Photo Set #1: ‘Catwalk’ Fashion Show

November 8, 2011

The island was treated Saturday [Nov.5] to a display of Bermuda couture, intended not just to present new creations but also to encourage locals to buy homegrown fashions .

The glitz and glamour of the catwalk was certainly in evidence at the Bacardi Building when the Premier’s Fashion Designer Expo showcased the creations of more than a dozen Bermudian artists and designers.

But Premier Paula Cox — herself a longtime patron of Bermuda designers — said the show was about more than elegant models parading stunning new collections.

Prior to the show, the Premier said she was anxious to see Bermudians back to work in all spheres — and pointed out the island’s fashion designers are too often overlooked by their countrymen.

“They have to go abroad to gain respect and we must reverse that trend,” said Ms Cox. “Now is the time for us to more actively pull together. Over the last few months, I met with the local designers to canvass their views and some ideas have been most helpful.

“Mr. Dean Parris of Parris and Company, who is well known in Bermuda for his expertise as an event manager was instrumental in staging the Corporation of Hamilton’s mega fashion show which drew thousands of spectators and spectacularly showcased local retail stores.”

Ms Cox said she shared her vision of a world class fashion event for Bermuda with Mr. Parris, who immediately saw the value of it.

“And, in fine style, he agreed to create a wonderful Bermuda-based production,” said the Premier. “Mr. Parris, who has a passion and sees a long future for the arts in Bermuda, has kindly waived all his fees to better assist the designers.

“Bacardi graciously provided their glamorous world headquarters as the backdrop for this exquisite fashion event that is sure to be an evening beyond compare.”

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Minister of Community Development Michael Weeks echoed the Premier, saying he was proud to be involvedg part in an event which highlighted Bermuda’s vibrant fashion industry.

“Fashion and haute couture has become an art form that many young Bermudians are pursuing and making a name for themselves in both locally and internationally,” he said.

“The Government wishes to be in the forefront of efforts to encourage local talent and invite students to pursue careers in fashion and provide a venue for our local designers and artists to exhibit their dazzling creations.”

Mr. Weeks said at a time when locals are being encouraged to “Buy Bermuda”, he encouraged everyone to buy Bermudian fashion designs.

Bermudian artists and designers whose works were highlighted at the show included Amethyst, Ashley Aitken, Dana Cooper, Rene Hill, Tabitha Hollis, Nicole Iris, Manuel Palacio, Edith Rookes, Calix Socrates Smith, Anthony Dean Williams, Sharon Wilson, Paul Young, Ami Zanders.

The first set of photos below feature the designs of Amethyst, Ashley Aitken, and Dana Cooper.

Click to enlarge photos: