Fashion Fever heats up Paria Suite

It was fashion fever at Paria Suite Hotel as some of the hottest and most vibrant designers showcased their talent at the sixth edition of the San Fernando Fashion Week. This year’s theme, Passion for Fashion, proved to be true as more than 25 beautiful models from around the country graced the runway at the hotel’s Mediterranean Ballroom last Sunday. Public relations officer for the event, Joselle Savoury, conveyed the ultimate purpose of the event, saying it was blueprinted to open the public’s eyes to what the local fashion industry had to offer. “We want to move forward in the fashion industry and we want greater cohesiveness between our designers and retailers,” Savoury said.

Young talent
The show was organised by Simpli Smooth Production under the leadership of one of south’s young and talented forerunner in the industry, Derron Attz. The production featured local, regional and international designers gathering on one stage. Savoury said the foreign designers’ main purpose at the event was to create an opportunity for the local designers to get their products into the international market. The show was hosted by one of south’s top designers, Jackie Koon How, and created a fantasy. For the first time fashion lovers experienced Meiling’s all white collection of Grand Rivere, which was inspired by the idyllic village in the northern range of Trinidad. The collection, a study of serenity and romance, related to the famed Jean Michael Cazabon paintings.

Former Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe, Anya Ayoung Chee, served up her third breathtaking and skin-revealing line-up entitled, Pillar. The sultry outfits continued to show off the young artist’s play with tribal influences. The collection was accentuated with Navatto prints on a mixture of fabrics, from natural cotton to silk. Guyana’s Carol Frazer’s Aquamarine collection displayed innovation and modern day style. Influenced by her country’s cascading waterfalls, murky rivers and flora, it projected vibrancy of the Caribbean. Canada’s Passion Fruit bikini collection created a real tropical reverie with high fashion beachwear. The bikini, with its glossy textures and smooth fits, was eye bubbling for patrons.

Paradise Bikini’ added that Caribbean flare to the show, while Geopa’s children collection was exciting with a wonderful array of colour. Peter Elias displayed his resort section, along with Akeel Williams’ Karmelo Kouture and Nigel Eastman hand painted designs. Other featured designers on the runway included, Heather Jones, David Rolle Juliet Bernard, Samuel Saleem Derron Attz, Toxic Boutique and Designer Look.