Golden Globe Awards 2016 Red Carpet

The Award season has begun and I'm intrigued to see what the choices will be this year. Some go with trend, some vintage and others.... well they go to their own beat. There are the few stars that set the pace and always take center stage no matter what they wear and usually don't disappoint. I usually write my take on the best and the worst but I think I'll just stick to the the ones who wowed.

Emilia Clarke- now I now some of you may raise an eyebrow but hear me out. It's subtle yet dramatic with high neckline and cape and sheer overlay with textured detailing is a modern twist on her character in Game of Thrones. It's so regal and elegant, I love it. What do you think?

Jada Pinkett Smith in and emerald Atelier Versace dress, need I say more as it's all said in the picture.

 All hail Jennifer Lopez. She never fails to hold us in awe of her presence in her yellow Giambattista Valli gown with a cape to add more drama to the flawless look.

Amy Adams in an orange Atelier Versace. Simple yet effective and perfectly fit.

Jenna Dewan Tatum looked absolutely stunning in this Zuhair Murad (one of my favourite designers) navy dress with plunging neckline with just right amount of sparkle and who can resist pockets in an evening gown. 

Lily James in a modern spin of  a Grecian dress by Marchesa.

Zendaya in this intricate tiered,wine coloured gown. The colour complimented her and it was youthful and fresh.

Saoirse Ronan also wore a Grecian number designed by Yves Saint Laurent.

















The Golden Globes really sets the mode for the rest of Award season and the volume was taken up a notch by one or two but it's mostly simple silhouettes with a twist. Though quite a lot played on the romantic side. These are my favourites of the night. What were yours?

Bringing In 2016

2015 was a great year and like all good things they must come to an end. I want us to really take this opportunity to look forward and leave the past in the past. With that being said let us really reflect on who we are today and got through our closets and have an evaluation of what we should keep or give away. No time like the present. There will be new trends and finds for the taking so we might as well make room for it. Keep the tried and true items, the timeless pieces that you can't replace eg. lbd, well tailored blazers, good quality handbags. Go through the jewellery, I assure you there are some things you're going to be over.

The new year is about starting from where you left off with a new frame of mind, ready to take on the world at large (grab it by the horns), make some really difficult decisions of who you want to be and where yo want to be at the end of the year. Make a list of all you want to accomplish this year and cross it off as you go along. With each year that passes we must grow, reform and strive for something. A life is not a life if we stay stagnant and don't follow through with our goals and dreams. Have you made your list? If you haven't I suggest you do it now. Really sit and think and most importantly believe that you can do it. If you don't believe in yourself, who will? Don't let the outside elements change your plans. If you want to learn to paint, be a singer, learn to cook, travel to Greece, whatever it is claim it and if it doesn't happen this year it doesn't mean it never will it just means it's not the right time but once you believe and work toward it, it will happen when it's supposed to. You're never too old, there is always time once you prioritize and believe in yourself, it's as simple as that.
So do a revamp on yourself, your closet and your mindset people. We can do anything.

Jacqueline Durran

Movies, we watch sometimes them with sentiment of some childhood story or hero being brought to life on film, for entertainment, to escape the day to day if just for an hour and have a laugh or two. The there are movies that take you to w whole different realm of art, creativity and intellect.

I was looking forward to Pan to see what angles they'd tell the tale and of course the graphics and as I sat watching the first few minutes it seemed promising and then in walks Hugh Jackman as Black Beard's for his first scene and I was hooked. The ruffled, tiered detailing  at the back,  the armor like body and feathers at neckline and cuff. I was completely mesmerized; the last time I did this was for Alice In Wonderland. I immediately looked up the costume designer and Jacqueline Durran's name came up. The British designer was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume and won a Satelite Award for her work In Pride and Prejudice and also won an Academy award, Oscar,  BAFTA Award and Costume Designers Guild Award for her work in Ana Karenina. Won Costume Designers Guild Award for Atonement and BAFTA Award for Vera Drake. I haven't even mentioned the numerous nominations she's also received. 

A lot of work goes into each film we see no matter how horrible or fantastic it may be, many elements come together to make that movie possible. And as a person who admires fashion and the work that goes into it I always appreciate good costume design. What was the inspiration, the material used and how each piece got fit into the personality of each character casted. 
I'm not quite sure what tribe she got her inspiration from but the beautifully vibrant colours and costumes textured with feathers and yarns was truly sight to see.

RACKEDTT

We've been to Racked events and seen our beloved local designers have their merchandise displayed to be sold. The question is does everyone know Racked and do they know the engine behind the cause and what it's all about? I know I personally had a few questions up in the air so I felt compelled to seek answers to bring awareness to those who've been curious or those who've never heard of RACKED before this post. After all with knowledge comes great power. So I asked one of the founders Ain (pronounced Ah-EEn) Earle a few questions.

Who are the founders of Racked?

Emma Forster-Hiscock of Eenie Meanie Studios,
Ain Earle of The Fashion Arch and DISThink Management
Stephanie Rydle of Creative 25

How did Racked come into being, Why did you start Racked?

RACKED was born out of frustration on the part of the three founders who felt that 
although there is an enormous amount of talent in the growing Trinbagonian fashion
industry, the designers and their products were not always easily accessible to the fashion conscious consumer. There are very successful craft & food markets but nothing that is pure fashion! We wanted to change that.

What is Racked?

RACKED – The Fashion Market is an inclusive shopping experience, exposing emerging and established local fashion and accessories designers and their unique products, all 100% designed and made right here in Trinidad & Tobago, or designed by 
a Trinbagonian and manufactured abroad.

RACKED is an unique shopping experience connecting established and emerging local 
fashion and accessories designers to customers and boutique owners in a profitable and exciting way, with opportunities for direct marketing and retail sales as well as networking with potential clients and retailers. Designers showcase product in a boutique market-style setting that includes both Men’s and Womenswear (children as well), jewellery, bags and accessories. Price points vary with fashion jewellery starting 
at under $100 to fine jewellery retailing at upwards of $1000. Similarly there is locally 
designed and/or made fashion including street, resort, swim and ready-to-wear pieces 
with prices ranging from $250 to upwards of $2000.

What is your vision for Racked, what do you see Racked being in the future?

We see RACKED being bigger! More markets, more designers, more venues and locations.  RACKED in the future can possibly go regional first with markets in varying islands and then even internationally where we can be the umbrella under which designers are represented at tradeshows and expos. We also want to assist with workshops that benefit designers in topics like business management, customer service, quality, exporting etc.

What projects do you have in mind for 2016 that we can look forward to?

We think next year may just see us possibly trying different locations in Trinidad (maybe even Tobago!)

How can we help our fashion industry in Trinidad get to the level it needs to be in your own words?

RACKED aims to help through awareness and even through quality control as we try our best to have a high standard of designers at each of our events and we also try to speak and advise designers who may not have gotten in or even a part of the event with their displays, their product and promotions of their brand. Also through awareness, we try to invite fashion media and boutique owners who will in turn promote the brands as well as foster business relationships where there can be spaces for local wear in various stores and boutiques, respectively.

At a management/holistic level - We need to properly define the industry and all its players. All stakeholders need to be put into various categories (policy maker, implementer, designer, creative/artisan, production, business development/funding, marketing etc.) and understand and respect their category. Not everyone is or should be a part of the fashion industry and that first needs to be understood. Production and quality control needs to be a key and an integral part of the industry as well and more efforts should be made to assist designers with quality production facilities to meet demands.

How We Can Support Local in an Online World

I must admit between the leaving the house, traffic, waiting in lines and all other variables in between it is sometimes a daunting task to get out of the house to shop. Enter "online shopping"; you can search through a store by a scroll and a click away from purchasing and waiting for the items to reach your doorstep is like Christmas throughout the year.
As easy and alluring as this option may be it hurts our local economy and well the environment but that's a totally other conversation. I for one love unique pieces and I am aware that we may not all be able to afford local designers or so it may seem but there are so many ways to support our fellow designers/talents. Go to their events, word of mouth is all a way to support. Knowing all the work and love that goes into our local branded designers and how they try to reach us (the consumer) to get what they are trying to say and also what they are trying to do  which is make a fashion industry for Trinidad and not only that, one that will stand the test of time. In order for that to be achieved and for Trinidad to have a voice in the fashion world our local talents need support. 
 So here is my little contribution: 

ADRIAN FOSTER
I can gush about this man's talent for days because he is. Super clean aesthetic, minimal elegance. He showed his 2014 collection in New York Fashion Week and you can find him at the shop @Normandie 

CHARU LOCHAN DASS
Flowy, femine, upscale are words that come to mind with CLD. Seasoned in retail she really understands the wants and needs of her clientele. Her collections are often inspired by powerful women figures which makes her design all the more likeable. Her woman is confident and knows what she wants and looks fierce doing it. She's shown in Amsterdam fashion week, New York fashion week and is a force to be reckoned with.

DELIA ALLEYNE
Her thorough knowledge of construction shows in her superbly executed pieces. It's quirky but sleek black and white with bursts of colour. Her Let's Paint! Full collection was shown in New York on The Fashion Gallery New York Fashion Gallery Platform. A tip of the iceberg of her endless talent. You can also find her at The Shop @ Normandie

HAUTE SAVAGE
Jewellery made for the girl who likes that one piece of jewellery she wears with everything. She's bold and assertive but totally lovable. You can feel the love and sentiment behind each piece. In sharp shapes and jagged edges that can only be explained as Haute Savage.

LISA SEE TAI
Remember the name as she just signed in collaboration with 212 location. It's the aesthetic that's sexy with elements of one of the guys that any girl can appreciate in her closet. 

LUSH KINGDOM
Prints, prints, prints. Bold, vibrant and graphic. James Hackett's years or art and graphic design isn't held back in his fabrics. The imaginative story behind the design of each collection that tells a story in each like a beloved series that has you at the edge of your seat waiting to see whats the outcome in the next. Check out his work @BlueBasin and see for yourself.  

STUDIO ANGELIQUE 
Unique hand crafted jewellery in gold and silver with real semiprecious stones, her creations are really something to own and hand down to your children. From necklaces, to midi rings and bracelets. Her years of graphic design only enhances her approach to design. From her collaboration with CLD for her KIS collection you can also find her work showcased at CLD.

SEW LISA
Designs both children and women's clothing- her prints are a subtle nod to the Caribbean showing her creative and unique approach to the easy laid back attire of the people but in a very approachable way. As a mom I can totally relate to her aesthetic (the chic version of put on and out the door). Found @BlueBasin
Which brings me to another favourite of mine

SHOP SHARI
From her ingenious fabric jewellery to her shift dresses with pockets (i love pockets btw) to her maxis and the list goes on. She also approaches design in an easy going aesthetic but with vibrant pops of colour and geometric and tribal prints. She's also collaborating with Anya Ayoung-Chee for Lost Tribe Carnival. Found @nomorefashionvictims @shopshari

TURTLE WARRIOR
Jewellery for a cause to keep the nesting grounds of the leatherback turtle to make a difference and change the path of their extinction. The beads are made from the discarded bottles found in these areas and money made from items is put right back into the project.

WADADA MOVEMENT
The quintessential island girl in African prints and more that make for good statement pieces in your wardrobe. Easy going and sexy, founded by the Wadada twins and right on the Avenue.

Now this list isn't the tip of the iceberg of the many talented designers there are out there in our beloved Trinidad and Tobago but you get where I'm coming from. If you're really interested in supporting our locals they can sometimes be found from UpMarket to Racked, Fashion Focus events and now Magazine and lots more keep in touch with events on Facebook. When you go to the events you find the new and upcoming with the seasoned designers showcasing their work and you can't help but fall in love with each designer's designs and mix and matching them in your head with what's in you closet.
From going to these events I have met a few of the designers personally and they are all hard workers, passionate about what they do, just like Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Kate Spade etc. we can give our locals a fighting chance to make a name for themselves and our country in an unforgiving industry. They make wonderful gifts (as Christmas is around the corner).

The Trend Fashion Show 212 location & Blaanix

Last night was "The Trend", held at the Cascadia Hotel and I must applaud Yosiaha Fletcher for his innovative idea of hosting such an event inviting both elite and the people that shop at his store. It really would spread great word of mouth of the covetable pieces that walked the runway. It was a theme of khaki, navy, olive green and white with pops of pale greens and light blues. Ladies ensembles were accessorized with wrap around belts and halter suspender belts. The women's looks were a collection of resort chic with over-sized shirt dresses, full skirts, flowy high low skirts, crisp button down shirts, high waisted pants and was topped of with lace tops and sheer skirts if your head is spinning with oooos and ahs well so was mine from graphics print tops and dresses to simple knit dresses it had something for ever taste and every occasion. For this season I really suggest you go check them out before all the good stuff is gone in your size because everyone was buzzing at the nights end. It was however a bit difficult to see shoes in detail but form what I did see they were cute and of variable styles I don't know if they had any but if they didn't I would have liked to see some mules as they are on trend this season and would pair so well with a lot of the styles put together.

I will end this note by saying if you want to see pictures of show check out Bain Photography this week and judge for your self. I think more boutiques should have shows like this to showcase how pieces hang on a real person, how it can be styled to help the customer envision themselves in the day to day items. It made me want to buy a lot more than I would have if I just saw it on a hanger. Fantastic job, Fantastic marketing.
Photos courtesy Bain Photography 

5 Steps To Revamp Your Wardrobe

" I have nothing to wear." A statement used by women quite often. Whether your closet is stock full of scarcely clad there are ways around this. Here are 5 steps to help through this whether you're on a budget or can't buy any new clothes for a while or are looking for somethings but don't know where to start.

1) Organization:
It's simple enough to say but not so much to do. We're either one of the two a clothing hoarder or the one who throws it all out if we're not using it anymore. So take a weekend to go through your wardrobe and place them into sections 1. the need pile 2. the want (love) pile 3. haven't worn in ages but still love it 4. haven't worn in ages and have no intentions of wearing (a what was I thinking item). Section your clothes in your closet in half the going out half and the work out and at home clothes half. In the going out half section it into dresses, tops, skirts and pants that way it's all there in view. That way it's all in reach

2) Pre-Plan
I'm not one to pre-plan much but there is a pressure to finding and outfit in short notice, So one day when you have spare time pair your clothing together for a complete look for different occasions that way it's just a pull and go.

3) Buy With your Existing Wardrobe In Mind
Yeah I know ladies that's easier said than done but it does help BUILD your wardrobe instead of have these random pieces that don't go together. So let me give you an example you have high waisted jeans or trousers you buy tops that complement that i.e crop tops, high low tops. Or things that change up the look of a dress like the shoes a simple slip dress can change with boots for an edgy look or sandals for a laid back look, or a motor jacket, cardigan well you get it.

4) UpCycling/DIY:
An old item can have new life with a few alterations or a little imagination. An old sweater can come to life with a little beading, blouses into crop tops. Let's just say youtube is a worldwind of ideas in that department so utilize it.
I love to see a skirt or dress in Topshop or, on the runway and see that it's simple enough to make and source a fabric and make it myself. As I said there are so many tutorials nowadays that show you how to make just about anything, you can even source a pattern online close enough or exactly what you want and as another option for a fraction of the cost. But NEVER give yourself limitations, there's ALWAYS a way

5)Buy Timelessly
The saying "quality over quantity" is your gold nugget of advice. Buying too much into a trend can leave your wardrobe less to be desired when the season ends. I always say, buying because it's a trend is NEVER a good idea, it usually ends up in buyer remorse. If you really like the piece and see the longevity of it by all means go ahead. Case and point the gladiator sandal/shoe, boyfriend anything. When shopping you should keep in mind a piece you can wear 3 years down the road e.g a well tailored blazer, a little black dress. If you're going to splurge on an item let it be a no frills no fuss item (blank canvas) that can be transformed through styling.

Don't get me wrong you can buy the cheap stuff; mixing an matching brand names with vintage or diy is what makes a real fashionista. So the next time you hear yourself saying "I have nothing to wear remember these steps. A little imagination goes a long way, have fun with it, pair different prints, pair unlikely pieces you may surprise yourself as to how in tune with fashion you are.
xoxo