Growing up, I had always been drawn to the style of women who are involved in politics or married to men who are.
There is something that is incredibly special about them and how they carry themselves. However, too few of them in Guyana have chosen to use personal style as their medium of garnering respect. As a result I looked outside of Guyana.
I remember that as a child I always looked up to Princess Diana as an icon for many reasons. Before I knew of her work, her compassion and big heart, I was more interested in paying attention to her because she was always so well put together. She commanded attention. You just had to sit and bask in all her fabulous chicness.
As shallow as it may sound, clothing and style formulate perceptions and they determine how much respect you will get, especially if you are a public figure. Though it is quite pretentious, I believe more local political figures should give it attention. Too many choose to sweep it under the rug and not realise the benefits that come with it.
Growing up in Guyana only a few women in that sphere of the public eye have resonated with me as classic style icons. The first two that my memory flashed on are Claudette Singh and Yvonne Hinds. About two weeks ago I finally had to chance to meet Mrs Hinds and her dear friend Barbara during a very random run in. All I could think about when I saw her was what her closet may have possibly looked like when she was my age.
She reminds me of a well-aged Caribbean version of Anna Wintour; so well-matched and well put together. The woman has probably never taken a bad picture. She has always maintained a classic and timeless style over the years. I don’t know how she does it but she does it.
Unlike Sheikha Mozah and Princess Diana, Yvonne Hinds’ style isn’t publicised and made a hot topic. We have not recognised the value of marketing through personal style. When you think of the two previously mentioned style icons, you can associate them with exceptional work and as taste makers. They had more pressure placed on them because persons were looking up to them due to publicity given to them by media. This is not the case in Guyana and the wider Caribbean. This is due to local publications not seeing it as worthwhile. Mrs Hinds’s style is one that I will always remember. She has carried herself with grace and class over the years. It is an absolute shame that we don’t have publications and magazines that shed the appropriate light on most relevant topics of style and fashion.
Mrs Yvonne Hins, you are my local style icon. I would love to look at all your photographs of when you were my age and take a walk through your classy closet; maybe bag a hat or two. Keep dressing well and styling for you are one of the few style icons Guyana has left, also one of few worthwhile style examples for our young women. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your image.
www.online-runway.com
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