The Tribune

Fresh off of his win in the first challenge on Mission Catwalk Season Three, local fashion designer Theodore Elyett is getting a fashion nod from Bernadette Christie, wife of the prime minister.

Elyett’s winning design – a casual dress which captures the beauty of a Caribbean sunset instantly became a favourite in the regional competition after the April 13 challenge win. His design was reproduced for sale in one of Jamiaca’s retail clothing stores Lee’s Fifth Avenue.

On Tuesday Elyett made his way to Bahamian shores for a special presentation of a custom made dress to Mrs Christie. The Caribbean sunset design evolved into a garden party as Mrs Christie’s custom made gown features hues of spring’s favourite colours: white, yellow, green and hints of sunset red.

“I wanted to make a special presentation to the first lady of the country Mrs Bernadette Christie and I made her a custom made design of the original piece,” Elyett said.

Oftentimes twirling in the gown, Mrs Christie said she was honoured to be presented with her very own Theodore Elyett piece.

“Let me first congratulate him because he is such a talented young designer. I’m actually privileged to be able to wear one of his designs. People like him will take The Bahamas to the next level in fashion design,” said Mrs Christie.

“It’s also good that we can find it here in The Bahamas. Sometimes we have great fashion designers but there is nowhere to go and buy their clothes,” she said.

Elyett has also scoring big on the retail racks. A small capsule collection of the winning design will be hitting the retail racks and will be available for purchase this summer at the Tanya Saunders Retail Boutique at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, a first for the Theodore Elyett brand.

“We plan to launch it at the end of June or mid-July. It’ll be six to eight pieces of the exact design but different fabrication,” said Elyett.

Boutique owner Tanya Saunders said she is delighted to bring a slice of the Theodore Elyett brand to her racks.

“The thing I like about Theo’s work is it combines a Bahamian sense of style, but it also is quite European at the same time. His skills are amazing so I’m really excited to be carrying his stuff. It’s a new project for us because we haven’t had any Bahamian designers stocked in the store before but I think it will do really well,” said Ms Saunders.

Elyett said he feels there is “awesome momentum for the Bahamas and the Bahamian fashion industry” to make a mark in the region. Tune into Mission Catwalk every Saturday at 9:30 p.m. on Cable 12 or on Youtube.com.