On April 25, the poolside of the Magdalena Grand Resort, Tobago, was transformed into a fashion oasis when, for the first time, DG Events unleashed a fusion of fashion, food and fun, draped in beautiful moonlight against a backdrop of sparkling ocean and swaying palm trees.
Tobago Fashion Coda 2013–First Cut served up gourmet food–courtesy Tobago Hotel and Tourism Institute (THTI)–and eclectic music from the strings of Alternative Quartet to present a line-up of T&T's sultry models sporting high fashion from top local designers.
According to a release, the event, hosted by Angel Journey, was directed by internationally-renowned fashion photographer Calvin French.
The already picturesque venue was turned into a fashion runway, showcasing exciting designs in resort wear, swim wear, jewelry and urban t-shirt styles by well-known fashion houses Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Peter Elias, House of Jaipur and, Tobago's very own, Delia Alleyne.
Monique Nobrega, Sandra Hordatt, Monica Schinkel and Josie-Ann Carrington were also featured.
Male models outfitted by the Saleem Samuel beach wear collection and Converse–the US sneaker brand–showed off lifestyle fashion for the young at heart.
To enhance the already beautiful setting, patrons turned out in white for the affair and a number of well-known and public figures were among the many who graced the event.
The audience included, from the Tobago House of Assembly, Secretary of Health Claudia Groome-Duke and Secretary for Culture Dr Denise Tsoi-A-Fatt Angus and Permanent Secretary Juliana Boodram from the Ministry of Tourism.
Also in attendance was Ted Arthur, well-known Tobago craftsman; Randy Glasgow; Frederick Bowen; Catherine Kumar, chief executive of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry; Carol-Ann Birchwood-James, director of THTI and TDC; Brenda De La Rosa, executive manager at Angostura and Wayne Pierre, chief executive officer of Tobago Hotel and Tourism Institute.
Also present, was the newly appointed general manager of the Magdalena, Howard Spittle, who played a key role in making the event a success.
The Fashion Coda served up a taste of sumptuous, gourmet dishes prepared by students of the THTI including seafood tartlets, crab cakes, cucumber and salmon, Cajun shrimp, carved beef, cod fish cakes, carpaccio, ceviche, tiramisu and chicken kebabs.
The Angostura team with the sensational 1919 Hostesses also served patrons with premium and cocktail poolside including the
signature Coda Cocktail–a delightful concoction of White Oak Rum, Bols Grenadine Syrup, pink grapefruit juice, lime juice, fresh mint leaves and Angostura� orange bitters specially crafted for the event.
After the fashion fiesta, the entertainment segment kicked off with the scintillating sounds of panman Earl Brooks and was quickly followed by patrons grooving to Shurwayne Winchester's Wyne Gyal then showing off their dance moves to Oscar B's Electric Slide.
The beautiful all-round entertainer Princess Adanna also wowed guests with her Adele cover songs.
Tobago Fashion Coda 2013 was streamed live to an audience of more than 500,000 by Carnival TV supported by Advance Dynamics and sponsored by bmobile.
In the release, executive producer for the event, Don Grant, shared his initial feedback: "The response to the event has been overwhelming.
"Thanks to the production team for giving life to a concept which provided a high-quality mix of fashion, food and music at a world-class location."
The event was sponsored by Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago House of Assembly, Caribbean Airlines, Angostura and the Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute.
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