Antigua takes part in first

by AntiguaSun

The fashion industry in Antigua and Barbuda will soon be shaken up as nominations for the first ever Caribbean Fashion Awards in 2008 take place, separating the dabblers from the professionals.
Chosen by the Antigua and Barbuda chapter of the awards, which was formerly launched on Sunday, individuals and businesses can be entered with a possibility to win in such areas as Caribbean Female and Male Model, Fashion Photographer, Make-Up Artist, Country Designer, Fashion Magazine, Best Advertising Campaign using local talent among others. There are a total of 19 categories to choose from.

Countries are required to submit three nominees who have met the judging criteria from whichever category that has been selected. The information will be packaged and sent to the head committee in North America for general selection. The panel will consist of industry professionals, some not from the Caribbean, to eliminate bias.

The winners of awards will be given a black blown glass statuette formed along the lines of a graceful model.

The 2008 Caribbean Fashion Awards will be held on 12 April at the Center of Excellence in Trinidad. It will be held as apart of an international promotional event starting with the welcoming gala on 11 April to introduce the first annual awards and the second Absolute Caribbean Fashion Weekend 2008, which starts on 13 April.

Creator of the awards Rodney Powers held a press conference yesterday with the media to discuss the particulars of the event.

Launched in Barbados on 21 Oct., 2007, Power said it was conceptualised to show artistry and to allow Caribbean people to show what they have to offer. A press release stated that the awards will provide worldwide exposure and recognition for participants, with a special interest in establishing cultural bridges and trade opportunities.

Some of the countries who have confirmed participation in the show are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago. Powers said they are awaiting word from St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Bahamas.

The panel at the press conference also consisted of the Director of Culture Ekua Richards, former acting director of culture Bernadette Warner, and Executive Director of the local awards chapter Gilbert Laudat.

Warner said that awards will act as a unifier of the people and will show that the regional fashion industry can match up to that in Europe, the United States or anywhere else in the world.