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Kristin Frazer’s Designs to Debut at the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony

Published

11 months ago

June 27, 2024

Editor

As the 2024 Summer Olympics prepare to make history with the first-ever opening ceremony on the Seine River, a vibrant splash of Caribbean creativity will be centre stage.

Kristin Frazer, a celebrated designer from the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has crafted the uniforms that will represent her homeland on this global platform. Her journey to this prestigious moment is as dynamic and inspiring as her designs.

Frazer’s vision for the 2024 BVI Olympic Team uniforms is deeply rooted in her love for her homeland’s natural beauty. “As this is the first for the Olympics to have the opening ceremony on the Seine River, the thought of this concept sparked my idea to create movement of our BVI waters,” Frazer explained. “I played with our national colours, beach waves and an overall sporty chic style that worked for both the men and women.”

Initially, Frazer’s concept revolved around tye-dye. However, as the design process evolved, so did her vision. “My initial thoughts were more-so using the concept of tye-dye initially but as time passed, it evolved into something more beautiful, an exclusive print/colourway called Paradise Blue that would ensure a ‘stand-out’ moment for our delegation,” she shared.

The designs are a blend of symbolic simplicity and functionality. “There were no specific key elements outside of the standard design elements of a sporty jumper for the females with bell sleeves and sail-type mini cape at the back and the wave concept in a classic button down mandarin collar shirt,” Frazer noted. Despite certain restrictions on what could be incorporated into the uniforms, she ensured that the flags of both the British Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom were prominently displayed, alongside the word “Tortola, BVI”.

Creating a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing was no small feat. “I considered the climate, the location and the overall delegation representing through conversation with Chef de Mission Tahesia Harrigan-Scott and simply put, magic was formed!” Frazer said.

Frazer’s designs subtly reflect the BVI’s culture and heritage through the use of national colours and local manufacturing. “The use of our national colours was very important to me along with having the designs being ‘locally made’ were two key factors in the success of these designs. Trèfle is a BVI based brand and naturally, I infused all three with simplicity, print and clean finishes of my designs.”

Collaboration was key in the creation of these uniforms. “During any opening ceremonial games, whether it’s the Olympics, Gold Coast Games or Commonwealth Games, the key is the Chef de Mission and all correspondents went through Mrs. Tahesia Harrigan-Scott,” Frazer explained. “We went through a few designs, concepts, colours and more and narrowed it all down to the final two designs. It was certainly a great experience!”

While sustainability was a consideration, practical constraints shaped the final material choices. “With any opportunity such as this, there will always be a budget. Within the budget, I was able to mix textiles and worked with woven’s and knits along with natural fibres and man-made fibres as well,” said Frazer. “There is room and hope for bigger and better opportunity to be more diverse with being more sustainable and eco-friendly.”

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the perfect fit for athletes who were not always on-site for measurements. “Most of the athletes are not in the BVI so once their measurements are collected, sometimes when a sample is made, it has to be done a few times to get it right,” Frazer admitted. “Constant and consistent communication allows the time to pass smoothly and before you know it, all challenges become nil.”

For Frazer, designing the Olympic uniforms is a pinnacle achievement. “If you asked me 16 years ago if I ever thought that I would design the opening ceremonial wear for our BVI delegation for the Olympics, I would have probably said ‘I can see it happening in the future’…..and that it did,” she reflected. “I am beyond proud that the BVIOC has recognised the opportunities that this can potentially give for designers that are currently working and operating in the BVI but it’s a testament and a hope for future creatives.”

As the BVI Olympic Team steps onto the Seine River in Frazer’s designs, they will convey a powerful message of unity and national pride. “The BVI Olympic Team has already done my heart glad. They embraced a local designer and gave me an international platform to show my wears,” Frazer said. “When they step out in style on the Seine River, with a smile, adorned in Trèfle, the world would’ve known and I will proudly stand with them from the stands to cheer them on as they pass by. The team would convey that we truly are One BVI!”

As the world watches the opening ceremony, Frazer’s designs will not only represent the athletes but also the vibrant culture and resilient spirit of the British Virgin Islands.

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K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams Crowned Miss and Mr. HLSCC 2025

Published

16 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Editor

K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.

Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.

The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.

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Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

Mr Neil Frett

Chair Natalie Penn-Lake Emphasises Culture, History, and Inclusivity

The 71st annual Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was officially launched today, May 30, heralding a month-long celebration under the theme “Uniting Our Culture, Freedom, and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025.” The winning slogan by Jacob Edwards, “Embrace the Past, Let Unity Thrive, as we Celebrate Our Culture at Festival 2025,” encapsulates the spirit of this year’s events—centred on reflection, unity, and cultural pride.

This year’s honouree, Mr Neil Frett, was announced during the launch ceremony. Frett is being recognised for his longstanding commitment to Virgin Islands culture and heritage, particularly through his contributions to community and the arts.

Newly appointed Chair of the VI Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake, brings a clear vision to the celebrations—one that prioritises cultural awareness, education for the youth, and community engagement.

“We’re excited about what this year’s festivities will bring,” said Mrs Penn-Lake. “We are more interested in also community being safe, bringing more togetherness, more cultural activities. You will see that in the line-up this year, where we have a lot more inclusivity of Virgin Islands history and country culture, so our young people understand where we were, where we are now, and where we are going.”

Mr. Neil Frett and Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake

With a professional background in tourism and education, Penn-Lake is keen to use the Festival as a teaching tool. “Understanding our history and our culture is very important, because the only way you can move forward is to know where you came from,” she explained. She added that she often challenges students with cultural trivia in schools to strengthen their knowledge, particularly for situations where visitors may ask questions about Virgin Islands history.

The Emancipation Festival officially begins on 13th July and concludes on 9th August, with activities scheduled across Road Town, East End, and Carrot Bay. “Eastern will have two days of activities. Carrot Bay will have three days,” Mrs Penn-Lake confirmed. “We’re inviting everybody to come out, support, have a great time, be safe, be happy, and let’s just make this Festival a great one.”

Jacob Edwards and Mrs. Briana Henley-Mather

The festival schedule features major cultural staples such as the Miss BVI Pageant (13th July), the Torchlight Procession and Festival Village Opening (25th July), Kiddies Fiesta, Latin Music Night, Calypso Show, and Soca Monarch. Traditional events such as the Rise & Shine Tramp and Jouvert in East End, the Grand Parade, and cultural showcases in Carrot Bay also remain integral to the line-up.

Those abroad and in the diaspora are being encouraged to plan their visit early. “You can plan your trip now. We want you to come home—come home, come home!” Mrs Penn-Lake urged. Details of the full entertainment schedule and artist line-up are being shared via the official Virgin Islands Festival Facebook page (@virginislandsfestival).

The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival continues to honour the legacy of freedom and resilience, while celebrating the territory’s rich heritage through music, pageantry, food, and community spirit.

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Entertainment

Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1

Published

2 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

Editor

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.

Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.

The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.

Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.

The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.

In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.

In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.

Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.

Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.

For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.