International Women’s Day is a worldwide celebration of women’s accomplishments. It is a day to honour the important achievements that women have made historically and are still making now. CARIB VOXX observes Women’s Day with a high fashion editorial dubbed “Market Day” by Shamara Sahadeo, also known professionally as ShampagneX, embodying the Caribbean woman culturally.
“The importance of Women’s Day for me is to highlight the women that are doing the day-to-day activities that may be overlooked,” ShampagneX told CARIB VOXX. “They are the pillars of our society, and we are very dependent on them, whether they are teachers, the women in the market, or any other overlooked position women occupy, not just the ones who are regularly highlighted.”
The market is an integral part of Caribbean culture universally, and it was definitely vividly captured in all its essence in this creative display. With some attention, you can say a story was told, with the fruit being followed from the fields to the farmer’s market, with the process being captured visually and aesthetically. All elements were expertly utilized; everything was in the perfect place. With attention to the model, you can notice how the attire plays into the theme, with her hair in traditional Bantu knots or “Chiney Bump,” as some may refer to it. Her makeup and Seora-made attire complimented the colours of the fruit, which can be interpreted as the woman being the fruit; deep.
The creative project encapsulates Women’s Day perfectly by highlighting a major part of Caribbean culture that is heavily nostalgic to many and is contemplated as a part of our tradition, where many of our strong traditional Caribbean women are involved. It highlights the importance of an industry or everyday activity that may seem but is definitely not mundane and the role of women in that aspect.
“Market Day” is the product of a collaborative effort between ShampagneX, as the creative director and stylist, and her model and friend, Brittany De Freitas, whom she met on a previous project, and the relationship has proven ‘fruitful.’ The photographer for “Market Day” is Bryan Bissoon, who is also known as “Tulum.” The project was done in Santa Cruz, Trinidad, and Tobago, which shows how culture transcends islands.
When we observe Women’s Day, we take a moment to consider the steps taken toward gender equality as well as the work still left to be done. Creative projects such as “Market Day” tell the story of the beauty of women in everyday situations and occupations.
