COTT Awards 2008 - Best Dressed List

The Trinidad music stars and entertainment industry glitterati came out 'en masse' to the 10th annual COTT (Copyright organization of Trinidad & Tobago) music awards. It's the Trini version of the Grammy's, and this year the organizers went all out with the event that was held last Thursday evening at the Queens Hall.

Soca Star Machel Montano once again copped the songwriter of the year award, and stoked rumors of a name change for the HD band; the group may now be called the 'Caribbean Planet'... Okay then.

Other notables included the Kaiso legends the Mighty Sparrow and the Baron, who received the International Achievement and the Pioneer of the Year awards respectively.

Also worth mentioning: Reggae Icon Maxi Priest made a surprise appearance on stage with Shurwayne Winchester, and the word got out that Fireball's hit 'What I want' is the most downloaded song in the world!

I can attest to the popularity of that song, particularly in Europe; my husband had wild tales to tell about the Swedish & Croatian folk rocking out to Fireball's first hit during the Euro Cup....

But you know where my interests lie - in the fashion! Flip through my top selections above for a good look at the style stars. Who looked absolutely ravishing? Destra, Destra, Destra.... That girl looked fantastic! Whoever styled the Soca Star for her three outfit changes did good.

Patrice Roberts brought an almost demure sophistication that belied her striking onstage presence and dynamic voice; the eggplant tone of her gown was just right. Past Ms. Universe Winner Wendy Fitzwilliams looked as pitch-perfect as ever in a simple lace camisole vest and a tiered skirt.

Even comedienne Rachel Price - who has made some dubious fashion choices in the past - hit the right note with a slim fitting tiered shift and fantastic leopard print heels. Some of the guys, however, lagged far, far behind.

Why did Shurwayne Winchester have to look as if he just ran away from his desk job? Maxi Priest looked 'cool' but was rather under-dressed for the snazzy event. Performer Shine rocked a kooky ruffled blouse and patterned vest combo, but got points for being brave enough to wear it in public.

Always an African-garbed king, COTT President and Rapso legend Bro. Resistance maintained his regal look, and there were other music legends who brought out the Ritz of yesteryear. The one standout? B Dangerous from Spotrushaz, who dared to walk the simple/stylish line with a neat pullover. Classic.


L.M.N. Harris.

N.B. Pictures courtesy Triniscene.