Tobago designer/artist shine at Levé Global

Levé Global’s fourth edition hosted at the luxurious Villa Being in Arnos Vale Tobago, on Sunday evening featured some of island’s aspiring and self-established artists and fashion designers with the theme “Fashioning Our Future.”

Levé is an event that has gained international recognition over the years for featuring some of the island’s best dishes, entertainment, and an exotic ambiance.

The audience was treated with a creative fashion showcase from Caribbean fashion social conscious powerhouse Robert Young/The Cloth, Carnival and resort wear designers Christian Boucaud, as well as rising star in resort and swimsuit, wear Dominic Hutch, to name a few.

This line-up also included local artist Avien Osanie and Jason Nedd as well as Chef Xenon Thomas, owner of Brown Cow restaurant, who presented a delectable fusion of Tobago and international cuisine.

Dancers of the Les Coteaux folk performers gave a thrilling performance while members of the Signal Hill Alumni Choir, Pannist Gerard Balfor, and Saxophonist Ricardo Seals delivered relaxing performances.

Avien Osanie of Osanie Designs portrayed an assortment of handbags and accessories using cork material. The young designer of Mason Hall stood out as the only handbag and accessories designers.

Another Tobagonian featured in the show was self-taught artist Jason Ned of Delaford who impressed the audience with his local painting using oil on canvas. His work included historical sites, building and Tobago’s cultural practises.

The highlight of designs for the night was created by Robert Young, fashion designer of 33 years. Young’s designs were a mixture of Indian and local wear which included some bright coloured embellishments.

This year the bar area featured a signature beverage created by Head of Levé Global and Managing director of Tourism Intelligence International, Dr Auliana Poon called “The Levé Cocktail.” The drink was infused with dry sparkling wine, a leaf of shadow beni and a small scoop of watermelon.

Dr Poon said she was pleased about the success of the event this year and told Newsday, “Levé continues to be a great success and I think not just what I am saying but what the people who have come are saying. Also, I think we are growing from strength to strength, we have a lot of new ideas coming and ‘ill class this year as a masterpiece. It was wonderful and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

She said she already has plans on the focus for Levé Global 2020. “Next year the theme is ‘Pure Well Being’ and we will be focusing on health and wellness and all those different aspects. This one I feel and know will be fabulous. We have so many talents in that area as well so every year we will continue to do something slightly different, slightly new, interesting and exciting.”

When asked about the low turnout this year compared to 2018 Dr Poon said, “I won’t say there was a low turnout, I would say we were able to manage people much better this year because last year people were everywhere. We have made this event to be the only event someone can comfortably sit, enjoy a glass of wine or rum and have the models and fashion come to you so they won’t have to crowd into one area to enjoy it.”

“Our idea is to continue to promote local talent. We must ‘Levé’ and elevate ourselves, let’s elevate talent, let's continue to do the job and ill like other people to copy the idea and to do things that will provide a platform to showcase talents. I know there are many persons who have ways in which they can provide a platform to elevate talent and I think the more people the better.”