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Show stoppers
Published: 6 Dec 2009
TOP LEFT: Easy, breezy and stylish options from breakout designer Pat Tracey with her label Mayaro.
LEFT: Claudia Pegus’ evening wear cuts will keep you chic.
CENTRE: This model tantalised in this Roger Gary creation.
TOP RIGHT: Rhian Vialva epitomises the beauty of Mayaro.
RIGHT: This model sizzles in this pink ensemble from Roger Gary’s collection.
Claudia Pegus reinvented the shorts in her collection.
Photos: SEAN NERO
Fashion buffs got a triple treat last Sunday when top local designer Claudia Pegus joined forces with her stylish international friends to unveil her Christmas collection titled The Show Goes On.
Trinidad-born international model Pat Tracey debuted her collection aptly titled Mayaro along-side creations from Guyanese-born designer to the stars Roger Gary at Long Circular Mall in St James, Port-of-Spain.
Tracey offered a medley of Caribbean hues, golden sunsets and brilliant sunrises, while Gary registered his trademark sex appeal in his lines. Pegus wowed fashion connoisseurs with her flirtatious and well as signature elegant pieces. The weekend affair was sponsored by Stechers, Mercedes Benz and Caribbean Belle.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Aliyyah Eniath a petite powerhouse - By Cedriann J Martin
Saturday, July 18th 2009
 Do you think a mentorship programme for writers is a good idea?
How are things for you as a woman in this business?
What do you think of the magazine?
Aliyyah Eniath usually wears the interviewer's hat and it manifests in the number of times she lobs a question back in the direction from which it came. The 28-year-old is the consummate reporter. And she's also the petite powerhouse behind the four-year-old Belle magazine, a quarterly glossy magazine for Caribbean women.
She studied business and literature during sixth form at Holy Faith Convent and vacillated between both for a degree choice before deciding on the latter. Of course she underwent the age old humanities quandary. What could she become apart from a teacher or writer? She wound up doing both, throwing businesswoman into the mix for good measure. She'd been teaching English at ASJA Girls' Secondary for a couple years and was flipping through magazines in the office at her mother's printery when alchemy took effect.
"We read so many foreign magazines but had nothing of our own. At that time many of the magazines on the market today weren't around like Basia and Scorch. There was just She and Maco. I thought of the way Vogue had become a cultural reference for the United States. There is a whole history there that ties into feminism and the depression. I felt we needed to map our own history and have our own cultural references," she explains.
So she traded in her chalk and red ink pen for the bundled roles of editor, writer and businesswoman behind a brand new venture. She didn't feel particularly daunted. Risk, Eniath says, runs in her blood.
"I guess that's where family background comes in. Our ancestors came here, worked hard and achieved. My grandfather in particular was a go-getter and risk taker. For me risk wasn't so scary," she reflects. "It was something that at some point in my life would be necessary."
 He looms large in her memory. He was a talented tailor who started off sleeping on an unforgiving bench but managed to cultivate his work ethic and commitment to excellence into a successful upholstery business, transforming his family's existence in the process. Success bred success. His daughter would go on to run a successful printery and the family branched out into other enterprises, creating a legacy of entrepreneurship.
"That was the inspiration: the fact that once you work hard at something you can accomplish. Somehow that was buried in my psyche. That's in your family. Somebody you greatly admired and knew for so long was able to do it. Why can't you?" she asks. The answer: she can.
The fact that printing came at a reduced expense was significant but secondary. Eniath set about rallying a team and creating a concept. Rather than focus solely on, say, the middle-aged professional or clubbing twenty-something, she established a fairly wide scope-Caribbean women, all sorts.
"Belle really has a holistic approach," Eniath explains. "I envisioned it to have a mass market appeal. It should be relevant to many people. Any woman should be able to pick it up and find something positive whether it relates to a healthy lifestyle, art, fashion or career. The Belle woman is anybody, really."
With a committed marketing executive onboard and the celebrated Calvin French as artistic director, Belle has steadily charted its course both financially and visually. Good writers, Eniath says, are more elusive. But she's managed to bring together a talented, enthusiastic team that takes part in tearing previous editions apart and pitching story ideas for forthcoming issues.
The number of magazines that sprouted up around the time that Belle launched with its pre-Miss T&T Gabrielle Walcott cover was surprising. ("I didn't cater for that," she admits.") More so was the task of handling the hardnosed business end of things. The challenge of being a woman was compounded in her case by being so young and, let it be said, so tiny too.
"I started at 24 and it was tough. You have to be so confident all the time because people see right through you if you're not. But you learn to project assurance and not to burn bridges at all. So many people have come on board and been supportive," she reflects.
The strategy is paying off. Belle just restocked its wedding issue because they were swept off the shelves. They're expanding their presence up the islands, particularly in Jamaica where Kingsley Cooper of Pulse Entertainment fame has become a valued ally. And though they slashed budgets by 30 per cent in anticipation of feeling the brunt of the financial crisis on their pages, advertisers haven't reduced their support. (Fingers crossed.) Eniath looks forward to a thicker mag, more regional reach and the expansion of her publishing business. She hasn't chucked her talent for teaching either. One of her goals is to set up a mentorship programme for young writers.
"I envision a mentorship school for young adults and teens who are interested in creative writing. Even after going through a literature programme at university you don't emerge a writer. I would have loved a mentorship school for the arts," she says.
She celebrated her second wedding anniversary on the day of our interview and says that while she enjoys yoga, reading and time spent with friends, an important ingredient of her happiness is a spouse that is just as driven and busy as she is.
"My husband is so encouraging. He has his own thing going on, which is good. We spend time together everyday sitting on porch and catching up. He's not going to be angry with or demanding of you when you get home. He has his own schedule," she says. "He understands".
Source: Trinidad & Tobago Express
‘Belle’ inspires couples
Sunday, July 5 2009.
 This month’s special wedding edition from Caribbean Belle magazine hopes to inspire couples to plan their dream wedding. It showcases a variety of beautiful and unusual wedding gowns from designer Claudia Pegus, Christina Wu, DreamOn, just to name a few.
It also allows those who plan to marry to get opinions from experts who share their thoughts on gowns, cakes, decor, among other things. But the magazine doesn’t just leave married couples at the altar, the issue of finances is also discussed, ensuring that those soon-to-wed prepare for their lives in the future. According to the editor, Aliyyah Eniath: “Our experts tackle issues such as finances, cooking for two, creating that romantic bed, and preserving the real you after marriage.”
One of the new features is that brides list vendors that they would personally recommend. It’s not all about frills and fashion, as there are practical elements, such as a bridal registry and checklist to ensure married couples get everything they need for their homes. For the romantic at heart, one can read and weep with joy at various life stories of those who proposed and their thoughts on each other.
Those who read the magazine get a view of different parts of the world. Showcased is a selection of wedding stories, from the open-air reception at Laughing Waters to the exotic Hindu wedding, to the breathtaking beach ceremony in Negril and plantation ceremony in Trinidad.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Moms enjoy Caribbean Belle party
Sunday, May 17 2009.
Guests arrived in high fashion at Caribbean Belle’s tea party, partly sponsored by B Mobile, and held in the open-air marina at Crews Inn Hotel and Yachting Centre.
The sound of pan from Trinidad’s very own Exodus charmed the audience as they chatted in an intimate setting and indulged in treats prepared by Crews Inn’s newest pastry chef. As the sound of pan subsided and Denyse Plummer took the stage, the crowd went wild, jumping off their chairs and swooning to old calypso tunes.
Special surprises were at hand for mothers in the audience who won complimentary massages and gifts courtesy Belleza Day Spa, Romance Garden, Hand Arnold and Optometrists Today.
Source: Trinidad & Tobago's "Newsday"
Denyse entertains mothers at CrewsInn
Friday, May 15th 2009.
 Celebrated female entertainer Denyse Plummer kicked off her shoes and inspired a party atmosphere at Saturday’s Mother’s Day To Remember concert held at CrewsInn in Chaguaramas.
It seemed women in the audience were awaiting her cue to make their chairs their enemies and start boogying and Plummer did not miss her mark.
But Plummer was not the only attention-getter on the entertainment showcase staged by fashion and lifestyle magazine Caribbean Belle on the ocean view property.
Four-time National Panorama champion Sagicor Exodus Steel Orchestra was the other.
The band created its own music sensation and earned a standing ovation.
Plummer and Exodus formed the quality cast on the production and judging from the frenzied atmosphere artistes on the playbill caused, it’s difficult to believe that the Mother’s Day To Remember affair was built around a tea party.
Both entertainers had selections on their repertoires that were soulful, sensual and excitingly infectious.
Plummer delivered Meh Lover from the repertoire of Lord Nelson (Robert Nelson); John Denver’s Take Me Home Country Road; and Fire Fire, from former National Calypso Monarch Rose (Mc Cartha Lewis.)
Exodus’ song-lists comprised favourites like Spring Garden from Ras Iley (Darcy Small); Rock With You from Michael Jackson; and Ganges Meet the Nile, made popular by former Road March Monarch David Rudder.
Plummer gave rib-tickling narratives and Exodus communicated same—but through its calibre panmanship and well thought out antics.
Scintillating performances on the evening’s playbill were rewarded with lusty applause.
As the merriment heightened patrons responded with a combination that included the former and included cheers, sing-a-long and dancing.
Joined by a handful of men, generations of belles turned up at the venue for the cultural showcase held in honour of mother’s and weren’t afraid to unleash their party vibes.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Caribbean Belle Magazine – CFA 2009 Nominee
March 24, 2009 at 5:32 pm · Filed under CFA Nominees 2009 - Interviews
Cfstyle.com was able to speak with Ms.Aliyyah Eniath, one of the publishers of Caribbean Belle Magazine, who is nominated in the category Fashion Magazine Cover.
1. How do you feel about being nominated for a Caribbean Fashion Award?
It’s an honor. The idea for Caribbean Fashion Awards is an excellent one.
2. How many years have you been doing Caribbean Belle Magazine?
This is our fourth year.
3. What has been the most memorable moment in your career?
There were many memorable moments. It’s difficult to pinpoint just one. I’ve had the privilege of working with and meeting some amazing individuals. Meeting Sheila Holder, wife of the late Boscoe Holder (renowned artist), stands out in my mind. We sat together at her apartment, chatting about their long life together. He was a remarkable man, and she knew him best. I was lucky to get such an insight into his mind and life.
4. What are your plans for your career over the next five years?
We’re looking at penetrating regional markets while holding our fort here.
5. What would you be doing if not your current profession?
If not publishing, I’d like to return to teaching. I never thought that I would like being a teacher. But I taught high school for two years, and now I know that I have that gift…not only to impart knowledge, but to inspire a love of literature and the arts…and I miss being in the classroom.
6. Fashion and style. What is the difference?
You can have style without being in fashion. Style is about how you carry yourself, the way you speak, body language, behavior, etc.
Source: Caribbean Fashion Style Journal
Beautiful fashion breeze blows
Thursday, 8th January, 2009.
 Celebrated local designer Claudia Pegus and the folks at Caribbean Belle Magazine could not have chosen a theme more ideal than Breeze, for a fashion showcase held on December 14. Neither could they have chosen a more appropriate venue than CrewsInn Hotel and Yachting Centre, located in Chaguaramas, for the event. Breeze marked the exciting premier of Pegus’ 2009 Resort Couture line and having an “A” list of models as Rhian Vialva, Kenwyn Millington, Yolandra John and Russell Wilkinson ensured that the presentation lived up to expectations.
They were among the cast that took the spotlight wearing stylishly seductive designs that ought to always epitomise Caribbean fashion: Easy, breezy and beautiful. As sultry as the pieces in the collection were, the decision to make white the dominant colour at the exposition made the atmosphere at Breeze seem ethereal. The request for patrons to wear white bolstered this theme, too.
Conditions for the staging of Breeze could not have been better suited. It rained, but the area used for the show was covered. The inclement weather offered a proportional wind gust, which seemed to create the right environment for pieces designed to flutter. In the end, Pegus’ Breeze registered a collection that was not only soft, but clean and borderline heavenly.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Claudia Pegus showcases Breeze collection
Saturday 13th December, 2008.
 Fresh on the heels of a very successful showing at Islands of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas, where she was awarded The Unesco Seal of Excellence Award for the collection “BREEZE,” Claudia Pegus is showcasing the collection to a select audience of VIP fashionistas in Trinidad, in collaboration with Caribbean Belle magazine. The event will take place on Sunday at CrewsInn and Yachting Centre.
Under the guidance of renowned fashion photographer Calvin French, the Atrium at CrewsInn Hotel and Yachting Centre will be transformed to transport the specially invited guests into the mood for selecting that piece de resistance for their luxury Caribbean cruise vacation. Guests are asked to wear all white.
For the collection Claudia took her creativity to another level by collaborating with Exclusive Cottons of the Caribbean, growers of 100 per cent pure, unblended West Indian Sea Island Cotton.
The predominantly white collection, made from this rare and exclusive cotton, will consists of heavily embellished, richly beaded caftans, sarongs, sun dresses, cocktail dresses, men’s shirts, trousers, hats and bags, showcasing a luxurious Caribbean twist to resort wear.
In developing the concept for the collection, Claudia sought the collaboration of New York-based menswear designer Francis Hendy; Catherine Balgobin, swimwear designer of Barbados; and Jamaica-born milliner Marcellas James, with whom she has worked with on previous collections.
The four designers had collaborated at a previous Caribbean Fashion Week and Hendy and Pegus had worked on a Christmas collection for luxury gift retailer, Stechers, so the Karmic energy was already in place.
“I am thrilled to be working alongside these three very talented designers on this project; this is a micro-step in my ambition to further develop and maximise the potential of the Caribbean fashion industry using our indigenous fabric that is in such great demand worldwide,” said Pegus, who for the past two decades, has been consistent and deliberate in her quest to infuse the industry with a high degree of professionalism.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Belle is her Baby - By Camille Bethel
Sunday 29th January, 2006
 It took her a while to figure out what she wanted to do but now, Aliyyah Eniath, the brain behind Caribbean Belle magazine, is positive that publishing is her calling.
One year ago, this 25-year-old Central woman left ASJA Girls in Tunapuna where she taught Literature and English for two years, to publish her own magazine.
Eniath, who graduated from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine with a BA in Literatures in English said, for years while going through university, she wondered why she was studying literature. Now she knows.
“My aspirations have always been to provide something positive for women, but I was not sure what it was.”
Her father, she said, had registered a publishing company in her name, so when she came up with the idea for Belle, it felt like this was the natural thing to do.
“Sometimes, the things that you are meant to do just falls upon you,” she reasoned.
Eniath, who is passionate about equality for women and women’s health, said her concept for the magazine came from this passion.
“I thought that there needed to be a platform for women that did not only portray fashion and beauty but a magazine of substance that portrays self-esteem and self-worth and soothes.
“At the launch of Belle, I cited some of the United Nation’s millennium goals and one of those goals is gender equality with women in the workplace.”
The magazine will also be used to provide a stage for discussing those millennium goals, she said.
Eniath admitted that publishing the magazine was a challenge but it was not one she could not overcome.
“There was so much to do and it was my first attempt at a magazine so I was very nervous,” she said.
“I had to go out there and try to find the best writers and the photographers that I could work with, without knowing about any of these things before.”
The only knowledge she had prior to publishing Belle, was about the printing industry because her family owns a printery.
“I had to learn about colour correcting and what is good photography and so much more which was a real challenge,” she said.
However, the support of her family, who are skilled in printing and graphics helped a lot.
Having to make the final decisions, Eniath admitted, did make her feel a bit pressured.
“I camped out at the printery to make sure that there was no error on the pages.
“I remember standing and waiting at the press for the pages and the pressmen would bring samples of the pages for me every ten minutes. I knew if there was some splash of colour that was not supposed to be there, people would really take me to task.
“I know I was going to be accountable for everything.”
Critique was something she expected, she said, but she was confident.
“I never thought that the effort was going to fail, and truth be told, I am very happy with our first publication.
“The way I see it, this first issue is the worst we can get so it’s all uphill from here.”
Before starting Belle, she said she enjoyed playing the piano, landscape painting, reading old English novels and swimming. Now spare time is a luxury.
Her publishing company Safari Publication Ltd also received exclusive rights to the official guide to the Fifa World Cup 2006.
“So the guide and Belle are the two things I will be working on for the next few months. But Belle is my baby and will always come first,” she said with a smile.
Eniath always wanted to be a writer, but admitted publishing Belle is just as good.
The quarterly magazine is now available in bookshops in both T&T and Jamaica. Eniath promised that the other issue will undoubtedly be bigger and thicker.
“This is just the premiere release, a sample of things to come,” she said with a confident smile.
l “Know and believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to be confident.”
l “Something I learnt growing up is that people are going to see you exactly the way you see yourself. If you see yourself as someone with something to offer, that’s how people will see you and that’s where you get your confidence.”
l “Being successful also depends on your ability to work with people and to understand and incorporate the views of those people. Although you are confident in yourself, you have to make the effort to understand who people are, what they want and what they feel. And treat those people with respect in order to get what you want from them.”
l “Never let anyone bring you down. Trust in yourself and your abilities and what you have to offer.”
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Belle to tackle women’s issues
Saturday 21st January, 2006
 “It is one of our desires to provide a platform in the Caribbean to voice, debate and highlight many concerns that affect women,” said editor-in-chief Aliyyah Eniath at the launch of Caribbean Belle on Tuesday at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce building, Westmoorings.
The launch of the magazine marked an 11-year dream for Safari Publication. It is the first full-sized, lifestyle magazine coming out of T&T which is exclusively for women across the Caribbean and throughout the world.
It addresses issues common to many women, recognising the importance of eradication of poverty and hunger, gender inequality, health, education for women, female empowerment and environmental sustainability.
Eniath said, “Belle also deals with the holistic woman for emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.
“In this magazine, you will find articles on self-esteem, woman’s health, cross-cultural lifestyle and safety. From fashion to food to shopping, Belle provides the Caribbean woman with all the necessities for a prosperous lifestyle.”
Seen as a distant dream to Safari publications, Eniath’s perseverance and dedication has brought the magazine to fruition, taking readers on a journey to Kariwak Village in Tobago, the Kiwani’s Club of New Kingston Jamaica and to Guyana where Amy Chanderpaul is featured. The magazine also takes readers to the streets of New York City where hidden treasures are unveiled.
With a free distribution of 25,000 full-colour issues throughout T&T, Jamaica, St Lucia and Barbados, Belle features designs from Zadd and Eastman and Heather Jones.
The second publication is a couple of weeks away and focuses on the 2006 Fifa World Cup.
Safari Publications has been appointed the exclusive, licensing rights by Fifa to publish the official guide to the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany for the English-speaking Caribbean. This guide will provide the relevant information to the 2006 Fifa World Cup Germany.
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
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