Making a statement

By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net

It’s still a few days to go until July 10, but all this week, wherever you went, you could see people proudly wearing the Bahamian colours.

As the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence, designers have been busy; getting creative to give the people what they want when it comes to T-shirts and other clothing items that allow them to show their love of country and culture.

One local T-shirt company, the Talk of the Tee Boutique, best known for incorporating Bahamian slang and popular sayings in their designs, has been swamped with orders.

This year, their Independence collection features shirts as well as two-piece sets that feature popular Bahamian phrases like “Ine No Low Fence”, “Kapunkle Up”, “Tingsy Bad”, “Soon Tereckly”, “Ya Too Sometimey”, and more.

“When it came to our Independence line…I wanted our same style of tees, tees that people can wear outside of the Bahamas to take a piece of home with them wherever they are and during any time of the year. After Independence, the shirts can still be worn to simply just represent their culture,” said the brand’s owner.

Talk of the Tee has been sold out on Independence T-shirts since last week, which is a testament to the brand’s popularity.

“During times like this, there is so much to compete with. We aren’t the only business offering Independence tees, but our goal is to always add a little bit of our personality in our designs and style, and make the designs unique in an effort to stand out Bahamian independence fashion.

“They can be worn up with some jeans and heels or dressed down with some slacks and Crocs. It is all up to you and your mood that day. I have been hearing a lot of people say for this collection, they are pairing the tees with shorts; I guess because it’s so hot these days. Then our corporate clients, those persons who ordered for their employees, they are pairing the tees with blazers to fit the look of the office.”

Many Bahamians have put a lot of thought into what they will be wearing this weekend.

Tribune Weekend reader Anthonique said she decided to change up her usual T-shirt look she normally wears for Independence.

“This is a celebratory year so that means as Bahamians there are some many opportunities for us to show our Bahamian pride through our attire,” she said.

“One of my staple pieces for this year is an aqua blazer. Now I know you may be thinking, ‘A blazer in all this heat?’ But the blazer is made of a lightweight fabric that is very breathable and cool. I intend on pairing that with a light-yellow tank and black denim.”

This look, Anthonique said, is the one she will be wearing at the Independence tattoo this Sunday.

Raquel and her friends are attending an Independence street party and they intend on jazzing up their shirts.

“We got Independence shirts from Home Fabrics and we are taking them up a notch. I plan on cutting the neck out and turning it into an off-theshoulder piece. I plan on pairing this with yellow biker shorts. Because it is a street party, I want to be stylish, sexy, but also very comfortable so that once the music starts, I can enjoy myself without being conscious of the clothes,” she told Tribune Weekend.

While Tiana is not attending any particular Independence activities, she will be sporting patriotic swimwear at the beach.

“I am not participating in any activities per se, but I did purchase a Bahamian swimsuit from Bahari. I am going to the beach with family and friends during the holiday, so that is how I will show my patriotism,” she said.

Ronnie said he is not usually one for wearing statement pieces, so he is keeping it simple with a “1973” T-shirt from the urban street wear brand YNG.

“It’s straightforward and nothing too fancy. And it’s actually perfect for me, because 1973 is also my birth year,” he said.