Ebuzz News
Archived: Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Brand Stands Strong For Freedom
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’.
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, 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
Ebuzz News
Dîner en Blanc Set to Bring Parisian Flair to Port-of-Spain on November 14th.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines:
Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup.
• As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Ebuzz News
Stevie Wonder Joins KestheBand On Stage at DC Jazz Fest – A Big Moment for Caribbean Culture.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
