Just last week over in Port of Spain, Anya Ayoung Chee’s establishment HOMETT played host to an event called Fashion Focus. It was a collaboration between Anya and the organization Fashion Focus.
The event, which was geared at bridging the gap between the creative side of the fashion industry and the business side resulted in a series of reviews. Most of them addressed the frustration behind the event’s organization and the lack of real effort that goes into building a functional fashion industry. My friend and contributing writer to my blog Stephanie Ramlogan, who is based in Trinidad, attended and she made a smart and cheeky comment in her review that me think.
Stephanie wrote: “Please let us move away from this era of useless fashion shows and all the schmoozing that do nothing for this industry. Fashion Focus you have set out with a valuable intention. Do not lose sight of what is important. The glitz attracts people who do not even buy local. They show up in their Forever21 best to pose for pictures and eat food on toothpicks. Invite specific guests who are of value to your objective. You do not need all the fluff when your mission is so clear.” – Nomorefashionvictims.com
The few fashion professionals who are based in the Caribbean are perhaps too scattered across the region to create a viable industry and I think sometimes they don’t understand how necessary and important it is to network. In addition to this, most are not highlighted enough so that they don’t necessarily know who to even look for. With the core of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design being rotten and industry professionals being poorly trained, the only way for us to build on anything is to actually learn from those who have been exposed and also in a collective manner.
Fashion in the Caribbean is functioning in a bubble. We see a one frock here and there and we somehow think we have an industry. We get excited over short-term developments. We have a whole host of fashion shows and events and we think that this essentially means that we have developed businesses with longevity.
Believe it or not, there is more than one career choice in the fashion industry. Designers aren’t the only people who make the wheel spin. In most cases they are backed up by seamstresses, procurers, merchandisers, editors, stylists, assistants and most importantly, the models, who in this part of the world must sometimes work for a thank you or for 25% off the value of the garment they are modelling.
The truth is, we won’t get anywhere until fashion evolves from being seen as an entertainment gig to a really serious business. Those involved must be able to do the groundwork and must have a sincere interest in moving it forward. When there is a lack of professionalism it affects everyone in the industry.
