Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening,
What can I say about Ecliff Elie that you don’t already know? In the short time that I’ve known him, he has never ceased to amaze. Ecliff’s talent, passion and determination have propelled him to be the success he is today; a powerhouse in Trinidad and Tobago’s fashion industry and an inspiration to young, aspiring designers.
I had the pleasure of working with Ecliff earlier this year at FashionTT’s first ever ModeTT Fashion Showcase, where he was one of fifteen local designers who displayed their creations for a panel of local, regional and international fashion industry experts. Ecliff’s designs were so unique and captivating that they made their way into a Fashion Look Book which was distributed to boutiques and retail outlets throughout the French Caribbean. The result of this initiative was Trinidad and Tobago’s most successful fashion inward buyers mission where, in just two days, over 360 orders valued in excess of TT$110,000 were placed.
Successful missions such as this will not only catapult our local fashion designers into the international arena but also cement the Trinidad and Tobago fashion industry as a sustainable economic sector that contributes significantly to national wealth.
Earlier this year, FashionTT launched its strategic plan for the fashion industry; a plan that will position Trinidad and Tobago as a major fashion hub, strengthen the capacity of fashion practitioners to participate in the international market and increase growth and revenue at the national and firm levels. All of this will be done through the establishment of a Caribbean aesthetic brand characterized by high quality, designer apparel that is representative of Caribbean lifestyle, attitude and pride.
I am proud that Ecliff’s designs already embody the essence of this Caribbean aesthetic. His collections of luxurious men’s apparel are truly representative of Caribbean men – modern, sophisticated, commanding and youthful – and I urge all of you, as responsible citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, to support our local designers. Their creations are not simply garments and accessories but rather representations our heritage, culture and national pride.
Ecliff, on behalf of FashionTT and the creative industries, I congratulate you on the opening of your store. The fashion industry is privileged to have such a brilliant and talented son of the soil.
Thank you.