Entertainment promoter Daniel Coleman used the stylish backdrop of the Fashion Institution of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan recently to launch the first Annual Anguilla Fashion Expo scheduled to take place on the island paradise from Feb. 28 to March 2.
“Come and be Inspired By Tranquility Wrapped in Blue,” is the tagline that beckons fashionists and tourists to what will be a star-studded event at the five-star Paradise Cove Resort on Anguilla’s pristine southern shore.
Coleman was mesmerized by the island after just one visit and wanted to transform the British territory into a fashion and tourism destination for visitors. To this end, he pitched his idea to the Chief Minister Hubert Benjamin Hughes, Tourism Minister Haydn Hughes and the Anguilla Tourist Board and a fashion expo was born.
Anguilla Access, a tourism company has partnered with Coleman for an exciting tourist package on the island where the promoter said, “the fashion event would be fabulous, the food will be fabulous, and the beautiful people will welcome guests with open arms.”
During the kick-off, Guyanese American fashion designer Roger Gary and 17-year instructor at Fashion Institute of Technology Professor Steven Cutting teamed up with Daniels to finalize the weekend production that will include a fashion workshop by Cutting.
His presentation will teach the fundamentals of fashion for women, men and children’s wear. Marketing terminology for fashion, product promotion, fashion analysis, branding, marketing supply chain and fashion retailing formats are among other topics to be discussed. Cutting will be the feature presenter at the seminar.
A Makeup and Foundation workshop will be conduced by Ja’Maal Buster and Damien Salter while artists to the stars Marque’ and Jaci Michelle will conduct a Hair Style and Hair Care workshop.
Roger Gary who will head-up a long list of New York designers at the fashion forward affair is poised to debut his stunning colorful Aqua Couture swimwear line. He said his work would be ‘typical Gary style’ with an Anguilla twist.
Guyanese New Yorker fashion designer Michelle Cole will present her Cole of ColeFacts Concept, Kai Design will launch a Jewel Inspired Swimwear line and Beachwear designer Julissa Fernadez and designers from St. Lucia, St. Maarten and others from the region will showcase stunning pieces.
Meanwhile, Lue Sierra, Miss America and Miss USA coach and diva extraordinaire – the “go-to” model for the runways of Bob Mackie, Bill Blass Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Patrick Kelly, Giorgio Armani, Escada, and Randolph Duke, is whipping models into shape for the March 2, fashion show.
To learn more, go to www.anguillaexpo.com.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
