Islands of the World Fashion Showcase Awards
Awards Due to the special focus of the fifth edition (May 2013) of the Showcase as a tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas, there will be no competition in the usual award categories. In the past the award categories have proven to be a testimony to the vibrant colors, imagination, and creativity of these exceptional designers. You can feel the excitement and tension as the moment of decision approaches for the announcement of the recipients of the NextGen Designer Award, the Culture & Fashion Award, the Seals of Excellence, and the Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award. You will also celebrate with the recipient of the Humanitarian Designer Award. Then relax in the warmth of the sun and soothing clarity of the sea in The Bahamas, away from the wintry northern cold.
Past Award Recipients:
In Search of the Next Oscar: Georgina Estherr of the Dominican Republic (2010) NextGen Designer Award: Tamika Browne of St. Vincent (2008); Darcel de Vlugt of Trinidad (2009); David Rolle of the Bahamas (2010); Courtney McIntosh of The Bahamas (2012) Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award: Queen Esther of St. Lucia (2008); Eric Raisina of Madagascar (2009); Oliver Tolentino of the Philippines (2010); Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas (2012) Culture & Fashion Award: Tamika Browne of St. Vincent (2008); Jessie-Ann Jessamy of Grenada (2009); Phelicia Dell of Haiti (2010); Seals of Excellence: 2008 – Claudia Pegus of Trinidad, Heather Jones of Trinidad, Nadya of Indonesia, House of St. John of The Bahamas, Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas. 2009 – Eric Raisina of Madagascar, Murielle Leconte of Haiti, K-Bobby of Jamaica, Harl Taylor BAG of The Bahamas. Humanitarian Designer Award: Kenneth Cole (2008); Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) (2009) The Muse Model Search Competition: 2009 – Giovara Gertruida of Curacao (Female), Kendrick Kemp of The Bahamas (Male)
In Search of the Next Oscar This award will recognize and honor the island-based designer whose collection reflects a cohesive medium between “ready-to-wear” and “haute couture” designs. Like fellow island designer, Oscar de la Renta, their collection must appeal to a woman of exquisite taste. Attention will be given to the designer’s expression of style, creativity, selection of fabric and color, and quality of execution of the designs. The deciding piece will be the red carpet design for that exclusive engagement.
NextGen Designer
This award of eligibility for an internship with an internationally recognized designer after a period of intensive summer program study at one of the most recognized fashion institutes in the world, Parsons in New York, will be given to a new designer (one that has not previously produced a line of clothing, has been designing for less than 3 years, and does not currently work for a major fashion house) who the panel of judges selects as having the greatest potential on the international scene. Attention will be given to the designer's creativity, expression of style, selection of fabric and colour, and quality of execution of the design. Selection Criteria and Considerations
Sustainable Eco-Fashion This award will recognize and honour the designer who has incorporated environmental and/or social issues into his/her designs. The designer may have also paid particular attention to such aspects as the sourcing of fabric, the process of refining or manufacturing, or through the message visibly depicted by the garment. Selection Criteria and Considerations
Culture & Fashion This award will recognize that designer who has been able to best incorporate a uniquely cultural element in the garment design. While the designer is encouraged to depict cultural expressions of his/her own island, the designer is at liberty to display creativity in cross-cultural expressions. Selection Criteria and Considerations
Seals of Excellence These "seals" will be given to five (5) designers who the panel selects for outstanding and exceptional performance in design creativity, expression, and quality of workmanship/production. Selection Criteria and Considerations Download pdf file.