Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles

Trinidad and Tobago bring high fashion to Toronto
Panorama
by Jon Sarpong

September 25, 2008 3:42 PM

The vibrant energy of the Caribbean will be on display as nationals from Trinidad and Tobago celebrate Republic Day in Toronto with Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles.

The fashion gala takes place at the Westin Harbour Castle on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.

"This event celebrates the culture of Trinidad and Tobago culture," said publicist Wendy Vincent. "It's a grand affair. and we invite families, friends and all those who connect with the region to join us at the gala."

Cutting Style is a joint production of the Trinidad and Tobago Community (via the program advisory committee, representing nationals in Toronto) and the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago. The principal objective of the gala is to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago's cultural gifts to the world by promoting the region's fashion and textile industry in the Canadian market.

The event also acts as a fundraiser aimed at providing assistance to children who are living with AIDS in Trinidad and Tobago. A portion of the evening's proceeds will be donated to the Cyril Ross Nursery, an organization owned and operated by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which acts out a vision of supporting and encouraging children.

The gala, which works to raise the profile of Trinidad and Tobago in Canada, has become a signature event for individuals throughout the GTA.

"When thinking about the impact of those from Trinidad and Tobago within this city, people most obviously think of Caribana," Vincent said. "But there is so much more in the way of contribution that is tied to our community. This event attempts to showcase that wide range of involvement."

The event will include the conferral of the Consul General's Diaspora Award for Excellence. This year's recipients are Eleanor Wiltshire-Rodney of Hamilton for her dedication and perseverance displayed through a lifetime of community involvement and Earl La Pierre Sr., a noted musician and educator who will receive honours for his decades of promotion of the steel pan in Ontario. A special award will be conferred on the Naparima Alumni Association of Canada for its 35 years of community work, as well as the group's major contribution to the seven schools in Trinidad and Tobago that belong to the Naparima group.

"Our unique T and T (Trinidad and Tobago) cultural expressions will of course be displayed and demonstrated and our guests will be greeted in true Trini style," said Rita Cox, a partner and organizer of the event. "The stage will be adorned with fabric of rich hues and patterns featuring T and T designs, batik and hand-painted material. This will be a gala with a difference; a new and exciting way of exploring and celebrating some of the many gifts that the people of Trinidad and Tobago share with the world."

For tickets, scheduling and information connected with Cutting Style: A Taste of Trinidad and Tobago in Fashion and Textiles, call Joan Pierre at 905-201-2836 or Bonnie Hector at 905-665-5496.

Jon Sarpong is a diversity consultant. He provides independent diversity training and consultation for various organizations. Contact Jon by e-mailing jsarpong@hotmail.com.

A Toronto Fashion Gala with Liz Mannette!

A message from Liz Mannette....

Hello all,

Thank you so much for signing up with us both during the 2008 Toronto. Caribana celebrations as well as at our website www.lizmannette.com. We had a great time in Toronto and we’re coming back at the end of Caribbean Week! The Liz Mannette Collection has been asked to participate in the Fashion Gala hosted by the TT Consulate on September 27, 2008 at the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.

Our items of sterling silver and 14K gold will be accessorizing four of Trinidad’s top clothing designers on the catwalk at this elegant affair. In addition to the fashion show, our Collection will be set up on display so people can view the items and purchase their favourite pieces. To obtain further information on the event, please contact Joan Pierre at japierre@rogers.com. This is a great opportunity to maintain connections with our Toronto friends as well as make new ones.

We greatly appreciate the support you’ve shown us by signing up and in turn, we’ve tried to keep you updated on the exciting things that Liz Mannette has been up to via our monthly Newsletter. We hope that you have been enjoying the updates and we look forward to bringing you much more news on sale promotions, events and opportunities. If you have not been receiving our monthly Newsletter, please sign up at our website anytime.

Thank you again for the support and please feel free to check out our online store at http://lizmannette.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f95932bae0e394f74fc88f620&id=2768ff3d57&e=2d0483bfa1 where you can start being rewarded for your purchases.

Best Regards,

Liz Mannette

LIZ MANETTE....authentic steel pan fashion accessories

At this year's Pan Alive competition I received the above flyer showcasing Liz Mannette's authentic steelpan fashion accessories. I remember reading an article about Liz a while back so I was very excited to see that her work was being promoted in Toronto. After checking out the website I am very interested in the guitar pan ring (hint hint to all my friends.....Christmas is right around the corner...LOL). But seriously, on my next trip to Trinidad I definitely want to check out her store. For all those living in Trinidad, Liz Manette Inc. is located at #10 Queen's Park West, Suite 6, Port of Spain. PH: 868-623-5420

Also check out the website for the online catalogue: http://www.lizmannette.com/

Liz has also created a blog to follow the development of her company so check that out too!!
http://blog.lizmannette.com/