CAFD’s fashion team (L-R) Mausica Rosvall, Marcia Joseph, Raenelle Simmons, Chioke Herbert, Toneille Williams, Garrett Roberts, Mrs. Charmaine Charles (CAFD Instructor and 2012 Alumni) and Trisha Leander

The Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD) of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT)  has embarked on a Fashion Study Tour to New York. The group consists of seven (7) 3^rd year Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design students and Instructor, Mrs. Charmaine Charles. The duration of the tour is August 5^th-12^th, 2016.

Day 2

Day 2 of the tour was a visit to the Isaac Mizrahi Exhibition entitled, “An Unruly History”. This is the first museum exhibition to focus on the influential American designer, artist and entrepreneur. The exhibition explores Isaac Mizrahi’s unique position at the intersection of high style and popular culture. Whilst best known for his clothing designs, Mizrahi’s creativity has expanded over three decades to embrace acting, directing, set and costume design, writing and cabaret performances.  

The following is a personal account from CAFD student Garrett Roberts on Day 2 of the tour: 

In one word; it was 'amazing'. First off was the Jewish Museum featuring our main goal “An Unruly History”, an exhibit by none other than Mr. Isaac Mizrahi. With a flair for having interesting inspirations such as the elevator lining he once rode in, it was no surprise that his exhibition featured fine work with attention to detail, very artistic and freedom of expression.  His signature flair for beauty, elegance and classiness was well shown in his work.  A hallway long and ceiling high ‘fabric swatch wall’ was a must-see as well as the documented clips on most of the productions that he himself has been a part of or has worked on behind the seams and scenes. Most, if not all of his pieces on display are made with a certain panache  but are able to be worn  so it’s not all about the drama, there is still an emphasis on his customer; why and who wears it. This is the concept for all designers…. “Know Your Customer”. The Jewish Museum not only hosts the “Unruly Fashion History” but a number of other exhibits such as historical artifacts like vintage crowns, scepters, wonderful mosaics, old coins, old maps and much more. A real delight to see!

Second stop - El Museo Del Barrio. This museum features works of art by various artists notably new media artists, illustrators, sketch work as well as installation works of art. A treasure for fashion students! Noteworthy of seeing was the design spaces with photography as well as Ms. Yana Evans' design space of new media art which features her manipulation on photography and film, with a theme and social commentary on the selfie age. Also great to see were the installation works of fashion pieces made from unconventional materials and the exceptional quality of illustration work displayed.

Adjacent to this museum was the NYC Museum City of New York City. This exhibition was more for historical data retrieval. On display were themes of cartoon and animation, activism, Black Rights and a host of other interpretations. The piece worthy of seeing was the Activism Exhibit which dealt with the female suffragists of the early 1900's, World War and dated back to the 1800's. This experience was educational; especially to see salvaged machinery and garments from that historical age.

Day 3

On Day 3 of our Fashion Study Tour, we decided to tour the City on foot instead of the popular New York Bus Tour. We were fortunate to visit a fabric store in the garment district. The popular H&M Fabrics allowed us to purchase fabric types of all sorts which were interesting and unique for our future design, concepts and projects.

The Fashion Walk of Fame placed us in a reflective state of mind for our future as designers. The statues of “The Giant Needle and Button” along with “The Garment Worker” on Fashion Ave. were prime examples of Art portraying Fashion. These landmarks are a tribute to the area of the Manhattan’s Fashion District in its youngest decades. It showed the importance of fashion that propelled the industrial revolution and the sense of appreciation for the Industry. On our way back to the hotel, another point of inspiration crossed our path; this was The Grand Central Station. This iconic venue inspired us in a multitude of ways; the lines, the curvature of the architecture, the lighting, the surplus of people and movement, the inscriptions on the ceilings, the colours of the building as the focal point of the travelling world of New York City.

Day 4

With the sun in the sky we once again embarked on a journey to the garment district. The highly-respected Elegant Fabric truly lived up to its name. We were so excited because of their student swatch policy (20 free swatches). Here we were able to put our fabric science techniques to the test in identifying and being knowledgeable about fibre contents as well as uses and print methods used. Today’s lesson was repeated until we understood how bigger the world of fashion is as compared to our little Caribbean home. Elegant Fabrics exploded our imagination and creativity. The Popular Mood was amazing to be at since it is the store of the contestants from the Emmy nominated show “Project Runway”. We were fortunate to gain swatches to enhance our textile identification portfolio.

M & J Trimmings had an assortment of garment accessories. This gave us the grand opportunity to purchase rare items that would aid us in our design aspirations. Bead Centre of New York further gave us insights about jewellery, fasteners and hard-to- find products that were reasonably priced.

Stores in the Garment District displayed Olympic themes. This had the most efficient marketing effect on us in terms of ideas and aspirations in a welcoming atmosphere as lighting played a crucial role in the use of the allure of the windows.

Day 5

Day 5 found us embarking on a journey to the Metropolitan Museum where the “Manus x Machina Exhibit” was being showcased. The museum itself was awe-inspiring; the architecture, artifacts and the sheer vastness of the space was simply amazing. As we entered the Manus x Machina Exhibit, we were all captivated by the absolute beauty of the Wedding Ensemble, which was designed by Karl Lagerfeld for the House of Chanel Autumn/Winter 2014- 2015 Haute Couture. The recommended course was left to right, allowing viewers to experience the style and construction evolution of garments from more traditional hand-made couture to the present digital revolution which has changed the face of haute couture. The exhibit comprised of pieces of major fashion houses -Dior  (The New Look), Chanel, Issey Miyyake, Iris Van Herpen, Garret Puth, Paul Poirte and Vionnet to name a few. Actually experiencing and seeing the history that was taught in various courses at UTT’s Academy of Fashion and Design gave us a new perspective on what we have learnt and what is to come.

The Cooper Hewitt Museum was different to the Manus X Machina as it featured fashion in a more modernised digital way. Technological design concepts and aspects of the museum were very playful with the mind and imagination. Within fashion, technology has a large part to play, for example the dress which changes colours based on weather conditions, the beadwork of the Haas brothers and Haas sisters of Africa and the Iris Van Herpen’s primordial gravity defying dress. The displays also incorporated a more innovative and unconventional use of material with regard to fashion. This exhibit has broadened our scope in what we are aspiring towards. We were able to have a true appreciation for history and the path it has paved for us and the future. It was a great lesson of the day.

Lastly, we had the pleasure of meeting Aqeel Malcom, a young textile designer, upon the recommendation of Professor Patrice George, the head of the Textile Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). His phenomenal approach to textile design opened our eyes to the infinite possibilities of fabric-making. Several looms were present in his studio which further engaged and excited us with prospects of fabric science and textile design. The 12-harness automated jacquard loom, the warp board and the 4-harness manual loom was used with such precision to create the unique fabrics we saw, this was indeed remarkable. His use of traditional looms and methods of weaving, together with some of his untraditional materials and techniques such as hair had a profound effect on each of us. The day’s experience left us filled with excitement and a hunger for more.

The fashion team would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to UTT Board of Directors, UTT President, our Programme leader Ms. Sandra Carr and the team at the International Office and Grant Funding.  Our tour so far it has been a blast of fun and excitement, inspirational and educational.