The guest list for the Seamlessly Stitched dinner, hosted by its founder Novia McDonald-Whyte and fashion designer Bill Edwards (seated, left), and held two Thursdays ago, included (seated, from second right) Garco Construction Services Managing Director & founder Rohan Grant; and tTech Sales & Marketing Director Christopher Reckord. Also, making the cut were (from left, standing ) Round Hill Hotel & Villas massage therapist Richard Nelson; Jus Great Manufacturing Managing Director Desmond Williams; RJR Communications Group account executive Adrian St Louis; entrepreneur Cliff McDonald; IBM Business Development Manager, Public Sector Pat Tomlinson; Barrett’s Cambio Managing Director Carol Barrett; Round Hill Hotel & Villas Managing Director Josef Forstmayr; Telicon Amber Division General Manager Lyndon Cameron; Petrojam Marketing Representaive Roland Gregory; and University of the West Indies, Mona Head of the Department of Government Dr Lloyd Waller. Not pictured is Carreras Security Manager Dwight Blackwood.<strong></strong>
October 21, 2016
Fitting the BILL
With this Thursday’sThe Jamaica Observer Takes Style Outevent coming into view, the Seamlessly Stitched series, a 2016 countdown which sees designers and their clients gathering over dinner for a behind-the-scenes look at the local fashion and retail industries, returned two Thursdays ago.
In a gendered twist, the napkin was passed to the men for the final do, where fashion designer Bill Edwards joined Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor, Lifestyle & Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte for hosting duties. Guests flanked the New Levels Decor-designed table setting to dine on a meal prepared by M-10’s award-winning chef/patron Claudette Tenn and her team, and sweet treats from pâtissier Nadine Burie.
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pulls out a Chiavari chair.
M-10 chef/patron Claudette Tenn with fashion designer Bill Edwards (left). RJR Communications Group marketing exec Adrian St Louis (centre, seated) and Jus Great Manufacturing Managing Director Desmond Williams are also pictured.<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back? </LeadInSub>“I wear them to work every day and as casual wear. The only clothes that I wear; I don’t wear any other designer label. Really well-done and exceptionally well made. And for a Jamaican product line, I wear it with pride. Look at me!”<strong></strong>
Ahead of the Claudette Tenn-catered dinner in the Bill Edwards designer lounge, Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out & Seamlessly Stitched founder Novia McDonald-Whyte, wearing a Bill Edwards coat dress, took this photo call with the designer.<strong></strong>
Seamlessly Stitched co-host & designer Bill Edwards welcomed a selection of ‘distinguished gentlemen’ to his manufacturing compound.<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>Turning the tables, Bill weighs in on Adrian as a loyal client …</LeadInSub> “I’m not sure I could be here in this position without Adrian back in the early days. And he’s here with us today. “<strong></strong>
Diners engaged in conversation about on the future of the Caribbean’s fashion & retail industries, the evolution of menswear culture, and the challenges facing small-business entrepreneurs, across the New Levels Decor tablescape.<strong></strong>
The menu for the fourth and final Seamlessly Stitched dinner comprised homestyle fare from caterer Claudette Tenn’s M-10 repertoire, and Nadine Burie’s decadent chocolate dessert.<strong></strong>
Dessert: Pâtissier Nadine Burie’s salty caramel mousse with dark chocolate ganache.<strong></strong>
Amuse-bouche: Mannish water<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“Every now and then I forget that I have an event while deep in work. With only minutes to spare, Bill will keep the factory and store doors open. He chooses something for me, I then go to the event and receive compliments, compliments, compliments. None of the attendees know that I changed in the back of the car. Anywhere I go socially, I’m wearing Bill Edwards and I tell everybody that it’s made in Jamaica.”<strong></strong>
A closer look at the place settings at the October 13 Seamlessly Stitched finale revealed this suiting-inspired napkin fold.<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“I’ve continued to support the line not because he’s a Jamaican but because of the quality — fantastic quality and fantastic designs. Bill is one of our fashion icons and he’s carrying our flag well and truly beyond our boundaries. I’m happy to have always worn his shirts and I will continue to do so. Bill’s designs, as we say in Jamaica, are ‘up like seven’.”<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“I first saw him on Smile Jamaica one morning, then I came in and made some inquiries. He fit me with about three or four shirts. Afterwards, I got a lot of compliments. I’m always at Bill Edwards. I’m a very big fan of his products. I’ve been coming back over and over again for the past five years.”<strong></strong>
Entree (Option 1): Curried goat with rice, fried plantains and steamed vegetables. (File photo)<strong></strong>
The New Levels Decor tablescape.<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>? endorse Bill Edwards every day, seven days a week. About 19 years ago, while in search of a custom wedding suit, Bill declared that he was not a tailor but a designer. That statement has resonated with me for many years. I think I have more of his shirts than Bill himself. Last time I checked I counted over 400. I can wear one every day and twice on Sundays. This designer is top-shelf.<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“I’ve been wearing the Bill Edwards label for at least 15 years. Want to make a statement? Check Bill. Ready for the road. “<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“If you look around you’ll notice that everyone is wearing Bill Edwards shirts and all have their own unique look and feel. That is one of the impressive things with Bill. You buy one of his shirts, and you’re gonna feel like you’re the only one wearing it. “<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“I’m one of the most difficult persons to dress. I have no patience at all; I hate shopping, and this man comes, takes measurements, puts something on me, and it fits like a glove. Bill Edwards is it for me!”<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“I’ve been wearing Bill Edwards for about four or five years, and what I like about his clothes is that they are well-cut and well-designed. I can put on something of his and you can look at it and not know if it’s Gucci or Prada. The quality is very high-end, and that’s what I like about Bill Edwards. Dapper!”<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“Bill has always been fashion-foward; always fresh, always getting the fabulous fabric. That’s what sets him apart from most other persons. He has really perfected his product and it can compete with any of the international lines.”<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“Ten years ago I started wearing Bill Edwards clothing, and I’ve had so many compliments that I refuse to wear anything else. “<strong></strong>
<LeadInSub>What keeps you coming back?</LeadInSub>“His clothes are tastefully done, quality is superb, craftsmanship is excellent, and the customer service, more than anything else, is personalised. I’m not one of those who can buy off-the- rack, but he still takes care of you.”<strong></strong>
