Theodore Sealy
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Nassau, Bahamas - There
are very few events that can be scheduled smack dab in the middle of
the Superbowl and still pull a packed house, Fashion For A Cause is one
of them.
Held
this past Sunday at the British Colonial Hilton, the show brought
together local fashion designers and retailers for an evening dedicated
to bringing awareness to the HIV/AIDS epidemic under the theme Live.
Love. Care. The show peppered in young musicians Dash and Zee Thompson
as well as poets Aneka Stewart and Juliette Johnson with the collections
of spring fashion.
Local
fashion designers David Rolle, Theodore Sealy, Olivia Persaud, Harl
Taylor BAG, ICandy Swimwear and Kevin Evans all showed collections with
celebrated Bahamian models including Shyloh Wilkinson and Camille Kenny
strutting their stuff on the catwalk.
Endorsed
by the Aids Foundation of the Bahamas, Lady Camille Barnett, President
of the AIDS Foundation even ripped the runway in a crisp white tunic and
wide leg trousers accessorized with red coral drop earrings and a
heavily jeweled red Harl Taylor BAG.
Islands
of the World Fashion Week Muse Model winner 2009 and international
model Kendrick Kemp is the producer of the event, now in its second
year. Keeping in mind that AIDS has been the leading cause of death in
the 15-49 year age group in The Bahamas since 1994, it’s indeed a worthy
cause and one that warrants support in the local community. However
Kemp did have his challenges organizing the charity event.
Kevin Evans
|
“The
biggest challenge was getting sponsors to support us and getting people
to believe in the message we were trying to get across,” says Kemp.
Though sponsorship was a major challenge, Mr. Kemp made special mention
of corporate supporters Junior Achievement, Nautilus Water, Superwash
and Burns House who were pivotal in the event’s financing.
Despite
the challenges, Mr. Kemp was pleased with the overall show. “I am one
hundred percent pleased with it and most definitely pleased with the
attendance last night. I thought it was a success overall.”
Our
small fashion industry can make going to local fashion shows somewhat
trite when the same collections are shown at several different events.
However one designer that caught my eye for the spring was menswear
designer Kevin Evans.
Evans’
sherbet colored button downs stood out on the runway. Bold pinks
intermixed with softer pastels and lots of gingham were fresh and fun
for spring. The line also incorporated some military inspired elements
including shoulder straps, lots of flap front pockets and rolled
sleeves. The hard edge of the military embellishments contrasted with
the soft hues made the shirts chic yet masculine.
“With
my line for this spring I wanted to go with the bright colors to get
that fun look. My inspiration is nature. I work near the beach and I am
inspired by walking around and looking at the colors of different
flowers and trees,” says Evans.
Kevin Evans
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Evans
has only been designing for three years, but his love of fashion
stretches back to his childhood. “It started from I was a child. I loved
going to my closet and trying on different clothes. I grew a love for
it and it continued into adulthood.”
This
is Evans’ second year presenting a collection for a fashion show
produced by Kendrick Kemp. “When Kendrick phoned me I was really
excited. I am just a person that loves to help out and it’s great that I
can display my talent at the same time.”
Fashion For a Cause is an annual event dedicated to using fashion to bring awareness to local . Learn more by visiting www.fashionsforacasue.com
Harl Taylor BAG
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Camille Barnett
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Olivia Persaud
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Tyrina Talks Fashion
is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure
analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your
fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com. Visit www.primadonasales.com