It’s always a good look to see local designers with exquisite creations that come with such unique ambiance that makes you want to be the first to wear their trends and the first to show it off. From the moment you see ‘em, you know wearing such fashion forward eye candy will surely up your ‘IT’ factor!
Même bête… is a locally owned handbag line, run by Taribba do Nascimento of Marisule. The label began operations in Ethiopia, where the designer resided at the time. Bags are made from vibrant cotton prints from Africa as well as traditional madras, finished with either canvas or leather. The label is now in its third year of operations and has moved back to its roots in St Lucia. This move has created many new exciting opportunities for the label as well as many challenges.
“I’ve been forced to be more creative now as I don’t have as much access to materials to create my bags as I previously did in Ethiopia. Most of the hardware needs to be imported and so I’ve had to work around this to ensure that I can keep my merchandise at a reasonable price”, do Nascimento tells the STAR. “On the other hand, I’ve been inspired by so much from being back home, which has led to my expansion into jewelry. The fashion trends of local St Lucian women are different from the women I usually cater for as St Lucian women are more daring and more willing to take risks with their choice of accessories”.
The new jewelry line incorporates glass or wooden beads, feathers and cowrie shells. These pieces match perfectly with the bags, as their designs are simple, relying on the natural beauty of the textiles to make them unique.
The même bête… brand is a member of the Creative Development Network, which is a group of local artisans who have come together to to share their experiences and to undertake various activities in the development of the arts, crafts and creative goods in St Lucia. The group focuses on products made in St Lucia and seeks to increase the value placed on locally handmade crafts. Being part of this network has allowed même bête… to gain a strong foothold in the local market as well as to expand to other markets such as Barbados, where the bags are currently sold at the Tamarind Seed, at Grantley Adams Airport.
Currently même bête… along with the Creative Development Network is now gearing up for the busy Jazz Season. Même bête… will debut its new line of bags and jewelry at the St. Lucia Jazz Mainstage shows at Pigeon Island National Park on May 12th – 13th, 2012. You can find même bête… in the Craft Exhibition Area at Pigeon Island. Prices start from $13 EC for jewelry and $25 EC for bags. For more information visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/meme.bete or call 758-285-7447. Bags are also available at Noah’s Arcade at Hewanorra International Airport and George Charles Airport.
