The nation’s inaugural premiere of the hottest fashion showcase of local, regional and international talent was a weekend worth remembering. From the empowering panel discussions about men and women in style, to the stunning display of fashion itself, producer Jo Stubbs and his creative executive team delivered a spectacular extravaganza on all ends!
The E-Life 242 team had an exclusive look into the making and production of this grand event as we blogged, vlogged and snapped the nights away (featured on our Instagram and Facebook pages).
The grand opening of BFW commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the entrance of Crown of Light fashion museum, sponsored by Diamonds International. On display and up for grabs were pieces from top Bahamian designers such as Javotte Bethel and Apryll Burrows. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all sales will be donated to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.
That evening’s exhibition featured the talents of emerging junior Bahamian designers, whose pieces spoke to the youthful playfulness of their creativity, but still captured elements of maturity fit for the grown and sexy.
Bahamian songstress Bodine Victoria graced the Melia Resort with her presence on day two of Bahamas Fashion Week. Her short presentation entitled “Want F.A.M.E.?” explained how fashion, art, music and entertainment intertwine in the creative industry.
Night two was also the night a “thicc” and curvy Bahamian woman strutted the stage, and we were more than here for it! Screams of “Yasssssssssss!” broke the rooftops of the ballroom as the crowd was surely “feeling themselves.” Kudos to Jo and Cardell for incorporating a plus-sized section into the showcase to illustrate that all bodies matter!
The day of anticipation for the team and crew was day three, as this was their final night to wow the audience… and might we say, no jaw was left unopened in the room! But before we get into the fashion, let’s address the much-needed panel discussions about men and women in style.
Hosted by Jo himself, the “Men In Style” panel discussion featured a medley of fashionable and highly recognizable young black men (names like Mickey Freeman, Stevie Boi, Joey Gaskins and K. Darren Turnquest just to name a few), with different sexual orientations and professions but one common factor – they all love fashion and believe that men should be fashionable.
The conversation explored the different facets of the idea of fashion, breaking the myths that only queer men care to “look good” and questioning the value of what it means to be a man within the black community. Things got heated when panelists tried to answer the question of who’s responsible for the creative fashion industry’s failure to flourish in The Bahamas, and of course the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture carried the flack. But overall, it was an interesting conversation worth watching again; or if you haven’t watched it at all, click the link here to check it out: https://www.facebook.com/BFW242/videos/518438438514269/).
The “Women In Style” panel discussion that followed delivered just the same. The conversation featured powerful, fashionable black women (with names like Claire Sulmers (fashionbombdaily.com), Wendi Lewis, Loretta Butler Turner and Mary-Ann KaiKai, just to name a few). They explored the themes of cultural appropriation within the fashion industry; exploitation verses appreciation of black women in fashion; and body positivity. The forum delved into the topic of #BlackGirlMagic and what it looks like to love the skin you’re in while living in a Kim Kardashian and Blacc Chyna-shaped world. If you weren’t able to tune live the first time around, click the link here to check it out: https://www.facebook.com/BFW242/videos/518509448507168/ .
The fashion showcase’s finale featured big name designers like Mary-ann KaiKai of Madam Wokie, Stevie Boi with his collection “Noir”, Mickey Freeman of FreeMan and Cardell McClam of Cardellious. Grown and sexy, daring and tempting, fun and flirty – each artist’s individual line pushed the envelope and set the tune for a future of fashion The Bahamas has yet to see. Needless to say, we’re all the way here for it!
Of course, this is just a recap of what captivated us for the three-day weekend event. If you want to see more, you’ll have to follow BFW’s Instagram page @bahamasfashionweek and ours @elife242!