Big win for Bahamian designers in Jamaica

Mon, Jun 24th 2013, 10:39 AM

Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Sealy said he knew he would be the last one standing when he entered the Jamaican-based fashion competition 'Mission Catwalk' six months ago.

And he was right.

 Sealy beat 14 competitors, including another Bahamian, to become the season three winner of 'Mission Catwalk'.

 The final challenge -- a runway battle among the final three contestants -- aired Sunday night on Cable 12.

 Among the prizes he won was a ticket to showcase a 24-piece collection at London Fashion Week, a goal Sealy said he had for a very long time.

"Honestly, I wouldn't have entered the competition if I didn't think I would win," he said yesterday.

"I began with the end in mind. Nobody takes six months off work just to enter a competition if they don't think they will win."

Sealy, who goes by the name Theodore Elyett, is the first Bahamian to win the competition. In fact, this year was the first time that a Bahamian entered the competition, which is geared at showcasing talent in the Caribbean.

David Rolle, the second Bahamian competitor, was the first runner up. According to its Facebook page, 'Mission Catwalk' is "an exciting reality TV series aimed at discovering and developing talented fashion designers".

Each week, the designers had to design and produce an outfit. At the end of the week, a designer was eliminated from the competition. Both Sealy and Rolle said they are proud of their accomplishments.

Rolle said he could not have been more excited when it was revealed that he and Sealy were among the three finalists. "It was truly awesome for there to be two Bahamians in the finals," he said. Sealy described his win as a proud moment for himself and the country.

"We're going to be celebrating 40 years of independence, so it's a good win for me and The Bahamas at the same time," he said. Sealy said his winning collection, titled "Hello London", was inspired by street fashion in London.

The collection mixed earthy tones with pops of emerald green in a series of sophisticated outfits. In the finale episode, the judges complimented Sealy on his pieces. Sealy said while the end result was beautiful, the road to the win was "rough".

"I was still sewing while the first designer's collection was on the runway," he said.

"I'm thankful to God. Most of the time we get caught up in the win and thanking others, but honestly I would not have finished the collection last week if it wasn't for God."

Rolle, who is a younger designer, said he will never forget his experience on Mission Catwalk.

He said he started designing full time in 2010. In addition to exposing his talents as a designer, Rolle said the competition helped him to hone his talent. He said his collection, "Genesis", was inspired by the Garden of Eden.

He said he incorporated straw bags to give it a Bahamian touch. While he did not win the number one spot, Rolle said he is happy for Sealy, who is also one of his mentors.

In addition to sealing his spot at the London Fashion Week, Sealy also walked away with about $5,000 to go towards his clothing line; a contract to sell designs at SOHO Boutique, in Jamaica; industrial equipment to set up a production studio and a scholarship to pursue a fashion program at London College of Fashion, among other things.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads