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If there is any doubt about St. Maarten/St. Martin being the most cosmopolitan island in the Caribbean, famous local artist Ruby Bute has proven it in the most colorful way. Indeed, her culture event, " The Lady and her Dress" presented on April 10th under the silk cotton tree at the site of her gallery, was a brilliant and funny demonstration of St. Martin's amazing mixture of cultures. With the help of her friend and assistant Marian Jno-Finn, Ruby managed to convince a dozen of women living in St. Maarten to exhibit national and typical dresses used by women in cultures from several parts of the world. |
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A numerous public was delighted by the presentation of known and unknown ladies fashions: including from St. Martin, Guadeloupe, Suriname, Andalucia in Spain, China, Japan, the Netherlands, Colombia, Mexico and the Aztec culture, India, Nigeria and Bavaria in Germany. And let us not forget the appearance of Ademar Violenus, St. Martin's drag queen.
Several personalities of the island culture were present, and some, like Josianne Fleming, even were part of the show, as well as author and historian Daniella Jeffrey. |
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This cultural event was not just a fashion show: Together with the presentation of national dresses, the participants put together a little act, showing the use made of their dress, their meaning and cultural background. To this effect, they used music, dance and poetry in various languages - sometimes recited by the polyglot host Ruby Bute. The whole, impressive display was presented by the master of ceremony Thierry Gombs. |
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National costumes, bonnets and frocks, corsets and modern day fashion reflected what women used to wear in different parts of the world, at different times of history and at special occasions.
More than a show of dresses, Ruby's presentation addressed the perception of women in society, as they are seen by others and by themselves. It especially highlighted sensuality and the art of love at different times and in different cultures. Sweet and submissive, passionate and dominant, or showing the amazing amount of underwear used by Caribbean ladies - a terrific presentation by Laurel Richards "Yaya" : Women's way of seducing are sheer endless! In order to compare with modern times, T's Closet models showed some contemporary underwear. |
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Expect a lot more of artist Ruby Bute in the future. This very special lady, with a passion for arts and an open mind for human emotions, is already preparing her next "happening" at the Silk Cotton Tree Gallery, her beautiful cultural retreat. It will take place on the 26th of June 2010 and is called "Whisper". Ruby's cultural fan-club can't wait to see it! |
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