YOU! by Calvin French YOU! Magazine - Issue 1 | Page 7

E d it or’s No t e
GOING AGAINST THE CURRENT
You magazine is an expression of YOU! It is the way I see Caribbean lifestyle,
fashion, entertainment and culture. I have photographed so many people but I
have fallen in love all over again with my beautiful Caribbean people. The seductive
silhouettes of Jamaican women, their commanding, sleek and beautiful nature, the
well-chiselled bone structure of Trinidadian men - we have great talent on these
islands.
I want to stir up excitement with this magazine as far as fashion and lifestyle is
concerned. I want to highlight the fun side of fashion and create unity, unity in
terms of all agents sharing the real and true meaning of fashion. Photography for
me is a lifestyle; it is what you wear and how you wear it. Fashion photography
is my forte and by living in Milan and Paris and working with world designers, I
believe that I understand the underpinnings of fashion.
In this issue, we have a bit of everything. Starting with the cover story of my dear
friend Wendy Fitzwilliam – whom when I initially met on my second trip to Trinidad
after many years of not being here, I thought to myself, “wow what an amazing
ebony woman she is”. When my other very good friend, Peter Elias called me to tell
me that she won Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe and that they were coming
to New York- I was ecstatic! When Wendy walked into my 17th floor, Park Avenue
office, my entire staff was very mesmerized by her beauty. They were more than
certain she was taking the Miss Universe crown that year – and so she did!
Growing up in my village of Claxton Bay, there were a mix of Afro and Indo
Trinidadians (commonly known to us as Dougla), which was my inspiration for this
first issue. As you will read in the editorial, I always thought Douglas were such an
interesting mix, which is so unique to us in the Caribbean.
This issue is dedicated to my friend Justin Joseph, who initiated the magazine before
his abrupt passing. It truly saddened me, but I am sure he would be happy to know
it came to fruition. Enjoy this issue and thank you to all who made it possible. There
is much more to come!
YOU! Magazine by Calvin French
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