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 World 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 Fashion Week: Day 2

It's day 2 of Islands of the World Fashion Week in Nassau and we are getting an early start to the shows. Impressed by the first show of the day, Luna Designs by Glora Plata showed tremendous craftsmanship of the art of accessories on the runway. The company and products are completely conscious with the environment, using vegetable ivory that used to be used in the 18th century to make buttons. Now they use it in a different way to make accessories. The outcome- gorgeous necklaces, bracelets and rings with unique shapes that are in every sense environmentally friendly. The vibrant colors include yellows, turquoise and pinks created in vibrant colors with eco-friendly vegetable dyes. We loved the oversized rings so much, we bought one for ourselves in turquoise!

Luna Designs from Barbados
Photo by Factio Media

We adored the collection from Nadya designer Nadine Lurey, as the pairings of her separates and techniques of her use of texture and lush color was extremely unique. Originally from Chicago, Nadine began designing by venturing to the Salvation Army to get interesting fabrics like lace curtains and transforming it into a coat. She then began traveling around the world to places like South America before moving to Bali where inspiration has undoubtedly taken a firm standing in her collections. "I actually always like to say that I cook with leftovers because I love putting elements together and when I was first working with materials they were old textiles and pieces that had finite quantity, so I learned to mix and match and do things with kind of a texture and layering technique." Our favorite of her worldy creations were her textured jackets, many of which were reversible with one side revealing a fancy side, while the other was far more casual. Just by wearing one of her pieces, you will appear to look well-traveled.

Nadya from Indonesia
Hupfeld Hoerder from Fiji

Hupfeld Hoerder, a designer from Fiji, really brought island style to life with his unique hand painted dresses and separates. His designs are inspired by nature and his bright motifs and patterns set his style apart during fashion week.

Designer Genie Nuttal of Jeannie McQueeny with her models
during Islands of the World Fashion Week
Photos by Factio Media

Carmen Fiol from Cuba
Photo by Factio Media

Other island designers who presented during today's shows included Jeannie McQueeny and Lisa Humes, La Bonne Vie Bahamas and Elements from the Bahamas, Natural Beats from St. Vincent, Desreen Waller from Jamaica, Carmen Fiol from Cuba and Shaun Griffith Perez from Trinidad.

Islands of the World Fashion Week: Day 1

We've just landed in Nassau, Bahamas and we are ready to see 38 of the world island's most talented designers at the first ever Islands of the World Fashion Week! Over the span of 4 days, 21 shows will take place at a transformed space at the British Colonial Hilton, as well as the opening and closing reception at The Atlantis on Paradise Island. As we arrived for the closing night show at the Atlantis on November 5th, we couldn't have been more impressed with what we saw. The space was designed and produced by a former Versace executive Tomas Frenes, so you can imagine the chicness of the set up, including a sophisticated color scheme of a black runway, flanked by black chairs with comfortable sofa's for fashionistas in the back to enjoy the shows comfortably. At the Hilton, the design was just as savvy with countless chandeliers acting as a focal point to the sleek white and black runway. At closing night, we enjoyed an array of eco-friendly designs from island designers, as well as a sleek collection by famed designer of NOIR Illuminati II. Danish designer Peter Ingwersen showcased a brilliant collection of sexy dresses and pantsuits in sensuous fabrics. He has said before "in the West, we dress for sex" and this collection was no different. The colors were in neutral tones of black and white, and Factio favorite, a satiny, hot pink form fitting dress. Celebrity judges we spotted front row included Nole Marin from America's Next Top Model, Aphadi, a famed Paris fashion designer originally from Niger, Susan Stein of Palm Springs, California, Nick Verreos of Project Runway fame, who designs the Nikolaki collection.

Designers who participated in shows earlier that day at the Hilton included Sea, Sex, Sun from Haiti, Van Der Vlugt from Trinidad, Christine Demeritte and Apryl Weech from The Bahamas, Heather Jones from Trinidad, Soka, Poshelle, Tami B. Designs, and Deb E. Barbour from St. Vincent.

Here's a look from some of our favorite pieces from designer Peter Ingwersen of NOIR Illuminati II...

NOIR Illuminati II
NOIR Illuminati II
Photos by Factio Media

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 5

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Preeti Chandra

On Day 5 of Lakme Fashion Week Pretti Chandra showed a very feminine and unique collection for Spring and Summer 2009. While at first glance Chandra’s collection may seem better suited for the runway a few years ago with her bohemian inspired silhouettes, a second look reveals a very sophisticated collection with beautiful detail. With East European inspired embroidery, a beautiful fusion of influences brought a collection with pieces suited for the woman with diverse points of view. You will enjoy the bright colors so much that you won’t be able to wait for Spring to get your hands on these wonderfully crafted pieces.

Priyya and Chintan

The designing pair Priyya and Chintan brought not only high fashion to the runway at Lakme Fashion Week, but also created pieces of walking art. From casual to formal wear to menswear, Priyya and Chintans’ show was a spectacle of color, fabric, and design. They mixed and matched, created frills, and dressed their models like they were walking canvases stunning pieces. While their collection may not be the ideal for running around town in, the more bold American women will love take everyone’s breath at the next formal event.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

For the finale of Lakme Fashion Week, Sabyasachi Mukherjee showed a collection of bridal wear, introducing the Lakme Bridal Sutra line. Taking inspiration from traditional Indian weddings and rituals, Mukherjee created a masterpiece of a collection for bride, groom, and children alike. The color palette was a myriad of colors—all muted so they could be mixed and matched beautifully—inspired by Indian jewels. Even if you are not having a traditional Indian wedding (or even a wedding!), definitely check out Mukherjee’s collection for a unique fashion experience.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 4

Vivek Kumar

Sailex

Sailex brought a very unique collection to the fourth day of Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai. Satin, chiffon, and georgette brought a very feminine touch to the collection which any girl would love to wear, or at least to look at. The colors of the collection included pastels like peach, purple, and a neutral ivory which was balanced with a beautiful silky grey. The fabrics and colors made for very beautiful pieces often detailed with braided fabric. Our only concern with the collection: a whole outfit of satin may not be very flattering on every woman.

Vivek Kumar

Vivek Kumar brought a very appealing casual wear collection to Lakme Fashion Week. Simple silhouettes were a base for interesting dresses that many women can wear. A refreshing balance between classic lines and elaborate details made for a great show. Kumar used colors that complimented each other very nicely, such as orange, coffee, black, teal, and khaki. Gold detailing on almost every piece in the collection gave a touch of elegance to the whole collection.

Abdul Halder

Abdul Halder showed a bridal collection very different from what he normally creates. Instead of designing gowns for women and suits for men that appeal to Western countries, he brought Mumbai a collection influenced by traditional Indian apparel. With a color palette of bright pinks, purples, greens, and blues, his collection was a far and refreshing cry from his previous collections. If you are looking to have an Indian or Indian themed wedding, Abdul Halder has everything you will want to wear this Spring and Summer 2009.

-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 3

Stoffa by Prianka, Malini & Hersh

Stoffa by Prianka, Malini & Hersh
Stoffa brought India a spectacular accessories collection including unique shoes and colorful bags. Four different sections of the show with names as cute as the accessories composed the show on Wednesday in Mumbai. Each section varied themes and colors, but each brought something different to the show. From shoes and bags with the same bright prints to funky metalics, Stoffa brought a wide range of influences and elements to the runway.

Dev R Nil / Zubair Kirmani
These two designers brought two different menswear collections to Lakme Fashion Week. Dev R Nil tried to appeal to the contemporary male with a collection entitled “The Jigsaw.” The collection was comprised of some unusual fabric pairings and a jigsaw motif. Zubair Kirmani wanted to create a collection for the “Glocal Male.” In effect his collection created several looks for the man who wants an outfit he can wear in any part of the world he travels to in the length of a day.

Narendra Kumar
Narendra Kumar proved that politically charged minds are all over the world today. The collection was titled “The Rise of Fascism” to bring attention to the violence occurring around the world. Narendra Kumar created some very interesting and diverse pieces that you would likely see people sporting in the city of Chicago. While most of the palette consisted of deep colors like black, grey and crimson, bright colors reminded us that the collection was in fact very high fashion. With a standing ovation, “The Rise of Fascism” brought attention not only violence around the world, but to alternative high fashion.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 2

Anupama Dayal

The second day of Lakme Fashion Week kept us wanting more! Many established and up-and-coming designers proved that India can hold its own while it showcases Spring/Summer 2009 collections. There has never been a better excuse to visit India!

“My Village” by Rimzim Dadu
This week Rimzim Dadu showcased a line that every woman would love to wear. Beautifully constructed dresses and skirts dominated the runway that put some more famous American designers to shame. The “My Village” color palette consisted of black, grey, and white, in addition to a red theme, and vibrant blues. As the collection evolved with each piece, colors changed and pieces became more interesting. Our favorite pieces were ones with intricate detailing and those that displayed and absolute mastery of fabric construction.

Nalandda Bhandari
With a mix of whimsical silhouettes and straight lines, Nalandda Bhandari created a diverse and beautiful collection. The pieces invoked a feeling of romance on the runway. Pieces with ruffles and layering were balanced by straight, simple lines in other designs. Light and airy fabrics like chiffon created multifaceted looks. Bhandari featured looks ranging from casual to formal, so you can pick a different piece for every occasion.

Anupama Dayal
Anupama Dayal created a beautiful collection as she combined more traditional Indian prints with contemporary silhouettes. Her pieces were complex and included many different design elements. A palette of neutral colors was highlighted by warm yellow gold, orange reds, and variations of purple and pink. If you would like to wear modern pieces with a touch of tradition, check out Anupama Dayal’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Anand Kabra
Anand Cabra created a collection that every woman will swoon at. His silhouettes were extremely feminine and soft, which complemented the other elements in his collection. Yellow gold, steel grey, and deep pink reds were used in perfect measure. Many of his pieces incorporated tye-dying which created a lovely variation in color. His pieces will definitely make you warm up as you think of Spring and Summer while cold sets in.
-Kelsey Bristow

Lakme Fashion Week: Day 1

Every fall around this time in October, Chicago experiences Indian Summer. The last bit of warmth and sunny sparkle left over before the cold winter sets in. All the while, Lakme Fashion Week is creating a real Indian Summer in India with fashions all the way into next spring. Monday, October 20, 2008 kicked off day one of Lakme Fashion Week at the National Center of Performing Arts in Mumbai. Talented designers showcased hot designs that made us all nostalgic for the hot summer sun. So forget winter, and keep up with Lakme Fashion Week all week long from October 20 -24, 2008.

Nachiket Barve manipulated his fabrics into colorful geometric masterpieces for his Spring/Summer 2009 collection. The beautifully bright and lovely draped combinations are enough to give any woman the confidence to make a great fashion statements for seasons to come.

Nikasha Tawadey muted colors and played up flowing volume for her “Shisheer” collection Spring/Summer 2009. The “Big Look” line will keep wearers chic and cool from hot summer days to sweltering summer nights.

Nachiket Barve

Krishna Mehta pumped vibrant colors into her “Sunrise in the Desert Sands” Spring/Summer 2009 collection. The collection was one of bold hues and iridescent tones mixed into hand woven and embellished western silhouettes. The highlight of the show featured actor Samir Dattani in a silk sherwani and TV turned Bollywood star, Prachi Desai in a red long chiffon gown on the runway.

Narendar Kumar and Sunsilk created the hair style and fashion fantasy for the Lakme Fashion Week. Global hair expert for Sunsilk from the UK, Andrew Barton, featured curls, straight, and extremely layered styles for Narendar’s latest label “Nari Nari”, that targets the trendy young women of the country.
-Jackie Medler

Islands of the World Fashion Week is Coming Soon!

The Factio Magazine team can't wait to descend onto the Island of the Bahamas for the first ever Islands of the World Fashion Week, November 5th -8th featuring 38 designers. Not to mention, we are very excited to meet fashion superstars Kenneth Cole, Nick Verreos and Kevan Hall. We'll see you in Nassau!

We caught up with some of the designers to get their take on the upcoming fashion week and tell us about their design style...

Nadya

The aim of the Nadya collection is to allow an outer reflection of an inner voice, creating timeless clothing beyond trends. We blend Asian and Western influences, creative and flexible, fabrics and techniques enhance each other. We use fabrics that dazzle the gods and a focus on function and comfort that are an unbeatable combination. It is in that spirit that we remain focused on producing limited edition unique pieces.
Nadya, Indonesia

Jeannie McQueeny

My design style is resort-oriented. Whether yachting through the beautiful Bahamian waters, or reclining in an elegant Swiss Chalet, the emphasis is on luxurious fabrics with exquisite craftsmanship and clothes that translate easily from one resort to another. The aim is to create clothes that are easy to wear, yet elegant, and always flattering. I love the idea of showing my designs at home!
Genie Nuttall of Jeannie McQueeny International, The Bahamas

Kuumba Designs

What I like the most about Island of the World Fashion Week is the fact that I will be working with other island states from around the world, and international guest designers. Also, we get the opportunity to depict our cultural traditions and address global issues in the form of fashion.

Kuumba Designs, St. Lucia

Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre

For my first runway show in the Bahamas I’ll showcase my beachwear and swimsuit line Sea, Sex, Sun for men and women. This line is an invitation to those who love the sea, seafood, the breeze, and also pieces that can make you shine under the sun.
Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre, Haiti

Soka

I would like to think of myself as a diverse Caribbean designer really drawn to color, contrast and movement, while also unconventional with tailoring. My 2008 collection, which I would call creole, is a direct reflection of my cultural immersion living in the French-Caribbean culture of Martinique. It has a romanticism and 1840's colonial theme to it, which shows fashion is a evolution as such as a revolution.
Soka, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Van Der Vlugt

This will be my first visit there so that is exciting enough as I have traveled all my life and love to see new places. I feel really privileged to be part of the first Islands Fashion Week, especially since I graduated only three weeks before finding out that I had been selected. So for me, this is the big break that many people wait a very long time for.
Van Der Vlugt, Trinidad and Tobago

My 2008-2009 collection is fun, vibrant, trendy, classy and colorful. It reflects all that is Caribbean-our climate, nature, culture and diversity as a people. It features an explosion of colors and represents the flavor of all our islands as we come together to create a pepper pot. It comprises a variety of styles that is comfortable, relaxed, yet fabulous clothing made from fabrics such as silks, chiffons and cottons. The outcome; clothing so comfortable, you won't want to take it off!
Kimmystic.Clo, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Lamaica Fashions

Coming from the Caribbean it’s like being at home, and I am looking forward to being there.I love that I will show in the Bahamas because I want to show my creativity. I want the world to know the name “LaMaica Fashions” and I'm grateful for getting the opportunity to showcase my collections.
Lamaica Fashions, Jamaica

Everyday I look forward to the unspoiled, pristine nature of St. Vincent's north coast as backdrops to accentuate the exotic tropical tones of my new swimwear line. The waters of the Caribbean, picturesque sunsets, the movement of >Island life coupled with the spirituality of its culture are all tools for the development of the Tami B style.
Tami B Designs, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Carmen Fiol

Today I am the result of a lifetime of 71 years of constant sewing. The chance to me of this fashion week will be share my perceptions on the matter of designing and sewing where most of the details are hidden to the view of a catwalk, but for those who can appreciate quality would have the chance to notice at least a little bit of my expertise.
Carmen Fiol, Cuba

Deb E Barbour

This is a fantastic opportunity for designers like myself in the Caribbean to showcase the culture and talent that is buried throughout this region. We hear about the Mecca of fashion being in such places as London, Milan, Paris and New York, but the Caribbean has a truly unique style yet to be tapped into and shown to the rest of the world. And this show is helping to uncover this resource.
Deb E Barbour, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

When I show in the Bahamas I love how the people appreciate the beauty of the straw and understand the hard work and the process that is done to design and make a bag.
Opama Designs, The Bahamas

Eric Raisina

I like the idea to show to the audiences what Malagasy inspirations look like when it touched the Parisian allure. I'm excited to be part of the event where I can be with the others Islands designers. That is so cool!
Eric Raisina, Madagascar

Designers of Islands of the World Fashion Week is as follows:

• Álida Gutiérrez, Cuba


• Analú, Cuba


• Apryl Weech, The Bahamas


• Carlos Valentino, The Bahamas


• Cabe Creations, Fiji


• Carmen Fiol, Cuba


• Christine Demeritte, The Bahamas


• Deb E Barbour, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Desreen Waller, Jamaica


• Elements, The Bahamas


• Raisina, Madagascar


• Four Seasons Colonade, Barbados


• Garfi Designs, Bahamas


• Harl Taylor BAG, The Bahamas


• Heather Jones Designs, Trinidad and Tobago


• House of St. John, The Bahamas


• Hupfeld Hoerder, Fiji


• Jeannie McQueeny, The Bahamas


• Kimmystic.Clo, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Kimya Glasgow, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Kuumba Designs, St. Lucia


• La Bonne Vie Bahamas, The Bahamas


• Lamaica Fashions, Jamaica


• Lambert Ho, Fiji


• Lisa Humes, The Bahamas


• Luna Design, Barbados


• Nadya, Indonesia


• Natural Beats, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Navazoé, Barbados


• Poshellé, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Opama Designs, The Bahamas


• Rosie Semisi, Fiji


• Sea, Sex, Sun by David Andre, Haiti


• Shaun Griffith Perez Designs, Trinidad and Tobago


• Soka, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Tami B Designs, St. Vincent & The Grenadines


• Trèfle, British Virgin Islands


• Van Der Vlugt, Trinidad and Tobago

In Memory of designer Harl Taylor:

We would like to dedicate this post to Harl Taylor Jr., designer of Harl Taylor BAG, from the Bahamas who unfortunately passed away in November of 2007. The designer studied at a Parson's branch in Paris and sold his coveted handbags at Bergdoff in New York. He split his time between Nassau and Palm Beach and he will be greatly missed by friends, family and the design community. His memory will be lived on as his bags will be showcased through Islands of the World Fashion Week this November.

Harl Taylor Jr. at Bergdorf Goodman, New York City

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Sheiki Collection

Sheila Marie’s the designer to look for when it comes to finding that right outfit to go out in. Sunset Boulevard night prowlers will be seen in Marie’s garments if they're looking to get noticed. If you’re looking for anything from sequined mini dresses to ripped and studded denim Sheiki Collection should be top priority.
-Katie Davidson

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Suh-Tahn

Shannon Nataf and Dimitry Tcharfas created a collection that had body-emphasizing seams and revealing cutouts that were inspired by the Pacific Ocean. This collection of slouchy dresses and separates were made with sheer fabrics that had us feeling as light as they were.
-Katie Davidson

LA Fashion Week Spring 2009: Kevan Hall

Inspired by former MGM costumer, Adrian, Kevan Hall created looks that screamed out glamorous old Hollywood. The colors were simple but sophisticated. He brought the Hollywood glam from the runway to everyday “let’s do lunch” dresses. Chic and hip, Hall created a collection that brought the old Hollywood glam to the twentieth century.
-Katie Davidson