Overview
CARIFESTA XI was a very enlightening experience for the fashion team since it was their first time at a festival of this nature. The Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism has to be commended for their outstanding organization and team work for the success of the Trinidad and Tobago contingent.

Fashion Representation
Although not much information was given in terms of the details for the fashion events prior to departure, the fashion team was well prepared to stage a  display of creative work from The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design at UTT. The Fashion booth was decorated and furnished with a variety of work from various aspects of the courses held in the university’s program. Jewelry, textiles, handbags, crafts, clothing, fashion Illustrations and fashion literature were all displayed. The runway shows were more than we expected since we were told that models would probably be from the contingent itself. The models were all locals with the exception of two Haitian models. They were pleasant to work with and did their best. The shows went well, not on a professional level but had a daily flow of designers.

The Elite Fashion Show
This was held at Royal Torarika Hotel for the elite officials of Suriname, The President’s wife was in attendance and many other officials.  Many countries were represented at this show, but the Trinidad and Tobago designers were given the honour to open the show. The quality of work was unmatched to the other Caribbean designers. The collections were of high quality, creative, and innovative and displayed a “True” designers’ collection. The cohesiveness of the design elements, fabric and colour choices placed CAFD/UTT designers’ way ahead.The T&T design team represented well, adding pride to CAFD/UTT as they were many unorganized instances. CAFD remained cognizance of their representation.

Reviews and Requests
CAFD received rave reviews for its stellar performance at all the showings and the quality of work was well recognized as being above many of the other designers.
The booth was well attended and hundreds of literature was given out. Many requests were made for CAFD to train and hosts workshops around the region. Suriname, Guyana, Grenada, and Haiti to name a few have exchanged information with The Fashion Coordinator to facilitate these outreach activities.

The Objectives of CAFD at CARIFESTA XI

• CAFD’s objective was to inspire, showcase, represent and educate.
• Although CAFD was not involved in any workshops, every visitor to the booth was inspired and educated.
• This was an opportunity to network and share ideas, CAFD did just that.
• To implement new measures and forge a way forward to support and assist in production.
• To create outreach programs post CARIFESTA.
• To create strategic plans for the development of the Caribbean Fashion industry.
• To be innovators and leaders in the fashion industry.
• To formulate a Caribbean network of designers to mobilize and promote Caribbean fashion.