Nov. 13, 2002 – Crucian-born fashion designer Wayne James has been commissioned by the University of the Virgin Islands to design its Festival 2003 troupe. James, who is also a lawyer and historian, has titled the troupe's theme "From the Schoolhouse to the Technological Park."
James said the troupe will depict the history of education on St. Croix, from its humble beginnings to UVI to the upcoming technology park. The focus will be on education's impact on careers, from fishermen and cane cutters to schoolteachers to careers in cyberspace.
"The costumes will draw on our age-old masquerading traditions," James said, adding that the focus will be on authentic fabrics rather than feathers and skin.
"Worn with detailed white blouses inspired by the Victorian era of the 1880s, the madras skirts of the schoolteacher section will each feature over 15 yards of fabric and tulle crafted into a bustle silhouette," James said. "And like the head mistresses of the era, each section-member will have her parasol in one hand and a tamarind whip in the other."
In the fishermen section, 30 wheelbarrows filled with real fish on ice will roll down King Street in Christiansted, pushed by traditional fishermen dressed in straw hats, over-sized cotton shirts and burlap (krukus bag) pants.
In the futuristic section, 100 college and high school students "will captivate the crowd in their skin-tight body suits adorned with space helmets, light-up sticks and high boots," James said.
James began his career as a fashion designer after completing his law degree in 1987. Last year he designed the prize-winning Festival entry for HOVENSA, which featured bamboula dancers in voluminous dresses of white silk.
James said it is a pleasure working with UVI this year. "It is always invigorating to be surrounded by the enthusiasm of youth," he said.
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