Ecliff Elie heralds "El hombre de la hora."

It's funny that whenever people want to appear 'refined & louche', or 'exotic & roguish', they splice in little bits of French & Spanish into their vocab: I've even done it myself, calling my little suede pouch designs 'pouchettes!'

It seems I'm not the only one who indulges in this tiny bit of fancy. On March 28th, Trinidadian fashion designer Ecliff Elie is putting on "El Hombre de la Hora" - his 2009 presentation of bridegroom apparel. It's 1:30 pm at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, and tickets are quite reasonably priced - $25.00 for adults, and a mere $5.00 for any curious kiddies.

I'm guessing that a simple "Man of the Hour" didn't pack enough punch... Anyways, the showing is supposed to "Deliver on concepts that will delight the eye, evoke ravenous emotions and scintillate the soul," according to their team.

And that's not all, mind you, because, "On the big day so many are focused on the bride but think for just a second... who is SHE focused on? On this special occasion, men will get attention they deserve!"

Worth a 'look-see' if you're in Trinidad.

L.M.N. Harris

N.B. Image courtesy Ecliff Elie

Finally - a review of Ecliff Elie's "A Taste of Berries" 2008 show

We were all prepped and primed to have some first-rate coverage of this show for you; the Trinidad correspondents for MyCaribbeanGateway were informed that they were definitely invited to cover the event and chat briefly with Mr. Ecliff Elie himself after the show.

The show was scheduled to run from 7 - 9pm, and for one, it started promptly. However, it was also promptly done just about 30 minutes after! The designs passed by in a swish and that was it. Maybe, everyone was just excited to rush off and have a drink at the afterparty, held at the Muscovado Bar. Upon attempting to chat briefly with Mr. Elie when the show was over, our MyCG correspondent was told by said designer: "Umm, I can't talk now - my head is all over the place!"

So, for what its worth, here's what I thought of the showing - It was good. It would have been much, much better if the line stuck to what Elie's strong points are: his work & evening wear. Nobody makes a suit for women like Ecliff Elie. In fact, his suits are for women what Millhouse's are for men - a must-have, sleek, makes-you-feel-in-charge suit.

Besides the fact that the show was really a major promotional spot for a certain Trinidad Phone company & Blackberry - models basically 'hand-modeled' the cell phones on the runway - the showing was an ambitious one that attempted to present a range of items. There was beachwear, sportswear, work items, semi-formal dresses, and evening wear - for both genders! Talk about a lot of clothes.

The clear standout of the show was a geometrical green/purple/black patterned shift dress with a cutout back. Bold patterns are definitely in this season - regionally and internationally - and it would have been a timely touch if the Taste of Berries collection featured more hints of such. Nonetheless, good job, Ecliff Elie.


L.M.N. Harris.

N.B. pictures courtesy Triniscene.com

Ecliff Elie - 'A Taste of Berries' is on tonight!

Definitely a must-attend! Ecliff is know regionally and celebrated in Trinidad for his precision cuts and exquisite uses of basic fabrics, and his 2008/2009 collection 'A Taste of Berries' will undoubtedly continue in this tradition.

For more details on the showing and for getting some last minute tickets to the event, click here.
And also look out for fresh, off the runway pics and features of the show on MyCG!

LMN Harris