The first group of two-year diploma students to graduate from the University of T&T (UTT) Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design (CAFD) will have their work shown at Fashion Week T&T3 (FWTT3). Creations from 28 students will take the runway tonight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, located on Dock Road, Port-of-Spain, at the event with the theme Cosquelle becomes Couture!... branding our Caribbean Style and presenting it to the world. Showtime is 8 pm.
The graduates will share the spotlight with designers such as Peter Elias, Spice Rack Designs (Charmaine Spicer) and Themudtoneproject (Marvin Warner). FWTT3 premiered at Pigeon Point, Tobago, last Sunday. The Trinidad leg opened Wednesday at the Hyatt Regency. The season finale takes place tomorrow at the same venue. "They are quite excited," said Carol Mongo, fashion consultant at UTT. "They are limited to showing 18 pieces on the night. We selected pieces from individual as well as group projects. We are putting out a denim collection, too."
Over the past 24 months, CAFD students were trained as skilled technicians and in the art of style sensitivity. The syllabus included two types of pattern drafting, as well as classes in drawing aimed at developing their ability to sketch ideas on paper. There is also a conceptual design course that teaches students how to put together a collection as well as studies in textile design, too.
Additionally, some students have been able to create and design functional handbags and jewelry for the local market. Mongo said students had long dreamt of studying fashion, but could not afford to go to the United Kingdom or North America. She said the drop-out rate for the two-year diploma was extremely low and students had far exceeded expectations. Mongo said: "We are showing that there's a new generation ready to take the flame of fashion in T&T, on the global scale. These students are very talented."
