PHILIPSBURG – Dominate The Runway kicked off on June 5, at Simpson Bay Beach Resort. This project was specifically created to build the capacity of Caribbean designers in the Overseas Countries and Territories by providing trainings by business experts covering topics such as Concept to Runway, Marketing, Media, Networking, Negotiations, and Business Modelling. Supported by the European Commission through the COSME, Dominate The Runway will be hosting its finale at the Philipsburg Cultural Center at 7:00pm on June 8.
Over a period of 3 days these designers were challenged by experts such as Norma Ebanks from Cayman Islands, who has a successful brand Creative Fashion, which caters primarily to the luxury market. Ebanks spoke of her personal experience from taking her concept to the runways of New York Fashion Week.
Experts such as Mai Ling Chun, a serial entrepreneur, hotelier, and manager of Commodore Suites; Kenty Lichtenberg, St. Maarten’s official blogger and marketer; and Ife Badejo, Caribbean’s #1 Business Connector and founder of Foundation INFOBIZZ, shared their expertise on negotiating, branding, and business modelling, respectively.
The finale of Dominate The Runway is a fashion showcase on June 8, at the Philipsburg Cultural Center. There are 5 designers showcasing their designs from the various Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories such as Anguilla, BVI, Cayman Island, and St. Maarten.
The highlight of the finale is 12-year-old Rochelle Ebanks, who is the creator of Body Language, a clothing line for girls. Rochelle took part in all the trainings and showed a level of commitment that rivaled the other participating designers. Known as the youngest designer in the Cayman Islands, this will be her third fashion show in less than a year, which includes the Cayman Fashion Week. Rochelle has a full line of 14 pieces that she brought, which range from summer wear to evening pieces.
Other designers in the show include, Amanda Wilson of Absolutely Unique, a Caribbean swimsuit line that is ready to wear art; Alexis Ryan from Anguilla, with African inspired with a Caribbean essence line of resort and street wear; Cornelia McClearly, a master seamstress and designer with a unique summer collection; Kaishah Peters known for her amazing knitwear and bold jewelry; and Norma Ebanks of Creative Designs and Fashion, who caters to the luxury market in Cayman Islands with bold colors and resortwear. To find out more about the program and the designers, visit www.facebook.com/dominatetherunway.
Dominate The Runway Finale takes place on June 8, at Philipsburg Cultural Center at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets are $20 (also at the door). For more details contact Cristal Le Grand at +1 (721) 586-5855 or email: cristal.dtr@godominate.co.
