Fashion Profiles: International Designs with a Caribbean Flair

The island of Jamaica is viewed as the fashion capital of the Caribbean and therefore it would come as no surprise that Slovakian designer, Lubica Kucerova, more commonly known as Lubica Slovak would choose to be  a part of this style mecca.

Lubica Kucerova, more aptly known as Lubica Slovak

With designs that emit a  soft elegance, Lubica has attracted the attention of Jamaican celebrities such as "The Voice" winner 2013, Tessanne Chin and has even teamed up with her sister Tami Chynn to create the Anuna Collection.

Tessanne in Lubica Slovak, recently,  at the 9 Mile Festival

Tessanne styled in Lubica Slovak in her first outfit choice at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards in Jamaica

Tessanne's second outfit change, again in Lubica Slovak, at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards in Jamaica

Tessanne looking chic in Lubica Slovak during her holiday celebrations

Tessanne donning a simple yet classy dress from Lubica Slovak at the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)

As was alluded to earlier, Lubica collaborated with Tessanne's sister, Tami Chynn, to create the Anuna Collection in 2010. In September of that same year, Lubica and Tami received Designer of the Year Award for this collection at The Jamaica Observer Style Awards. Below are a few of the looks from the collection being modelled by Tami Chynn.

Tami pictured here in a custom made Lubica dress (not part of the collection) with Host of Pree Dis, The Kruddy at the Youth View Awards in Jamaica

However, it is not only sisters Tami and Tessanne who have taken a liking to Lubica's designs. Smile Jamaica TV Host and Miss Universe 1st runner up 2010, Yendi Phillipps, is occasionally styled in outfits from several of Lubica's collections during her hosting.















Recently, Lubica showcased her new collection, Dream, at The Collection Moda Fashion Show in Jamaica with Yendi Phillipps being one of her models. Below are a few of the looks from the show as well as a few others that were not seen on the runway.

A few looks from the runway

Lubica posing with a few of her models

Still from the Dream Collection, these pieces are similar to those seen on the runway

To have a look at Lubica's other stunning designs from her previous collections you can visit her website www.lubica.com and her Facebook page www.facebook.com/lubicafashion and Twitter page //twitter.com/LUBICAfashion for a look at her latest creations.

I leave you with some entertaining footage from Lubica's showcase at Fashion Art Toronto 2013. Just letting you know that it is was not your usual fashion show. Lubica definitely gave it a truly Caribbean flair! Have a look.








{Images courtesy of avahtaylor.com, iriediva.com, lubicafashion.blogspot.com, tallawahmagazine.com, jamaicaobserver.com, Lubica Slovak Facebook Page, Tessanne Chin Facebook Page, Tami Chynn Facebook Page, Yendi Phillipps Facebook Page}

{Video courtesy of Lubica Slovak Youtube Channel}

Fashion Profiles: "Man, don't be a Zero!"

This saying among a group of St. Lucian friends became the inspiration for the name of an apparel line created by St. Lucian songstress and Miss St. Lucia World 2010, Aiasha Gustave and her business partner Marvie Labadie.

The apparel line aptly named from the aforementioned phrase, Zeero Apparel, caters to men and women and consists of T-shirts,vests, tank tops, beanies and caps.

Zeero Apparel logo

Aiasha is one who has been very candid about her love for reggae and especially her admiration for the late Reggae legend, Bob Marley.

"Positive vibrations, yeah....got to have a good vibe...."

Aiasha took her admiration for the legend as well as his thought provoking and inspiring lyrics quoted above and applied it to the general theme and mission of the apparel line, which is, to foster positivity.

Take a look at some of the designs, along with their catchy yet positive slogans.

"Less Hate More Love" T-Shirt and Sweater

"Iron Lion  Zion" Tank top

"Zeero Cash Spiritually Rich" T-Shirt

"Zeero Cash Spiritually Rich" Tank tops

"Trill" Tank top

Since the launch of the line, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response from Caribbean media personalities, artists and natives alike.

Aiasha herself, rocking one of  the looks from the apparel line

Former Tempo TV Host Jeanille Bonterre and Actor Sean Field sporting some other designs from the Zeero Apparel line

To purchase any of Zeero Apparel's items you can check out their online store shopzeeroapparel.com.

As a bonus, I thought it would be a great idea to leave you with the sweet sounds of Miss Aiasha Gustave herself in her video "Come Nuh Baby". Hint: pay attention for the use of the term "Don't be a zero". Enjoy!!








(Images courtesy of Zeero Apparel Facebook Page)

(Video courtesy of Aiasha Tierra Youtube Channel)

Fashion Profiles: Olori "Blue" Swank

What is it about Olori Swank that makes her so captivating?

Is it her business savvy? Is it her blue hair? Is it her eclectic style? Or is it a mixture of all three?
One thing is for certain, Olori Swank, Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Fashion Director for Kraze Magazine, is a force to be reckoned with.

Surprisingly, Ms Swank had her sights set on pursuing a career in the medical field as she gained degrees in Biology, Psychology, Pre-Med and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Now, note that this in no way has inhibited her one of a kind style or her great taste in fashion. Now, who ever said that you can't have beauty and brains?

When it comes to her clients, namely, Keyshia Cole, TI,  Lance Gross, Childish Gambino and professional athletes such as Daniel Gibson and Antoine Bethea, Olori never disappoints.

Have a look at some of Olori's styling assignments for past as well as present clients.



 

Olori styled past client, Ms Angela Simmons for her spread in Rolling Out Magazine

 

Olori styled present client, Keyshia Cole for both of her spreads in Rolling Out Magazine and Upscale Magazine

With such an impressive portfolio, it comes as no surprise that Olori Swank is making such a major impact on the styling industry.

Check her out at www.oloriswank.com for styling tips and ideas, a look at her latest styling projects, featured articles and even shop some of her selected pieces on this site and at her other site www.swankblue.com.