The Tribune

One of the Bahamas' leading haute couture brands, Remilda Rose Designs, is set to showcase its much anticipated Spring/Summer 2018 collection to help raise funds for the Cancer Society of the Bahamas. The fashion showcase will be hosted at SuperClubs Breezes Bahamas on October 15, under the patronage of cancer survivor and author Dr Ebbie Jackson and with the theme "Your Light Shines".

Statistics indicate that cancer is the leading cause of death in the country. A 2012 study carried out by Dr Judith Hurley found that Bahamian women had the highest rate of breast cancer in the world, which has been attributed to mutated genes. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Bahamian women. Consultants examining the feasibility of National Health Insurance in 2015 reported that there is likely a large portion of Bahamians who have cancer and are not aware of it.

Remilda Rose's founder Gillian Curry-Williams has vowed to utilise this season's platform to simultaneously expand the culture of fashion in the Bahamas while also shedding light on this horrific and relenting disease. She has taken the official colours associated with the various types of cancers - pineapple yellow for sarcoma and the strawberry pink for breast cancer, for example - and has incorporated them into a unique print for the designs in her new collection.

The line comprises resort and evening wear, and maintains the romantic, feminine design complemented by opulent fabrics, a luxurious colour palette, splashes of crystals and hand-beading that the fashion house is known for.

The designer will also be honouring five women and two men who have either survived cancer or are still battling cancer. The honorees will receive complete makeovers, self-portraits, and model evening gowns and suits designed specifically for them.

Asked about her motivation to assist cancer research and honour cancer patients and survivors, Mrs Curry-Williams explained: "In 2014 we found out that my father had rectal cancer. That was a serious blow the family. We went with him to every treatment and doctors visit. In March 2016, he died. But prior to his death, after seeing how many persons were at the hospital taking treatments, I just knew there was something I could do to make the patient/survivor feel better. Thus, the print and the decision to honour them during the show."

The fashion show will begin at 6pm. Regular seating is $50 per person; $100 for VIP. For further details, follow Gillian Curry-Williams' Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/remildarose.