press releases

By Aneka Stewart
IWFW PRESS

Nassau, Bahamas -- It's the premier night at the second edition of Islands of The World Fashion Week (IWFW). An eager fashion-forward crowd is in high spirits to cast their eyes on this years' treats from island designers around the world.

All scissors are gone, sewing machines are off, and threads have ran out; it's time to put on a show.

The lights are dimmed and the curtains light up as photographers get on their marks to capture the spunky designs of the young Phylicia Ellis from the beautiful island of New Providence.

Finally, the room is fully lit and one by one gorgeous models emerged from the curtains clad in color pallets such as bronze, gold, beige, a hint of black and a dash of sweet pink.

First up is a classic black dress that makes its mark right above the knees, cut off at the bust and pulled in tight on the waist. Chunky pumps added the finishing touch to this classic look with curled hair being pulled back to emphasize those mesmerizing faces.

Next is a sweet Pink strapless mono-kini topped with a meshed head piece and daring heels.

The 20-year-old designer is a senior Fashion and Merchandising major at the Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Saint Augustine College in The Bahamas, Ellis won a $1,000 scholarship at the Fashion Group International Red Carpet Fashion show earlier this year.

"All that matters with fashion is that you throw the 'rules' out of the window and dress in the manner that represents what you like," Ellis said.

And indeed she has thrown out all the fashion rules and constructed designs that resemble those of a woman; not just any woman, a Dhanishka: the Goddess of Gold.

With that, a golden strapless, fairytale-like ensemble, pushing the limit with its short length and bare top emerges.

Phylicia says her inspiration comes from her early childhood. Her parents had a sewing machine well kept in their home and she had a field day sewing and designing like it was her sole purpose.

When asked why the venture down the fashion avenue she said, "when I was in high school and my school had T-shirt day, I got bored with the plain tees. I wanted something different, something that I liked, so I started cutting and sewing and soon I was designing my own clothes. A short time after most of my school mates were asking me to design clothes for them and it's been amazing ever since."

Phylicia is passionate about her work and nothing else sings sanity to her ears. With motivation in one hand and a plan in the other she decided that she would chase her dreams, no matter what other people thought.

"I refuse to go to work everyday and not like what I do," she said. "Fashion made sense to me and it is what I love so I went for it! Some people think that there is no money in the industry but that didn't matter to me. I love this!"

"Fashion is about having fun and creating your own style whether it's a classy look or a modern edgy approach," said an excited Phylicia.

Those modern concepts Phylicia speaks about is evident in her designs. Every piece was reminiscent with bold lines, vibrant colors, smooth textures and unusual fabrics.