The newly established T&T Guardian Fashion Council fought tooth and typewriter to edit this list of Best Dressed Women in the World 2012. The highly opinionated council members debated and deliberated for hours on who was hot, who was certainly not. Voting on many potential spot holders ended in friendly yet bitter stalemates (and partial offences to some people's taste). How do you define best dressed? Is it the woman who looks good even in jeans and a T-shirt? Or the woman who dazzles ons the red carpet? Was beauty enough for you to make the list or did personal style and swagger mean more? After the smoke of battle cleared, however, the council was able to produce this list. We've included some of the potentials as well (in efforts to keep the council together). Enjoy!
Tessanne Chin - Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin is known for her fusion of rock and reggae. Chin's fusion also translates to her personal style. The young singer is not shy about making changes when it comes to her sense of style. This year alone she's experimented with hair colour - using bold red and blonde highlights - and also edgy haircuts.
Michelle Obama - The US First Lady, whose favourite designers include Michael Kors, Naeem Khan and Jason Wu has been hailed as the most fashionable first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy. She has also become a trendsetter by being photographed in the same outfit more than once and opting for younger, up and coming designers such as Tracy Reese who designed her dress for the Democratic National Convention.
Anya Ayoung Chee - Project Runway Season Nine winner Anya Ayoung Chee brought Caribbean resort wear to the forefront of fashion with her Tobago Love line this year which was well received internationally. The young designer also has a unique and electic style of her own - she mixes stand-out, oversized jewelery with colourful patterns and trendy cuts.
Beyonce - The Grammy-award winning songstress whose featured prominently on many best dressed lists maintained her flawless style both during and after her pregnancy. The young mother was seen in sparkling Roberto Cavalli minis and Dolce & Gabanna evening gowns. Beyonce also remained trendy by wearing both a fringe bang and braids this year.
Viola Davis - Noted actress Viola Davis' TWA (teeny weeny afro) made many heads turn this year. After nearly a lifetime of wigs and relaxed hair, Davis told Anderson Cooper in September: "For me I felt like every time I put on a wig I was apologising for who I was being a dark skinned woman with very curly hair. I felt like I was hiding it." Davis is also lauded for her red carpet wear such as the green tube dress by Vera Wang which she wore to the 2012 Academy Awards.
Sofia Vergara - Actress and entrepreneur Sofia Vergara has a keen sense of style. Even on her most casual days, she still makes the cut. In the Caribbean we may call it cosquel but Vergara's ability to rock multi-coloured clothing and make it look cool, hip and trendy is what got her to designing her own fashion line which is available at Kmart. The line caters to women who like to feel a bit more sexy and flirtatious. The beauty also offers fashion tips on her website sofiavergara.com, and has been ranked one of the world's most sexiest women by countless magazines.
Jeanille Bonterre - This Island girl just knows how to keep it looking fresh-always with a Caribbean touch. The dreadlocks vixen is the face of MTV's Tempo and many other US affiliated Caribbean entertainment networks. Bonterre is not conventional when it comes to fashion. She often opts for that more earth-toned neutral look. Her designs are usually set to reflect Caribbeanism and the many cultures therein.
Jill Scott - Singer and Actress Jill Scott has certainly found a new wave of fashion. Coming from the days of being bare-faced, wearing denim and head wraps. She has evolved into a fashion icon with her various cutting-edge hair-styles and trendy outfits that make full-figured women feel proud and sexy. In a NY Times fashion & style article penned by the diva herself she admitted to loving designer Max Azria's BCBG pencil skirts and caftans. Wearing the vintage Cazals also makes her feel like a rich lady.
Over 50 and trendy - Rosemonde Montano, wife of former President of the Senate Danny Montano, made our list for Over 50 and trendy. Whether she is at the opening of Parliament, a cocktail reception or just a distinguished guest at some function, she manages to always make heads turn with her classy chic style. Known for her array of chapeaux, she often pulls off that 1950's look, reminiscent of the style of former US First Lady Jackie Onassis Kennedy.
Honourable Mentions
Stacey Roopnarine - The Oropouche West MP has a sophisticated collection of business attire that is both youthful and chic. She also made Guardian's list of professionals who, despite their demanding jobs, remained fit and led healthy lifstyles.
Shoes, Shoes and more Shoes
Shoes are any cosmo girl's best friend. The Guardian has chosen two women whom we feel should be awarded for always taking it up a notch when it comes to fashionable, classy and expensive shoes. We salute comedienne Rachel Price and although this may sound a bit incestuous, we've noticed that our Editor-in-Chief Judy Raymond is rather stylish and has marvelous taste in shoes.
Honourable Male Ian "Bunji Garlin" Alvarez - The Viking of Soca recently re-branded his image and gets a nod for his sharp suits and dashing footwear.