Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre Beach BBQ

 Bay Bistro image from wherewhenhow

Don't miss the annual edward-c-gartland-youth-centre beach BBQ!!!  There will be fantastic performances by the kids, live music, charity raffles, and an amazing meal by super chef Clive and team. Click here for all the details.

Wednesday Woodworks - Spiral staircases

Image via remodelista 

Any woodworker can appreciate the craftmanship required to build a spiral staircase. Here are a few examples where imagination has equaled mathematical precision.   Have you ever laid eyes on anything quite like the above?  I want to get my hands on this book desperately, can only imagine what deliciousness is featured on the inside if this beauty that graces the cover!

Image via greige design

Another great example of clever craftmanship on this industrial staircase. I love all the visible grain and rich color. perfect for this space.

Image via desdemventana

And last but not least, a very traditional narrow spiral staircase, cozily nestled in amongst a bevy of woodworks; wide planked flooring, rustic cabinetry, hallway paneling, all the way to the front door.

Happy Earth Day!

Image via lacds.org

Big thanks to the TCHTA for organizing  another great TCI Shines on Saturday morning to celebrate Earth Day 2012!  Great job to all the participating businesses and volunteers.

All images by Eric F. Salamanca

The TCI Environmental Club and TCI Rubbish Runners joined forces with the Enid Capron School and the Gansevoort to tackle the litter in Five Cays.

Lead by example like these young people pictured above; please make earth day everyday, get the green-week list of ideas on ways which you can make a difference right now!

Real Life Magazine - Sanctuary Behind the Scenes

A few of my behind the scenes images from the Sanctuary shoot, be sure to check out the feature story From Fashion to Compassion.  Loved the texture of this pavilions thatched ceiling.  Giant sliding mosquito screen doors keep in the view and keep out the pests.

 

Apparently the design of the entire estate unfolded around this incredible table.

White orchids not only grace nearly every room, they can be found nestled within trees outside as well.

The surrounding nature truly envelopes the architecture.

My favorite room; sleek white walls and woods in every variety in every direction.  If I ever have the chance to work or play at Donna Karan's Sanctuary again, I hope to plop into one of these cozy poufs and peruse a couple of the books from her eclectic collection.

Real Life Magazine - Styling for Donna Karan's Parrot Cay Sanctuary

Early last month I received a phone call from photographer Steve Passmore inquiring if I would be interested in photo styling  for him for an upcoming project; the showcase property story for Real Life Magazine.  As soon as he uttered the words "Donna Karen" I interjected "absolutely!" before he could finish his sentence.

 

An old friend of ours, Chris Johnston, was the client site architect for the construction of the estate over the course of several years so I knew a great deal about the magnificence of the place but had never had the opportunity to lay eyes on it. Even when TC Millwork was contracted to build the bedroom dresser pictured below, the stars did not aline for a site visit.

All images by Steve Passmore for Real Life Magazine

The second story pool was even more incredible than I imagined; framed by swinging sofas, giant teak lounge beds shaded by white sheers, and that pure Parrot Cay view.

It is truly a unique vision, no other property in the Turks and Caicos quite compares to this very fittingly named "Sanctuary."

 The Sanctuary's sense of balance was striking to me, not only evident in terms of symmetry and size like pictured above and below, but also in terms of

modern elements like crisp lines and polished glass to natural elements like knotted woods and weathered timber furnishings.

 Juliet Austin writes in the article "Channelling twenty-first century minimalism, the intelligent design blurs any distinction between outside and in. Carefully lit exterior gardens extend spaces outward at night, just as oiled Ipe decking blends with interiors by day. Answering the call of nature, inspiration drew from Karan’s love of Bali’s Begawan Giri Resort. “There, harmony – between man and man, man and surroundings, man and god – is enshrined in life,” explains Kuan. “In Parrot Cay, synchronicity with landscape was paramount. Every element is visually and experientially heightened.” Co-existing with nature, the home unequivocally leaves an impression, “but paradoxically, no trace,” says Kuan. “Buildings are strong, filled with wind, light, air and rain; open to the elements, yet conversely, able to disappear amidst a cocoon of green.”

Please read the entire article here, or pick up your very own copy from the local grocers or many fine businesses.

I extend my gratitude to Steve and Real Life for thinking of me for this project which was an absolute dream to style, but especially to Mary Beth and all the lovely staff.  After our jaw dropping grand tour they kindly read our mixed faces of amazement and overwhelming "where on earth do we start" panic and made certain we had all the direction and hands on assistance we required to create all of these beautiful images.

 

To close, my favorite, the image that for me tells the story of why this incredibly globally fed and influenced home was ultimately built on Turks and Caicos shores . . .

it's a magical place, just as Juliet quotes Donna, "the kind of place that inspires you to make memories."

Infiniti Catwalk Event at the Somerset

 

Yesterday afternoon the blossoming Provo fashion world took center stage at the chic Somerset Resort.  The Infiniti Catwalk event commenced the highly anticipated 2012 TCI Top Model Contest.  

 

"Envisioned to showcase the beauty and creativity of young aspiring fashion and design talent in the
Turks and Caicos Islands - Organizers of the 2012 TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza have produced our third installment -Carnivalé: Culture. Music. Fashion!"

These young women clearly demonstrated that their preliminary workshops; fashion industry training and etiquette, were well received.  Each and every girl walked the hyper long catwalk, the full diameter of the dramatically extended infinity pool, with poise, flair, and fierce confidence.  The third year running for this event will prove no easier task for the judges.

Left to right participating contestants Vernessa Forbes, Vielka Salvador, Breanna Johnson, Sheldene Pubien, Lashanda Adams, Taciana Bin-Amie, Aaliyha Bain, Frenica Williams, Wahanda Registre, and Trinee Bethel. On Saturday May 12th, these women will strut their stuff once again for the prized title of TCI Top Model 2012, and the incredible opportunities that come with it.

After the TCI Top Model contestants made their stylish exits,  a second line up of long limbed beauties showcased the spring/summer 2012 collection of Mongolian born, Canadian based designer Oyuna Tuyssuzian.  

Her collection featured earth toned, flowy dresses which performed beautifully with the strong breezes Mother Nature donated for the day. 

Oyuna's website states  her "design aesthetic has been shaped by her experiences working in diverse areas in the fashion industry, from designing for the military to tailoring high end designer clothing to working for a major leather company. When she finally decided to create her own label, she sought to use the skills and knowledge acquired throughout her career to make beautifully constructed clothing using quality materials. She believes in flattering a woman’s body through great tailoring and fit, with a focus on silhouette and line. Her clothes are clean, modern and, most importantly, flattering."

These sentiments were certainly evident in this beautifully designed collection brought to life by our local models.  Oyuna (pictured above in cobalt blue) must have been very proud of the talent found locally as well as pleased with the warm reception of the large audience.

 After the show, the local media interviewed a few of the contestants, see wivtc.com to hear what these girls had to say about the competition.

Image from tcitopmodel.com

Be certain to mark your calendars for Saturday May 12th, 7:30pm sharp the doors will open to Williams Auditorium and the future fashion career of one of these young women may well be on it's way!

Ralph Lauren - Live in Color

Last fall I posted about Turks and Caicos Productions welcoming Ralph Lauren to the TCI for summer 2012 marketing campaigns.  Although we still patiently await those incredible images to publicly launch and debut the new season, here is a hint of the brightness and boldness to come.  Check out the LIVE IN COLOR video here.

Images from fashionscansremastered

Jockey shoot- Behind the Scenes

Last October, Turks and Caicos Productions welcomed jockey to TCI for their spring catalog shoot.   We were fortunate to move around to many beautiful locations from the gorgeous Regent Palms Resort, to Grace Bay Beach, to the private airport.

This crew was incredibly fun and the photographer, Dane Tashima, was such a breath of fresh air to work with; great attitude, great work ethic, great photographer!

Above snapshots and video from DesignerCorner/BehindTheScenes

Yesterday I was asked to speak to the kids at the Edward C. Gartland Youth Center for the Career Choices program.  Ruben, a cameraman from PTV, spoke about the world of television and news broadcasting and I followed up with information on commercial photography and photo production.  These kids were amazed at how many professionals it takes to make a single successful day in either of these professions; from Directors, to Stylists, to Talent, to Producers, to Technicians, not just the men and women behind the cameras!  

Check out highlights from the Career Choices program on WIV

Longbay Beach Barn

The Longbay Beach Barn sits on a .93 acre lot on Cheshire Hall Circle.  Built by TC Millwork in 2010, the 40' x 60' 2,400 square foot building has been designed to be multipurpose.  There are three 20' x 40', 800 square foot bays separated by solid wood tongue and groove framed walls and oversize sliding barn style doors. 

The first bay has been utilized as the great room, featuring a kitchen and both living and dining areas.  Solid mahogany 9'6" tall bi-fold doors, spanning 12', open out to the surrounding nature.

 A temporary subdivision within the first bay sections off a bedroom, bathroom, and laundry for privacy.

The second bay currently is utilized as guest quarters and an art studio.

 

The third bay currently acts as a garage however, with this much open space (you must see in person to grasp), this bay, as well as the others, could serve a wide variety of fantastic purposes; a unique and charming residence, a kiteboarding/windsurfing eco-lodge, a hobby/art/yoga studio, a private workshop, a luxury car/boat collection storage, or even the ultimate industrial cool bachelor pad.

The framework is solid steel, rated for 160mph winds.  The roofing consists of Long Span III 26 gauge steel 36"reinforced rib panels, which means the beach barn will be a safe haven during hurricane seasons to come.  With the heavy rains of the 2010 and 2011 seasons, not an inch of water entered thanks to an additional 6' of fill compacted on the property before the foundation was laid. There is insulation throughout the ceiling and within the sub floor to the unfinished loft space, which could easily be turned into an incredible attic apartment.

For the eco minded, the building is outfitted with large gutters and drainpipes which feed a 15,000 gallon cistern for collection of rain water.  Even during the dry seasons, this cistern has yet to run empty, saving thousands of dollars in water usage.  The building orientation was placed to maximize the trade-winds; the side and rear 9' tall custom entrance doors and 6' x 6' large operational louvered windows (painted white cypress), create an amazing airflow which keep the space cool even in the hottest August or September months.

One of the many highlights of the property is the picturesque footpath/nature trail to the beach.  This 12' wide easement, one of many public beach accesses within the Longbay Hills subdivision, borders the eastern property line.  There is a small private pathway to the trail from the property, which is a swift seven minute walk to the beach.  The footpath is framed by native stones and features many of the diverse indigenous plant, flower, and tree species indicative of our rare Dry Tropical Forest.

Camille from Provo Ponies on a horseback ride on the nature trail.

 At the end of the nature trail one arrives at this serene and uncrowded beach.

"Long Bay Beach is a large stretch of coastline on the south shore, with beautiful white sands and hardly any visitors. The water is warmer on this side and the waves are shallow and calm, providing excellent swimming opportunities.  Vacationers who are hoping for a taste of seclusion in Turks and Caicos could find that Long Bay Beach suits them perfectly.  Travelers may want to keep in mind that despite Long Bay Beach's lack of seclusion , it is also one of Turks and Caicos' beaches furthest from the crowds . This makes it an excellent choice for families and groups of friends that would prefer a bit of activity at the beach but choose to avoid the crowds."

Text from here 

Longbay Beach is also world famous in the sport of kiteboarding.  SBC Kiteboard Magazine describes it as, "Waist-deep for miles; side-on-wind; flat water; best spot to ride freestyle and freeride."

 Above two images by Federico Bigazzi

At $325,000 the Longbay Beach Barn is an incredible square footage value for the price.  This additionally includes all plans for a future main house on the peak section of the property.  Please see the listing on tcrea #1200165