.”
Charles Corvsky Dieujuste
The SHOWCASE – Caribbean Style & Culture 2014
Posted on November 15, 2015 Leave a Comment
NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH 2014
The “RED & BLACK ATTITUDE”
Designer Helmer Joseph, Co-host Jackie Bloomfield and the Ambassador, The Commonwealth of Dominica His Excellency Hubert Chares
HARDOUR COLLECTION
by Anthea Bullard
Karib Nation, Inc’s “AWARD of EXCELLENCE” presented to ANTHEA BULLARD of HARDOUR COLLECTION by The Consul General of the Bahamas Her Excellency Paulette Zonicle.
RIHANNA Stars In DIOR’S “SECRET GARDEN”
Posted on March 16, 2015 Leave a Comment
RIHANNA IS MAKING HISTORY
DIOR SHADES
The 27-year-old superstar will star in Dior’s fourth installment of their “Secret Garden” campaign — a series featuring models posing in the palace of Versailles, clad in Dior creations — the fashion house confirmed on Friday. She will be shot by famed photographer Steven Klein, with the film and print versions of the campaign scheduled to run this spring.
But as if being an official Dior girl wasn’t amazing enough, Rihanna’s highly anticipated campaign also marks the first time a black woman has been chosen to front the French fashion brand. Other celeb Dior spokeswomen include A-listers Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman and Marion Cotillard.
The Dior partnership particularly makes a lot of sense given that Rihanna is often a staple at the high-fashion brand’s shows, always flawlessly dressed of course.
Though perhaps Dior should be considered the lucky ones to land Rihanna. Aside from already having fronted a Balmain campaign and often being chosen to be the first to sport a new collection, it’s no secret that the “Four Five Seconds” singer is considered a huge deal in fashion. She was named last year’s Fashion Icon at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards — where she donned an unforgettable completely sheer Adam Selman dress — and in November, designer Tom Ford gushed about the Barbadian superstar in his very own blog post.
CARIBBEAN FASHION FOCUS
Posted on February 22, 2015 Leave a Comment
KEISHA ALS
Growing up, Keisha Als never dreamed of becoming a designer. After graduating from St Joseph’s Convent in Port of Spain, she took a year to figure out her career ambitions and was then encouraged by her sister to enroll at UWI, (University of the West Indies) St Augustine. There, she earned a Bachelors degree in Communication Studies with a minor in History, but promptly started training to become a flight attendant as soon as her last exam was over. “While I was at UWI,” she recalled, “I apprenticed for an artist by the name of Paulette Alfred. She really taught me a lot about Carnival costumes and the whole process of creating them because she designed queen costumes for many years.
“Before flying I did a lot of everything – any kind of jobs I could do for extra cash. Working in mas camps, doing lots of odds and ends including, steaming feathers – that was my introduction to the Carnival industry. “I knew that I wanted to do some sort of costume designs; I wanted to be in Carnival, all for my absolute love for carnival…
Als really honed her styling and design skills when she joined a local magazine as a photo-shoot coordinator. Since she had to organize everything including the location of the shoot, clothes and coordinating with models and photographers, she left the magazine with a wealth of experience. “I actually despised the word stylist because I didn’t feel I was qualified enough and you know – who died and made me a stylist? “It took people asking me for advice consistently, or asking for help with their photo-shoots. It was only when I got that outside credibility from people that I felt okay about doing it.” Als has styled singer Michelle Xavier for stage for two years consecutively, done wardrobe selection for Kees Dieffenthaller, designed outfits for Kes’ dancers, styled Anya Ayoung Chee’s bmobile campaign as well as Kimba Sorzano’s “Over You” video. Recently, Als’ Monday Wear designs were added to a new fashion e-commerce website launched by former Miss T&T Universe and Project Runway Season 9 winner, Anya Ayoung Chee. “I first met Anya about three years ago on a photo shoot where we used some of her lingerie designs,” Als said. “We had a good rapport and shared similar passions, so that meeting evolved into a number of smaller collaborations over the years and has now become this — an amazing experience. I’m amazed that she’s created something new — an online store for all things Carnival. And she’s packaged the festival and all its affiliated products in a unique way. I’m definitely happy and proud to be a part of that and I feel like it can only get bigger and better from here on.. Als can definitely identify with the saying that there is no success without failure. “I think that where I am today in terms of costume design is directly related to my failures and disappointments because the Carnival industry is not easy at all,” she stated frankly. “Its a who’s-who kind of thing, it’s about who likes you and who doesn’t like you… I guess it could mirror an international fashion industry setting in that respect. It also has to do with the power players and what they want.” She added that she has had one or two major set-backs and that being a freelance designer who is not affiliated with any one band makes disappointments harder to take. “It’s not just an artistic let down, its also a financial disappointment because costumes are not cheap. It costs way more than the average person may anticipate because you don’t sell a drawing, you sell a prototype. You have to be able to show them how it moves and looks in real life. So, as a freelance designer I have to take it upon myself to buy all the materials, get the different parts made, get a seamstress, wire-bender, whatever the design requires. “Having had quite a few disappointments for a number of years and not getting exactly what I wanted from the efforts I made, I became quite discouraged and a bit depressed. How was I not supposed to feel that way, after spending thousands of dollars and being rejected over and over?
“The good thing is that I don’t ever actually stay down for long.” In bouncing back from her failures, Als stumbled upon a parallel avenue through which she is now channeling her creativity while filling a lucrative niche within the Carnival industry. Her Monday Wear was a result of re-evaluation and good advice from her friend Tiffany , she said, who suggested the line. “I said ok, maybe I’ll just do a few to remain relevant in the industry and it kind of just took on a life of its own.” Now, Als has 19 ready-to-wear designs available and a few custom-made ones in production. For her the feedback has been tremendous… “You know that whole saying that when one door closes, another one opens, well: that’s exactly what this Monday Wear is for me! “It’s so much more fluid – it fits my personality and goes much better with my spirit because its all about me and how I feel and what I like,” she said. “I don’t have to answer to anyone or consult with anyone, its my business totally. The only people that I have to impress are the masqueraders.” For more on Keisha Als, visit http://www.thecanyavalshop.com or e-mail her at: keishals.blue6@gmail.com
DELIA ALLEYNE
Delia Alleyne is a young and upcoming Trinidad & Tobago designer whose work has been building a buzz since she burst onto the scene a few years ago.
Born on the beautiful island of Tobago , Delia Alleyne attended the Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive Secondary School and headed straight for the John Donaldson Technical Institute right after. There she completed her Diploma in Clothing & Textile Technology . “I knew that this is what I wanted to do from a really young age,” she said as she explained her reason for going directly into fashion straight out of high school. After graduating with her diploma , Delia began teaching clothing and textiles to the students at Goodwood High School in Tobago. With all that she had achieved so far, Delia knew in her heart that she could not settle and that she wanted more. She then left her post as a teacher to further her fashion studies at The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design at The University of Trinidad and Tobago pursuing a degree in Fashion Design. It was there that Delia’s talent began capturing the eyes of some of the industry’s top professionals as her unique abilities in design, construction and juxtaposing of textures was paid close attention too. Soon she became the whisper around town and little did she know the impact she would soon have in the fashion industry of Trinidad and Tobago.
Delia has worked with some of the biggest names in the creative industry of Trinidad and Tobago. One of her most known work being with her good friend and colleague Anya Ayoung-Chee who is the season 9 winner of the international runway reality television series Project Runway. Delia became Anya’s sewing tutor for the hit reality series and was very pleased that her efforts with Anya became a worldwide success.
In April 2013, Delia worked with The Callaloo Company (Peter Minshall’s Mas Camp), under the recommendation of Meiling to outfit the cast for a Drew Manor event. In that same month, she showcased at the first installation of Tobago Fashion Coda at the Madgalena Grand Hotel in Tobago.
Steampunk revolution is her first collection since graduating from The University of Trinidad and Tobago. She showcased that line at Tobago Fashion Weekend in May, Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica in June and at CarifestaXI held in Suriname in August of 2013.
Delia Alleyne continues to build her brand in 2014 she showcased at Tobago Fashion Weekend and Caribbean Fashion Week. Her goal for the brand is to become recognizable throughout the Caribbean region and International region.
CHARU LOCHAN DASS
Indian born, Trinidad based fashion designer Charu Lochan Dass started her journey into the world of fashion from an early age as she has always been passionate about art, beauty and fashion. Merging her exquisite skills for painting and sketching and a natural instinct for fashion and style she pursued a degree in Fashion Design and Marketing at the London College of Fashion. After returning from London in 2011, she has dedicated her time and efforts in creating her self entitled brand CLD and making her dream a reality.
CLD – encompasses the essence of an elegant, sophisticated and confident woman. CLD exudes class, brilliance, beauty, elegance, sophistication, poise and sensuality. With the use of fine materials with intricate detail CLD highlights a woman’s silhouette, magnifying femininity.
Her stunning collection is made for the Caribbean woman with a European flair. Her designs, made from silk, chiffon and georgette fabrics (which she sourced from Vanity Fair), feature bold looks that gently nod to the sixties, a period which she admitted to researching. “As a designer you have to do research after choosing your theme. The CLD collection is reminiscent of the classic, chic style of Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
BEAUTIFUL CARIBBEAN WOMEN
Posted on December 29, 2014 Leave a Comment
JOAN SMALLS
One does not simply define the word “supermodel” without Joan Smalls coming into mind. The 26-year-old has been described to have “The perfect face” by Elle magazine.
But what’s most captivating about this Puerto Rican beauty isn’t just her beauty but her story. (Smalls father is from St. Thomas and mother is from Puerto Rico. The model was born and raised in P.R. alongside two similarly stunning sisters…) She has defined all odds to be where she is today.
The model has been using her influence since she left her small town of Hatillo to be a supermodel to rally for the next generation of models of color and the need for people to open up to fashion’s diversity.
The confidence she exhibits on the runway is just enough to tell the real struggles of this simple island girl who had to beat the odds in a highly racial sector. In 2013, she ranked at #8 on Forbes magazine’s “World’s Highest-Paid Models” list. In 2011, she became the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics. In January 2014, Smalls appeared on the “Return of the Supermodel” cover of American Elle.
Smalls has modeled haute couture and ready-to-wear collections for designers and fashion houses such as Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Burberry, Lavin, Missoni, Alexander Wang,Versace, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier, Fendi, Dior, Oscar De La Renta, and DVF. She has appeared in shows for fashion week in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. In 2010, Smalls began modeling for Victoria’s Secret and has appeared in their 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Today, she is proof that despite not having the ‘usual’ model physique and a black skin color – it really don’t matter in the end. She lets her body language do the talking.
JASMINE TOOKES
The white, black, Brazilian, and West Indian Bombshell is a Cali native who was discovered while shopping with her celebrity stylist mom.
She did gymnastics for ten years and was also active in volleyball and softball before she became a model at about the age of 15, when Bruce Weber photographed Tookes for Abercrombie & Fitch. Her first commercial ad campaigns were in 2010 for Ugg boots and Gap. French Vogue named her as one of its 10 New faces from fall/winter 2012-2013 Fashion Week. Her runway experience includes Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Prada, Miu Miu and Versace.
Before breaking out on the international scene, she was booked to a Spring 2011 DKNY campaign and a layout in Vogue Italia. According to Page six of The New York Post, when Oprah Winfrey saw Tookes perform on the catwalk in October 2011 at the “Lincoln Center Presents: An Evening With Ralph Lauren”, Winfrey extolled Tookes’ buttery soft skin and requested that Tookes “Rub your face against mine”
She was one of eleven new models for the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2012, and is now she is the face of Scandalous,
SOOWAN BRAMBLE
Trinidad & Tobago Super Model Soowan Bramble, “The Best Carnival Launch Body” she is also the Recipient of KARIB NATION’S 2014 “AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – RUNWAY & PRINT MODEL”
CHRISHELL STUBBS
Chrishell Stubbs (born January 24, 1992 on the Turks and Caicos Islands) is a young super model. She was discovered at the age of 11 on Hollywood Blvd. at the Pig’n Whistle restaurant. Her big breakthrough came in 2010 and since then she has made a name for herself in shoots for numerous magazines and doing campaigns for fashion brands all over the world.
She has since become the face of United Colors of Benetton and Ralph Lauren.
She has walked the catwalk for names such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Lacoste, Mulberry, Anteprima, Malandrino, Vivienne Westwood, Juan Carlos Obando, Erin Fetherston, Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Steffe, Dennis Basso, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation to name a few.
She appeared in editorials for magazines such as V, Uptown, Teen Vogue, Joey, Arise, Ponytail and Pop. Bloomingdales Catalog,
She’s currently signed with Supreme Model Management in New York, Traffic Models in Madrid/Barcelona, Select Models in London, Modelwerk in Hamburg and with Women Management in Milan and Paris.
NIKETA BARKER
Niketa Barker is two years away from attaining her Degree in Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Guyana. Not all about the books, Niketa is in fact a philanthropist, a children’s advocate and a part time model. This family oriented nature-lover, fashion and pageant enthusiast is the 2014 Miss Guyana Universe Delegate. She has been motivated not only to pursue a prestigious career but also to live everyday as if it were her last. She hopes that when she leaves this world, she leaves nothing short of a legacy in her wake, a legacy that others would be proud to emulate. NIKETA is also the recipient of KARIB NATION’S “AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – Print & Runway Model”
CARIBBEAN FASHION FOCUS
Posted on December 27, 2014 1 Comment
CARNIVAL MONDAY in T&T 2015
Introducing Tobye Carnival Monday Wear Collection 2015
Photographer: Damian Luk Pat, Designs, TOBYE MELISSA GILL
STARDUST MONDAY WEAR by CHANDRA MAHRAJ
Fantasy Carnival
JUNKANOO CARNIVAL IN MAY 2015
Posted on December 4, 2014 Leave a Comment
The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, is a festival that provides an experience showcasing a collage of culture. Additionally, it is a celebration where Bahamians and guests from around the world will be immersed in all things Bahamian. The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival events scheduled to debut in May 2015. (May 7th-9th, 2015) will showcase Junkanoo, Rake -n- Scrape, Arts and Crafts, Bahamian Cuisine, Visual Art, Music, Dance and more.
The Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival season will open from Easter Monday through May 9, 2015 consisting of diverse parties and gatherings leading up to one weekend, four main events: JunkaMania, Midnight Rush, Music Masters, and Road Fever. Bahamas Carnival will be featured in the vicinity of Clifford Park, The Western Esplanade, and Arawak Cay.
The birth of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival emerged from the vision of the Right Hon. Perry Christie, cultural icons, Percy “Vola” Francis and the late Gus Cooper among others, who are passionate about presenting our unique culture and Junkanoo to the world.
As a result, the Bahamas National Festival Commission, (BNFC) was formed in October 2013 with the mandate to stimulate sustainable economic opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Creative Sector throughout The Bahamas, to bring to fruition a new Bahamian-styled Carnival in May of 2015, to stimulate year round employment in the Creative Sector, and to significantly impact the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival is truly the rebirth of culture, tourism and entertainment, in The Bahamas. It will showcase the uniqueness of Junkanoo in a way that is unprecedented, as it is the music and spirit of Junkanoo that drives our carnival.
Roscoe Dames, CEO, BNFC, expressed his excitement at featuring over 27 Bahamian Carnival Companies, who will provide costumes for purchase via the e-commerce site.
The Family Islands will also experience a taste of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival through our support of local cultural events.
Although the roots of the Junkanoo parade remain subject to long and passionate debates, what is agreed is that, after centuries of practice, today’s cultural extravaganzas have become the most entertaining street Carnivals of not only The Bahamas, but also the world at large.
Grand Bahama “Jumps In da Line” in excitement of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival.
On Friday, 17th April 2015, The Music Masters Concert, will be held in Freeport, Grand Bahama where 25 Semi- finalists of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival song competition will perform on stage, to select the 10 finalist. A world class headliner will also be featured.
Saturday, 18th April 2015 – Midnight Rush – 6am – All are invited to “jump in da line” and participate in sweet Junkanoo! This is a rush for the people.
Saturday 18th, 2015– Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival Beach Party – Music, food, and cultural entertainment on display. We invite the world to participate from 11am until.
Nassau Features Four Main Events of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival:
JunkaMania, a grand explosion of Junkanoo Orchestras that you don’t want to miss. It will be featured on May 7, 2015 from 8.00 pm-12.00 am.
The Music Masters Concert – Experience a concert like none other. Music Masters will be held on May 8, 2015 from 8.00 pm-12.00 am. This is the Mega concert that will showcase our 10 song competition finalists who will share the stage with a Grammy award winning artist. Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival sets the stage for Bahamian recording artists to nurture their sound and express themselves in front of a global audience. It will also include an immersive parade on an iconic stage.
Midnight Rush: At this event, the world is invited to feel the “rush” and participate in sweet, sweet Junkanoo. On May 9, 2015, 12.00 am-6.00 am, a Junkanoo rush out will be held at the carnival village following the mega concert.
Road Fever is the main masquerade that will evoke you to let loose in the streets of Nassau on May 9, 2015 from 11.00 am – 8.00 pm! It will be an epic collage of costumes, color and culture on parade.
The word “Carnival” is an international term for a cultural festival. There are over 200 carnivals worldwide. The Bahamas will now be added to the worldwide Carnival destination list. Carnivals are among the largest income generating festivals in the world. Carnival has contributed significantly to increased tourism and economic growth in over 100 cities worldwide.
