July 30, 2018 was a big night in fashion but it didn’t take place in New York, London or Paris. It happened in Road Town, the capital of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. It was the Global Glamour Runway Show which took place during the tenth staging of Summer Sizzle BVI. Signature by Terry Donovan Events produces the show.
International designers like Cesar Galindo, Yumi Katsura, and Gustavo Moscoso showed spectacular collection. World-renowned photographer Nigel Barker was a fabulous host for another year. America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 contestant Michael Heverley rocked the runway (and had some ladies screaming).
The Caribbean was well-represented by BVI’s Trefle and Kymasia, Aqua Couture by Guyana’s Roger Gary, Conrad Sinclair by Barbados/New York’s Christina Goddard and K.Rose out of Cayman Islands.
In all, more than a dozen designers showcased their work. The fashion-loving international audience which packed the Save the Seed Energy Centre soaked it up.
From swimwear to resort looks, bold menswear to formal gowns and everything in between, it was a feast for the eyes. Kidds Korner clothing store and GoodFellas BVI opened the show with options for the little ones.
Fashion for a cause
Ordinarily, this is when I would go into highlighting my favourite looks and collections. Here’s where this post gets a little different, though.
I want to focus on fashion not as creative expression or a business but fashion for a purpose. Specifically, I want to highlight how fashion was used to draw attention to a group of islands which were devastated by Hurricane Irma and Maria in September 2017.
The Global Glamour Runway Show was the marquee event of Summer Sizzle BVI 2018 but it was certainly not the only event. The four-day event was held under theme Rebuild, Restore, Revive the BVI and Inspire the Next Generation. There was a Welcome Dinner Party at Trellis Bay, the White & Wakanda Party at JY Harbour View Marina and the Global Glamour after party at Aromas Cigar & Martini Bar. The sailing excursion to Virgin Gorda wrapped things up.
Summer Sizzle BVI giving back
Summer Sizzle BVI 2018 was more than just beautiful people having fun. It included workshops in the business of fashion, makeup and hairstyling for students of The Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies as well as a photography session hosted by Nigel Barker. There was also a beach cleanup on the popular Cane Garden Bay.
A Roma Osowo Studios painting raised $1 000 during the fashion show. The proceeds will go towards the Family Support Network, a non-profit which assists individuals, couples and families affected by domestic violence.
Many times we look at fashion as frivolous but targeted correctly, it can be anything but. The islands are open for business and they need us to go spend our money. In this instance, fashion was the drawing card.
The presence of Caribbean and international models, photographers and designers meant more people flying into the Virgin Islands, more people taking the inter-island ferries. There were more people to patronise restaurants, taxis, hotels, Airbnbs and roadside vendors.
Founder and executive producer Terry Donovan said he was unsure about staging the event this year after all the islands had been through. I say this was the ideal time to stage the event. Fashion put to good use is always a good idea!
P.S. Take a look at some of the Summer Sizzle BVI 2018 shows on my IGTV channel.
