Islands of the World Fashion Week Nassau, Bahamas

Day one of Islands of the World Fashion Week

From November 11-13th, we took our annual jaunt to Nassau, Bahamas for one of our favorite fashion weeks of the year - Islands of the World Fashion Week. The sun, talented designers from Island nations and well-known special guests (Nick Verreos and Jay McCarroll of Project Runway fame) make this fashion week one not to miss.

On opening night, we took in some of our favorite designers who usually showcase in the Bahamas including Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas who is consistent with their stunning collections of handbags and clutches made of straw and sisal plait adorned with luxurious beading and shells. This season, K-Bobby of Jamaica stunned us with his beautiful cocktail dresses, both long and short in sumptuous fabrics. NextGen Designers presented next starting with Whitney Miller of the Bahamas. We loved her soft collection of dainty shorts and dresses in hues of gray's, whites and light pinks. David Rolle (who ended up winning the prestigious scholarship from Parson's) showed off a decidedly darker side of metallic suits for men and creative cocktail dresses for the ladies. ICandy, another Island favorite, showed off some of her latest swimwear creations in rich teals, whites and hot pinks to a crowd that no doubt loves the Bahamian beaches by day. Jay McCarroll who won Project Runway's first season was the final designer on day 1 showing off his Spring 2011 collection. He hasn't shown a full collection since his documentary "Eleven Minutes" and it was exciting! Jay's take on the modern sheath dress was fun to watch. Each dress was a bright color of green, blue, pink and even white accented with either block shapes or circles. Models wore platform shoes that were covered with socks that were found at the market in the Bahamas the day of the show that matched the color of the dress. A superb ending to that night's shows!

Day two of Islands of the World Fashion Week started off with the very charismatic Nick Verreos (season 2 of Project Runway) who hosted a new award for the fashion week - "In Search of the Next Oscar" Competition. The contenders were Raynelis Howell from Turks & Caicos and Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic. The most exquisite design from Georgina was a full length silver sequin gown with cut-outs around the mid-section. From Raynelis, we loved her black, ruffled cocktail dress that featured a skirt made out of sheer drapes. Theodore Elyett, the "Runway to Fashion Week" Winner from the Bahamas, had a stunning collection of colorful printed looks that seamlessly mixed well together. Guest designer Indashio from the U.S.A. brought some bubbly fun to the runway girly dresses in bright, happy colors. The final designer of the night was Oliver Tolentino from the Philippines. Each creation that came out was more stunning than the last. A Factio favorite was a copper bustier with floral shorts and a full-length beaded gown with blue and brown flowers.

Day three of fashion week featured "Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show." Dignitaries from Haiti flew in specifically for the event, sat front row and enjoyed Haitian designers including Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell, David Andre Collection by David Andre, Artisands du Soleil Haiti by Giovanna Menard, Michel Chataigne, Maguy Durce, Maelle Creations by Maelle David and Savannah Savary. After the show, an after party outside at the British Colonial Hilton featured Bahamian singers and lots of great local food like conch fritters, conch salad shots and drinks like Bahamas Mama's. It was a beautiful end to Islands of the World Fashion Week and all we can say is, we can't wait for next year.

*Photos by Factio Media

Islands of the World Fashion Week 2009

Model in Kenneth Cole design at closing night show of
Islands of the World Fashion Week 2008
Photo by Factio Media

Islands of the World Fashion Week will take place come this November 4-8, 2009. Unlike the August Islands Show, that exclusively features Bahamian designers, the fall Islands of the World Fashion Week will highlight island designers globally.

Last year’s inaugural show featured 38 designers from thirteen islands including Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Mode Îles, Ltd. is the proud organization behind the award-winning and UNESCO-endorsed Islands of the World Fashion Week. The world renowned event promotes cultural diversity, environmental and climate awareness, poverty alleviation, and HIV/AIDS youth education through fashion design. The Islands of the World Fashion Week also grants category-themed awards for Sustainable Eco-Fashion, Culture and Fashion, the NextGen Designer Award, and the Humanitarian Designer Award. The Sheraton Nassau Beach Hotel in the Bahamas will host the November Island of the World Fashion Week this fall 2009. For more information, visit www.islandsfashionweek.com.
-Jackie Medler

Islands of the World Fashion Week: Day 4

It's day 4 of Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau and we couldn't be more pleased with what we have seen in the past few days. Founder Owen Bethal created an amazing week of style in the Bahamas that also supported social awareness. "My brief experience at UNESCO in Paris highlighted the fact that designers from developing countries, and particularly island nations required a central showcase to expose their creativity to international markets," said Bethal. And, all of this rang true at the closing reception at the Atlantis. The awards presentation praised designers who use eco-friendly materials in their design, as well as designer Kenneth Cole, who was awarded for his efforts in raising social and political awareness in his ad campaigns. He showed a six-piece collection for both men and women. At the closing show, Los Angeles-based designer Kevan Hall showed an amazing collection devoted to the inspiration of Africa.

Kenneth Cole

Lamaica Fashions from Jamaica
Opama from The Bahamas

Earlier that day, Opama and House of St. John from The Bahamas and Lamaica Fashions from Jamaica showcased their creative collection at the Hilton.

Kevan Hall
Producer Tomas Frenes, designer Kevan Hall and Owen Bethal

That night, the invite-only after party was the place to be seen as it was set at internationally known designer Peter Nygard's 150,000 sq. ft. home at Nygard Cay. Models, fashionistas and guests enjoyed celebrating a very exciting week of international fashion at Islands of the World Fashion Week.

Fashion Designer Peter Nygard's home at Nygard Cay in the Bahamas Where the Closing Night Party of Islands of the World Fashion Week Took Place (it rents for $42,000 a night for all of you jet-setting high rollers)
Photos by Factio Media

We know where we'll be next season, do you? We'll see you next year in Nassau.

Islands of the Fashion Week: Day 3

It's day 3 of Islands of the World Fashion Week and the first show featured the work of designer Harl Taylor, who passed away last year, but whose work lives on through his mother Beverly Taylor. An amazing assortment of handbags, totes and clutches made their way down the runway, each more stunning than the next. Some were more casual for a day on the beach and others could easily hold essentials for an island soiree. We can see why his bags sold at Bergdoff in New York.

Harl Taylor from The Bahamas
Photo by Factio Media

Trefle from the British Virgin Islands showed ultra creative bathing suits in both bikini styles and one-pieces that we would be happy to wear around the world.
Trefle from The British Virgin Islands
Photo by Factio Media

Kimmystic.Clo from St. Vincent
Photo by Factio Media

Kuumba Designs from designer St. Lucia could be virtually worn anywhere. Her gorgeous cocktail frocks were stunning in colors of orange, pink, and our favorite - grey. We would love to wear any of her cocktail dresses to a party in Chicago!

Kuumba Designs of St. Lucia

Other designers who showed on day 3 include Four Season Colonade from Barbados, Carlos Valentino and Garfi Design from The Bahamas, Alida from Cuba, Navazoe from Barbados, and Kimya Glasgow from St. Vincent.

Nole Marin (pictured right), of America's Next Top Model fame, was one of the
fabulous judges for Islands of the World Fashion Week
Islands of the World Fashion Week creator Owen Bethal, noted
fashion designer Kevan Hall and producer Tomas Frenes
Nikolaki by Nick Verreos and David Paul

The stars of the night were former Project Runway contestant Nick Verreos and David Paul of Nikolaki. The duo showed off their newest collection to a packed house. Verreos told us that his collection of crimson red silk gowns and salmon pink strapless cocktail dresses was inspired by the Mexican Cinema and the glamour that went with it.
Nick Verreos and David Paul with their models
Photos by Factio Media

After the show, the celebrity judges, designers and fashionistas headed over to the Marley Resort & Spa for the big after party.

Islands of the World Countdown!

Just click on the image to learn more!

Nassau Brings You Islands of the World Fashion Week

Nassau is proving itself to be more than just the backdrop for the latest Bond flick or a suitcase of Ralph Lauren’s resort collection. From November 5 through 8, Mode Îles will host the premiere Islands of the World Fashion Week at the British Colonial Hilton and the Atlantis Resort.

Thirteen island states will send designers to represent their distinct cultural influences and promote artistic dialogue. The event will give particular attention to those considered developing islands to allow an opportunity for artists to be recognized by global markets and international fashion media.

Mode Îles recently announced the thirty-six selected designers, and their collections will include couture, ready-to-wear, swimwear, bridalwear and a plethora of accessories.

“These designers represent 13 island states, each with its unique culture and fashion perspective,” said Arianne Etuk, Chief Operations Officer and spokesperson for the organizers. “The event will truly be a mosaic of cultures and fashions, and promises to be very illuminating.”

Islands of the World Fashion Week will also invite three international guest designers to present their work: Peter Ingwerson from NOIR Illuminati II will show at the Opening Reception; Nick Verreros of Nikolaki (and from “Project Runway” fame) will have a special showing; and celebrity favorite Kevan Hall will conclude the week at the Closing Reception.
www.islandsfashionweek.com
-Grace Bahk