The Bahamas will once again be featured and promoted internationally through various big name media houses that will feature the country at the region’s premier fashion event.
President of Mode Îles and creator of the IWFW Owen Bethel told the Journal recently that at least five media house from around almost every region of the globe have confirmed attendance at this year’s event.
Not only will the coverage highlight the event, but the country as well, providing valuable exposure and publicity in almost every part of the world.
"Clearly there is exposure for The Bahamas when we talk about international media in regards to the fact that the event is being hosted here. They will record the show," Mr. Bethel said.
"We do have about five international television production teams coming in. One team is expected to come in from Germany, three from the Caribbean, one out of Canada and there will also be coverage by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)," he said.
This, he said, means the event and The Bahamas by extension, will be seen from as far away as Europe, North America and the Caribbean.
"We will be fairly well represented to the degree that a number of these shows are actually syndicated. This means that these shows get coverage elsewhere throughout the world so the exposure is far reaching in terms of just the one event," Mr. Bethel said.
The exposure will hopefully attract more tourists to the island and put The Bahamas on the map in the fashion industry, he said.
As Bahamian and other designers from various island nations showcase their designs to millions around the world, Mr. Bethel said, this will open the market sphere which The Bahamas will be more than ready to take advantage of.
"For the designers, they will get international exposure with media coverage like never before going forward. The attention that the event will bring from the consumer market and the trade media itself is something we welcome. That in and of itself lends to The Bahamas being recognized as place for fashion," the fashion week creator said.
Over the years, a number of publications, including Sports Illustrated have held photo shoots in The Bahamas.
"The connection with The Bahamas in fashion certainly is an area that we see as being pronounced by IWFW. The number of media coming down and the cross section from which they are coming plays off a little bit from the Miss Universe pageant and the wide coverage that we got from that vein," he said.
With regards to the production of the event, Mr. Bethel admitted that the organization has experienced some growing pains, but gave the group and outstanding operational rating claiming that things have improved tremendously.
"I certainly think that we have learned from our last show and several of us have had the benefit of working with the Miss Universe Organization.
"The value of that experience itself [has been rewarding] and has literally increased the awareness and effectiveness of what we are doing this year. We have only had a month and a half to plan between Miss Universe and this event," he said.
"Going forward I think you will see the operation skills and effectiveness literally triple so next year I am anticipating that you will see an even more enhanced event, particularly since we will have a year to plan it."
