Lone brown feather dangling from her ear, Anya Ayoung-Chee, Project Runway 2011 winner, strode into a conference room at Carlton Savannah Hotel, St Ann's yesterday. She sat beside her mother, chairman of Tallman Foundation Michelle Ayoung-Chee. Joining her were her brothers Yves, Wil and Ben who were still basking in the afterglow of their beloved sibling's victory in the US. Gushing gratitude, Ayoung-Chee thanked everyone who had supported her bid in the competitive fashion industry. She even declared the most rewarding experience was people from all over the world supporting and encouraging her. She said: "I want to say thanks to the people of T&T for all their love and support. I want to say thanks to all the people who voted and sat in front of their TVs religiously every Thursday whether they had an interest in fashion or not."
She added, "Some of you sent email and messages of congratulations through my brothers. I want to thank members of the corporate sector and the PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar for her help in developing the fashion industry in T&T. I thank everyone for treating my family and I with tremendous amount of love and respect." As Ayoung-Chee fielded questions from journalists, her voice cracked with emotion when she heard the words "the entire Caribbean is behind you". She said: "I had no idea. I had already signed. I didn't think anybody was paying attention. I just went crazy. We made a point of branding T&T. The Caribbean is entrenched in me." When she learned De Fosto had penned a tribute (Anya) to her and was excited about serenading her, she said: "I would be honoured. I love De Fosto. I think it's amazing. I have always gone to calypso tents."
Sold T&T in London
Having sold T&T in London at the World Travel Market, in the company of greats like ace cricketer Brian Lara and star footballer Dwight Yorke, Ayoung-Chee waxed warm about the penultimate day which featured infectious sounds of steelband accompanied by tassa drumming. In Trini twang, she said: "We mash up the place. My passion for my culture and my heritage was reignited."
Anya's fashion industry tips
• Create a micro finance programme for young creatives; calls upon creatives to join her in mentorship programme
• Buyers and international press must be present at fashion shows to add value, perpetuate industry
• Marriage of fashion and tourism is a fruitful and exponentially beneficial one
• Need to increase and expand manufacturing sector, "Made In T&T" label
• Laments not many factories can support the quantity of production
• Seamstresses and pattern makers have an integral role