The Bahamas has got talent - fashion talent! This week I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to help host a brief segment on the fourth hour of NBC's TODAY Show with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.
The segment, entitled "Bringing Home The Bahamas" focused on handmade Bahamian products that tourists can take with them to have a piece of paradise in their own homes.
Forget the typical T-shirt and keychain - we're talking the creme-de-la-creme of meticulously made, hand-crafted items from bath and body products to home and decor. However I couldn't leave out my biggest passion - fashion! The segment featured some great brands that not only appealed to tourists but Bahamians alike.
Here's a little synopsis of four local fashion brands/stores you should have on your radar. Dori's Designs These authentically Bahamian handcrafted, one of a kind straw handbags, are the creation of artisan Doramae Lefleur. Doramae, has been designing straw handbags for the past eight years and has become a delight of the patrons at various local craft shows.
Her work is also a staple at the monthly Ministry of Tourism Tea Party hosted at Government House in downtown Nassau, where specially invited guests from around the world get the opportunity to view her straw handbags.
Doramae's handbags feature straw from across the islands of The Bahamas but she especially likes to hand-pick her straw and then have them exclusively plaited, so that she can maintain that unique one-of-a-kind theme that has become synonymous with her work
. La Casita This cute boutique offers high-end straw bags and purses, as well as costume jewelry. Many of the unique pieces that the store carries feature sparkling semi-precious stones in beautiful tropical hues that add a pop of color and personality to any look.
For the home and decor aficionado, proprietor Meka McWeeney is known for her gorgeous hand-made shell mirrors. Bedazzled by Dashawn I love a statement necklace. This line has bold jewelry made from beads, coconut, semi-precious stones, shells and other indigenous items
For the lady who wants a ready-made look, many of their pieces are a part of a set with the matching earring or ring. Fine Ocean Jewelry Made by local artisans Ellison and Astrid Pinder using timeless gems of the sea.
Whelk Shell pendants with artful beading styles create a truly distinctive look. Strung on silver tone, nylon-coated cord with sterling silver clasps and crimp beads, the pieces add a delicate boho-chic flair to a look.
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
