CARNIVAL COSTUME from the CARNIVAL BAND: SONG OF THE EARTH.
The other day at work, I was scrolling through this free app for magazines, so I can keep up a little with what new styles and looks are taking the world by storm. I didn't have homework, and I thought, hey, why not indulge yourself in looking at some pretty things; it always relaxes me and puts me in a good mood, so I searched for Vogue in the app because I really enjoy their photographs (to me it's like browsing an art magazine). I also enjoy the clothes, makeup and background sets, and the ways this publication shows me something new and different. It's a lot like peeking into someone else's mind and is another way of seeing what's happening in the world at large, as well as the world of fashion.
DESIGN BY CARIBBEAN DESIGNER: MEILING
I know people may think fashion magazines are trivial, but I think it stretches my mind a bit and gives me a new outlook or different perspective on something. It could be an article on a famous person, but I find out some weird thing that happened to them, or it could be an article on a wedding documented, and I see how a perfect wedding differs from someone else's, granted it's some rich heiress somewhere off in some European country, but it's new and different, and I gobble all of it up.
It's being able to see what is considered beautiful in another part of the world, how people decorate their houses in a Swedish city, what's great to eat in Italy, or the fashion that is practically art because to me, any type of self expression is art. All creative expression is art; whether it's painting, drawing, spray painting, writing, singing, dancing, poetry, acting, sculpting, style, interior decorating, cooking, baking -- basically any way a person can express themselves and their love or passion for something, I enjoy seeing and learning from it. I'm not sure why I need to know how other people think and feel, and why I like seeing how that differs from mine, but I suspect this can in turn influence my thinking and expand my mind. I relish it and can't wait to see something new, consider what I think about it or how it makes me feel, and see if I got the same feeling as the creator intended or did I get something completely different.
DESIGN BY CARIBBEAN DESIGNER: KEISHA COLLETTE
While I was casually browsing the app, I noticed different editions for different countries and I was excited; I was devouring magazine after magazine, trying to get the feel of these different countries that I had never been to and the people, getting glimpses of what is important to them, trending in beauty, health and what good food looks like to them. I was enthralled with the Turkey edition of Vogue, Spain, Brazil, Portugal, Japan and Thailand. I mean, every issue was different and filled with new information and ideas about life related to the specific locations. You see, this is how I travel, through books and magazines, as I can't actually go to these countries due to circumstances. It's a great way to learn about different cultures.
And then it hit me: there was no Caribbean Vogue? No Vogue for any African countries and no Vogue for the entire African continent. I know this may seem inconsequential to many and maybe it is, but I would love to learn about different African styles, weddings, health and home interiors. I am sure there are many people who would love to see Caribbean art, fashion, culture, food and living.
PAINTING BY CARIBBEAN ARTIST: SHANNON ALONZO
It would be such a lovely glimpse into our world. I know, I know, I have seen the articles and editorials on the Maasai, on Kenya and an article on Saint Lucia's carnival etc., but it's not a Kenyan Vogue, like an Italian Vogue. I don't know what the criteria is for having an edition of Vogue for a particular region. I don't by any means, know what it takes to take a magazine to print, how the sponsors work, and how the money is generated to produce such a magazine. Nor do I ever want to presume to tell anybody how to run their business.
DESIGN BY CARIBBEAN DESIGNER: OYLAN BALDEOSINGH
I am just saying, "Hey editors at Vogue, I think the world may be interested in seeing these perspectives from these parts of the world, and there is a wealth of art, fashion and culture to fill an illustrious magazine such as Vogue, just in case you didn't know, if not every month at least quarterly, no? Give us a chance, I am sure you won't be disappointed." I believe in their potential so much that I offer my services if people are needed to travel to get the stories for the magazine. I am just kidding, but not really. I could be wrong though, maybe these Vogue editions exist and I just haven't discovered them. If so, please let me know; I would love to journey through their pages and learn something new.