I was in Nassau, Bahamas for four days last week and I had the time of my life. I didn’t do much culturally as I wanted but still the trip was fun. I attended the annual conference for PANCAP. PANCAP is the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP). Its main objective is to become a regional umbrella organisation that brings together national HIV programmes with international and regional organisations involved in the fight against AIDS in the Caribbean.
That conference was very enlightening. I thought I’d share some of my notes as I observed the proceedings as an official Observer.
Dr Robert Carr
Later that evening, I attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 Caribbean HIV Conference where I had an amazing time. There were some emotional moments but all in all, the evening went well. At the opening ceremony they presented Dr. Robert Carr with a PANCAP award. Dr. Carr, a former Executive Director of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life and founder of Caribbean Vulnerable Communities dedicated his live to human rights and HIV. Dr. Carr was not able to accept his award, he died earlier this year. It’s his story and many other activists who have inspired me not to remain silent. We have one life to live and we ought to use this opportunity to make our world a better place.
And this is a perfect transition to introduce the video below. It features Sheryl Lee Ralph who delivered an emotional, entertaining and inspiring speech at the conference. The biggest take away is that we can’t remain silent on ‘this thing’ called HIV. It’s not a gay issue, its our issue and people are hurting. Watch the video when you have some time.
Sheryl Lee Ralph at HIV Conference in Bahamas
Music – Junkanoo Band
During my stay in Nassau, I kept saying I would like to see the communities. I had the chance to drive through one of their wealthy – upper class communities. Think Florida, that’s how it looked. No gates, luxury cars parked in front of the homes, modern designs and opulence everywhere. I would love to return to the Bahamas. I don’t know if I could live there though – that’s another discussion. I enjoyed every bit of my time and when you have the option, spend some time in the Bahamas.
Driving in Bahamas
I will be blogging on other aspects of my time in the Bahamas. I can’t wait.
I’m back with the Magazine Mountain the June 2011 Edition.
The magazine on the left is Made In Brazil, they cover Brazilian models in the fashion industry. It is interesting to see how a brand can be at the forefront of promoting their own models. However, it’s more than promoting models they (models) have to bring something different to the table and the Brazilians models do.
Could Jamaica do something like this? Sure.
Here are my favourite editorials from the magazine.
Vogue US
American GQ
Based on the magazine stand for the month of July it seems competitive. Essence has Beyonce on the cover with an editorial from our own Jaunel McKenzie inside. It should be interesting if I get any this month.
What did you buy?
Photo credits:
Hello,
Welcome to Day Two coverage of Milan Fashion Week 2011. The fashionisto’s continue to strut on the runway with bigger designers covering the second day. Day two featured the likes of Bottega Veneta, Emporio Armani, Ermanno Scervino, Salvatore Ferragamo, Pringle of Scotland, Vivienne Westwood, Calvin Klein Collection, Trussardi, Prada, Moncler Gamme Bleu and Missoni. Below you will find the designers that presented their collections along with my favourite pieces (photos) and video.
Bottega Veneta
>> I liked the colours from this collection in addition to the prints on the pants. There were two shirts in particular that caught my attenion, cardigan in nature but it was designed like a simple long sleeve shirt.
Emporio Armani
>>>this was not the most playful collection but it had some good inspirational moments.
Pringle of Scotland
Vivienne Westwood
>>>If you are planning to be at the London 2012 Olympics then watching this collection should be important. I think magazines will feature pieces from this collection. Why? It will be all about London in 2012.
Calvin Klein Collection
>>>Anytime I see a collection by Calvin Klein the word that comes to mind is ‘clinical’. Why? That’s the word André Leon Talley used in the Vogue September Issue film. I liked the first photo shown below, all black.
Trussardi
>>>if you are ever traveling, looking like the pieces in the Trussardi collection should be the aim. It showcased how fashionable people dress when they travel to the tee, from one end of the spectrum to the next.
Prada
>>>the fashion world is looking to the fashion house as they dominate from the runway to the magazines. What was interesting to observe is how many persons were photographed in Prada pieces from the previous collection this season. That will be the case with this collection. The shirts are to die for and lets not mention the pants.
Moncler Gamme Bleu
>>>personally more stripes the better…and white you can’t go wrong. Lovely collection.
Missoni
>>this will have to be my favourite collection of day two. Every piece down the runway was a winner, designed with the chic guy in mind.
Black models on the runway
Day two featured 32 black models walking the runway, a good number if you ask me.
What’s going on? After chilling with Caribbean Fashion Week in Kingston, Jamaica for the weekend we hop over to Italy to celebrate with some brilliant European designers as they present men’s collections for Summer 2012. Because of the time difference I am not able to catch the first few shows of the day live but I do try my best to watch the others streaming live on the internet. As usual we cater to everything on my blog. So, why not exhale and enjoy some high fashion. Sure, it may not be your cup of tea but it may inspire what you wear next. If it is your cup of tea, sip slowly. 
For the next three days, I will try my best to showcase the best pieces from each collection. The photos chosen are based on my personal taste, what’s relevant to our region and also what is chic for our time. The collections shown on Day 1 were inspiring. One in particular presented the same old palette and concepts, but threw in something new here and there. Corneliani This was the first collection of Day 1. I particularly liked the subdued colours in the collection with the ultra chic scarf that helped to make the pieces pop. The looks seemed simple with an emphasis on comfort which is so important to male consumers.
Jil Sander I liked Jil Sander’s tops in the collection. The closer the fit the better. Burberry Prorsum Fashion lovers will appreciate Burberry Prorsum’s collection over the others that presented on Day1. I did. The collection had more flare, more colours, more design, more variety, more style, more drama. I think this is the collection to beat on magazines stands because I could see this in fashion spreads in the magazine in the coming months. I can’t wait. The shirts with the patterns (squares/triangles), to the cool jackets; there’s hardly anything to hate about being Burberry. For the first time in a long time, I think Burberry Prorsum went outside the box in terms of colours and designs. In a small way it reminds me of Prada. (Did I just say that? But seriously… the colours did). John Varvatos Roberto Cavalli Roberto Cavalli is for the brave male that will take the risk with an outfit. I liked his collection, the use of bold colours and his emphasis on prints will never go. We <3 (heart) it. Neil Barrett If pop-rock edge is your fashion forte, then you will be pleased with this collection. I liked the bold, cool prints they presented. Black models on the runway I appreciate a black model on the runway. Nothing is better than enjoying an attractive, tall model of African decent strutting down a runway, walking with hips swaying from side to side or like a fierce robot.:) Of the 11 shows presented today, and the 10 shows featured on this blog post only 5 were black models. Is there space for more? My count could be incorrect, but I am positive I’m not off by much. I am not implying that casting directors and designers must stray from their story to include a model of a particular race. However, if models of minority race can be accommodated in a fashion show, they should be. It’s not only right but it’s also fair. Besides, minus hunting walrus in the arctic or shepherding in the highlands of Scotland, how many fashion contexts exclude black people in 2011? Virtually none as we’re everywhere at all levels doing just about everything you can fathom. Casting and
Black models on the runway at Milan Fashion Week - Day One
I can’t wait to see the others: Prada, Calvin Clein, Emporio Armani and more are in the wings waiting and I want to dream again tomorrow. Catch me then…
Photo Credit http://hommemodel.blogspot.com/
This year marked my first time attending Caribbean Fashion Week. My perception of the premiere fashion week event of the Caribbean had me leaving with mixed feelings. Images of fashionistas strutting about, the best pieces on the runway, perhaps some intimidating, with the very important people. I got the latter correct, very important people were present to welcome the local and internationals models on the runway; not the white CFW followers are accustomed to.
We’re back with a round up of what went down the then white runway now turned black at the recently closed Caribbean Fashion Week. Did you read Carolyn Cooper’s commentary in the Sunday Gleaner talking about another recently held Caribbean Fashion Week in New York? Yes there is. It was shocking to me. In the week prior to reading the article I YouTubed Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) searching for the newest videos and I saw the New York shows. I didn’t think much of it. Apparently, it struck deeper roots with Carolyn Cooper, the sister of the boss for Caribbean Fashion Week, Kingsley Cooper.
I attended Friday night – Day 1 by some divine intervention and I enjoyed myself for the most part. I still cannot believe that after planning the event for 11 years Pulse still has not gotten it right. Lets clock some tees.
Let me start out by saying that I support people receiving employment. I am all for people stepping up the corporate ladder. I have come to know some people that have been fortunate to work on this Pulse – Caribbean Fashion Week event. And I tell you, they know nothing about planning fashion shows. They know nothing about production but they are lucky, some even brag that they worked on such an event. I would too. That is the problem with this Pulse production, they underestimate their audience. Recollecting my thoughts from Friday night I am still upset for the persons that would have paid $9000 to see the show. Simple things like timing for the collections were off. That is ensuring models are on the runway. At one point there was a finale in the middle of a collection. This is not a primary school fashion show, this is the noted and well celebrated, international event called Caribbean Fashion Week.
When did the fashion industry stop including finales in their shows? Because the last time I checked each show should have an announcement (the next collection), and a finale with the designer. I blame some of the designers as well. The purpose of having the designer appear on the runway serves many purposes. One is to show their gratitude, to say thank you for accepting the line and secondly it also serves as a photo opp for the media. That is the reason you walk the entire runway. It is customary that designers walk with a statement piece from the collection. Some designers walked away from the piece, some never walked. Sigh.
This is the event people in Kingston brag about attending. Dressed in their finest but surrounded by travesty. I took the time to read the CFW magazine for 2011. Towards the back of the magazine it features the production team. The magazine said:
I do not have a problem with anyone producing a 4-H show but in some ways it reflects the thinking of Pulse in keeping up with international trends as it relates to planning a fashion week.
Pulse also provided booths for companies that bought space of course. However, the entire area was not well lit. Who is going over to look at booths that are in darkness? God bless the companies that participated because some of them would have wasted their investment. Won’t call any names! Bad decision.
What went right?
I liked the lighting and the black runway. However, couldn’t someone clean the runway?
Look at the runway.
I remember interviewing Novia McDonald-Whyte for this blog and hear her say “Excellence is in the details.” I’ve never forgotten those words because they are true.
WOW! Amid all of that, the runway was brought to life with some awesome designs that provided inspiration and also some cheers from the audience. I will feature some of the hottest pieces from the collections at Caribbean Fashion Week 2011.
Don’t you like the piece on the left? <3
Watch the video below as Arlene (designer – Drenna Luna) talks about the collection.
Mushroom Collection 2011
I liked the pieces from Mushroom. I thought they were sexy and the colours were bright, just what the Brazilians ordered for the beach. Can’t the men wear shorter trunks though? Just troubling you!
Mushroom Collection 2011
Thank God for abs, right?
JAHTAXREME Collection 2011
JAHTAXTREME Collection 2011
Mutamba Collection 2011
My favourite piece from the Mutamba collection is the photo in the middle.
Photos from Infuzion.Inc
After watching numerous lines premiering their collections down the runway on Friday at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Tanya Stephens and dancehall sensation Mavado gave entertaining performances to close Day One of CFW 2011. For the next few days I will highlight some of the collections and designers that showed at the recently concluded fashion event in Kingston, Jamaica.
This is not the full Mavado performance as my battery went during his set. 
I was recording all night though. Watch part of his performance below followed by Tanya Stephens.
The entertainment package at Caribbean Fashion Week should have been presented in the 5 minute breaks that were announced. After all, the 5 minute breaks turned into 30 minute intervals which made the entire night long and tiresome. The show was slated to start at 7 pm and at minutes to 1 am it was not over. Mind you, I had to leave early, my bed beckoned. A long show but it had entertaining moments throughout.
Photography: Green Lizard sighting
When last have you seen a green lizard?
Don’t be scared, it’s only a photograph but these certainly capture a green lizard and many can see why people are so scared of them.
Scoliodentosaurophobia – that is the word for the fear of lizards.
Photo Credits: Craig Bloomfield
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