Alexandra Webber Isaacs - is there the need for any introduction? She seems to be everywhere right now, and it is honestly well deserved. The 20 year old Fashion blogger, who'll be turning 21 shortly, is currently studying English Literature at the University of Durham, in England, and has been able to check a) author, b) blogger and c) copy writer to her to-do list. Special mention should be made about the highly awaited September issue of People magazine, which Alexandra is co-editing. With 4 months break ending in October, the pretty trendsetter, it seems, will have her hands full! After rising to such an indisputable recognition in the Mauritius fashion sphere, Alexandra's contribution to this week's Fashion Updates was more than crucial. Want to know what the rising Papess of the Mauritian fashion industry has to say about the Bagatelle Fashion Week? Read more! NOW. Q: If I say Bagatelle Fashion Week 2013, you reply? A: To be honest, I am a little unsure about the Bagatelle event. I was at Bagatelle yesterday (Monday 22nd) and all I saw was this display of clothes where Thiriet used to be; I didn't have time to go in or anything like that. Q: Oh, was it any good? A: Well to be honest, I have absolutely no idea why they are calling it a Fashion Week. Forget the term, which is already terrible misappropriation, but I was expecting for the least a fashion show, lots of displays and so on and so forth. All there is is a badly-lit display of some clothes in a pop up store, which is not even at the center of the mall. Or outside in the open. Q: Nothing out of the ordinary ? A:NOTHING. Q: Anything to add about the Fashion Week? A: Ok so firstly, as most people have commented, I don't like the fact that they called it a 'Fashion Week'. I think it's a terrible misappropriation of the event name. Once again, Mauritians that do not pay much attention to the international fashion scene are going to think that this is what a fashion week is all about. When the name refers to the biggest clothes showcase in the world, held around the world.You can't use names like that, it's not right. It's exactly what I was talking about in my interview with L'Express Dimanche: fashion is an industry like any other, it must be taken seriously! You can't say or do what you like! I understand Bagatelle needs to promote their shops, and I have no problem whatsoever with that - it's business. But you see, once again, I can't help feeling that our local designers are left out of the scene, once again. Shopping wise, it's great that we have international brands, discount stores, etc. But it's hurting the industry terribly. Designers work hard to get their clothes out there, and for some reason most Mauritians believe that whatever is international is better. Worse, they prefer to buy lots for less than one good quality item. Why not promote the Made in Moris? Q: What do you mean by Made in Moris ? A: I'm talking about the initiative Made in Moris - to encourage Mauritians to buy locally. Q: I do but it can apply to so many products. Are we talking about Ciel Textiles products or Sanjeet Boolell evening gowns ? A: Ah yes! By Made in Moris I mean everything that is produced locally, but with special consideration to designers. Because brands such as Body &Soul and Fashion House are already massive, they aren't struggling to survive. But the situation is very different for our local designers, unfortunately. So put it this way: Made in Moris + Petits et Moyens Entrepreneurs, that's what I want to promote. Q: Through your blog I presume ? A: Yes, and through the magazine as well. Copies will be sent around the world, in the hopes that someone notices our local talent. But coming back to 'Fashion Week', I wish there was more initiative to promote local designers. And really, with the economic situation they are facing at the moment, platforms should be given to them to show their work. Times are really tough. Q: Nice initiative sending the magazine abroad. I wasn't aware of that. But you do understand that it would not have been very yielding for designers to have their collections put forward for common layman, who won't be able to afford these high-end items ? A: You see, that's a misconception! Let me explain. Some designers produce items for a particular clientele. Sanjeet Boolell is a good example of this. Q: Right, cocktail dresses at Rs35 000. I would never recommend him to my sister, although he's a very talented and passionate designer. A: Commercially speaking it would not be viable for him to showcase his clothes, though it wouldn't do any harm for say two dresses to be on display, so Mauritians know who Sanjeet Boolell is and what he produces. Q: You're right, but enlighten me, the Bagatelle Fashion Week would actually perhaps hold much more 'fashion' to the business aspect it currently radiates of. A: Absolutely, but here comes my key argument: There are pret a porter designers in Mauritius who offer amazing products at unbelievable prices. Unbelievably cheap for what they offer. One major example: So see this top? (Left) That's 85% cashmere 15% kid mohair. The brand is In'Am by Llup. Made in Mauritius. How much do you think it costs? Rs 1, 500. For 85% cashmere, that's madness! Cashmere abroad retails for a minimum of Rs 10 000. A basic sweater from H&M, which is in my hand right now, is 60% cotton 40% Acrylic. It won't last more than six months. I paid £20 for it. Made in China. Q: So, a proper Mauritius Fashion Week would witness actors such as In'Am & local designers then. (It's hard to keep her on track! She's so passionate about Fashion that we always end up somewhere else, other than expected!) A: You see, Bagatelle could have showcased In'Am. Winter is coming and people need good quality jumpers. It's affordable. Plus, I say Made in Mauritius becomes the best thing to buy.The Made in Mauritius should be encouraged; people should buy from local designers. It's beneficial for them, for our economy, and it gives a nice, fresh image of Mauritius instead of 'luxury, beaches, hotels' etc. Q: Now, back to YOU (Like I said, hard to keep tracks!). As a Fashion Blogger, how do you view The Bagatelle Fashion Week ? Material to write about? A good starting point? Overall deception? A: Well the name is deceiving. It's nice to see that they are making an effort but really, they could have done a lot better. They call it a Fashion Week but from what I gather, all it consists of is displays in a vacant shop, at the end of the mall. They made an effort for the displays, but it's not very good. Let’s put it that way. But I wouldn't consider it as a starting point. Q: Have you heard that models will be ‘mall walking’ with the collections on ? A: I wonder how they will make be able to make the models stand out. There are some women who are well dressed in Bagatelle, and our models for the most part are not exceedingly tall. I can't say anything without having seen the models walking about though, but I wonder how they will make it happen. The clothes are not exceptionally noticeable either... Q: I see… Given that you've been there already, anything worthy of an aww or "I-need-it' moment ? A: Well you see, I didn't have a proper look. But it didn't change from what I usually see in the Bagatelle shops, so I can't say I had an "aww" or "I need it" moment. I'll be back during the week so maybe then I'll find something, but for the moment I'm trying to buy only from brands manufactured locally. I have had a lot of "I need it" moments from In'Am! There is this cape sold at the In'Am store at the moment which is so Great Gatsby made for the 21st century. I love it! I used it for the shoot for Shenaz Currimjee for the magazine, it's awesome. (And here she goes again!) Q:I get it, you're going Made in Moris all the way! Seems fitting to ask: is it possible to have a complete Made in Moris wardrobe ? A: It is, and I found that out to my great surprise. Q: Okay, care to share with me ( and my readers) your favorite addresses ? A:You know who makes great jeans? IV Play. People tend to dismiss them too easily, because they think there are huge logos everywhere. I can guarantee you that it's not the case. There's this great pair of jeans I used for a shoot three weeks ago, the logo was tiny and the denim was brilliant. Also, I like Possal, by Sweetie Ramlagun, In'Am, Saskia P, by Saskia Pougnet...so many brands made locally and at affordable prices! Q: You must still have a favorite store from Bagatelle? One which you are particularly looking forward to trying their latest collection? A: (She thinks for a moment and finally spills the proverbial beans). ALDO, I think. Q: Aha! You're a shoe lover! But then again, who isn’t! A: They have awesome bags too! (she adds immediately!) We somehow find ourselves talking about our weird numerous similarities, our kindergartens and passions for writing until it was time for a full stop. Passionate she is, mature and patriotic she will forever be, it seems... Liked her interview? Let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, I recommend you all (wondering if all of you haven't already been to her blog... hmm...) to go check out her blog, Style Mauritius. Sine Cera
2 Comments
7/24/2013 03:43:53 pm
Indeed, the local brands seem to be largely underrated. If their fan-base is not enforced locally at first, how can they take their brands to the next step?
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Kelvin
7/25/2013 03:34:05 am
There's only so much you can do as a Facebook user, share and spread the word around. A collective effort should be encouraged. Let's wait for the September issue of People Magazine to see where we all stand first. Maybe this will a good starting point.
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Fashion is a passion, writing another. So I thought - why not share them through a blog? Et voila! I hope you enjoy your time around here... |