Local costume designer Reba Dilbert will take her exclusive creations to the international stage with her participation in this year’s International Design Awards (IDA), to be judged later this month.
“I’m selling the country with the costumes,” Ms Dilbert said of her work which depicts various aspects of Caymanian culture and heritage.
One of her costumes is created around the national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid, and another - the Silver Thatch Palm.Other pieces are symbolic representations of places in Cayman like Hell, she added.
Ms Dilbert said that by Saturday, 30 August, entrants are required to create websites showcasing their work and their countries. Photo shoots have been scheduled at popular local attractions including Boatswain’s Beach, Pedro Castle, Stingray City and the Botanic Park.
The Department of Tourism’s (DoT) Rosa McLean said that, on learning of the competition, the department was pleased to sponsor Ms Dilbert. “It became obvious to us that this is something that would benefit the destination as well as showcase Reba’s talents,” she said.
“For us to have placement on their website is of great value to us,” she added. The DoT’s sponsorship will assist Ms Dilbert with developing her website as well as defraying the costs for the photo shoots and other administrative expenses.
“It’s fantastic to see her work being recognised internationally,” said Ms McLean, adding that the department was in “full support” of seeing the Caymanian brand advertised to “our target audience”.
Ms Dilbert offered thanks to businesses and individuals who had supported her through sponsorship but added that she would welcome additional help from interested parties.
The prestigious annual IDA competition attracts entries from around the world competing for prizes in five categories: architecture, interior design, fashion, graphics and product design. Winners’ works will be showcased at the Los Angeles Museum of Design Art and Architecture later this year.
Ms Dilbert has a long history of involvement in costume design, initially locally, but in recent years she has branched out internationally. In 2003, she competed in a fashion show in Moscow, where she won that event’s Golden Apple Award along with the title ‘World’s Best International Fashion Designer’.