By Walter Greene
Two Bahamian fashion designers came out on top of `Mission Catwalk' the Caribbean version of `Project Runway.' From a field of 14 designers from all throughout the Caribbean region, THEODORE ELYETT Bahamas leading fashion designer won the first prize which comes with an opportunity to show his line at London Fashion Week; JM$500K funding to help start a new collection line; industrial sweing equiptment valued at JM4200K; a contract to sell his designs at Lee's Fifth Avenue; a fashion editorial spread in 6 Carlos Magazine; a scholarship to pursue fashion at London College of Fashion among them. In second place was another designer from the Islands of the Bahamas DAVID ROLLE. David won a one year contract with a Global Purchashing company that represents over 80 boutiques across the United States, and, will represent David Rolle within this market also a full service buying office in New York among his prizes. Theodore took to his facebook page to thank his loyal fans and customers for helping
him to get the top award. He has been on a role with honors and recognition all year long, before Mission Catwalk, Theo as he is affectionately called was honored with the Stylezine Magazine Designer of the Year Award; the Bahamas 40 Under 40 Trailblazers Award; as well as features in Profiles98 Magazine and NU Woman Magazine.
HELLO LONDON THEME
Theodore's winning collection entitled "Hello London" was a chic, sophisticated homage that left the audience clamoring for more. His well thought out collection was laced with proper color and silhouette choices. His color palette and silhouette demonstrated this young designer's keen eye for detail. The exquisite styling demonstrated Theo's growth as a designer and showcased his signature aesthetic for opulence. Theo won the judges nod for his strong design point of view which set him apart from the rest of the designers, he showed the judges that he is really set and ready for the international retail fashion market.
WINNING!
After his win Theo told The Guardian Newspaper in Nassau; "We are going to celebrate 40 years of Independence. So its good win for me and the Bahamas at the same time...Honestly, I would'nt have entered the competition if I didn't think I would win. I began with the end in mind, nobady takes six months off work just to enter a competition if they don't think they will win." David Rolle's second place collection was entitled "Genesis" and was inspired by The Garden of Eden - he added fashionable straw bags to give his collection a definite Bahamian touch. Coming in third place on `Mission Catwalk' was Jamaican designer Renardo Lloyd.
SHOWN IN PORT ANTONIO
The final collection was presented against the backdrop of Jamaica's famous Trident Castle in Port Antonio, Jamaica which was recently rennovated. Guest judge, international fashion executive, Bruce W. Baas, a former Vice President at Bergdorf Goodman and Michael Kors described the presentation as "spectacular and of a quality that could have been in New York or Paris." He further reiterated that winner Theodore's collection was ready for prime time. "It had drama and his line was well executed. Theodore has potential of being a global player."
THIRD SEASON
Now in its third season `Mission Catwalk' is an exciting reality television series aimed at discovering and developing talented Caribbean fashion designers. The show features designers in a fierce competition for top prizes that will help to launch their fashion careers. Mission Catwalk tests and nurtures the talents of the designer/contestants through a series of numerous challenges and exercises geared at identifying and honing a range of creative skills and abilities. The series is set in Kingston, Jamaica and each episode is one hour long, and comprises of 4 segments - the challenge, the design production, the runway show and the elimination of a designer. The series lasted eleven weeks and culminated with three designers competing head to head at a live runway show.
