T&T Fashion Week–branded as 2TFW–will take place on May 14-22.
"2TFW has grown up as an event from its genesis in the island of Tobago six years ago," said director of Designer Unites Stores (DUS), Ashley Christmas.
Christmas, who is the founder of 2TFW, was speaking at the media launch of 2TFW 2016 at Kaiso Blues Cafe, Newtown, on May 2.
This year, more US and UK designers will be joining their local and regional peers for the one-week happening of workshops and fashion events.
Already on board are US based Tabii Just, Fashion Sixty4 and Bengi Jeans Co; regionally based Beckemberg Cricket Club and KBK (Jamaica); Kathleen Bailey Kreations (St Vincent) and local designers Wadada Movement and Euphoric Designs (Tobago).
2TFW will be offering a Designers Choice Award created by Candice Baccus, director of Simply Runway retail outlet, who is partnering with the fashion promoters.
The winning designer will get to showcase their product at Simply Runway's Grand Bazaar outlet for one month, with the hope of moving into a wholesale contract.
Baccus said her company looks for three main goals in young designers. "As an investor, we look for product viability, an identified niche market and great customer service. We have been working with young designers with the hope that the award will help them transition from runway show to retail market sales."
RBC is sponsoring the fashion workshops. Nicole Duke-Westfield, head of RBC's corporate communications, said that the goal of the workshops is to help designers develop their business acumen to become entrepreneurs.
Ashley Christmas was grateful for having RBC on board for the second year. He was also glad to see that Guardian Media is engaging for the second year, and promised that the final night would be televised live on CNC3 from 8pm on Sunday May 22.
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Itinerary for 2TFW T&T Fashion Week
Theme: Simple Silhouette Sell
May 14: Official launch at Chacacabana Resort & Beach Club, Chaguaramas
May 16 & 17: 2TFW fashion workshops at the RBC Executive Suite, Queen's Park Oval, St Clair
May 20: Simple Silhouettes with a Rose Fashion Show, Pigeon Point Heritage Park, Tobago
May 21: Modern Fashion at Piarco Airport
May 22: 2TFW televised live from Chacacabana Resort & Beach Club