Last Sunday evening, in spite of the heavy rainfall, flash flooding and landslides, I was shocked to see that the arranged seating area at the Woodbrook Youth Facility for Red Runway was filled. It was as though patrons were in fashion heaven. Every- one was bubbling with excitement waiting to see the latest designs our local designers had to offer, and, more so, the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) Bachelor of Fine Art Design students. Red Runway Trinidad and Tobago is a fashion show that features emerging fashion talent from T&T. Students from UTT's Fashion Academy also headlined with established fashion designers and newcomers.
The show was well put together, thanks to executive producers Keron Ward and Dale Ichigo Hosten, and the creative directorship of Christoper Nathan. There were many creative pieces on display, from hand-painted designs to knitted swimsuits, and of course, the traditional cottons, linens and suiting materials. Among the participating designers were Anthony Reid for Meling, Shaun Griffith Perez, Christian Boucaud Designs, Kiran K, the Art of Wear, El Designs, Stacey Smith Designs, Anthony Reid Fashion House, the Fan Club of MovieTowne, Off the Hook and Charter House.
These, along with Sharon Christopher, Mark Eastman, Charmaine Charles and Curlene Charles Roberson of the UTT Fashion Academy, proved that they could produce fashionable clothing for the local and Caribbean market, as well as Paris, France and the United States. The UTT students' offering showed that their versatility, style and knowledge of fashion and the industry, could rival both the local and international markets. To accent the clothes were accessories by Koko Karibi Designs Kokobi, with make-up provided by Sacha Cosmetics. The sponsors of this event were Carlton Savannah, Red Bull, Coco Velvet International Fashion Management, and UTT.