A look at some of St. Kitts’ Most Glamorous Women

SHARON RATTAN
NATASHA BERRIDGE
NAEEMAH HAZELLE-MENON
RHONDA NISBETT-BROWNE
ERMELIN SEBASTIAN
MAURITZA BENJAMIN
DAISLYN SHARPE
TOYA LAKE
MARGUERITE BRISBANE
VICKI FLEMMING
CARLEEN HENRY-MORTON

According to www.dictionary.com, glamorous is described as “having an air of allure, romance and excitement”.

SKNVibes has decided to take a closer look at several individuals who have been described as some of the most glamorous women in St. Kitts.

Although we may not have highlighted all of the most glamorous women and some may not agree with our findings, it is a fact that these women listed always exude glamour.

When it comes to glamour, one’s hair is considered very important!

On our list is Sharon Rattan, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Gender Affairs.

Over the years, Rattan was never afraid to be as versatile as she dared with her hair, which is one of her best assets. Her versatility in styles has significantly helped her in remaining glamorous.

Rattan has even donned a Mohawk style, which she claimed was being risky but, nevertheless, she wanted to try something new.

In her opinion, personal style definitely adds to being glamorous.

“Style is a matter of expressing how I feel. Though one's choice is influenced by current fashion designs, the key is to create your own style,” she said.

For some, being glamorous is influenced by their upbringing.

“I got involved in fashion from an early age watching my mom as a chaperone in the pageant world and even being a ‘fly’ on the wall in her beauty salon. So, I would say all of that contributed to my appreciation for glamour,” said former model Natasha Berridge, a 24-year-old boutique storeowner.

She describes her personal style as classic but “I like to make it sexy. I’m not trendy. You’ll see a lot of black in my wardrobe but I do like colours. Also, I have long legs and I’m tall so I like wearing dresses and skirts. All in all, I dress to complement my body”.

In the past, Berridge had modelled for Cable and Wireless (now known as LIME), Caribelle Batik and SHE Magazine.

“My interest has now been fuelled into my boutique which has been opened for the past five years. I have now started Unique, one of a kind of designs which has added a big buzz to the fashion arena in St. Kitts. 

“Fashion to me is not just about having the right outfit, as anyone can buy a garment. But it's all about how you put yourself together and the overall look you achieve. Everything must be on point, that is what makes a woman glamorous,” she said.

Being glamorous is also about finding qualities that you love in yourself and being able to portray them positively in the spotlight.

High school teacher Naeemah Hazelle-Menon has also done some modelling and is a co-host for the St. Kitts Visitors Channel which allows her personality to shine.

“I would say my personal style is to have my own style and not just follow trends. It’s important not to be afraid to mix it up and try something eclectic or different,” she said.

The mother of two said that she enjoys mixing Classic with Bohemian or Trendy. 

“Just any way of making it looks and feels like me…I try not to plan what I will wear, but just to go with how I feel and hope that it works. I take it as a great compliment when people say, ‘Only you could wear that and make it work.’ It means to me that I have my own look and I like that,” she added.

Hazelle-Menon also said that one does not have to purchase expensive items to look good.

“You don't have to spend a lot of money to look good. Use accessories to finish a look and mix a cheap T-shirt with some well fitted jeans and heels. Who would know if you wear it well?” she opined.

Playing ‘dress-up’ from an early age is a sign of a future glam queen and Prosecutor, Rhonda Nisbett-Browne, who has been involved in pageantry and fashion, said she recalled playing ‘dress-up’ as far back as the age of five.

“My favourite fashion items are makeup, especially lipstick, belts and shoes. I started wearing lipstick at a very young age and I don't think I can live without lipstick. I would even go to the beach or on a hike wearing lipstick,” she said.

“I am very versatile and flexible when it comes to fashion. I love different looks and different styles because I tend to go with my mood…plus I love to experiment with fashion. I love the feminine softer touch with a hint of sexiness to it, whether I am going for casual comfort wear or more formal wear. I think of myself as the 'en vogue' type since I follow trends or what is in fashion, and I love to be on the cutting edge.

“But, at the same time, I do not wear everything that's in fashion because I pay attention to my body shape and size and even my age. So if it does not suit me in that regard, I would not wear it because it's the style. But I do love changing with the times and generally love to follow and admire new styles. At the end of the day, while I absolutely love fashion, I believe in taking care of myself both on the inside and the outside. So I love God and my religion, I love to exercise (jog) and more importantly I love to spend time and the effort improving myself as a person. I love fashion but I love life and people generally,” she said.

Local attorney Ermelin Sebastian said her favourite style item is what she refers to as “the statement piece”.

“Whether it's a bold, whimsical handbag, a chunky necklace/bracelet or outrageous earrings, the right statement piece can make the most understated outfit edgy.”

She interestingly believes that keeping up a glamorous appearance goes beyond following beauty regimes and current trends.

“It’s really about exuding confidence. It never ceases to amaze me how a little confidence can make simple, inexpensive pieces appear glamorous. Accordingly, I focus on self-acceptance and self-worth, and through those avenues I’m able to wear whatever I choose with confidence.

“As a staunch supporter of individualism, I love the fact that fashion is not about ‘fitting in’ but about showcasing my many moods and my creativity. Further, I love the fact that fashion challenges society's perception of what beauty ought to be and creates and promotes new ideas of what beauty can be,” she said.

Local model Mauritza Benjamin, who also sells accessories, enjoys taking fashion risks and also dresses according to her mood.

“Accentuating my curves from time to time in something fitting, showing off my legs in something short and cute, that’s me having fun with fashion. I always say be you and confident in everything you wear. That's the most important thing and to always have fun. If it's not fun it’s not worth doing. And remember, ‘Fashions fade, style is eternal’- Yves Saint Laurent’,” she said.

Daislyn Sharpe describes her style as classic and elegant, and believes that fashion is a state of mind.

“A spirit…an extension of one’s self.  The clothes we wear send a message about who we are and translate to how we are perceived. Fashion can both define and inspire. A look can be as subtle as an understated whisper or as intense and dramatic as a scream. 

"Importantly, fashion is about being comfortable with one’s self.  Each of us shows our confidence through our selection of the clothes and accessories we wear, forming our own language through which we communicate with the world,” she said.

Toya Lake, a local business woman and owner of Trendy Hair Designs on Fort Street, said she loves wearing black and accessories.

Marguerite Brisbane is a good example of glamorous women in their 60s.

The former Jamaican model and owner of Sellai Shop, a clothing store located in the Brisbane Building on Princes Street, said she had made all of her clothing when she was younger.

What keeps her glamorous? Sports!

She loves to play golf and other sport disciplines so much so that she encourages young models to get involved.

“For young upcoming models, playing a sport makes you look good and keep your figure,” she said.

Vicki Flemming said that being glamorous could be attributed to genetics and having the overall mindset of being content with life.

“My grandfather said being content kept him around long to live 100,” she said.

Flemming said she does not have any special exercise routine or eating habits, but in terms of her personal style she loves wearing outfits that complement her shoulders.

“I wear anything that feels good. I don’t go to the extreme and I don’t like short stuff,” she said.

Flemming, who is in her 40s, said she also modelled in the past for Island Hopper and other boutiques on the island and attended Marvels Beauty School in Toronto. She now owns her own salon - Kurves House of Style.

Carleen Henry-Morton, the principal at the Basseterre High School and a former pageant chaperone, said she also has been blessed with good genes.

She describes her style as classic. 

“I have a lot of stuff to use throughout the ages. I’m not into the faddish clothing. I shop at a lot of stores where people shop,” she said.

Morton said her way of shopping is doing so with clothing she already owns at home in mind.

“I don’t buy expensive stuff, I shop for stuff that I think will add to what I own already,” she said.

“My views on fashion are that there are many people who can follow trends, but trendy isn't always good. Everything that looks good doesn't look good on everyone. And every woman, despite her size, shape or colour, can find a style that enhances and complements her beauty. And please young ladies, say no to legwarmers and sandals,” Morton added.