The festival’s production company; Savvy Entertainment announced that this year they will be adding a new show to the week-long festival. The All-Star Designer Showcase will feature some of Bermuda’s lead fashion designers and industry professionals for the ultimate clash of the titan’s runway showcase.

“It’s amazes me that it’s been 10 years already. It has truly gone by so fast and I’ve loved every minute of organising this Festival. To see where we started out and now experience where we are as a recognised fashion event in the fashion community truly warms my heart”, says Executive Producer and Savvy COO, Danilee Trott.

“The City of Hamilton is delighted to once again be the host of what is this year, the 10th Anniversary of the Bermuda Fashion Festival. Over the past 9 years this Festival has become an event of extremely high standards. It continues to bring international models and designers of outstanding talent to the island, while also providing opportunities for our local fashion enthusiasts. This has become an event worthy of international acclaim with previous participants having launched their careers from the Festival runway and on to other parts of the globe.

This year the City partnered with Savvy Entertainment who is manning the reins of the organization and execution of the event. I have no doubt that this year’s event will surpass the previous ones in calibre, excitement, glitz and glamour. The City’s ‘vision’ states that we will be a ‘vibrant’ one and events such as the Bermuda Fashion Festival serve to fulfil that so we hope that our local community as well as visitors to Bermuda embrace the opportunity to come out and support our homegrown designers and models and experience the high-fashion collections and array of social events that will be showcased”, says Mayor Charles Gosling.

This year’s festival will once again feature Bermuda’s emerging fashion designers. Selected designers recently started the Bermuda Designer Mentorship Program which pairs them with international fashion designers, stylists, TV personalities and overall industry experts. The 10-year anniversary Bermuda Designer Showcase will feature:

• Charda Simons & Kimmisha Perinchief; Street Lux

Mentor: Mickey Freeman; fashion designer & stylist

• Chineza Augustus; Sevhun

Mentor: Lisa Nicole Cloud; fashion designer and TV personality

• Christine Jones; Thirty86 Clothing

Mentor: Thomas LaVone; fashion designer

• James Lee; XoeTiqu

Mentor: Melissa Leach; fashion designer and industry expert

• Courtney Chiappa; SubTropic

Mentor: Ken Laurence; Project Runway fashion designer

• Channing Dill; Nativeby Channing Elizabeth

Mentor: Adolfo Sanchez; fashion designer

Event Producers thanked sponsors and partners including, title sponsor of the Bermuda Fashion Festival the City of Hamilton, Maybelline, L’Oréal, iHope Global, Salon Pink, JaKoMa, Great Sound, Evian, SJD World and C & C Beauty.

The Bermuda Fashion Festival will hold its official call for models this week. Auditions for adults are scheduled to take place on March 14th from 5:30pm – 7:30pm and March 17th 11am – 3pm at the lower level of the Pier 6 complex. Children can audition on Saturday, March 16^thfrom 11am to 3pm.

For more questions please email [email protected] or call 300-1335.

The post Celebrating 10 Years: Bermuda Fashion Festival appeared first on RG Magazines.

Bermuda’s only week of fashion will take place from July 7 – 14, 2019 and will be produced and managed by local entertainment company, Savvy Entertainment.

The Festival will once again feature high energy and visually stunning runway shows, featuring both international and local designers, as well as the local retail show. A new addition to the schedule includes The All-Star Designer Showcase, while existing shows will each have new twists and surprises. All runway shows will take place under the mega tent at No. 1 Car Park and the week-long event will also feature several social events for the public’s enjoyment.

Originator, long-serving executive producer of the festival and Savvy executive, Danilee Trott said: “this festival has grown so much over the last decade and it’s hard to believe that we’re here now celebrating this incredible ten-year milestone. It’s such a labour of love and year-round effort to ensure we produce an event of high caliber.

“Our team has been hard at work over the last few months, ensuring that we give Bermuda and the City of Hamilton a vibrant, glamorous event to be proud of. There will definitely be an increased celebrity aspect to the festival, so stay tuned for those exciting announcements.”

The model call for adults is scheduled to take place on March 14 from 5pm – 7pm and March 17 from 11am – 3pm at the lower level of the Pier 6 complex. Children aged six and over will audition on Saturday, March 16 at the lower level of the Pier 6 complex from 11am – 3pm. All models are asked to wear a white fitted tee and blue fitted jeans or shorts. Men and children must wear white sneakers or black dress shoes, and ladies are asked to wear heels, 4” minimum, no wedges. All adults are asked to bring a swimsuit.

The official call for participating local designers, retailers and salons will be issued in the coming weeks. Any questions regarding the Bermuda Fashion Festival may be directed to the executive producer via email at [email protected].

The post 2019 Bermuda Fashion Festival announced appeared first on RG Magazines.

Mr Maguire, of The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise fame, and Sports Illustrated supermodel Ms White will walk in the International and Local Designer Fashion Shows.

Danilee Trott, executive producer of the festival, said: “It’s a real coup for us to have a supermodel of Jessica’s calibre walking in our runway shows.

“Tyra Banks once called her the ‘model of the generation’. Her participation really takes the festival to another international level.

“And Daniel, well he’s a household name in the US. Bachelor Nation is huge so we are really fortunate that he agreed to come on board.

“I’m really excited to see what they both bring to the shows they’re in.”

Mr Maguire, who has walked the catwalk for Dolce and Gabbana in Milan, is a frequent visitor to the island through his work with Global Research in Canada.

The firm conducts online surveys in Bermuda and Mr Maguire said he had been recognised by both locals and American tourists while working on the island.

The 33-year-old, who is also a personal trainer, added: “Bermuda has such beautiful beaches. I haven’t tried snorkelling yet and I really want to try that.

“I love the outdoors and watersports — skin boarding, wakeboarding. I really want to try kitesurfing.”

Ms White, who has featured in print commercials for Victoria’s Secret, was scouted by a modelling agency when she was 12.

She hit the runways of major fashion houses such as Versace and Gucci and did shows around the world for other high-end designers.

She was only the second African-American to hold back-to-back beauty contracts with the major global conglomerates, Maybelline and Cover Girl.

Ms White has also featured in music videos with musicians such as John Legend, Jay-Z and Robin Thicke.

She is at present working on her first book, scheduled for release in early 2019, and keeps busy with her swimwear-meets-lingerie line, “Jypsy” and her burgeoning music career.

The festival kicks off at 6.30pm on Sunday with the Evolution Retail Show. The International Designer Show will be held at the same time on July 12 at 6.30pm and the Local Designer Show on July 13.

•For more information, visit bermudafashionfestival.com

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Models are calmly getting dressed and having their make-up applied before they strut down the runway for the Local Designer Show 2017; meanwhile, two or three local designers have yet to arrive.

This week marks my first time behind the scenes at a local and international fashion show. It’s not as frenzied as it appears on FashionTV, but then again the evening is still young at this point.

I kill time before the show by talking to a few of the models who are dressed and waiting for their moment to shine.

Jaaziah Richardson-Webb is a 15-year-old walking in Bermuda Fashion Festival for the first time.  With mile-long legs, a slim physique and beautiful espresso complexion, it’s no surprise her friends encouraged her to audition.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I was going to make it through because I had tried out two years ago and wasn’t successful,” Jaaziah said. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but when I heard I finally made it I was excited. I almost cried; I was that surprised.”

For her, the atmosphere backstage could best be described as “organised chaos”.

Once the show gets started, the pace definitely picks up, the teenager assured me.

Models cast in more than one scene can have as little as two minutes to undress, change their outfit and shoes, touch up their make-up and catch their breath (hopefully) before greeting the audience again.

In order to cope with the last-minute rush, event organisers try to be as prepared as possible.

Some models have to be on hand as early as 4am – 14 hours before curtain call – to get their hair styled and make-up prepped. For Vanessa Lake-Waldron, a 32-year-old plus-size model, she was up earlier than normal to start getting ready for the Evolution Retail Show. Her hair appointment was scheduled at 9am; make-up followed a few hours after at noon.

The curvy beauty describes the experience as “a waiting game” – while preparations for the catwalk can take hours, you’re only in the spotlight for a few short minutes, she said.

During the Local Designer Show, Ms Lake-Waldron was picked to model for two collections: Lunar Soul and ieShun S. She said it was refreshing to see fashion lines being developed with fuller-figured women, like her, in mind.

“I love that Lunar Soul was designed for plus-size women,” she said. “It’s a lot of the sexy outfits that thinner people can wear, but made for us and our bodies. Usually plus-size collections look like they were made to suit someone’s granny, so to me this is a very big deal. ”

Around me, many of the local designers look composed.

Cary Butterfield and Patricia Borland, creators of HAMEC Bermuda, have all their models dressed in their tropical-inspired collection long before the action is due to start.

They have time to discuss last-minute details such as what earrings their girls should wear, while their gorgeous models snap photos to fill up their Instagram feeds.

As time inches on, however, it’s clear not all the Bermudian designers are as cool, calm and collected.

Stress begins to mount in certain parts of the backstage tent. One designer, Mo’Nique Stevens, is yet to arrive; her friends reveal she is busy sewing and adding last-minute touches to finish the collection.

Another designer casually saunters in at 6.15pm – just moments before the show is due to start – with a suitcase filled with garments. His entourage takes a big sigh of relief.

Both designers have to utilise every second before their collection is revealed to a live audience. Luckily, they have a small team of supporters and Bermuda Fashion Festival volunteers helping them to steam the clothing and dress the models, as they complete their stitching and focus on the meticulous details.

Outside, fashion show guests appear to have no idea about the anxiety rising behind the scenes.

Soft jazz music plays and guests chat excitedly before the show begins.

After checking out a few collections that go off without a hitch, I revisit backstage. It feels like Project Runway, as Mo’Nique, a busy mom who works full-time, rushes to get her wardrobe items down the runway in one piece.

Her collection is stunning – sexy evening wear, trench coats and bodysuits – featuring earth-tone shades.  However, some pieces are held together with only a few pins and loose threads.

Moments before the models are set to go down the runway, one of their tops bursts open, exposing her chest. If I wasn’t nervous before, I’m certainly feeling it now. I can only imagine how the designer must be feeling.

The outfit is repinned before the model goes on stage; however, she has limited movement of her arms and takes a few seconds to practise her restricted strut before heading down the catwalk.

I’m worried by this point. There could be a major “wardrobe malfunction” taking place in front of a couple of hundred people – including children and media cameras, but thankfully the pieces hold up as far as my eye can tell.

It’s a bitter-sweet moment for the designer.

After the show, Mo’Nique gets a hug from New York-based fashionista Shiona Turini, who tells her how proud she is of her collection. Mo’Nique, however, does not seem as impressed with her own work.

“This experience highlighted some of the things I already know I have to improve,” the designer said. “It’s taken lots of long hours and I have fallen asleep at my sewing machine a few nights. That was my biggest challenge – balancing this with my heavy work and home commitments, but it was a great experience overall. I got to understand a lot more about being a fashion designer and what it takes to showcase a complete collection.”

For other designers, such as James R. Lee, whose black and gold collection won him one of the top prizes of the night, including a cash prize of $5,000, it was a moment of pure elation.

He said he “couldn’t have asked for a better turnout” and experienced a rush of excitement when seeing his pieces drift down the runway.

“I wouldn’t say I was nervous tonight, but there is a little anxiety,” he said. “You just want to make sure everyone looks good and you’ve presented something to the best of your ability.”

The post Backstage at the Bermuda Fashion Festival 2017 appeared first on RG Magazines.

Brittany Wolffe has gone from strength-to-strength as a designer, evidence of which has been seen at the Bermuda Fashion Festival over the past two years. The London fashion student’s collections have won her an internship at Interview Magazine in New York, and a Coach scholarship. Here she tells us about “Disco Romance” the fourth collection from her LoveBomb Inc line.

What did being involved in the fashion festival mean to you?

My involvement means a lot as I find it amazing that fashion is acknowledged on our island. For a long time fashion was looked at as a hobby to many. But it is not a hobby to me, it is my livelihood.

How have you evolved as a designer since first being involved in the Bermuda Fashion Festival?

Since my first collection I have definitely evolved and it shows in my design skills, where I gather my inspiration, and how I work in general. Having a schedule during the mentorship really helped with my organisation. As a student in London I’ve been exposed to things I don’t have access to, or never really took notice of, back home and that plays a role in how I gather inspiration.

You suffered from nerves early in your career. What would you say to any young designers who are afraid to put themselves out there for the first time?

GO FOR IT! You never know until you try. Don’t let anyone tell you your dreams are too small or aren’t good enough. I’ve had my dreams of studying fashion design stomped all over because they were compared to studies that I had no interest in. It crushed me for a second or two but it didn’t stop me. Having a “can’t stop, won’t stop” mindset gets me through.

How has the Coach scholarship impacted you?

The scholarship was truly a blessing and I appreciate all that the Bermuda Fashion Festival has done for me. The award went directly towards my studies and that was a great help.

What’s the most important piece of advice you were ever given?

Every detail counts; even the smallest can make such a huge impact on the big picture.

6) What is trending for you this year?

I don’t necessarily follow trends, but this year I’m really feeling the colour red. It’s so bold and actually makes a statement all on its own; hence the reason it’s LoveBomb Inc’s colour of 2017.

Care to give us any hints as to what your next collection might look like?

Our brand is inspired by the 1970s always but “Disco Romance” our 2017 collection is heavily inspired by Studio 54. Cher, Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger. The lover of “Disco Romance” she’s a partygoer, the life of the party; she stands out in a crowd.

Where will you be a year from now?

A year from now is a time I am looking forward to. I will be nearing the completion of my Graduate Collection and I look forward to building onto that to have the styles available for purchase. I really do have a lot in store, not only as a designer but also a businesswoman. Once my studies are completed it is only up for LoveBomb Inc.

Brittany plans to launch “Disco Romance” at a Pop Up shopping event on Sunday at Red Doors Hair & Makeup Artistry in Hamilton between 4pm and 7pm.

The post The evolution of a designer appeared first on RG Magazines.

Sophie Adams was not always comfortable being in front of a camera, or being in front of strangers at a fashion show. Her first Bermuda Fashion Festival was a “daunting” experience.

How things have changed. Now she models in London, is hoping to breakthrough in Los Angeles, and is far more confident about being on the catwalk.

Sophie took time out of her hectic schedule to answer some questions about life as a model.

What did it mean to you to take part in the Bermuda Fashion Festival?

I had heard of the fashion festival and several people had encouraged me to take part but I was always too shy to attend any of the open calls! The thought of walking in front of strangers was daunting. It really did change my life for the better. It allowed me to not only attain skills and qualities needed to pursue a modelling career, but also challenged me to overcome personal adversities.

What impact did it have on you as a person, and how you saw your future?

It greatly improved my confidence. From the first fashion show I took part in 2013 I never gave up on the hope that I could make it.

You have talked in the past about being “you” and adopting a natural approach. Is there freedom in that?

Being as natural as possible has worked out in my favour thus far. Clients love to see your most natural ‘you’. In person, they are not interested with heavy make-up or your hair being done overly styled or done up. They need to see a canvas in which they can create.

People on the outside of the industry see glitz and glamour, what don’t they see?

I find a lot of people assume that being a model is easy; that all you have to do is pose in front of a camera.

They don’t see the hours/years of preparation and practice it takes. Modelling is a lot more than just being a pretty face. Personality really gets you far in the industry. Without a good attitude, you won’t get far.

What has been the best and worst part of your career so far?

The worst part about modelling would certainly be the early ‘call-times’ for a shoot. Starting at 9am means my day will begin at around 5am depending on the location of the job!

The absolute best part of modelling is when you see the final images published/released. The process of a full day, which could be 8 hours or more, and shooting endlessly to get those few picture-perfect shots really make it worthwhile.

When was the last time you were nervous before a shoot, and what do you do to overcome that feeling?

The last time I got nervous for a shoot was the first one I ever took part in as a signed model. This was a shoot for Brides Magazine. I overcame my nervousness by finding a quite space and giving myself words of encouragement!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I have ever gotten/will continue to get is from my father. He recently told me to never forget and know who I am, my value as a person, where I am going in life and how I am going to get there. Stop at nothing to give your best each and every day, if you’re not succeeding you’re learning. It’s what you do during the learning that matters most!

What one piece of advice would you give to aspiring models?

Embrace your originality and take advantage of the fact that you are the only version of yourself. Don’t ever allow someone’s opinion to make you feel negatively about yourself. You are not for everyone. You are unique.

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