Inside SMAKS Trinidad's Enchanting MAHARAJA NIGHT

The Decorated Relish Restaurant at the Carlton Savannah Hotel

The Carlton Savannah's Relish Restaurant and poolside were transformed on Friday night to accommodate the first of a series of very exclusive parties called "Maharaja Nights"to be hosted by SMAKS West Indies. Located at the Carlton Savannah Hotel and Valpark Shopping Plaza, SMAKS WI is a notified brand of bespoke teas and fine goods, including luxury dinner services, stemware and decorative items from Russia, Sweden, Germany and France. 

Beautiful decorative pieces by Smaks Trinidad                        

The decor and ambiance of a Smaks store, let alone event, is reminiscent of a Maharaja's palace, making suitable the event's title "Maharaja Night". The explosive Maharaja Night was an exotic exhibition of various art-forms and tasty treats including presentations and promotions from local mobile carrier B Mobile, who displayed their new Samsung Tablet; Artistic Jewelers, a jewelry company with all one-of-a-kind jewelry from around the world, American Airlines, and Trinidad fashion designer extraordinaire Claudia Pegus who wowed the crowd with her new collection.

Models at the Poolside Fashion show
displaying designs by Claudia Pegus

Models in designs by Claudia Pegus

Papita Alwani, owner of Artistic Jewelers kept busy all evening as attendees crowded tables holding her precious jewelry pieces. "I've been a jeweler all my life, jewelry is in my blood" she gushed as she discussed just why her pieces are so admired. Her jewelry, she explained, are all one of a kind, some even made or altered exclusively for her. Many of her pieces were included in Claudia Pegus' runway show.

Artistic Jewelers owner Papita Alwani
shows off her one-of-a-kind jewelry 

Beautiful pieces by Artistic Jewlers

The event was attended by many dignitaries and local socialites including Miss Universe 1978 Penny Commissiong, popular local fashion photographer Calvin French, TSTT Executive Vice President Lisa Agard, Caribbean Academy of Fashion & Design Programme Coordinator Christopher Nathan, Head of dance at UTT Carol La Chapelle. Also in attendance were Government officials and Ambassadors including German Ambassador Stefan Schluter.

Smaks Trinidad owner Kiran with
TSTT Executive VP Lisa Agard

Ms. Universes 1978 Penny Commissiong
 at the poolside awaiting the fashion show

From left: Carol La Chapelle, Danielle Delon
& wife of German Ambassador  Stefan Schluter
enjoy each other's company in a poolside booth

The exciting mixer came to an end with a second presentation by Claudia Pegus, a few good drinks courtesy of Patron and a very generous gift from Smaks.


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Huge Crowd Gathers at Medulla Gallery to View New Projects by Che Lovelace

Che Lovelace (left) greets his guests at the launch of his new collection of work

Trinidadian artist extraordinaire Che Lovelace, celebrated the unveiling of his latest collection of paintings and drawings at the Medulla Gallery on Fitt Street Port-of Spain on Thursday evening. Studio Swap 2011, as the highly anticipated event was called, was well attended, so much so that the crowd of excited supporters and art lovers filtered on to the outside of the cosy two story gallery. 

The new pieces feature the human body captured in various positions ("Figure on the Wall"), events ("Man Wining on a Wall") and situations ("Overreacting Madman at the Independence Day Parade"). Lovelace, who is extremely passionate about his craft, has been working with a series of self portraits that he captured while moving around his studio, which he used as inspiration to develop the featured projects. Here are a few photos of the collection.

 

Award winning author, Earl Lovelace also made an appearance at his son's  event

Here's a video of Medulla gallery owner expressing his thoughts on the artist and his collection.

The gallery is still open and the pieces are available for viewing and purchase at 37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain.

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M.A.C MAYHEM: AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD GATHERS FOR THE LAUNCH OF M.A.C COSMETICS' 'GLITTER AND ICE'

Giant Snow Globes Displaying Part of the Glitter and Ice Collection

On Wednesday November 23rd 2011 M.A.C Cosmetics Trinidad and Tobago introduced their new collection 'Glitter and Ice' to a large, eager crowd of makeup and beauty enthusiasts at their new Gulf City Mall branch in San Fernando, Trinidad. The event seemed to've caused quite a stir as added to the excitement surrounding the new collection itself, the popular cosmetic company was also celebrating the official opening of its Gulf City store.

Makeup & Beauty Enthusiasts Enjoying Wine and Cocktails While Waiting to Get Their Hands on Some Glitter & Ice

As sponsors shared wine and martinis, the crowd grew with hosts of excited women swarming the snow globes that housed the new collection with hopes of getting first dibs on their favorite items. The collection includes a beautiful range of shimmery pigments, powders lipsticks and lip glossers, and features a new set of ice tipped brushes.

Glitter & Ice

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CHI, Biosilk Trinidad Launched With Special Collection by Claudia Pegus.

Miss Trinidad & Tobago World 2011 Lee Ann Forbes (center) hits the runway with two hair models

On Sunday November 20th Farouk Hair Systems, in collaboration with Asura Wholesalers launched the Trinidad and Tobago arm of their Award winning CHI and Bio Silk lines. It all happened at the Hyatt Regency in Port-of-Spain and featured an exciting hair show, product samples, performances by Nadia Batson and Megan Waldron and a special collection by Award winning fashion designer Claudia Pegus. The evening began with a cocktail reception, after which Jamal Gibbs of Caribbean Invaders opened the show with a steelpan rendition of the national anthem. The show then proceeded with the display of models with multicoloured, interestingly styled hair as they hit the runway theatrically.  Kevin Baker hosted the event and the N9 Dancers delivered a sultry yet energetic belly dance number.

Farouk Co-Founder, Beverley Morrison took a moment to inform the crowd about the company's ammonia-free products which she asserted are safe on the hair and health of both the hair stylist and the client. The final bit of excitement for the evening came when Claudia Pegus' collection of beautiful black gowns were presented. The collection which was styled by Crystal Ivy London rose eyebrows and rendered great applause. 

Check out the video below for peek at the runway show:

A male model shows off a look that was created on stage

Lee Ann Forbes in a Claudia Pegus Dress

Sample Table at the CHI Biosilk Trinidad & Tobago Launch

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Sheena Thorpe and Chantal Mundy Unveil New Christmas Collections at The Gallery

Sheena Thorpe Discusses Meiling's New Additions to her Sleepwear Collection "Meiling Complete"

Last evening The Gallery owner Sheena Thorpe, along with Chantal Mundy of Ilda's Boutique welcomed guests to celebrate with them the new collections launched at The Gallery, Long Circular Mall in Port-of-Spain Trinidad. A huge crowd gathered to enjoy a live musical band, free pedicures by Immortelle Beauty and Sole Nails, fine wine, tasty hors d'oeuvres and wonderful company. Among the evening's attendees were Miss Universe 1977 Janelle Penny Comissiong and stalwart designer Meiling, who also displayed new additions to her Meiling Complete collection sold exclusively at The Gallery.

Miss Universe 1977, Janelle Penny Comissiong (center) in Good Company at The Gallery

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Just as a side-note, if you're looking for THE best toffee on the island, The Gallery has it!  

Ooooh that Toffe!

Creativity The Next Commodity; Caribbean Designers Take Part in Brooklyn Fashion Week/Fashion Film Festival

Creativity The Next Commodity: - Google just launched 100 channels. While Comcast has committed to at least 11 cable channels and Google, Apple, and Skype has introduced "TV's" ... which translates to a need for content!
Brooklyn Fashion Week Introduces the Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival as a "virtual" space to share a worldwide marketing effort by Independent Fashion Designers, Stylist and beauty professionals!

This year they sent out the challenge to fashion design professionals and others in our creative community… 'Tell us your story!' They invited them to create a 3-15 minute video or “Fashion Film”! The goal is to get them to explore modern technology! To Show, Sell, Share or Teach!
Image:- Designer Louis Narcisee ... and Pharaonic Designs Collaborations of Greatness" www.Pharoanicdesigns.com

Technology removes the Barries of Geaography

Designers Show Share and sell Internationally... From November 13th-20th, they will explore video tools that allow for Sharing showcasing and selling . Web Video enables meetings, showcases, sales, support and services, global access to sourcing, trade and a new consumer base. BKFFF as an online event removes the limitations of location by being virtual and accessible to participants and viewers around the world. Image:- Designer Esther Joseph participates from her studio in St Lucia... See her creative Talent! Kuumba Designs St Luciar register online to see videos from other Participants! www.BrooklynfashionFilmFestival.com Mike Sylla From Paris ,,, Robert Young From Trinidad! Below from Columbus Ohio Lauren Luna Shoes) Shoes

How Do Artists Master the Technology for Sustainability and Profit:

**Nov 13th-20th - BFFF will ask The Creative Community to explore Video & technology during Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival... ** They asked them to do so Online and offline in Open Formats to inspire others! They reached into their Social networks and asked Designers, Dancers, Musicians and other artist and creatives from New York, Ohio, Arizona, Paris, St Lucia, Trinidad, Gambia to start using video in their businesses! Attend Brooklyn Fashion Film Festival Online (BKFFF) Virtual Viewing Schedule Register at www.Dancehackit.com Sponsors;- Streets of New York 411 | Vyou | Vokle| Kumble Theater | The Blue Wonder | WoomenMoves klickable| Dreamface| O'hours| Buyosphere | 282AC | Chochonette.com connect with them here

Streets Of New York 411 Is a proud ( Sponsor )of this Event 

Couture Fashion Week New York: 15th Season Wraps with a Flourish of Style & Luxury

“The remarkable journey continues. This unique event brings together first class couture and luxury fashion designers, amazing performers and trend-setting hair and makeup styling all in an incomparable world-famous venue."

     - Andres Aquino, Founder & Producer of Couture Fashion Week New York

It is exciting to see many fashion designers returning each season to show their powerful collections in New York during Couture Fashion Week at the Waldorf-Astoria. Among the award-winning designers returning this season were Walid Atallah (Dubai), Amal Sarieddine and MireilleDagher (Lebanon), NedretTaciroglu (Turkey), SushmaPatel (USA/India), Marco Marcu (Germany), Luis Machicao (USA/Peru) and Romanitza (Romania) who chose CFW as one of the events to celebrate her 20th year in the fashion industry. Designers showing for the first time at CFW included Pilar Macchione, Evgenia Luzhina-Salazar, Romero Bryan, Tammy Duffy, Eredappa, Giovanni Lopresti and Alicat by Avril Lemieux.

Couture Fashion Week’s Official Hair Stylist this season was the Elie Esper Salon, and the Official Makeup Artists were Mykel Renner and AOFM Pro with cosmetics by Inglot. Afterparties and VIP dinners were held at Nino’s Tuscany Steakhouse and Scarpina Bar & Grill. Flawless luxury car transportation was provided by Quintessentially Driven. Along with the fabulous fashions and accessories shown on the runway, audiences enjoyed performances by such notable entertainers as singersChristine Reber, Veronica Iovan, Dalal, Michael Raven, Sarah Elizabeth 

Charles, Luciano Lamonarca, Gerardo Contino and Cristina Fontanelli (fresh from her appearance with Andrea Bocelli in Central Park). Also appearing wereJane Hunt (“The Violin Venus”), pianist Laura Korpa, The Broadway Dolls, cellists The Monticelli Trio, dancers Kiana & Melia and the Nika Ballet Company.

A dazzling display area included a $500,000 limited edition sports car by Alessi Fiberglass and paintings by world-renowned surrealist painter Michael Cheval.Among other exhibitors were Xais Handbags, Hillcock Enterprises, Ashmina Designer Knitwear, Laser Cosmetica, American Laser, and NTDTV.

The event was covered by a large number of press outlets from around the world, with video, print and internet coverage continuing to appear.

The next Couture Fashion Week New York will be held February 17-19, 2012. It is already shaping up to be a memorable event.

Please visit the event website for tickets, photos, videos and much more information: www.CoutureFashionWeek.com