It’s day four of the Games of the 31st Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and The Bahamas already has a top three finish.

The country was voted as the number two best dressed nation at the opening ceremony by Fox Sports. According to an online article by Brent Lindeque, The Bahamas’ sky blue color, in the uniforms, that shone brightly on Friday night served as reminder of the crystal clear waters that the tiny archipelago has become known for.

Traditionally, the country has gone with the sky blue Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) jackets during the opening ceremonies of past Olympic Games.

This year, as recommended by team sponsor Puma, officials mixed it up.

For the most part, the men of Team Bahamas went with option three in the Puma pamphlet – the Ceremony Bomber sky blue jacket with the Ceremony Top yellow shirt underneath, and a black Ceremony pants. They also wore the black and white IGNITE Dual Puma tennis shoes.

The ladies of Team Bahamas were primarily decked out with option one of the pamphlet – a black Ceremony Jacket Wn’s with a yellow Ceremony Top Wn’s underneath and a blue Ceremony pants.

They went with the white and gold IGNITE Dual Wn’s Puma shoes.

Led by flag bearer Shaunae Miller, 23 of The Bahamas’ 29-member team walked into the Maracanã Stadium on Friday night.

It was like a breath of fresh air watching them parade during the opening of the quadrennial games in something other than the blue BOC jackets that the team has become known for.

The Puma wear was well received by everyone – athletes, coaches and team officials.

In another break from tradition, the athletes preceded the team officials into the stadium. After all, the Olympic experience is all about them.

The online article stated: “You’ve got to love a uniform that evokes thoughts of the waters that make the archipelago the envy of the world. The Bahamas has done just that - a simple tracksuit in a blue hue, they’re not messing around. They’re here for business, but also here to remind you that you don’t swim in waters that blue… ever.”

The South Africans, in their retro tracksuits, were voted as the best dressed, The Bahamas was second, and Mongolia in their canary yellow, finished third. Hungary was fourth and Tonga came in fifth.

On the other side of the totem pole, Russia was voted as the worst dressed, followed by the United States, Norway, Germany and Poland, in that order.

The march pass of athletes was lengthy, but was one in which spectators in the stadium, and undoubtedly across the globe, watched with tremendous glee as they waited patiently for their respective nations to pass.

It was actually one of the highlights of the opening ceremony.

Sheldon Longley, Guardian Sports Editor

Miss Bahamas Organization’s 2015 Top Designer winning pieces by BTVI students, from left to right: Sienna Evans, sashayed down the runway in the winning outfit by BTVI 2006 graduate, Trineil Hanna. Darronique Young, strutted for the audience in a fitted gown designed by current student Delano Marc, who placed second, and Toria Penn dazzled in the three-piece ensemble created by 2010 BTVI graduate, Myrlande Julien. The creation placed third in the Top Designer showcase. (2015 Contest photos by Aaron Davis)

For the second consecutive year, Fashion Design students and alumni of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) will be creating designs for the Miss Bahamas Organization’s (MBO) Top Model and Designer showcase competition.

Last year’s winning piece was a dramatic, avant garde evening gown created by Trineil Hanna. The strikingly beautiful yellow dress incorporated a myriad of things Bahamian from branches, flowers and beads to straw, butterflies and birds.

Mission Catwalk Three winner and Miss Bahamas Organization (MBO) Contestants Manager, Theodore Elyett, chats with the 2015 Top Designer showcase 2nd place winner, Delano Marc.

This year’s theme is I am Every Woman, augmented by an extraction of American soul, and Rhythm and Blues’ singer, Indie. Arie’s lyrics: ‘I am not my hair, I am not my skin, I am the soul that lives within.’

“We want to focus on the things that make a woman truly beautiful. We want young ladies to appreciate those things about themselves that show true beauty,” said MBO’s Vice President of Corporate Sponsorship and Media Relations, Jerome Sawyer.

Ten contestants are vying for the Miss Bahamas title, with the winner also representing the country at the Miss World pageant. The Top Model and Designer showcase, in addition to the swimsuit contest, will be held on July 11at the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel, beginning at 4 pm. There will be the 10 contestants, along with three former queens including Miss Commonwealth Bahamas 1995, Loleta Smith-Dixon; Miss Commonwealth Bahamas 1993, Jacinda Sadye Francis and LaTeasha Ingraham-Lord, who represented The Bahamas at the Miss World 1998 pageant.

BTVI fashion student, Delano Marc, checking out the notions at Commonwealth Fabrics. Last year, the young man’s garment placed second. It was inspired by international recording artist Rihanna’s song, Towards the Sun. The fitted dress was layered with yellow fabric, accessorized with a graphic cape which had an airbrushed tree on it and covered with a cluster of leaves.

There will be 20 BTVI competitors in the Top Designer Competition of which they will be paired up to create garments for the 10 contestants.

Mr. Sawyer, who has been with MBO since its inception 11 years ago, said the organization approached BTVI again because it believes in building partnerships with Bahamian institutions.

“We wanted to continue to build the relationship and the success of last year. Our contestants enjoyed the experience as did we, and we saw how much the designers enjoyed the competition last year as well,” he said.

BTVI’s Associate Vice President of Fund Development, Alicia Thompson, noted that the invitation to partner with MBO for the second consecutive year signifies the value which the organization has placed on the relationship.

BTVI fashion students are excited about this year’s Miss Bahamas Organization Top Designer showcase.

“Our instructors, students and alumni are all very talented, capable individuals, who are seeking an opportunity to have their work showcased. The caliber of their workmanship is commendable, and they are able to produce the finest pieces while using the most basic tools,” said Ms. Thompson.

“It is hoped that the added exposure received from our collaboration with MBO will generate a higher level of interest in BTVI, especially the fashion trades department. It is also hoped that with that interest BTVI will attract individuals and corporate sponsors who are willing to provide scholarships and or funding to assist with the development of the department,” she added.

The Miss Bahamas Organization’s (MBO) Top Designer showcase is expected to be fiercer than last year’s. BTVI fashion students are shown here descending the stairs of Commonwealth Fabrics, an official sponsor of the event.

Also onboard again this year is Commonwealth Fabrics, which will be providing each designer with an $80 sponsorship to assist with material and notions.

Meanwhile, fashion student, Stephanie Thomas considers participating in the competition as a means to showcase her creativity.

“I expect to gain a little exposure and to build my clientele. I'm mostly excited about designing for the models because they're going to want a next garment when I'm done with the first one,” she boasted, “I plan to blow them away!”

BTVI fashion student and contestant in the Miss Bahamas Organization’s Top Designer showcase, Kirkwood Deal, takes the measurement of a Miss Bahamas contestant.

As the competition heats up, Kirkwood Deal also expressed enthusiasm, declaring that beyond the experience, he wants to take home the 2016 designer showcase title.

“I really want to be the winner because I want my design to go off with the queen. I want to get on that big screen. I want to be out there. I want my name to be big. I'm excited about just being given the opportunity to design an outfit for a contestant. I'm also on edge and a little nervous, but it causes me to do a better job because I work best under pressure,” he stated.

BTVI fashion student, Adeline Pierre, measuring a Miss Bahamas contestant for the Top Model and Top Designer contests.

Additionally, this year, a reality television show is being incorporated, which will give BTVI’s fashion students further exposure. Created by MBO president, Michelle Malcolm and dubbed, Road to the Crown, Mr. Sawyer said the organization realizes its audience is changing.

“Reality TV shows are increasingly popular with audiences around the world. We thought this would be a great way of getting the Bahamian audience more involved in choosing their Miss Bahamas. A new Miss Bahamas APP, now in development, will allow for an interactive experience, where audience members vote to keep their favourite contestant in the running each week,” he explained.

The show will expose audiences to the challenges involved in becoming Miss Bahamas, with one dedicated to featuring the pageant’s contestants interacting with BTVI fashion students. It will give a behind the scenes look at pageant life, with the hopes of building a greater appreciation for the road traveled towards the crown.

BTVI students, who are contestants in the Miss Bahamas Organization’s (MBO) Top Designer showcase, listen to Mission Catwalk Season 3 winner and MBO Contestants Manager, Theodore Elyett, just before they begin browsing Commonwealth Fabrics for notions and fabrics. This year, a reality television show is being incorporated.

Prominently featured in the reality tv show will be Mission Catwalk Season 3 winner, Theodore Elyett, who has joined MBO as Contestants Manager. “We think that he is ideal for his role in working with the designers. He can offer expert advice on designing in a competition and tips on how to make designs come to life,” said Mr. Sawyer.

The realty tv show will air Tuesday nights on Cable 12 beginning at 8 pm and premiering June 28th.

By Hadassah Hall

Photos by George Ratliffe, J. Sawyer & Associates

Source: BTVI

Pictured are representatives from the MOT and winners during the special Signature Bridal Event held in Washington, D.C. May 1, from left to right are: Vandia Sands, MOT-Washington; Cecile Torrence, MOT-Plantation; Freda Malcolm, Director of Romance, MOT; Ava Burke, MOT-Romance; Earnestine Moxyz, MOT-Plantation, seated are winners, Chris Hopkins, Nikki Hall and Brittany Gomes.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s (MOT) Romance Department held its latest Signature Bridal Event at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., May 1, amid inclement weather. The event, which was attended by scores of newly engaged couples seeking destination weddings, also featured wedding vendors from The Bahamas, a Junkanoo rush out, Bahamian fashion show and live entertainment by famed entertainer, Preston “Puzzle” Wallace.

The Bahamas made up of 700 islands and cays and known the world over for its breathtaking beauty, pristine crystal clear waters, diverse and unique culture and charming romance, was named the “Leading Wedding Destination” at the World Travel Awards, which was staged in Morocco in December 2015.

Freda Malcolm, Director of Romance for the MOT said, “the Ministry has been creatively aggressive, in getting its romance message out. It is important that we go into these key feeder markets, like Washington, to tell our story and showcase our beautiful country”.

The MOT has also held other Signature Bridal Shows in Atlanta, Georgia, Orlando, Plantation and Boca Raton, Florida and in Houston, Texas.

Bahamian wedding providers including Hollis Cosmetics & Spa, Jim Whitehead Wedding Planning Events, The Nassau Florist, McKenzie’s Photography & Videography services, Chevette Williamson Jewelry Designs and Bahama Handprints exhibited their goods and services.  They each provided the future brides, a $250 credit voucher toward the purchased of their respective services.

Attendees participated in a Bahamian style “# I Do Wed” game, which quizzed the couples on how well they knew their spouse, The Bahamas and each other’s impression of The Bahamas.

Couples got an opportunity to photograph them selves at the event and tweet their photos to family and friends, on the social media platform, Instagram, a contest, which was won by Chris Hopkins and Nikki Hall of Washington, D.C.

Winning the grand prize award, a complimentary three days, two nights stay for two at the beautiful British Colonial Hilton Resort in Nassau, was Brittany Gomes of Silver Springs, Maryland.

The recent winners from Washington, DC in The Bahamas’ 16 Islands, 16 Weddings Contest also attended The Bahamas’ Signature Bridal Event in Washington, DC and are pictured with representatives from the MOT from left to right are: (standing) Vandia Sands, Ava Burke, Cecile Torrence, Earnestine Moxyz and seated Rachelle Powell-Stover, Freda Malcolm, MOT-Director of Romance and George Stover. The Stover’s wedding took place on Crooked Island, January 16, 2015 at 16:00 hours.

About The Islands Of The Bahamas
The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone, from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Models in Resort Wear designed by Bahamian fashion designer in Bahama Hand Prints (Photos compliments of Felipe Major)

Source: Bahamas Information Services

St. Andrew's School graduating seniors Kristin Bowleg, left, and Nagge Osborn, along with Janae Seymour have undertaken a massive undertaking to complete their mandatory CAS (creativity, activity and service) Project with their "Strut For A Cause" fashion show fundraiser on Saturday, March 19. The trio hope to raise at least $7,500 to assist the Bahamas AIDS Foundation youth outreach program for adolescents infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and complete their CAS (creativity, activity and service) project- a task necessary for them to graduate the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. (Photo: Enzil Cooper)

Three St. Andrew's School (SAS) students have undertaken a massive undertaking to complete their mandatory CAS (creativity, activity and service) Project -- a task necessary for them to graduate the International Baccalaureate (IB) program -- that will have benefits all around. The project will bring their graduating class together, and more importantly raise thousands of dollars to assist the Bahamas AIDS Foundation's youth outreach program for adolescents infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Graduating seniors Kristin Bowleg, Nagge Osborne and Janae Seymour conceptualized an event known as "Strut For A Cause" fashion show fundraiser from a mere thought through to actualization of the event which will take place on Saturday, March 19 to fulfill their CAS Project requirement, and assist a program that provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth receive assistance through three components -- academics, psychosocial intervention and medical treatment.

In CAS Project learning outcomes students are to have realized increased awareness of strengths and areas for growth; undertaken new challenges; planned and initiated activities; worked collaboratively with others; showed perseverance and commitment; engaged with issues of global importance; considered ethical implications and developed new skills.

"Strut For A Cause" encompassed it all.

The trio hopes to raise a minimum of $7,500 to benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

Bowleg, Osborne and Seymour solicited the support of local companies to underwrite the expenses involved in staging the event which will be held at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West and West Hill Streets, and will feature pieces from designers Brynda Knowles, Sabrina Francis, Theodore Sealy, Anthonique Farquharson, Cardell McClam, Indira Moss and Kenria Smith.

SAS seniors will model the designer's original pieces, along with clothing from Platinum Bride, Cole's of Nassau, Morley For Men, Buttons, Bridal and Formal Wear, The Seventeen Shop and Rubins showcasing casual wear, cocktail wear, formal wear and prom attire.

Donations for the show to be hosted by Phyllis Albury-Garraway are $25 per ticket. The show will be held between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

At a time when thoughts uppermost in the minds of most graduating seniors is of leaving high school behind, the students at SAS have undertaken a project that is probably one of the biggest seen in the history of CAS Projects at the school.

"Strut For A Cause" is an initiative that the school's CAS Coordinator Enzil Cooper was "thrilled" and "amazed" to see come to fruition, considering the magnitude of the actual project.

"It's actually very impressive what they've been able to achieve, but it underscores the ideals of the CAS program, and also the significance of global awareness and networking," said Cooper. "Their goal is a tall order, but they're setting their target, and it's important for them to go through the processes -- successes... failures -- it's about what they come away with -- the experience of it, so they can build on it for their futures. I think they are really doing well in terms of meeting the requirements, but moving beyond the requirements to some life-changing events."

Cooper said Bowleg, Osborne and Seymour got together, generated the idea, developed the idea, decided they wanted to work with the AIDS Foundation, solved their own issues and are trying to make an impact according to their own personalized objectives.

The idea for "Strut For A Cause" came to Bowleg as she pondered what she could do to fulfill her CAS Project graduation requirement. All she knew was that she wanted to do something outside the box, and something that no one else would think of doing. At 17, she's into fashion, her peers are into fashion, and she came up with the fashion show idea.

She approached Osborne and Seymour and they were onboard with the project with the funds raised to benefit the Bahamas AIDS Foundation's youth program.

"At first, we were thinking for students to just model their own clothes, but then we decided to go outside the box and actually involve the Bahamian community, so we said why not involve Bahamian designers," said Bowleg. "It's really something different, and really memorable for our senior year, because when we graduate and look back at our senior year, it's something other than just simply academics, because this brought us together as a grade, and it's just something different that we accomplished in school."

Osborne, the lone male in the trio said organizing the fashion show project had been an interesting experience. The senior said even though he never thought he would be involved in organizing a fashion show, he said as a typical teen, he likes to look nice.

"It's been really fun, but also hectic, because we've been having to make all the models go to see the different designers to get fitted, and go to the stores to organize tickets. It's been a good experience for me. This experience can help us to learn how to lead projects, how to work together as a team, and organize big events."

With the project bringing their entire class together, Osborne said it has shown them that even though they may be students, that they can make a difference and set an example for the students in the years behind them.

"Even if they think of a CAS Project that they would like to do, and think it may be too big to handle, they should still bring their idea forward. At first, I didn't think we could have made it this big, but they just need to be determined and strive for their goals," said Osborne.

In realizing "Strut For A Cause" from and idea to an actual realization, the trio who are friends said they had to respect each other's opinion, because even though they were friends, they were not always going to get along. In making decisions with any issues that arose, they thought ideas through, and chose the most rational solution.

With "Strut For A Cause" in two days, Bowleg said she was grateful for everyone that supported them in trying to reach their goal.

For more information or tickets, telephone 557-4004.

Shavaughn  Moss

Guardian Lifestyles Editor