Fashion Fridays: Tobago Fashion Weekend 2014

Words by Tishanna Williams, Photo by Andros 1978—

“Stone Pussy Dressed” is a long-ago Tobagonian phrase used to describe someone dressed either elaborately (bright colors, uber accessorised), or whose fashion choices are so stylish they stands out and above the crowd. And with the heads of Tobago Fashion Weekend (TFW) deciding to use “SPD Redefined” as the theme for this year’s event, we just had to hop over and check it out.

Regional and international designers have already begun arriving and getting their lines set for the biggest annual fashion showcase in Trinidad and Tobago. The group spearheading this event, Designers United Stores, have stepped their game up and shown they are not afraid of going hard outside the box when it comes to putting together a stellar weekend of style.

Running from today through Sunday the 18th, on Milford Road in the island’s capital of Scarborough, TFW will not only show off local designers’ latest collections but also the best of that renowned Tobago hospitality and nightlife. Notable expected guests include Destra Garcia, Kimba Sorzano, famed editorial blogger Claire Siobhan Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily, and the Vi-King and Queen, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez.

Now, you know we couldn’t leave you without a little insight into the lines we are excited to see. Check out our picks for the top three designers at TFW 2014.

WADADA MOVEMENT/HOUSE OF WADADA

House of Wadada twins Asha and Ayanna Diaz are also key players in the Trinibagonian reggae scene—they run the reggae station, Wadadaradio.com. Their fashion line, Wadada Movement, has shown at some major regional and US shows including Caribbean Fashion Week and Tobago Fashion Weekend in 2012 and 2013, PLITZS New York Fashion Week 2013 and Style Spirit in 2013. Their TFW 2014 contribution, entitled ‘Wadada Lifestyle’, is true to the flowing, chic, royal-inspired style aesthetic that’s their trademark, fusing tapestry prints and corduroy in a symbolic representation of their free-spirited lifestyle. Their distinct style is also apparent in a line of leather accessories designed by partner Kevin Reis, seen above, and their previous Royal Princess Collection seen on page one.

DAWW CREATIONS


DAWW Creations (DAWW= Distinguished Attitude When Wearing) has been around since 2003, doing big things in menswear. We know nothing looks better on a man than a well-made suit and designer Marlon George is making sure that we ladies have nothing to complain about when it comes to the fellas looking GOOD. His most recent showings include PLITZS New York Fashion Week 2013 and Barbados Fashion Week 2013. Trini to the bone, his new collection is entitled 1-868 which he describes as “myth and material reinterpreted” and a “celebration of our history, redefining ourselves, communicating our experience with colourful tapestry intricately stitched together to connect with the world” is making its debut at TFW before hitting heading out for regional and international showings.

DELIA ALLEYNE

Model Diana Quashie in Delia Alleyne. Photo: David E. Fraser

When you’re being credited with tutoring big names such as Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung-Chee before you even graduate from design school, you’re sure to be a must-see at any fashion event you attend. Delia Alleyne is a young and upcoming Trinidad & Tobago designer whose work has been building a buzz since she burst onto the scene a few years ago. “Steampunk Revolution,” her first collection after graduating from The University of Trinidad and Tobago, showcased at Tobago Fashion Weekend last May, Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica in June and at Carifesta XI in Suriname in August. Delia Alleyne is building a serious brand— we can’t wait to see what she has in store with her Spring/Summer collection this weekend.