By: Trinidad Guardian

Saturday September 04,

It was at Fashion Week T&T, which was held in June, that then newly appointed Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced—the local fashion industry could be examined as an alternative industry to oil and gas in T&T. Since then the PM has continued to show her support for local designers—not only endorsing their successes but sealing her support by draping herself in some of their designs—Among them Claudia Pegus. Known for her one of a kind couture designs, Pegus has been blazing her trail for more than 30 years. Having had a number of boutiques, she has carved her name in pageants and fashion shows both regionally and internationally. Adding one more item to her already long list of achievements, Pegus was awarded the Chaconia Medal (silver) in the sphere of fashion by President George Maxwell Joseph during Tuesday’s National Awards Ceremony held at the Queen’s Hall in St Anns.

All about the Industry

When asked her feeling on receiving the award, a modest Pegus said it was all about the industry gaining recognition. “For me it is all about the industry. It is not a Claudia Pegus award it is an industry award for the contribution of the fashion industry to the development of the country. “Especially at a time when we are trying to move away from oil and gas as a major revenue. The fashion industry is just one industry that can contribute to this country’s GDP,” Pegus alluded.

Tighter Production

While local fashion might be well on it’s way to the top, Pegus agreed but echoed the sentiment of FWTT creator Diane Hunt, that the production side of things needed to be really honed and shaped if Caribbean fashion was to go anywhere. “Quizzed on what was the most challenging in trying to push the fashion industry in T&T Pegus said: “The biggest setback is production. Focus needs to be generated in this area.

“We also need to establish a close affinity between the school of fashion and industry-the synergy needs to be tighter.” Pegus added that for upcoming designers there is need for proper succession plans. She said when young designers do internship at fashion houses, there should be a plan to have them incorporated into these fashion houses immediately after completing there courses to have smooth succession.

Fashion is a business

Lights, Camera, Action! Maybe for Hollywood but that is not what fashion is all about. Pegus emphasised that people must understand that fashion is a business. “I think because people have the perception that fashion is all about ladies getting dressed up and working a runway it has been overlooked for so many years in this part of the world at least,” lamented Pegus.

“What I want people to understand is that there is so much that goes on before you see the finish product. Fashion is hard work.
“It is time consuming, it takes patience and expertise and most all it is a very expensive business to run.

“Which is why I am all for UTT’s Caribbean Academy Of Fashion And Design to create some synergy with the Arthur Lock Jack School of Business, so that upcoming designers can understand that fashion is not just about the glitz and glamour, but it is to be conducted as business because it is a business,” said Pegus.

Hope for better investments into fashion

Pegus commended Diane Hunt on FWTT success over the past three years, citing it as the only development in local fashion that has brought visibility to the talent that lives right here—local fashion designers. “Through FWTT we have shown the world that we can create something of world class taste and status.”

She however advised that in order for the local fashion industry to reach it fullest potential, greater financial investments are needed for better production. “We need investments into design houses and equity of those investments. It is time we start pushing our brand—brand T&T. “I hope my award would just be a dot in the achievements of those dreams.”