Algeria

SO2 - January 16

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:30:01 +0000

SO2 - January 16

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11114.jpg

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 03:30

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - January 16

First Things First...

Chari Cuthbert broke the Internet in 2020 when her VOTE necklace was spotted around former First Lady Michelle Obama's neck. Fast-track to 2022, and Cuthbert's jewellery line BYCHARI is still high in demand. Filipino-American fashion model Kelsey Merritt, who is best known for being the first Filipino to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, was spotted wearing the Kelia necklace from the brand. Merritt wore the necklace with a series of looks whilst on vacation in Antigua and Barbuda.

Next...

American fashion stylist and award-winning costume designer Zerian Akers, Beyoncé's personal stylist and costume designer for the 2020 musical film Black Is King, and founder of the e-commerce site Black Owned Everything', was spotted on a recent vacay to the Dominican Republic in SammyB's Dane Summer striped pants and bralette.

SammyB is a lifestyle clothing brand by Jamaican-blooded designer Samantha Black, who is currently on The Rock. Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, Keke Palmer, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Demi Lovato are just a few of the celebrities who have worn pieces from the line.

Plus...

UK-based fashion designer Bianca Saunders, who is of Jamaican descent, is pulling in all the celebs. Saunders, who launched her eponymous clothing brand in 2017, initially as a menswear apparel line, has recently added womenswear. American model and media personality Hailey Bieber is one of the first to sample a piece from the new womenswear edit. Bieber shared a photo on her Instagram story wearing the Classic Sink Shoulder Marv Suit Jacket.

Plus British musician, songwriter and actor Olly Alexander as well as Nigerian rapper Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu (who goes by the moniker Cruel Santino), both don the SS22 Warp top from Bianca Saunders.

And...

British actress Jessica Henwick, who plays Bugs in The Matrix Resurrections, stepped out for the world premiere of the movie on December 18 at the Castro Theatre in a black Chance gown from the Greta Constantine Spring 2022 collection.

Similarly...

American actress Mckenna Grace slipped into a Two Mey Resort 2022 dress from the Toronto-based womenswear brand helmed by Jamaican-Canadian design duo Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong for the world premiere of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Grace plays Phoebe in the fantasy/comedy movie directed by Jason Reitman.

Credits

Make-up: @kirinstagram, @chanel.beauty

Hair: @nancileesantos

Colour: @colorbymattrez

Cut: @adamcampbellhair

Styling: @cristinaehrlich, @bridgetblacksten

Shoes: @marcjacobs

Jewellery: Vintage @chanelofficial and my

Etc...

Kaci Hamilton, the daughter of the late ombudsman Howard Hamilton and local tennis champ mum Beverly, was a contestant last month on You Bet Your Life With Jay Leno. Hamilton charmed the host with her Jamaican accent and impressed SO2 with her confident and accurate responses.

Finally!

Singer and songwriter Nordia Witter is the first and new social maven for Designer Bag Exchange. Witter broke the news on her Instagram page on Wednesday with the caption: "So excited to announce I'm part of the Designer Bag Exchange and very grateful and honoured to be a part of this wonderful team. Looking forward to working together in 2022."

Caribbean

Living Standard

SO2 - January 23

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 03:20:01 +0000

SO2 - January 23

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11103.jpg

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 03:20

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - January 23

Firstly...

SO2 gave you a taste last week of what Kaci Hamilton has been up to. But there's more! Lots more!

She's been pursuing acting for the past five years, the last three in Los Angeles, and after just a year in LA, shot a commercial for Smirnoff starring Dave Bautista (of Guardians of the Galaxy fame). That was February 2020. Cue: The lockdown. But while everyone else was making starter dough, she built a home voiceover studio, attended endless IG Live events, Zoom conferences, acting classes, and even enrolled in a virtual networking service, all to stay current and ready. It's paid off!

Last year, she auditioned for pretty much every major network, from Apple TV, Disney, ABC, to HBO, Amazon, and Netflix, ultimately booking a spot on NCIS: Hawai'i.

"I ended up not being able to accept the role, but as they say, it's an honour to be nominated," she says. "In the last six months, I booked my first feature film and landed a Lexus campaign that's currently live and set to run through the Winter Olympics and March Madness. But the project that felt like a real milestone was a recent dramatic short film, Getaway, that I filmed in Jamaica. It's written by first-time Jamaican film-maker Malaika Paquiot, directed by American Stephanie Malson and co-starring Jamaican-American actress Melissa Anderson, all of whom I met coming up in ARRAY, the independent film distribution company founded by Ava DuVernay.

"It tells the story of June, a Jamaican-American single mother who brings her young son home to connect with his roots, but ends up making a life-altering decision by the end of her trip. I play Grace, June's cousin and the person who knows her better than she knows herself. I've been committed to telling immigrant stories, so it was especially rewarding to be a part of a Jamaican one, shot in Jamaica, and collaborating with three dynamic black women who shared the same passion. Getaway was also shot by Jamaican cinematographer Randall Richards, of Mint Creative, and is slated for the festival circuit with plans for development into a series. There's also been time for some more light-hearted TV appearances. And I haven't stopped writing. I'm working on my own pilot about attending college as a Jamaican in Alaska, as well as [I have] plans to launch a sleep podcast, Jamaican Me Sleepy, later this year. I'm ready for the diversification happening in the industry, and I'm especially excited about Jamaica being at that table," she concludes.

Cue: McFadden and Whitehead's Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.

Also...

Beauty and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian announced the latest release from her KKW fragrance line wearing a trio of sheer corseted outfits designed and created by Canadian designer Kathryn Bowen. Kardashian collaborates with world-renowned floral arrangement designer Jeff Leatham for a special capsule collection: Jeff Leatham by KKW Fragrance. The news came with photos of Kardashian clad in custom white, black, and beige Kathryn Bowen sheer corsets, posing alongside the new bottle for the fragrances and elaborate floral arrangements courtesy of Leatham.

No stranger to SO2, the Canadian designer's father, Bruce, headed Scotiabank Jamaica for several years.

Next...

Last October, Japanese multinational electronics company Epson announced a new partnership with eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt. Widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt was selected to be the face of an awareness-building campaign for Epson's cartridge-free EcoTank printers. Television and social media ads, billboards, and website banners rolled out shortly after. The most recent video ad is a heart-warming story of a young boy fulfilling his dream of meeting his hero Usain Bolt, with the help of Epson EcoTank. The retired sprinter shared the video with his 11 million Instagram followers.

And...

Armed with a stunning Greta Constantine power suit and confident delivery, American actress, singer, and dancer Ariana DeBose made her Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting debut during the first episode of 2022. The actress - best known for playing Anita in Steven Spielberg's musical film West Side Story - is now enjoying her time in the limelight after a decade of working hard on Broadway.

Greta Constantine - a ready-to-wear womenswear line based in Toronto, Canada - is helmed by Jamaican-Canadian designers Stephen Wong and Kirk Pickersgill.

There's More...

After a whirlwind year for New York-based Jamaican designer Brandon Blackwood, Jamaica's sun, sand, and sea were exactly what the stylish entrepreneur was missing. Blackwood's Rock rendezvous - organised in part to celebrate his bestie's Imani Nia's birthday - included a stay at Bumper's Nest, a spectacular private villa located hillside at the fabulous Tryall Club in Montego Bay.

Bumper's Nest encapsulates all that is synonymous with elegant Caribbean living with its lavish master cottage, handsome interiors, and stunning views. Many families have an enduring love affair with Bumper's Nest, returning year after year and enjoying it as their home away from home.

From a three-acre garden, at the peak of Mahogany Hill, Bumper's Nest takes full advantage of views of the Caribbean Sea, Tryall forests, and the 14th hole of the legendary Tryall Golf Club. It has been meticulously designed to maximise the natural light, airflow, and magnificent views.

The villa staff comprises a team of Rhona, the cook with over 30 years' experience at the Club, a butler, maid, laundress, and the lawns, pool and organic herb gardens are tended by the villa's two gardeners.

- The Tryall Club

Finally

Caribbean

Living Standard

SO2 - February 6

admin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:50:01 +0000

SO2 - February 6

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__11075.jpg

admin Mon, 02/21/2022 - 02:50

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - February 6

First...

This is the story of "black in blue," began the ITV news broadcast in a segment discussing Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage in the Royal Air Force - an exhibition currently on display at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in Cosford, England. The exhibit highlights the Caribbean people who fought for Britain in two world wars. Though integral to British history, their stories are not well-known hence the reason that the RAF Museum has regularly mounted the ever-growing exhibit since 2014.

Their beginnings

The 1948 arrival of Empire Windrush is thought to be the single Caribbean migration to England. But, here's a fun fact: Of the 500 Jamaicans onboard, more than half served in the RAF. According to the exhibition notes, "In two world wars, African-Caribbean people volunteered to serve in the Royal Air Force. These volunteers fought, and died, for the mother country and for freedom, and thereby helped preserve the values and the heritage they shared with their white comrades." For each World War, approximately 6,000 black people from the Caribbean, Africa and Britain served in the RAF.

Jamaican history-makers

From documented accounts from the Caribbean volunteers: "On arriving in Britain, the volunteers discovered that few British people had met a black person before." This did not deter or hinder many of them from standing out and making history. Sergeant William Robinson Clark from Kingston paid his own passage to England to join the royal flying corps, where he began as a driver. After completing flight training in 1917, he became the first black military pilot to fly for Britain.

Windell "Joe" Walcott MBE from Refuge, Duncans, Trelawny, joined the RAF in 1945 and retired as a warrant officer after 34 years of service. He served in "Cyprus, Germany, Malta and Singapore as an Air Quartermaster supplying military bases across the globe, before retiring in 1979". He passed away in November 2018, but his name will not be forgotten. In August 2021, Building 78 at RAF Brize Norton was renamed 'The Walcott Building' to commemorate his sterling service to the RAF.

Another Jamaican, Sam King MBE, who hailed from Priestman's River, Portland, joined the RAF in 1944. He was posted to the fighter station RAF Hawkinge and served as a skilled aircraft fitter. His career continued with various postings throughout Britain. After World War II, King returned to Jamaica but soon went back to England on the Windrush. He made quite the life for himself in England, where he was instrumental in establishing the Notting Hill Carnival and in 1983 became the first black mayor of Southwark. His campaign was not free from adversity. As stated in his memoir Climbing Up the Rough Side of the Mountain, the racist National Front threatened to cut his throat and burn down his house. Upon his death in 2016, British MP and former Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn noted, "What a legend, what a loss. London is a better place, Britain is a better place thanks to Sam and his family."

Race and sense of place

The RAF had strict rules against racial bias. But the "colour bar" was lowered between the wars and after. Though they served Her Majesty, many Caribbean RAF volunteers were instrumental in the anti-colonialist movement. Those who returned to the Caribbean were key figures in politics, the attainment of independence, and the establishment of trade unions, especially for the sugar industry. According to the exhibit's curators, "They carried with them the dynamic ethos of the RAF, becoming politicians, lawyers and teachers determined to change their homelands for the better."

Those who returned to England fought for equality and kept "Britain free from nazi domination."

Today and the future

British society has dramatically changed since the 1960s. Black people were instrumental in attaining the many freedoms that contemporary English society enjoys. Black people continue to serve in the RAF, which is now a "progressive and highly effective multi-ethnic force, and the service continues to welcome African-Caribbean volunteers today".

Pilots of the Caribbean: Volunteers of African Heritage was curated by the Royal Air Force Museum in partnership with the Black Cultural Archives. The exhibit runs until November.

Photos: Royal Air Force Museum, Forces News, Black Cultural Archives, ITV, The Latest, and RAF Brize Norton News.

And...

"The news is out! Happy to be joining @worldsailingofficial team," was the celebratory note posted to Jamaican-born sustainability expert and double Paralympic bronze medallist Alexandra Rickham's Instagram account last Monday.

The official announcement was released by World Sailing moments before. Rickham was appointed head of sustainability. She joins World Sailing directly from specialist sports sustainability consultancy Earth to Ocean, where she set up SailGP's sustainability programme and later transitioned into being their diversity & impact manager. The sports executive and professional athlete brings a wealth of expertise across sustainability, diversity and inclusion to the organisation.

Originally from St Ann's Bay, Rickham was born to a Jamaican mother and British father. She became a tetraplegic/quadriplegia and full-time wheelchair user at age 13, after a diving accident during a holiday trip to Jamaica while on break from boarding school in the UK.

Caribbean

Living Standard

“I would rather be alive in Africa than to die at the Mediterranean Sea” -reintegrated migrant tells his story

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 23:40:01 +0000

“I would rather be alive in Africa than to die at the Mediterranean Sea” -reintegrated migrant tells his story

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__10251.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 23:40

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Original Publisher

Local – Sierra Leone Concord Times

Original Article

“I would rather be alive in Africa than to die at the Mediterranean Sea” -rein…

November 30, 2021

By Alhaji Haruna Sani

“I would rather be in Africa than to die and end up in a body bag at the shores of the Mediterranean Sea,” Bilal Kamara learnt his lesson after irregular migration.

After running out of money to keep studying at the LICCSAL Business College in Freetown, depressed and frustrated Bilal Kamara who could not manage his heartbreak decided to run away from shame.

Irregular migration (Temple run) was the only option available to him, thus he met a friend who was almost equally frustrated and was looking for opportunity to leave the country. Hence, they two left Sierra Leone in December 2014 with the aim of travelling to Italy via Temple run.

Kamara, who travelled with a keen mind of seeking reliable source of income, further his education, live a better life and help his family back home, returned and raised the standards of his life in Sierra Leone, after going through hell in other African nations.

Seven months after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication at the Fourah Bay College, Bilal Kamara finally shares his Temple Run experience with Concord Times, and explains how he was able to reintegrate into society. B

CT:Briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Bilal Kamara. I was born and raised in West end of Freetown. I am the first born to my parents and I have four siblings. I am a bachelor that turned 29 this year.

CT: Would you mind sharing with us an account of your travelling experiences?

Well! my experience started in Guinea, where I spent two weeks after separating with my friend, and by the time I decided to proceed to Mali, I had ran out of money. I took some odd jobs in Guinea so as to generate money for my transportation, yet the jobs could earned me the regular transport charges to Mali, so I agreed to be loaded together with some goods in the booth of the sluggish yellow Peugeot car that took drove on the bumpy and long distance journey to Mali. I landed in Mali completely broke, so I accepted all sort of odd jobs in return for food or money. After spending a dreadful month in Mali where I slept in ghettos and car parks, I was able to generate the exact money that took me to the Malian border town of Gao.In Gao, I was taken to a camp headed by a ghetto master where migrants from different West African nations were placed. I faced huge problem of language barrier in the cam, until I met some Nigerians and Liberians who automatically became my friends because we shared similar parlance. I spent two months in the camp where a lot fellow migrants left me because I have no money to pay my way to Algeria. Later a friend took me to a nearby village where we settled for the less and accepted odd jobs to raise money to travel to Algeria. After raising the required sum for our transportation, the Ghetto Master who was also the transport coordinator negotiated with a pick-up truck driver who loaded about 100 of us to cross the Sahara Desert to Algeria.

Along the way, some among us were kidnapped whiles others were abducted by the Tureg rebels, until we arrived in a town called Azaward were the rest of us were finally kidnapped by the Tuaregs. Those who paid their ransom were allowed to go whiles the rest of us were held hostage. All my friends had earlier paid their ransom and forged ahead, save Coachi, my Liberian friend whom we came together from Gao.

In Awazard we spent two days in the camp without eating any food. consequently, Coachi fell ill and started experiencing diarrhea. But because of the 2014- 15 Ebola outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Tuareg and fellow migrants shunned Coachi because he was from Liberia. I tried all possible ways to resuscitate Coachi, but to no avail hence, Coachi died in my hands.

After Coachi’s tragic death, the Tuareg felt sorry for me and loaded me in a truck to Algeria and left me somewhere in the desert. We trekked for about three days before reaching an Algerian suburb called Burg. From Burg, I forged ahead to another town called Tamanrasset where I resorted to street begging. Few weeks after, I travelled to the Libyan crossing point to the Mediterranean Sea to Italy where I also made new friends.

Finally, at the time of crossing the Mediterranean Sea I was asked out of the boat because of insufficient transportation fees. A day after the boat left, I received a devastating news that the boat had capsized leaving no one alive. Hence I said to myself that I would rather be in Africa, than to die and end up in a body bag at the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

CT:Which was/were your worst moment (s) during your travelling?

I actually had a lot of revolting moments among which was the time I received the news about the capsize of the boat in which my friends were. That dreadful incident made me finally decided to return home.

But my worst moment was the time I lost a friend and a brother Coachi, ouch! I really hate talking about this. With the short time I spent with Coachi I realized he was very kind and friendly. Coachi died in my hands just like a baby, o my God!. That was my worst and saddest moment not only in the journey but throughout my life so far. Shit! I wish I could never talk about this again.

Nonetheless, time I was forced to do inhumane labour was nothing good to write home about. Too many things happened to me which was very difficult to explain.

CT:What about your best day (s) during your travelling?

Africa

News

SO2 - Keys in Greta Constantine

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:20:01 +0000

SO2 - Keys in Greta Constantine

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__10021.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:20

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - Keys in Greta Constantine

First... SO continues its spotlight on 'Rock'-star costume designer Antoinette Messam.

On Saturday, November 13, Messam was among the best behind-the-camera-talent who filled the Avalon in Hollywood for a celebration of the year's most acclaimed films. Presented by Los Angeles Confidential magazine, the 11th annual Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards honoured those who work behind the camera in a host of areas from sound editing, costume design, and casting to producing and directing. Messam, a Jamaican-Canadian who was born in Montego Bay, copped the award for Best Costume Design for her work in the Netflix Western The Harder They Fall.

And...

As we continue to give behind-the-camera-talent the spotlight they deserve, we now focus on Jamaican-born couturier Raxann Chin, who served as the costume designer for the new Disney short film Keeping Up With The Claus. Described as "a holiday family film with a twist," the production stars, among others, veteran actress Margaret Ladd - best known for her role as Emma Channing in the CBS primetime soap opera Falcon Crest.

"What I can say, without giving away too much, is that it is a project I am immensely proud to be a part of... Viewers are in for a real treat come December," Chin told Caribbean Life. Filming for the movie wrapped last week.

Plus...

Guess who's one of two lead producers on the challenge team that crafted the entire Project Runway Season 19 series?

Our very own director, writer and producer Tanya E Taylor, who at her core is still the five-year-old sitting on the terrazzo tiled floor, too close to the black and white television, grinning as the station identifier cross dissolves into the Jamaican flag billowing in the wind to the national anthem. Back then, this marked the beginning of transmission of the island's only television channel. Her love affair with the escapism promised by the screen began then and has intensified through the decades.

SO2 asked Taylor so expound on exactly what a challenge producer does:

• Everything from top to tail needed to execute the episodes.

• Pitching the episode ideas, writing the rules for the challenges, sourcing locations and any episode specific elements needed to execute the challenge (including selecting models and pitching judges).

• Supervising challenges while filming was integral to challenge execution.

• Creating challenge-themed runways was the fun icing for each episode.

• While working on the project, I was able to achieve Project Runway firsts while navigating logistical obstacles underscored by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

• My experience working in the Jamaican television industry equipped me with the tenacity and solutions-driven approach to challenge producing. Often, my Jamaican 'tun wi han' mek fashion' approach ensured the episodes' success.

• My penchant for global fashion trends saw me adding my panache while crafting challenges and even reflected in my approach to the work environment over the 12 weeks.

• Throughout the season I was able to recommend and secure iconic New York landmarks including the Lincoln Center, featured in Episode 1, and the Bartow Pell Mansion, featured in Episode 3.

There's more to share from Project Runway Season 19, so stay tuned to the pages of your weekly Style Observer.

Then...

Harlem was in for a treat as Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys graced the stage in custom Greta Constantine at the legendary Apollo Theater for a one-night-only concert. Styled by Jason Bolden, the black jumpsuit, with blue and gold sequinned embellishements stole the show as Keys ignited the crowd with a stirring performance of Empire State of Mind, as well as catalogue classics Fallin' and If I Ain't Got You. The #SmallStageSeries performance was in collaboration with SiriusXM and Pandora. Jamaican-Candadian design duo Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong are behind the Toronto-based ready-to-wear womenswear label Greta Constantine.

Also...

The Jamaican-inspired Negril Tennis Tote and Negril Sandal recently went live on the Brother Vellies e-commerce site. Aurora James - a Ghanaian-blooded Toronto native and New York City transplant who split her childhood between Canada and Jamaica - is the founder of the sustainable accessories brand. Founded in 2013 on a series of progressive principles that include a central mission of sustainability, Brother Vellies has been sticking to its ethics even as it has continued to grow. The latest drop includes pieces made in small batches with the house's signature Negril strap.

Plus, congrats are in order for James, who was presented with the Founder's Award at the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards. The Founder's Award was established in memory of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert and is awarded to a person for his or her unique contribution to the world of fashion and who is deserving of industry recognition.

There's More...

On the night of the 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards, one of NYC's most influential nightlife personalities Legendary Damon, in association with Imbue Curls USA, hosted a dinner to celebrate the amazing year that Rock-blooded fashion designer Samantha Black has had. "My longtime friend Damon curated a dinner honouring me and my growth and work I've done in the fashion industry with my fashion label SammyB," Black shared with SO. The soirée was held at New York's Times Square Edition hotel.

Caribbean

Living Standard

SO2 - Flossie Thomas

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:10:01 +0000

SO2 - Flossie Thomas

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__10008.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:10

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 - Flossie Thomas

First Things First...

Black British Lives Matter: A Clarion Call for Equality is more than a book; it is an incitement to change people's perceptions. In response to the international outcry at African-American George Floyd's death, prominent British television personalities and journalists Lenny Henry and Marcus Ryder commissioned a collection of essays from black British figures to discuss how and why there is a need for black lives to matter - not just for black people but for society as a whole.

Ryder, who serves as co-editor of the title, recently took to Twitter to share his appreciation for British Vogue's spotlight of the new release. " Black British Lives Matter is featured in @ BritishVogue this month! My grandma, Flossie Thomas, was a top Jamaican fashion designer, making dresses for numerous Miss World contestants in the 70s. Being in Vogue I feel she is smiling down on me," he wrote.

Naturally, SO2 made contact and spoke to both Ryder and his mum Marlene about the Jamaican designer who left the island at the age of two for Panama, whilst the Panama Canal was being built, then returned to Jamaica. Headed to New York to study art and suss out the fashion industry. The Big Apple appeared not to have been to her liking so she returned home and set up atelier on King Street above Garden Grocery.

Her parents Richard Warren-Lindsay and mum Annie opened Arlington House, a restaurant that would become the epicentre of the new wave of politicians like Wills O Isaac and Bustamante. Indeed, Gladys Maud Longbridge worked at the restaurant where she would meet her future husband and the country's future PM Alexander Bustamante.

Back to Flossie, however, whose own career was about to make a meteoric shift. Her daughter Marlene's friend, Evelyn Andrade, who was a contestant in the Miss Jamaica 1954 competition, which she'd go on to win, wore a Flossie Thomas design. It would be another Miss Jamaica, however, notably Mitsy Constantine who, too, wore a Flossie Thomas gown which would solidify Thomas as the go-to designer for future Miss Worlds.

Thomas was now cutting, stitching and fitting non-stop. By the time Jamaica's first native Governor General Sir Clifford Campbell's daughter Sara Lou Mena walked up the aisle wearing Flossie Thomas, her label was as revered as that of Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

Thomas would visit the United Kingdom, where her daughter Marlene, having left Immaculate Conception High School, was enrolled at the Regent Street Polytechnic. Indeed, when Marlene remained [in the UK] Thomas, her grandson recalled, would visit every summer with a suitcase of new clothes for his mum. He also recalled that his glamorous, not-so-typical grandmother would spend hours traipsing down Oxford and Regency streets in search of the latest designs and patterns. "She had a fresh take on design; one I think that was a result of her years in Panama and later New York. She stayed abreast of trends, etc, and would also visit Paris."

Thomas's daughter Marlene recalls how she once enrolled at Central Saint Martins and learnt how to make flowers by hand. Needless to say her wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses soon featured beads, sequins and blooms.

Proud of the impact Flossie Thomas had in Jamaica and appreciative of her superior skills Flossie Thomas's daugher and grandson are determined to keep her legacy alive and indeed are eager for more stories of black excellence to be shared. They're off, we reckon, to a formidable start.

Caribbean

Living Standard

November Colour Series: Gold

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:10:01 +0000

November Colour Series: Gold

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__10006.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:10

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

November Colour Series: Gold

Flounces and frills in gold silk faille are at the fore of the Greta Constantine Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection. Based on their fascination with arguably fashion's biggest night out, the Met Gala, Jamaican-Canadian design duo Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong have crafted a collection that captures the glamorous spirit of the event.

The attention paid to details - Look 19, we imagine, took hours to create - and an array of playful silhouettes make for an appealing collection. Of the 21 looks, only one lacks the signature embellishment - though the white silk wool blazer and gold colour block box-pleat pant oozes sophistication and is perfect for NYE. Tuesday Style Fashion (TSF)strikes gold!

Caribbean

Living Standard

SO2 Dec 5

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:00:01 +0000

SO2 Dec 5

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__9986.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:00

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

SO2 Dec 5

Firstly...

Last Monday evening the British Fashion Council's annual fashion awards took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The evening commenced with the flashing buzz of the star-filled red carpet to a respectful silence acknowledging the passing of Louis Vuitton Creative Director Virgil Abloh, who was paid tribute to by Idris Elba with the reading of a poem by Maya Angelou. Actor Billy Porter, who then assumed his role as the evening's host, lifted the mood with a series of jokes and colourful ensembles. Throughout the night tributes were paid to several creatives, including Jamaica Observer Lifestyle Desk alum Jordan Anderson who, fashionably dressed in Gucci, was acknowledged as one of the Top 50 New Creatives of the Industry; Fendi/Dior menswear designer Kim Jones, who collected his award as designer of the year; Tommy Hilfiger, who was honoured for his outstanding achievements in the industry; as well as Edward Enninful and Telfar Clemens who were acknowledged as two of the top leaders of change in the industry.

Plus...

A round-up of other Rock-fab stars at the November 29 event.

Then...

Musician and social media star Jaycee is a self-taught pianist and guitarist. At 23, the Jamaican-Australian has already gathered over one million followers on social media and launched his own music label. He is the first professional musician in his family and is determined to write meaningful lyrics and produce music that reflect his own experiences and culture.

"I was brought up on musical sounds. I have Jamaican blood in me," the confident personality, whose mum hails from Mandeville, Manchester, and who started playing tunes from an early age, shares.

"I was infatuated with the idea that certain shapes made different sounds," he adds. He discovered the power of music in his school music room where an old piano sat. Jaycee was a curious kid and very competitive, which served him well through the years in a tough industry. His work serves audiences a mash-up of Caribbean-Australian beats infused with rap melodies.

"Jamaica is cheerful and open-hearted. In the island, what is mine is yours," the musician recalls his numerous journeys to the birthplace of reggae fondly. Jamaicans, in his opinion, show vulnerability, which is why audiences feel their lyrics. Like his song, Me, Myself and I. This song pays tribute to the hard work people put into their dreams, including himself.

"Nothing happened by accident. For my music, I embraced self-funded tools. I worked at a coffee shop and busked around." He put himself in front of audiences investing in social media marketing. Today, Jaycee celebrates features on Aussie billboards. He has also enjoyed several brand deals. In his words, "I got my music heard." Another song with a message is on his 2019 album, 27.

"The opening track is called Paranoid. I wrote that song because I felt like the weight of the world was on me. You're talking to someone who used to shop at Salvos (Aussie second-hand goods store)." Unashamed of the hard times he endured, the grateful producer insists that being vulnerable is key. Listeners can walk with him through his triumphs and tragedies, all of which shaped him. But he is also confrontational.

He likes to think of himself as someone who has skill not talent. In his opinion, he is a lifelong student of music. Jaycee is pensive. When he ponders the world around him, he is mindful that pivoting needs to happen in Australian mindsets. "I think that we need more love, less judgement. People think our way is the only way." Not so. He is frustrated that people bite their own tongue and stay quiet when society silences them. Through his songs, he hopes to instil courage in his audiences.

To find out more about Jaycee, please visit his Instagram @jayceeau or website www.jaycee.com.au

- Bridgett Leslie

Also...

It's safe to say Canada's Drag Race season judge Amada Brugel (or her stylist Lisa Williams) appreciates the grandeur and flamboyance of Greta Constantine's designs. The Canadian actress wore the Dupont dress from the label's Spring 2021 collection in promo images for the reality competition television series. Most recently, she appeared on the show in a ruffled number from the label's Resort 2021 drop. Brugel shared behind-the-scenes photos of her on set in the tiered midi. Greta Constantine - a ready-to-wear womenswear label based in Toronto - was founded in 2006 by Jamaican-Canadian design duo Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong.

And...

Multi-Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Alicia Keys covers Marie Claire magazine's UK and US 'Power' issues. In an interview with Los-Angeles based writer Jessica Herndon, the Jamaican-blooded artiste describes her eighth studio album Keys as her jazziest and most elegant to date. She also discussed setting boundaries with her career to spend more time with family.

"I don't want every single minute of every day accounted for, my time is important. I want to have time with my family. I want to raise my kids. I don't want to always be 60,000 miles away," shared the artist. Keys was lensed by American photographer Yu Tsai for the fashion glossy's editorial.

CREDITS

Photographer: Yu Tsai

Make-up: Cherish Brooke Hill

Hairstylist: Larry Sims

Stylist: Jason Bolden

There's More...

American model and television personality Chrissy Teigen was spotted celebrating Thanksgiving in Fe Noel's Gatsby Evergreen Robe and Slip Pant set. Fe Noel is a conceptual lifestyle brand helmed by New Yorker Felisha Noel, who has Grenadian roots.

Caribbean

Living Standard

Christmas Colour Series: Hot Pink & Lime

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:00:01 +0000

Christmas Colour Series: Hot Pink & Lime

/sites/default/files/imported_articles_images/node__9985.jpg

admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 14:00

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Original Publisher

Jamaica Observer

Original Article

Christmas Colour Series: Hot Pink & Lime

The overwhelming consensus in fashion right now is that the bolder, the better. And lime green continues to have a moment. But over the past month or so a fresh colour combo has hit the fashion sphere, and we're obsessed! Instead of styling green alone, amp things up and team with the forever fave: Hot pink.

This certainly isn't a classic mash-up, but the looks Greta Constantine has created for the Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection exude effortless chic.

The beauty of lime is that it genuinely works with lots of other shades in your wardrobe. The same can be said for pink.

Only love muted tones like grey and white? Good news: Both look exceptional against lime and pink and will make any outfit stand out. But for a show-stopping moment combining the two is the way to go.

It can be tricky, though, to go from the safety net selection of black and greys to the shocking colour combo. To smooth the transition, Tuesday Style Fashion (TSF) rounded up more standouts from Greta Constantine that will help you inject some much-needed fun into your holiday wardrobes.

Caribbean

Living Standard

Covid spurring political and personal battles

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 08:10:01 +0000

Covid spurring political and personal battles admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 08:10

Friday, December 3, 2021

Original Publisher

Searchlight

Original Article

Covid spurring political and personal battles

When first the impact of the COVID pandemic hit us over two years ago, there were few among us that thought we would still be grappling with it today, on the verge of the year 2022. Today, not only has the disease accounted for the deaths of over 5 million persons worldwide but it seems to be constantly recharging its batteries in the form of new variants and, as evidenced in the emergence of yet another offshoot, the Omicron, is creating alarm just as controls and restrictions were being eased.

Given the deadly experience over the past two years and the novelty of the new strain, there is an understandable tendency towards panic reaction, especially in the European Union and the United Kingdom, and restrictions of travel to and from Southern African countries are being imposed. Yet, after blaming those countries for the origin of this new strain, it is now being revealed that strains of the new variant had been reported in Europe before the supposed “discovery” in southern Africa.

It immediately recalls the experience with AIDS, originally blamed on African countries, and people of African origin, before scientific facts began to challenge the early assumptions. What is even more worrying is that such unsubstantiated claims about origin only fuels the skepticism, already dangerously high, about official information on the virus.

Southern African countries, led by South Africa, which itself first reported the presence of the new variant, have complained bitterly about what they se as unjustified and discriminatory attacks on their economies. It is not just the restrictions on personal travel which hurts, but even more the economic effects, virtually closing the door to trade and economic transactions especially at this time of year.
Indeed, while the spotlight tends to be on restrictions of personal freedoms on one hand, and the devastating effects of the pandemic on life and limb, it is the longer-lasting damage to the economies of countries big and small, which is of even greater significance.
On both counts though, social as well as economic, the pandemic and the responses to it, are fueling serious political, social and even personal battles all over the world. Whether it is in our own SVG, in Singapore, Australia or France, clashes have broken out between those opposed either to vaccines or the process for the implementation of the vaccination process, and those charged with the responsibility for law and order.

Having mentioned France, it is instructive to note not only the protests in France proper, but what is happening in the so-called French ‘territories’ in the Caribbean, particularly the so-called ‘overseas departments’ of Guadeloupe and Martinique. There, the French have stubbornly refused to respect the demands for an end to colonial rule and to allow the people of these Caribbean territories the right to improve the deplorable conditions of poverty and racial discrimination as the rest of the Caribbean is doing.

It is therefore no surprise that in addition to the open protests about vaccination in France itself and, given the restrictions, the clamour for individual freedom, the conditions, especially in Guadeloupe, have given rise to violent protests and riots. France has responded in typical colonial fashion, refusing to heed calls for dialogue and instead sending in troops to “quell the disturbances”. It is not much different from what was tried in Algeria or North or West “French Africa”.

This combination has complicated the situation and, with the help of the international media, attempted to deflect attention away from the problems caused by continued colonial rule and to blame it all on anti-vaccination protests. Of course, these are present but the root of the problem lies in the racist nature of French colonialism and its stubborn refusal to come to grips with the reality of decolonization. In addition, there are the underlying economic problems, including what the late Professor George Beckford had described as “persistent poverty”.

Guadeloupe is by no means the only country where underlying problems and conflicts are being used to exacerbate the differences on approaches to handling COVID, particularly the vaccination process, the only proven scientific answer so far.
We have our problems here at home, but it is so sad to note the vitriolic language and confrontational approaches by those in opposition to the government’s vaccination policy. The language itself does not suggest any search for solutions. Instead words like “immoral”, “evil”, and “wicked” are used to describe those aiming to try and curb the spread of the virus and to protect the health of the population.

More worryingly, it seems that those who continue to fan the flames of protest are doing so by encouraging workers to make sacrificial lambs of themselves while those organizing the protests have little to lose personally. Significantly, the emphasis has never been on alternative policies to halt the deadly pandemic, indeed it is being dismissed as a figment of the imagination.

Workers are being encouraged to give up their jobs, because “we will win in courts”. When will be the court cases and who will mind the suffering families in the meantime is another issue, Opposition politicians vow to reinstate those who surrender their jobs? But that same Opposition has failed to win elections for 20 years now, how could one have confidence in reinstatement when it has failed to demonstrate it can win, much more reinstate?

Now we are even having attacks on Cuban health workers, being recruited in case there are gaps in our health system which we can ill afford at this time. Do we forget it is to the same Cuba to which we had to turn to fill gaps in our health personnel needs? These misguided attacks must be firmly rebuffed.

Caribbean

News