There is a new and refreshing show on television and if you have not had an opportunity to take a peek you need to get with the programme and do so soon.
It is called FACTS2, abbreviation for the second Fashion, Art and Creativity by Talented Students. And the best part is that it is local and a cut above other local programmes.
We have long since complained about the quality of local programmes on television so believe us when we say this is one to watch. Now we are not telling you that it is perfect. Where in life do you get perfection? But it is good and you would not regret spending that time in front of the television.
The show is the brainchild of well-known fashion designer, Michelle Cole-Rose, and it basically involves schoolchildren showcasing their talent in the field of designing. We were lucky to tune in to the first episode on Channel 72 and we are told that there are three others to be aired followed by a grand runway fashion show during which the winner would be selected.
During the show the ‘designers’ were asked to redesign their school uniforms and these were then modelled by them or by someone of their choice. We must say that the final products of some of the students were quite creative and refreshing. We would even suggest that some of the schools consider trying out the new designs for their uniforms, especially those created by the St John’s and Brickdam Secondary schools’ students… just a thought.
The students presented their creations and they were judged by three judges Anya Thomas and Sherwin Bridgewater, both Trinidadians, and Natasha Martindale. We have since been told that there would be different judges for each episode.
The critiques by the judges were for most part fair and what we liked about them was they did not seem to attempt to pattern themselves after judges on American television reality shows. We like the idea of them, especially Martindale, impressing on the students about presenting a “finished” product. She pointed out to many of them, in some cases quite harshly, that their outfits were not ironed properly or that there were threads hanging from the hem lines or in other instances, the hemming of the outfits was just not done properly. While the other two judges focused mostly on the creative aspect, in some instances the suitability of it for a tropical country, Martindale always made the point of informing the designer about the importance of presenting a “neat and finished product.”
The programme was pre-taped we have learnt; we see no problem with that. However, we strongly feel that the part with Thomas informing one of the designers that her model was not wearing a bra at the time of modelling should have been edited. Not that we think it should not have been mentioned, it was indeed a worthwhile observation, but we don’t agree with the almost public humiliation of the model. It is true that she would never try that stunt again, but she is still a child and should have been guided by an adult. Maybe this could have been pointed out by an adult before she went out to strut her stuff. The same goes for the model who wore a pink bra under her uniform.
And we did not really like the way all three judges laughed at one of the designs created, maybe it was laughable but they could have been a bit less tactless. It was no surprise that it was that designer who was eliminated at the end; and we are agree with the decision.
Apart from the above, the comments of the judges were entertaining and we loved the way host, Stan Govia, interacted with the designers and the viewers. He was indeed a good choice.
Cole-Rose tells us that the next episode is set for Sunday at 3 pm on the same channel and there would be rebroadcasts. At the end of each episode one designer would be knocked out and the final six would compete at the fashion runway show. The winner will represent Guyana at the Caribbean Youth Designer competition set to be held during Carifesta in the youth village.
Cole-Rose tells us that she had held a one off-show about two years with the same concept but it was not broadcasted. She says she choose the youths because they are the leaders of tomorrow and their talents should be natured young. No arguments there. (thescene@stabroeknews.com)
