Focus on Fashion
BTVI design graduate creates chic outfit for Miss World Bahamas - Dec 14, 2016 - 11:59:06 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - In the beauty pageant world, an unspoken competition begins before contestants ever hit the stage. From the moment a contestant touches down at the airport of the host country, she is already being sized up. Hence, what she wears offstage should be equally as impressive.

Presently, Miss World Bahamas, Ashley Hamilton is in Washington DC, where she is competing for the Miss World pageant to be held on the 18th December. She will be competing against 116 contestants. Her wardrobe and costume were unveiled by the Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) during a presentation at the Serenity Club House, Lyford Cay Road...

Columns : Style Drama - Edward Quan
Simon Barth Couture: Dark Seduction 2016 - Dec 9, 2016 - 12:35:01 AM

When he showcased his first collect at Berlin Fashion Week nearly ten years ago, Simon Barth realized he didn’t quite fit in with the minimalist aesthetic of the German fashion scene. The fact is Barth lives for creating intricate embroidered haute couture dresses and, in 2013, the German-born designer moved to Vienna, Austria where today he is handcrafting exquisite floor-length evening dresses for the women of the Viennese ball.

Steeped with aristocratic tradition and home to the most extravagant and romantic balls you will find anywhere in the world, Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest capital cities. During ball season, which begins each winter and runs until Ash Wednesday...

Focus on Fashion
Bahamian footwear and accessories line launches Kickstarter funding campaign - Nov 18, 2016 - 12:30:09 AM

Nassau, Bahamas - Haus of Assembly, HOA takes a modern approach to Bahamian heritage by infusing the color and intricate beauty of The Bahamas Islands into art-like footwear. With its classic espadrille style, Haus of Assembly seeks to create a lifestyle brand focused on accessories and footwear inspired by all aspects of Bahamian culture.

The name Haus of Assembly, pronounced “House” stems from the brand’s desire to have social and cultural effect on the style, quality and authenticity of being unapologetically Bahamian...

Focus on Fashion
Fashion Inspired by Our Ocean's Fragile Ecosystems: The Empty Ocean Series - Nov 17, 2016 - 10:29:04 PM

"The conservation of our oceans is close to my heart," says Perth-based Australian eco fashion designer and visual artist,  Zuhal Kuvan-Mills, "especially after my encounter with whales on the Southern Oceans a few years ago in Albany, Western Australia.  It is a memory that is embedded into my soul."

As an environmental activist, designer and artist Kuvan-Mills believes art and fashion impact our emotions and can move us to value our blue planet. She is the ambassador for Green Embassy, Australia’s first internationally recognised organic fashion label...

Arts & Culture
Grand Bahama artist expands to wearable art - Nov 17, 2016 - 1:43:09 PM

Claudette Dean of Freeport, Grand Bahama island is a published artist, poet and writer. She has held many solo exhibits and has participated in many local and international group exhibits. She works primarily in oil and mixed media.

Recently Dean has announced the launch of a new product line that features her fine art. She has partnered with VIDA who have placed her work on handbags, scarves, shawls, and cushions...

Focus on Fashion
Handbags Made with a Social Conscience - Nov 16, 2016 - 3:02:45 PM

Bridgetown, BARBADOS -  The issue of replica handbags and other goods is a significant problem for designers and the industry as a whole. Whilst it is doubtful that this practice will cease, it is encouraging when authentic luxury products are discovered that are ethically produced in a conscious social manner.

A number of such companies exist within the Caribbean, and two highly distinguished hand-produced bag companies MayaBags® from Belize, and REECII from the twin islands St. Kitts and Nevis, should be justly highlighted as examples to all.
MayaBags® is a handmade, design-driven women’s accessories collection, of purses and items for the home inspired bynature and crafted with the artisanal skills...

Columns : Style Drama - Edward Quan
Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style - Nov 11, 2016 - 10:26:50 AM

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM)’s exhibition Yves Saint Laurent: The Perfection of Style offers a unique retrospective of the work of one of the most influential French haute couture designers of our era.

The exhibition takes visitors through Saint Laurent’s legendary career and reveals both his artistic genius and his creative process as an haute couture designer. On display at SAM is an exemplary collection of 110 ensembles, many of which have never been shown in public before, showcasing the tremendous achievements of his 44-years in the fashion industry...

News : International : Caribbean News
Design Caribbean to Pop-Up in Camden London - Nov 8, 2016 - 11:41:40 AM

Bridgetown, BARBADOS - Design Caribbean will be popping up in Camden Market, one of London’s most sought-after shopping areas for those looking for an eclectic mix of unique gifts and hand-crafted products, from November 24-28, 2016.

The Design Caribbean Pop-Up Shop will be the home for six regional firms as they present their range of diverse products to trade and consumers.  Located in the historic former Pickfords Stables, Camden Market is the ideal setting and opportunity for visitors to see a collection of the Caribbean’s leading contemporary designers, who use indigenous techniques to create contemporary products...

Focus on Fashion
Bahamas Fashion hits Facebook - Sep 4, 2016 - 12:01:42 AM

With Fashion being one of our top draws for hits to our website, The Bahamas Weekly has launched our " Bahamas Fashion" Facebook page, as an extension of sharing bits and pieces, and our stories, inspired by fashion in The Bahamas.

If you are a fashionista that loves Facebook, then be sure to not only LIKE our new page, but flag it for every update!

Expect to see the latest in local fashions, designer features, and meet the Bahamian models that make it all look good!

Focus on Fashion
Results of the Miss Bahamas Designer Showcase competition - Jul 15, 2016 - 2:08:17 PM

Stylish cuts, thigh-high slits, boundary-pushing head pieces, plunging necklines and overall avant garde fashion that could have graced the runways of Paris, New York or Milan, fashion students and alumni of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently designed stunning creations for the Miss Bahamas Designer Showcase competition.

Held at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort under the theme, ‘I’m Every Woman,’ scores of fashion enthusiasts and supporters of the 10 Miss Bahamas contestants braved the brutal heat on the Independence Day holiday, and although the designer showcase was the third competition for the afternoon, following the swimwear and top model contests, it was an eclectic collection that was worth the wait...

Focus on Fashion
Miss Bahamas Swimsuit, Top Model & Designer Showcase Highlights - Jul 15, 2016 - 12:00:03 PM

Nassau, Bahamas – Contestants competing in the Miss Bahamas Pageant to choose the new Miss World Bahamas strutted down the catwalk before a capacity crowd in an exciting triple header event on Monday, July 11.  The ladies competed in the Sands Beer Swimsuit Competition, the Top Model fashion show, and the Commonwealth Fabrics Designer Showcase, featuring the creations of BTVI design students.

Placing in the Top 3 in the swimsuit competition were in random order: Miss Long Island Ashley Hamilton, Miss Staniel Cay Shanice Burrows, and Miss Eleuthera  Geena Thompson.  The Top 3 finishers in the Top Model competition were in random order: Miss New Providence Andrea Bowleg, Miss Long Island Ashley Hamilton, and Miss Eleuthera Geena Thompson...

Focus on Fashion
The Bahamas Represents at Carib Style Week 2016 - Jul 7, 2016 - 2:12:15 AM

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  - Carib Style Week 2016 honoured June’s Caribbean Heritage Month with a lively series of food and fashion fusion events as well as the Carib Style Pop Up Shop. Held from June 23-26, festivities included the VIP Reception, Carnival Rocks the Runway, Westfield Experience, Epicurean by Design, and Bikinis & Brunch.

From June 19-30, Bahamian jewelry designer, Chevette Williamson exhibited in the Carib Style Pop Up Shop showcased local Caribbean designers at the Westfield Broward Mall. Shoppers got the chance to browse trendy styles from 15 talented designers including Sonia Noel of Guyana and Keisha Als of Trinidad and Tobago...

Focus on Fashion
Bahari sponsors Miss World Bahamas Launch Party - Jul 6, 2016 - 11:28:53 AM

Nassau, Bahamas – The 2016 Miss Bahamas Beauty Pageant to choose the new Miss World Bahamas got off to a roaring start on July 1 with the official “I am every woman” Launch Party, sponsored by Bahari Bahamas. The much anticipated event did not disappoint as 10 gorgeous women from across the Bahamas were formally introduced as contestants in the country’s most prestigious pageant following their television debut on the Reality TV Series Road to the Crown days earlier.

The ladies looked stunning wearing edgy but sophisticated dresses provided by Bahari Bahamas, a second-year Miss Bahamas sponsor which will also be providing a full wardrobe for the new Miss World Bahamas...

Focus on Fashion
Miss Bahamas Contestants Rock the Boat at the Yacht and Travel Show - Jun 24, 2016 - 2:00:40 PM

Nassau, New Providence - Patrons of the recent Bahamas Yacht and Travel Show got a glimpse of the Miss Bahamas beauties in high fashion resort wear. Contestants vying for the prestigious Miss Bahamas title rocked the runway at the Bay Street Marina in swimwear and resort wear courtesy of A La Plage, Aqua Soleil, Blue Moon Resort Wear and Paradise Blue Surf Shop, all located in the Marina Village at Atlantis.

The collection featured bold colors, chic designs, functional accessories and an array of styles perfect for land and sea travel. The contestants modeled a variety of resort wear from unique statement pieces to classic designs.

Columns : Style Drama - Edward Quan
Eymeric Francois: Midnight in Paris - Jun 24, 2016 - 9:51:14 AM

Photo: Simon Lau

Mixing classic couture looks with daring lingerie details, fashion designer Eymeric Francois is reimaging French couture. His Autumn/Winter 2016 collection, entitled Midnight in Paris, combines elegant long evening dresses with tight corsets and transparent lace body suits to give us a sizzling sensuality not normally expected in luxury fashion.

During Vancouver Fashion Week I had the pleasure of interviewing this young designer to learn more about his vision of French elegance for today’s woman.Trained under couture designer Thierry Mugler, Francois produced his first luxury collection in 2000 in Paris and has not looked back since. Today, at 35 years of age,he brings to the timeless elegance of French style a sensualism that features bareskin, transparent lace, strong sexual undertones and more than a hint of fetishism...

Focus on Fashion
Bahamian designer sends Michelle Obama local treasures - Jun 17, 2016 - 5:40:17 PM

A jewelry designer from a small island in The Bahamas is hoping to see her necklace worn by none other than the United States president's wife, Michelle Obama!

It's a tall order, and when The Bahamas Weekly asked the designer what sparked the notion, she responded, "For a very long time I have been dreaming of the day when I would see the United States First Lady, Michelle Obama wearing a necklace from my Chevette Williamson Jewelry line! I love standout unique jewelry and I realized from Mrs. Obamas photos that she embraces standout jewelry also."

Focus on Fashion
Fashion students gear up for Miss Bahamas contest - Jun 10, 2016 - 3:39:19 PM

For the second consecutive year, Fashion Design students and alumni of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) will be creating designs for the Miss Bahamas Organization’s (MBO) Top Model and Designer showcase competition.

Last year’s winning piece was a dramatic, avant garde evening gown created by Trineil Hanna. The strikingly beautiful yellow dress incorporated a myriad of things Bahamian from branches, flowers and beads to straw, butterflies and birds.
This year’s theme is I am Every Woman, augmented by an extraction of American soul, and Rhythm and Blues’ singer, Indie. Arie’s lyrics: ‘I am not my hair, I am not my skin, I am the soul that lives within.’

Focus on Fashion
Chanel Cruise Collection Inspired by Havana Beat - Jun 2, 2016 - 4:58:17 PM

In keeping with his trailblazing roots, Karl Lagerfeld recently staged the first international fashion show in Cuba since the 1959 communist takeover by Fidel Castro. Along with a supporting cast of 500 elite fashion models, makeup and hair artists, seamstresses, staging crew members and 100 VIP guests, Lagerfeld showcased Chanel’s Cruise 2017 collection on the open air boulevard of Havana’s Paseo de Prado.

The show was held at sunset on the grand pedestrian pedestrian promenade, which acts as the unofficial dividing line between old and new Havana. Covered with polished marble and framed by old world street lights, large trees and marble benches, the venue was fitting for the quintessentially French fashion house as French landscape artist Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier ...

Focus on Fashion
BAHARI releases 2016 Spring Collection - May 4, 2016 - 11:57:12 AM

NASSAU, The Bahamas – As if the previous BAHARI collections were not impressive enough, the 2016 Spring Collection adds even more vibrancy and excitement to the Bahamian brand.

A photo-shoot held recently at The Cliffs, Cable Beach, showcased the 2016 Spring Collection; which consists of dresses, swimsuits for ladies and the distinctive premium t-shirts the brand is known for.“Spring is the season of new beginnings,” said Kyle Williams, Bahari Brand Manager. “Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken and the earth seems to come to life again...

Community
Miss Bahamas Universe Struts For A Cause - Mar 30, 2016 - 1:33:02 PM

Miss Bahamas Universe Toria Nichole recently participated in "Strut For A Cause" an event put on by students of St. Andrew's School to raise monies for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

Toria wore a dress courtesy of Platinum Brides.

The event held at the National Art Gallery on Saturday drew an audience of all ages to support the effort...