Nassau, Bahamas - It’s all going down at Fort Charlotte this weekend!
Spectators for the
sixth installment of Islands of the World Fashion Showcase will have
awe-inspiring views of the island of New Providence and the imposing structure
of the fortress for a backdrop as they view exclusive new collections from some
19 participating designers this year.
Just one week away,
organizers of the highly anticipated event are preparing to transform the
historical fort into a Fashion Pavilion set to rival major runways around the
world.
Opening November 7th, the countries being
represented this year include Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, Nigeria, Turks &
Caicos, The Bahamas and the United States of America.
“In addition to the launch of the proprietary label,
Exiles, as a collaborative initiative for designers interested in an island
lifestyle or resort wear fashion concept, this year’s event will also be a
turning point in its development as its initial mission of expanding to include
designers from the broader array of developing countries begins to unfold. The
new collection will truly provide a mosaic of cultures and island lifestyles,” said
Owen Bethel, producer of the event.
An array of haute couture, prêt a porter, resort wear
and swimwear will breathe new life into spectators as they get a glimpse of
collections local, regional and international.
The designers/design houses participating are Alshante
Floggo, April Holt Smith, Ashton Hall, Bathhouse Swimwear, Bernard Moore,
Brynda Knowles, Charmaine Spicer, Froilan Amaya, Ismael de la Caridad, Jose
Luis Gonzalez, Jermell Williams, Jesus Frias, Kazz Forbes, Laura Macia, Renaldo
Geumm, Kholyns Couture, Oscar de la Portilla, Ray Vincente, Rolando Ruis/Omar
Alexander Jiminez and Thatch Collection.
Closing out the event is what promises to be a unique
experience. “Arte y Moda”, which translates to “Art and Fashion” is a 26-piece
collaborative collection hailing from Cuba. Attendees will experience a spectacle
of fusion of art, fashion and music created by seven Cuban designers.
“The designers got their inspiration from different
pieces of art and were challenged to create designs, 22 of which will be
presented on Saturday, 8th November, which convey a powerful story and
representation of the artwork, and then set their pieces to accompanying music,”
explained Bethel.
“This ultimately also challenges the model to transform
him or herself from a mannequin into a dancer and actor. It’s going to be quite
an experience.”
Only the second time Arte y Moda will be witnessed away
from Cuban shores, the collections will make for an inspiring production for
spectators.
Tickets for IWFS are on sale and can be purchased
online at www.islandsfashionweek.com
or at the following locations: The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Lux
Men’s Warehouse, Parliament Street. Regular seating is $30 while VIP seating is
$50. Reservations can be made by calling 601-3633.
ABOUT IWFS
Since 2008, IWFS has held to the platform it was
charged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) for its promotion of cultural diversity, and as a means to bring
value-added levels of production to the fledgling fashion industries in
developing nations, particularly more vulnerable small island developing
states. The intent is to draw attention via international media and trade
exposure to the skills and creativity across the spectrum of the fashion
industry in the islands.
To date in excess of 130 designer showcases
representing 20 countries have presented their creations on the catwalks of
Islands of the World Fashion Showcase.
For more information and updates, visit the website www.islandsfashionweek.comor
the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/islandsfashionweek