Local Designers Show-off Fashions for Jazz 2001

Contact: Roger Joseph

Wednesday, May 09, 2001 – “Making the most of opportunities to promote local manufacturing….” is how Commerce Minister Honourable Philip J. Pierre describes the addition of fashion shows to the Jazz on the Square evening performances.

An initiative of his ministry in collaboration the Chamber of Commerce, the fashion shows were aimed at presenting the work of local designers to the St. Lucian public and the captive audience that the jazz festival brings, including thousands of visitors. On Monday and Tuesday, as part of the evening shows of the Jazz on the Square line up, a fashion show preceded the main performances. The two fashion shows featured the work of four local designers who were thrilled at the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent.

“Oh God, I think it’s a great opportunity and I hope it becomes an annual event,” says fashion designer Luciana Maxwell who presented her line of fashions on Tuesday evening under the theme “Silhouette”.

Another designer, Thecla Fitz Noel, says she is pleased with the efforts of the ministry in support of the local fashion industry and the manufacturing sector.  “They’re saying to us that they want us to meet certain standards and they are providing the opportunities for us to be able to meet those standards by providing scholarships for persons like me to do better and enhance the garment industry in St. Lucia,” she added.

Miss Noel is the latest recipient of a series of scholarships for local designers to study fashion in France, through the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce.  She leaves for France in February 2002. 

The scholarships and the Jazz Festival Fashion show are part of the ministry’s efforts at developing the local fashion industry.  The ministry also organizes a Fashion Week every year during which local designers are provided with additional opportunities for parading their wares to the public.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.