Photo: Lyndah Wells

Flowing fabrics, funky jewelry and shimmering satin were the order of the day at Islands of the World Fashion Week’s evening runway session. The event hosted at the British Colonial Hilton displayed collections by designers Desreen Waller, Tisha Fritz (Elements) and Shaun Griffith of Perez Designs.

Designer collections are inspired by anything that excites the human palate. Their themes can portray a period in history, a range of colors, types of fabric - anything which has a strong visual impact. This is what fashion designer Shaun Griffith of Perez Designs showcased in his stunning collection.
 
With more than 16 years in the field of fashion design and construction, Griffith said that his country, Trinidad, was the driving force behind his inspiration to exude a theme of comfort and simplicity with just a touch of sophistication.   Attributes portrayed in the intricate beadwork and embroidery complimenting his designs.
 
“Our country is such a cosmopolitan country,” said Griffith. “We mix so many different colors and fabrics and that is why the theme of my last piece was Carnival,” said Griffith. “That’s the only way I could show how our country has such a diverse amount of different people and everyone comes and celebrates as one.”

Bahamian native, Tesha Fritz, has been designing jewelry for seven years and expressed that nature itself has been her inspiration in designing her collection.
 
“I wanted to exemplify being natural and appreciate nature,” she said. “I think nature is one of the things we have walked away from and I think it’s about time we returned.”
 
Jamaican designer, Desreen Waller’s collection was amazing blend of bright satin fabrics with eco-friendly materials such as Spanish moss and Hemp. The Jamaican designer said she took her cues from her mentor, London designer, John Galliano.
 
“I wanted to use bright colors in my collection because they are our island colors,” Waller explained. “It’s a part of my culture and I wanted to share a bit of that with the Islands of the World Fashion Week.”

Photo: Lyndah Wells

Following the extravagant fashion show, guests, designers, locals, models and judges were treated to a Bahamian cultural night of mind blowing entertainment. Included in the entertainment line-up were, Fire dancer Action Johnny, local entertainer, Matellus Chipman and The Bahamas National Youth Choir.   The cultural evening was complimented by a succulent buffet complete with a mindboggling spread of Bahamian dishes, including local favorites such as conch salad, peas soup and dumplings and coconut water.   The event was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation in the beautiful Bahamas National Trust Gardens.
 
Kendal Major, Senior Manager of Communications and Public Relations at the Ministry of Tourism explained that events like IWFW are good for the economy.
 
“We are trying to showcase our own heritage and give the visitors here tonight the Bahamian experience through our presentation with an array of entertainers - that’s the real essence of it,” Mr. Major explained.

 

Photo: Lyndah Wells

Photo: Lyndah Wells