Look-Out Curacao by Adornami

ISSUE 12: SEPTE MBER 2016

LOOK -OUT SPECIAL EDITION Meet four Caribbean brands based in Curacao

NJCUR A C A O OVD BR A ND LOVELIES BY LOELOE ME DIFFERENT A CCESSORIES

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Naharshka Juliao

NJ Curacao

'My favourite adornami must be lace, I Think I a m the lace queen.'

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My favourite adornment must be lace, I think I am the lace queen. I love vintage with a modern twist '

'

In the beginning sewing drapery was this self made designer's artistic avenue.

Using fabric as her creative playground the budding designer started swaddling herself with fabric and safety pins creating unique ensembles. She would then wear her creations to parties generating attention.

In 2010 Naharshka Juliao of brand NJ Curacao, made the move to garment construction, doing repairs and creating customer ideas.

To take it to the next level and to explode her creativity, this innovative designer started to create, from original sketches.

Presently, she designs limited edition pieces on demand while balancing a corporate career. Her designs include young and contemporary pieces for parties and elegant gowns for weddings.

When asked to share her challenges in the Industry, she expressed the need for more suppliers to reduce import costs and more events in the Caribbean to promote up and coming designers.

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Jeannique and Lakisha

OVD Brand

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OVD brand, a collection of urban and modern clothing was started in 2015 by business partners, Jeannique Felix and Lakisha DE Lanooi, from the Netherlands. The brand has expanded shipping to Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten.

Both Jeannique and Lakisha design and sew every piece from scratch.

The self taught duo is making their mark and gaining popularity on the island because there is a limited supply of similar garments and they sell at a lower price point.

Their clothes are generally simple, form fitting or oversized unisex clothing.

Their target audience is 15 to 35 yr old contemporary males and females.

The colours of their current collection are nude, black, white and burgundy.

When asked what is in demand in Curacao, they exclaimed swimwear and menswear.

OVD Brand will be launching an online store at year-end.

'Our favourite fabric has to be Lycra because it is thick and stretchy and is great for different body types reflecting the Caribbean woman .'

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Model: Rubiela Frank Swimsuit by OVD Brand

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Model: Rubiela Frank Top by OVD Brand

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Miroushka Tromp has been designing accessories for the last 2 years. She likes that she can bring her own creativity and be independent to sell the things that interest her. Her accessories are made from an array of materials, such as wire, fabric, leather, chain and suede. Her signature pieces are made to order and she sources materials locally and from Venezeula. Miroushka has already made hundreds of pieces for the local market. She has worked with local celebrities such as: Natalie Antonio, TV Host and model Akisha Albert. Her works have been featured in local publications and she will be making new and exciting international collaborations in the upcoming months.

Miroushka's brand is a representation of her name and style for trendy fashion. She transposes what is popular to what is personal in her creativity. Another self taught designer with big goals to take her brand internationally, working with global celebrities. When asked to share what she wants people to know about fashion in Curacao, she mentioned, she wants them know that there are designers in Curacao that can create and have the skills to be international designers as well. People should visit Curacao for the beautiful beaches, awesome food and of course the people are beautiful.

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Miroushka Tromp

ME DIFFERENT ACCESSORIES

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Model: Rubiela Frank Chokers: ME Different Accessories

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Marie ­Louise Klijn

Lovelies by Loe Loe

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Marie -Louise Klijn has been designing accessories since 2012. We met here at her new studio and exhibition space located inside a shared art space called Uni Arte. She creates unisex accessories, mainly bracelets but first started designing necklaces. There is a high demand for men's bracelets in Curacao. Her brand, Lovelies by Loe Loe, continues to receive good feedback and maintain return buyers.

Social media has helped her grow her customer base. Locally, her items are available at two popular stores.

The young designer and entrepreneur is in her last academic year of her marketing degree. She plans to go back to study goldsmith. Her aim is to expand her business internationally.

In Curacao, she shared, the youths like more urban trends. Due to online shopping making it more accessible for trendy clothing, the fashion landscape is evolving in Curacao.

She believes the Caribbean needs a bigger Caribbean Fashion Week. She wants to see art and culture in the spotlight and more Caribbean collaborations. The local boutiques and designers need to step up their game to compete globally.

Marie-Louise wants her brand to inspire others. In her words, 'When I sell something it is important people have a moment of happiness, I remember all my clients. It is important to have a good relationship then I know for sure if they like the item.

When they give an item as a gift.. I tell them 'TO HAVE FUN GIVING IT'.

The designer believes in respecting each other's choices, she uses diverse symbols that depict how people live in the world.

Everyone should be home at one and have unity.

''When I sell something it is important people have a moment of happiness'' ­ Marie­Louise Klijn

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'Everyone has a story to tell.

We like connecting with them and sharing their conversations.

Join us every week in the LOOK-OUT. Meet Caribbean designers & entrepreneurs from around the globe.'

- Tameika Fletcher-Birmingham

Special thanks to all the designers we met, model Rubiela Frank for coordinating our designer visits and photographer Juniel Floranes

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