The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE HARDOUR COLLECTION by Freeport designer Anthea Bullard will be introduced to the Turks & Caicos Islands during its fashion week to be held in March.

It’s a one of a kind opportunity which will enable the designer to create regional awareness for the brand.

Turks & Caicos Islands Fashion Weekend begins on March 26 when Anthea will travel with the collection to Providenciales. Hardour Collection’s lineup for the show includes both the ladies and men’s collections; ready to wear as well as a several haute couture pieces. Each look will be accessorised by custom pieces from Hardour’s new accessory line including handbags, sunglasses, jewellery and shoes, which will be available for sale in future via the Hardour website.

“We hope that after showing our spring/summer collection, we are able to bring brand awareness to those islands which will help in our global expansion introducing Hardour Collection to the world one county at a time. 

“Being able to showcase at international shows, gives designers an outlet to be seen by not only buyers and ultimately consumers, but it also gives us significant media coverage,” she said.

Anthea has always had a passion for designing clothing. She launched her professional career in 2007.

“I have been designing clothes ever since I could remember but didn’t begin professionally until about 2007. I started my career by studying Fashion Design at Santa Monica College in Los Angeles, California. Since then I lived every day making strategic moves to get closer to my goals and bring my creativity to life. Fashion is my gift so it never feels like work, that’s what I enjoy most about it,” she told Tribune Arts.

Hardour Collection began with a flagship boutique in Freeport, Bahamas, but has now begun its global expansion. The company has shifted gears and is now tapping in the Miami fashion scene.  

“We chose Miami as our first international market because it boasts the elite and luxurious lifestyle which Hardour has built itself on. Miami is home to Miami Beach, which is now a fashion hub for entertainers and entrepreneurs alike, so we know the line can be appreciated here.”  

The brand’s expansion does not stop there, said Anthea, who is also focusing on Hardour’s online presence.

The Hardour website has an e-boutique, which is open for business, where consumers can buy all Hardour garments online and have them shipped globally. Personal design consultation can also be arranged via the website, she said.

“By focusing on the e-boutique, all boundaries of having a physical bricks and mortar store have been eliminated and this has given the brand visibility on the global level.  We plan on using the internet to grow the company exponentially each year,” said Sophia Lightbourne, who is also the chief operating officer of Hardour Collection and co-founder of the Viral Movements seminar, a forum that discusses the power of social media and how to generate revenue by the use of e-commerce.

Hardour Collection is currently available in several locations in Miami with future plans of being carried by elite major retailers. The duo’s ultimate goal is to use viral marketing strategies and social media to grow the brand “not only internationally but in the cyber universe”.