By Sophia Lightbourne From the Bahamas Weekly

Washington, DC – Fashion designer for luxury brand Hardour Collection, Anthea Bullard was recognized and awarded in the United States capital of Washington, DC for Fashion Innovation and overall fashion contributions to the Caribbean community at large, by the Karib Nation non-profit organization in celebration of National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Anthea was being recognized for her iconic red dress that features colorful, wooden hand- carved islands of the Bahamas at the back.

The Caribbean Style & Culture fashion showcase was held at the University of Maryland on Friday June 27th, 2014 and was attended by dignitaries and delegates from many Caribbean islands as well as our very own Bahamian representatives to Washington; Hon. Paulette Zonicle, Consular General of the Bahamas in Washington, DC and Dr. Eugene Newry – Ambassador to the Bahamas just to name a few. The Bahamas was the honorary country for the fashion event this year which is now in its 5th year and honored Bullard for her works in the Caribbean fashion industry.   Bullard received tremendous accolades after her runway showcase and peaked interest with several buyers in attendance at the show

Designers represented many Caribbean countries to include but not limited to The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad, Haiti and Guyana. Each designer in attendance was personally invited to display their latest collections to represent the Caribbean community in this extravagant fashion showcase whose aim is to promote unity through fashion.   Bullard states that she “felt privileged and honored to receive my award amongst so many amazingly talented designers from all over the Caribbean”.

While in D.C., Anthea visited the Bahamas Consulate General’s Office for a reception, where her honorary dress was on display and the main attraction for the evening. Ambassador Newry raved about Bullard’s dress which she considers art, and applauded Bullard on her creativity.   She also had the honor of visiting Capitol Hill and attending a live US Senate hearing which she states was “an experience of a lifetime”.   Bullard stated that “the power you felt just being in the room with so many politicians who make such important decisions was incredible and gave me goosebumps the entire time I was there.” She was also privileged to visit the Museum in Washington that displays garments of all the United States First Ladies throughout history which include the iconic red dress worn by Michelle Obama at her husband’s President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Bullard felt accomplished to be one of the youngest designers invited to showcase at this international event and states that it was a humbling experience and she is now motivated more than ever to work harder and strive to make the Bahamas proud. “I am inspired, motivated and eager to grow, work and accomplish success for my brand and my country. I’ve built lasting friendships and relationships with the designers I met, and will be an experience I will always remember.

For more inquires email [email protected] or visit www.hardourcollection.com

IMAGES:

Left: Back of the featured dress with hand-carved wooden island of the Bahamas; Top Middle: Pictured from left to right – Hon. Paulette Zonicle, Bahamas Consul General to Washington, Dr. Eugene Newry, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, Model in Hardour Collection featured dress, Anthea Bullard, Designer; Bottom Middle: Pictured: Anthea Bullard, Francoise Torchon Newry, Dr. Eugene Newry; Right: Designer Anthea Bullard in new black & gold Islands of the Bahamas dress.

Hardour Collection Islands of the Bahamas Official Ad

For more on this story go to: http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamas-fashions-and-designers/Designer_Anthea_Bullard_recognized_in_Washington35809.shtml

Related story:

Caribbean Fashion Week 2014: Babes, beachwear and bikinis in Jamaica’s style show

By Salome Munuo From Daily Express UK

FORGET the fashion weeks of London, Paris, Milan and New York, for sizzling looks hot off the catwalk, stylist Salome Munuo discovers the only way is the Caribbean.

It’s an annual style celebration, packed with colour, design talent and all-important front row – welcome to Caribbean Fashion Week.

For more than a decade, Jamaica’s capital Kingston has hosted the cream of the islands’ talent and as a first-time attendee I was blown away with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of all the collections.

The brainchild of Kingsley Cooper CEO of Pulse, a fashion and entertainment company powering both the fashion and modelling industries in the Caribbean, the annual event has grown from strength to strength.

It now has a strong A-lister FROW following including the likes of Kelly Rowland and Hollywood actress Nia Long who have attended in previous years.

And this year, CFW also offered fashion fans the chance to buy anything they see fresh off the catwalk with the launch of a new e-commerce sit, shopcaribbeanfashion.com.

It’s a useful addition to the show, particularly if you’re still searching for the ultimate swimsuit or kaftan to improve your beach wardrobe.

Womenswear was the main theme of the runway shows with a sprinkling of menswear to complement the key looks, as seen in the preppy-themed show of Jamaican designer Barry Moncrieff.

A total of 30 designers displayed their collections over the three day event.

My key favourites were the retro prints of UK designer Alicia Mullings. Her elegant shift dress and soft tailoring were a perfect fusion, working well as a day-to-night outfit if upgraded with accessories of a statement necklace and high-heeled sandal. The three day event oozed both local and international talent from as far a field as Italy.

But for me the award of the fashion crown of the High Summer 2014 shows would go to another homegrown talent, Jehan Jackson.

Her collection of resort and beachwear was dripping with sexy cut-out swimsuits, bikinis and kaftans with oversized statement woven hats and bags in metallic tones.

The CFW experience was a colourful carnival of must-have delights, made only better by the warm hearted and laid back charm of the island – in contrast to the cold cobbles and rain of London Fashion Week.

Where would I rather be next season? The answers on a postcard please.

For further information or to attend Caribbean Fashion Week 2015 see http://caribbeanfashionweek.com

IMAGES:

Caribbean Fashion Week was a carnival of island colour and style [PH]

Alicia Mullings sent soft tailoring and elegant shift dresses down the catwalk [INSTAGRAM]

For more on this story go to: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/style/487298/Caribbean-Fashion-Week-2014