November 16, 2017:- Speaking at the launch of the Ultra Bespoke Tailoring Programme hosted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with FashionTT, and MIC Institute of Technology on Wednesday 15 November, 2017, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry expressed her appreciation for the collaborative initiative which “brings to fruition the Certificate Programme in Ultra Bespoke Tailoring under the guidance of renowned Professor Andrew Ramroop of the famed Savile Row Academy”.
Minister Gopee-Scoon affirmed that, “This project takes us one step further from our reliance on oil and gas and one step closer to harnessing the talents of our creative sector, specifically those within the Fashion Industry. We are today creating opportunities for our existing and potential designers, dress makers, tailors and many others in the fashion value chain.”
Vision 2030 mandates the Government to improve skills upgrade, training and development of up-to-date teaching methods, particularly those that support innovation and entrepreneurship. Minister Gopee-Scoon emphasized that the Government recognizes the potential of the Creative Industries to contribute to income generation, job creation and also, as foreign exchange earners. She said “The local Fashion Industry is a priority and Government remains fully committed to the development and commercialization of this subsector.” Minister Gopee- Scoon encouraged persons to make use of the state’s investment designed to create far reaching opportunities in the fashion industry.
Professor Andrew Ramroop, Founder of the Savile Row Academy, indicated that the Savile Row Academy is a tailoring school which provides a unique opportunity for persons wanting to acquire high-level knowledge skills and experiences needed for employment in established tailoring houses around the world or to establish their own businesses. He underscored that, “This programme is an investment in the people of Trinidad and Tobago in an effort to create meaningful and sustainable career opportunities.” Professor Ramproop has over 40 years’ experience in the Fashion Industry with 12 years teaching design, pattern cutting, fitting and tailoring at the London College of Fashion.
Professor Clement Imbert, Chairman MIC Institute of Technology in his remarks stated that, “This is very opportune time for the specialist programme to be introduced to Trinidad and Tobago and we at MIC are pleased to be associated with this initiative and welcome the opportunity for partnership.” Ms. Dionne Mc Nicol Stephenson, Director, CreativeTT emphasized CreativeTT’s commitment to the strategic business development and export capabilities of the Creative Industries toward the generation of national wealth. She said, “We are passionate about making strategic connections, maximizing impact and transparency and excellence in execution.”
The main objective of this programme is to provide specialist skills through an intensive training programme. These skills will enable designers to progress into employment on the highest levels of tailoring and within the fashion related industries on an individual level. This programme is geared towards enabling the tailoring sector in Trinidad and Tobago to flourish through its association with such a well-respected brand as Saville Row Academy, thereby encouraging acceptance into global markets.
