Anya Ayoung-Chee, 2011 Project Runway winner, third from left, poses with costumed models at the unveiling of her “pretty mas” section titled The Runway in Tribe’s Carnival 2012 portrayal titled Take Me To…. From left are Soowan Bramble, Gabrielle Walcott, Valene Maraj, Brianna Trim, Anna Rosa Banfield and Jenna-Marie Andre.
Two local brands that presently enjoy international appeal —Tribe and Anya Ayoung-Chee—have merged for Carnival 2012. The alliance was announced at an exclusive welcome home party for the 2011 Project Runway winner, held at Scott Street, St Clair on Friday, which was attended by Hollywood actor and musician Will Smith, T&T’s Ambassadors for Sport Brian Charles Lara and Dwight Yorke, as well as the Ayoung-Chee family. The immediate result of this union will be Ayoung-Chee’s presentation of a section called The Runway in Tribe’s Carnival 2012 potrayal titled Take Me To…. Top local models Soowan Bramble, Brianna Trim and Anna Rosa Banfield joined a cast of former T&T representatives: Gabrielle Walcott, Valene Maraj, Jenna-Marie Andre in the world premier of the latest jewel in the band’s Carnival 2012 collection.
Dean Ackin, leader of Tribe said all of the world’s most innovative brands are only as good as the talent they attract and that Tribe was always on the lookout for new talent, trends and concepts in all areas of its operations. In particular, he said, the band recognised the need for a strong and diverse design team. “The Carnival industry provides a very tangible and creative platform for emerging design and as band leaders we have a responsibility to harness new talent and give them the outlet to express their vision. Carnival is an explosion of creative passion and we are at a time when the market is clamouring for the ‘what’s next, what’s new’ factor, while looking for something unique,” said Ackin. He said Tribe perpetually sought new talent with a love and passion for T&T culture and mas, which Ayoung-Chee epitomised.
Long before her recent victory on the Lifetime hit television series Project Runway, said Ackin, Anya met with Tribe’s management team to discuss the possibility of designing a section for the band. Tribe’s association with Anya was initiated in 2010. “We seek to find the people who have Carnival in their veins and a passion for excellence in their being. It is in this spirit that Tribe is proud to announce a new association, partnership so to speak. This merger of an emerging international brand with the Tribe brand which too, enjoys worldwide recognition is a win-win scenario for both parties,” said Ackin. The bandleader added: “Anya is the definition of a proud national with talent that can propel her brand to international acclaim and we are honoured to have her as part of the Tribe family.
