Collection Review: Pilar by Anya Ayoung Chee

On Fashion Week Sunday, former Miss T&T Universe (actually she's probably still current Miss T&T Universe as I hear we not sending up nobody this year....) Anya Ayoung Chee debuted her collection, Pilar. To say that this collection had some of the hottest buzz for the whole fashion week event would be an understatement. And designer was not the only hat Anya donned for the event! Not only was the public's eyes peeled for things to criticize in her collection, her new modeling and talent agency Fuse The Agency, had screened and selected all the Fashion Week models! Pressha!

Despite these stressful factors, I was pleasantly impressed with Anya's showing, especially considering that this her first time out the gate! My main comment was that the collection "looked like Anya", which can be good and bad. Anya has a distinctive personal style and it definitely came through in the wearable and cohesive collection, but if one were to purchase an item from her collection would one lose a feeling of individuality, because you look so much like someone else? Hmmm....

Regardless, I love the way she brought together disparate cultural elements to create her looks. Dashiki-style shirts in African print fabric were belted at the waist with Japanese style obi belts adorned with rope and paired with shorttt (saw a good bit of boomsie cheek on the runway) pants in vibrant colours, which as we all know well, always have an appeal with Caribbean women. I love how Anya included a variety of garments in the collection: dresses, shirts, shorts, and even a bright yellow jacket showing the audience that she has the potential to vary her designs and not stick to just one thing! The collection was also replete with jumpsuits: short and long (with skinny tapered legs). Anya also provides options for those of us ladies who prefer more modest fits and cuts, with full length, high-waisted skirts and maxi dresses all of which fit the models exceptionally well. (I guess running the agency has it's benefits ;) )

My favourite pieces, however, have to be the jumpsuits, particulary the strapless one that opened the show in metallic African print! I'm so excited to see fashion I actually would want to wear on the Caribbean runways (this is a first for me) and as soon as I find out where Anya will be selling her items, my name will be on the list for one of these!


Enjoy the rest in the slideshow below:



(all pics courtesy www.triniscene.com)

BTW: Congrats Sandhurst!