This fashion show originally began in Nassau, Bahamas in 2008. Now, for the first time, it has come to Chicago thanks to organizers Mode Isles Ltd. President Owen Bethel is thrilled to once again showcase talent from island nations which includes award-winning Eric Raisina (Madagascar), Harl Taylor BAG (Bahamas), K. Bobby (Jamaica), Nadya (Bali, Indonesia) and newcomer, Raang Designs (Trinidad and Tobago). "This exclusive showcase will captitalize on the intricacies of the craftsmanship that our designers display and directly expose them to the international media and buyers in the important Chicago fashion market." said Mr. Bethel.
The show was presented and promoted by Factio Magazine and they had a packed house at the chic industrial space on W. Lake, Loft on Lake. The gorgeous male and female models were all from Factor and their langorous runway walks had the crowd enthralled. I loved the way the handbags from Harl Taylor were presented--the models wore black or white catsuits with elaborate gauze in multi-colors over their faces and streaming down their backs while the bags were held in front of them as if they were precious Faberge eggs...all very dramatic.
The makeup, by Timothy Priano, was dramatic too with smokey cat-eyes on the women. The hot island sounds were courtesy of DJ Megan Taylor of Fig Deejay and the creative runway production was by Studio 808.
It was a great show with a fashionable and enthusiastic crowd. Hosts for the event included Saira Mohan, Melissa Maynard, Trevian Kutti, Corri McFadden, Ashley Drapes, Barbara Samuels, Kristen Fredricksen Skordillis and moi! (Islandsfashionweek.com, factio-magazine.com)
(Pics courtesy of Steve Starr and moi.)
Filed under: Chicago party, Fashion
Tags: Aaron Navas, Aisha Murff, Ashley Drapes, Ashley Scott, Asther Samuels, Barbara Samuels, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carlos Escobedo, Charlie Kam, Chicago fashion, Chicago Now, Christopher Harned, DC Crenshaw, DJ Megan Taylor, Elizabeth Brodsky, Eric Raisina, Factio Magazine, Factor Models, Fashion, Greg Samuels, Harl Taylor, Henrique Kerch, Islands of the World Fashion Tour, Jen Patterson, Jermikko, K-Bobby, Kristen Skordilis, Kulie Kaur, Marcus Riley, Melissa Maynard, models, Nadine Lurey, Nadya, Owen Bethel, Paul Iacono, Raang Designs, Rich Foreside, Richard Dayhoff, Ryan Beshel, Shaun Griffith Perez, Steve Starr, Studio 808, Timothy Priano, Towanna Griggs, Trevian Kutti
