Nassau, Bahamas - It was a bittersweet occasion on the afternoon of November 7th at the British Colonial Hilton, as fashion lovers poured into the room for the highly anticipated show of handbag designer, the late Harl Taylor.
For almost one year the investigation of his brutal murder, which cut short such a gifted life, had been underway. Just recently, the police, having conducted numerous interviews with persons of interest, had finally made an arrest.
“Harl Taylor saw luxury and beauty in all things Bahamian. For Taylor, presentation was key as well as his love for straw produced accessories fit for a queen”. Such was the popularity of his bags that they sold in top US stores like Bloomingdales. Personal fans of his pieces, like Oprah Winfrey and Vanessa Williams were photographed carrying his distinctive embellished straw bags.
Now seated on the front row of the show, surrounded by friends was Mrs. Beverley J.T. Taylor, Harl’s mother and founder of Forever Harl Taylor.
As the show began, models walked down the runway looking effortlessly chic in understated clothing, and when they say, ”Accessories make the outfit” you felt this statement was intended for Harl Taylor Bags.
Swinging on bent elbows and clutched preciously in arm, were such extravagant designs embellished with not only the traditionally used sandy colored straw that we are all too familiar with, but with wonderfully dyed straw in colors such as magenta, pinks, turquoise, reds and greens.
Exquisitely adorned with semi-precious natural stones such as coral, turquoise and jade, each bag that made its way down the runway was so covetable it extracted pleasurable sounds from even the most oblivious of fashion fans.
With a moving round of applause at the end of the 30 minute show, Beverley Taylor made her way down the runway, accepting the lavish praise bestowed on her late sons life’s work. His first collection since his death, this certainly must have been a bittersweet experience for her.
I caught up with Beverly J.T. Taylor to find out about the progression of her sons work since his death.
Lyndah Wells: We’ve just viewed the first Harl Taylor Bag collection since your son’s death, how did it feel to witness this?
Beverly Taylor: I feel very good about it. It was a little challenging mind you, but having worked with those persons who had worked with him prior to his murde,r and knowing of his passion for his work, we were able to present a collection we are very pleased about.
Lyndah Wells: How did you get involved with Islands of the World Fashion Week?
Beverly Taylor: I saw it advertised and so I called the Mode Iles team after deciding to show Harl’s creations. I am a former chairperson of the UNESCO scientific technology committee of The Bahamas and having worked with UNESCO for over 20 years I knew of the good work that they do and the focus they put on culture. I knew this would be a great opportunity to work with Mr. Owen Bethel in his efforts to promote the culture of these world islands for the first time here in The Bahamas. Knowing of Harl’s passion for people and his love for his fellow designers and also his love of things of nature, when I heard of the Eco-tourism segment of the show, I decided to enter some of the pieces he had already started working on, and I’m so pleased that I did.
Lyndah Wells: The response to his collection was amazing. How do you think he would feel if he were here today, to witness the first Islands of the World Fashion Week?
Beverly Taylor: I know he would be so happy about it and he would say, ‘Mummy, it’s about time.’ When Harl was murdered he had over 20 bags that he had started working on, the foundation for this collection. And whilst working with some of his former employees we could feel his spirit. He was guiding us along the way. I believe in God’s guidance and that’s what happened in this case.
Lyndah Wells: And finally how is Harl's line continuing on?
Beverly Taylor: At the moment, we sell exclusively through Coles of Nassau; the bags are stocked in their Atlantis and Lyford Cay locations. Other persons who are interested in stocking his line will need to contact myself via the new company we’ve recently set up called
Forever Harl Taylor, his bags will be sold through this company.
Beverly J.T. Taylor, mother of the late designer, Harl Taylor with The Bahamas Weekly photographer, Lyndah Wells at Islands of the World Fashion Week in November 2008.
