Connect with us

Ebuzz News

Archived: Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Brand Stands Strong For Freedom

Published

on

Approx. 3 min read
Mimi Kuruka is available in hats, totes, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, wristlets, and dashiki styled tops.

Mimi Kuruka is available in hats, totes, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, wristlets, and dashiki styled tops.

Fashion is an evolving trend and many tend to link their personality to what they wear. However, many people have used other people’s definition of fashion to define their personal style, instead of the other way around. What if you don’t want to wear an internationally popular brand that’s being worn by every person and their sister? What if you wanted to stay out and still be cool?

In an attempt to allow customers to express their love for their own personal style, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kaurice Alexander started a movement for the promotion of self-love through fashion. Having an appreciation for fashion himself, the young graphic designer came up with a clothing line, but one that held a different mantra. In 2015, after pondering the idea for some time, the brand “Mimi Kuruka” was born. Mimi Kuruka is Swahili for “I Fly”, a phrase that goes deeper than ‘what’s trendy’.

The brand Mimi Kuruka is Swahili for 'I Fly'.

The brand Mimi Kuruka is Swahili for ‘I Fly’.

Explaining the creative definition behind the name to EBUZZTT, Kaurice said one of the main goals of Mimi Kuruka is to supply items in controlled quantities in a bid to maintain uniqueness and exclusivity, while incorporating the brand’s philosophy to “Freely Love Yourself” (F.L.Y) into each person’s personal style. Kaurice told us he enjoys one on one interaction with customers, something that allows him to  understand each person’s style goals and even their personality. “It goes hand in hand with the aim of promoting self-love in the clothes that they wear,” he said.

The brand’s first batch of 30 pieces were promoted on social media and Kaurice told us he targeted mainly women. The brand carries hats, totes, t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, wristlets, and dashiki styled tops – among other apparel types.pharell Explaining that eventually he intends to branch out into other fashion pieces, such as shoes and jewelry,  Kaurice admitted that for now, his focus is simply on promoting his message.

Brand creator, Maurice Alexander says he is focused on getting his message out there.

Brand creator, Kaurice Alexander says he is focused on getting his message out there.

The local brand creator told EBUZZTT that its often quite a challenge to get local support and like any other burgeoning entrepreneur, he has had his doubts, encountered numerous stumbling blocks and financial struggles, but remains driven by passion. Now, after encountering his numerous obstacles, Kaurice says he can strongly encourage other young artists to have a ‘broad back’ and “be willing to receive constructive criticism as well. “We have to be able to turn all negatives we encounter into positives,” he said, adding, “It’s important to embrace all experiences and keep people who motivate you, in your space.”

The ambitious designer believes Trinidad and Tobago has a lot of talent to offer the world but echoed sentiments often heard, “we must support each other and learn to love ourselves first.”

Locally, Mimi Kuruka has garnered the support of friends and family and notably popular drummer Rhys and other members of Five Miles to Midnight and the Bomboom Room who’ve been seen rocking the brand. Kaurice has aspirations to even dress celebs like – hip hop’s Pharrell Williams and T&T superstars, Kees, 1st Klase, Fay-ann Lyons and up and coming local rapper Inzey. He told us he would love to see these particular celebs wearing his brand because he believes they all embody a certain level of individuality that’s unapologetic and unpretentious – something his brand promotes.

You can check out Mimi Kuruka on Instagram to see just how fresh this Trinidad and Tobago bred brand really is!

EBUZZTT WRITER: Candibuzz on Instagram

ebuzztt-logo-large

 

 

Ebuzz News

Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.

Published

on

By

Approx. 2 min read

Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.

Rapper, Drake has released three new albums simultaneously.

One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’

The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.

In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.

The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’

Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.

Continue Reading

Ebuzz News

Caribbean Fashion Is A Big Deal. Designer, Ecliff Elie Expands With Women In Mind.

Published

on

By

Approx. 2 min read

Caribbean fashion is top tier. In a world of copy and paste designs, Caribbean brands like the incomparable Ecliff Elie, stand in a class of their own. Earlier this month, the menswear brand made a major announcement and whether you’ve heard or not, we’re here to tell you, this is huge.

The Ecliff Elie brand will now be delivering its seamless, tailored appeal to women. The brand is known for its precision tailoring and disciplined garment construction so with that at its foundation, women can now feel the complete effect of the Ecliff Elie touch. The company steps out into this aspect of its business after what it says has been years of delivering this service privately to women. Dubbed ‘Bespoke — Tailored for Women,’ Ecliff Elie is now offering the service, at scale.

The introduction reflects a focused extension of Elie’s established approach to tailoring – one built on proportion, control, and consistency. Each garment is developed through a guided process that considers posture, movement, and presence, ensuring that the final result aligns with how the individual operates and presents herself.

From custom blazers to trousers, skirts, and dresses, customers will now be able to get their custom designed Ecliff Elie apparel, through a consultation-led process where every decision—from cut to finish—is deliberate. The company says fabric selection will be approached with the same level of discipline, with materials chosen for structure, performance, and longevity, allowing each piece to maintain its standard over time.

“This is not a new direction,” Elie states. “It is a continuation of work I have done over time, now introduced with structure and clarity.”

With more than three decades of experience, Ecliff Elie has consistently positioned presentation as a defining factor in how individuals are perceived. His work has guided clients across industries to approach style as a matter of precision and intent rather than preference.

“When the garment is correct, everything changes,” he adds. “You move differently. You carry yourself differently. That is the standard.”

As more women continue to operate at the highest levels across business, leadership, and professional environments, the demand for tailoring that reflects both authority and individuality has grown. This offering responds to that shift with a process designed to deliver consistency, clarity, and control.

Through Bespoke — Tailored for Women, Ecliff Elie continues to refine his approach while maintaining a clear focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a disciplined standard of execution.

Continue Reading

Trending

error: This content is protected. if you wish to use this content in anyway please contact us.