Celebrating talents of TT

The event was hosted by Dr Auliana Poon and her team, which included Richard Young, Dominique La- Roche, Kevon Wilson, Vanna Girod, Kerron Riley and Dexter Banfield and was held at Villa Being in Arnos Vale, Plymouth last Sunday evening.

Poon noted that L?v? celebrates the aura, beauty and excellence of Trinidad and Tobago.

“From fine art, fashion, cuisine, culture, rum and rhythm, L?v? will lift your spirits.

The aim of L?v? is to lift up talent, celebrate talent and also incorporate different aspects of our culture. The whole idea of having L?v? is to re-demonstrate to Trinidad and Tobago and the whole Caribbean that we can do things differently.

L?v? is only one avenue of doing it and yes we can, we can do it,” she said.

This year the event has been included in the Tobago Jazz Experience calendar, something Poon said she appreciates.

Kin sound system, Chalmer John, Gerard “Panman” Balfour and Les Coteaux Performers provided live entertainment for the small gathering, which consisted of specially invited guests.

The fashion segment featured pieces from DAWW Creations, as well as Trinidadian Ecliff Elie, with shoes and accessories supplied by Tobagonian Ted Arthur.

The highlight of the evening, however, were the pieces designed by Trinidad-born fashion designer and professor Andrew Ramroop.

Ramroop, who now resides in the United Kingdom is the owner, director and master tailor at Maurice Sedwell Limited, one of the few surviving exclusive bespoke tailor’s in London’s Saville Row.

The savvy businessman, who was described as totally self-made had the crowd in awe when his first model touched the runway with a suit that was heightened by 24-carat gold pinstripes.

Ramroop said that though his pieces are costly, he has clients from over 60 countries as his creations last a lifetime.

He also had two other pieces on display which were created for the late Princess Diana.

Chef Adrian Cumberbatch provided a taste of L?v? with a mouth-watering buffet, which included Plymouth rock lobster souse shots, Tobago spice rubbed mahi mahi, pumpkin and all spice chutney, as well as benne baklava to name a few. There was also a number of paintings on display which was done by teacher, writer and painter Shastri Maharaj.