Seychelles Fashion Industry

Seychelles often gets referred to as the “big little world”, and this not without good reason. Whilst being a very small island nation, there is very little the country is does not have, do, or is involved in. The Seychelles leadership have long recognised that they cannot rely merely on tourism for the GDP of the economy, and other industries need to be developed. In fact, developing industry and tourism growth certainly work in conjunction with each other, with the one helping the other. 

One such example of this is the fashion and textile industry. Whilst Seychelles is not normally associated with fashion or can be called a fashion hotspot, it might very well be one day. A textiles industry that supports local shops, markets and even export coupled with a plethora of young up and coming designers and exotic models are ensuring that. Combine that with the stunning backdrop the Seychelles islands provides fashion photographers, it is no surprise that Seychelles has been awarded with its first annual world fashion week, to be held later this year. 

The event will help to highlight the emerging fashion talent of the island nation. It is a part of world fashion week, an organisation which acts as a platform for fashion talent around the world and helps smaller nations like the Seychelles gain recognition in the global fashion market. The organisation has been in talks with local government and hopes to challenge young designers. Each designer will be given a variety of themes chosen by world fashion week, and they will then have to come up with 20 looks per theme to display at the up and coming fashion week. Fashion week will be positive for not only designers but retailers and local models. It will also bring awareness to the developing trade of the textile industry which already exists in the Seychelles as well as attract additional tourism which will therefore help the national economy. 

In addition to this, the re-launch of the extremely popular Miss Seychelles pageant in 2012 after a 4 year absence will certainly further inspire local models, designers, and manufacturers to up their up the game with the possibility of being recognised on a global scale. The National Contest is conducted in agreement with Miss World Limited, the owners and organisers of the Miss World Contest to elect "Miss World". The National Contest is also an official preliminary contest to select a representative to participate in the Miss World Contest, meaning the event truly has the potential for recognition on a global scale. 

Talent is often found in the most unlikely of places, and can be the source of inspiration for thousands. However, talent will only remain as potential until it is developed, and that is now happening in the Seychelles fashion industry. So who knows, perhaps the next superstar designer or supermodel will come from the Seychelles, so keep your eyes open!

Should you wish to pay this “big little world” a visit, contact us www.seychellesyachtcharter.com 

Events in Seychelles... August/September 2013

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout July/August 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience.

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

Event:

Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival

Date:9 - 10 August 2013

Location:
Various locations on Mahe

Organiser:
Mr. Chris Mason Parker (+248 2 57 57 70)

About the event:
Global Vision International (GVI) and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Education are organising the first Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August 2013. Friday's opening ceremony will be held at the National Theatre and Saturday's fun day will be on the waterfront area in Beau Vallon.

The aim of the turtle festival is to raise public awareness of issues relating to marine turtle conservation within the Seychelles. The event will be an opportunity to highlight existing initiatives, promote future partnerships and celebrate the Seychelles marine turtle population. 

Event:
Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Date:
15 August 2013

Location:
La Digue

Organiser:
La Digue Board (+248 4 23 45 96)

About the event:
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is dedicated to the church of La Digue and is very popular with Seychellois from all islands who flock to the island for the occasion.

For further information please contact the La Digue Board on telephone number provided above. 

Event:
Southeast Monsoon Sailfish Tournament

Date:
31 August 2013

Location:
Mahe

Organiser:
Marine Charter Association (+248 4 32 21 26)

About the event:
Fishing tournaments are always an exciting event in the Seychelles, especially with pride and reputations at stake! This a 1-day trolling-only tournament from 05h00 to 17h00. Please contact the Marine Charter Association for entry forms and tournament rules at email: christophe.houareau@huntdeltel.com

Event:
Vinayagar Chadurthi

Date:
September 2013

Location:
Hindu Temple, Victoria, Mahe

Organiser:
ARULMIKUNAVASAKTHI VINAYAGAR Temple (+248 4 32 47 01)

About the event:
A religious festival celebrated by Hindu communities worldwide to mark the anniversary of 'Lord Vinayagar', The Elephant God.

Event:
Seychelles Round Table Regatta

Date:
27-29 September 2013

Location:
Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe

Organiser:
Round Table Seychelles (+248 2 72 70 07)

About the event:
The Round Table Regatta has become an important national event in the Island’s calendar. The event will span over one weekend, from the 27th to the 29th September 2013 and takes place on the popular Beau Vallon beach front. The event’s jam-packed schedule includes numerous sports competitions, live performances by local artists as well as many fairground games. The weekend culminates with a hilarious ‘Greasy Pole Contest’, where competitors struggle to reach a cash prize fixed on top of a 6-metre wooden pole smothered in grease. Last, but far from least, is the all-important lottery draw at 18h00 on Regatta Sunday.

Local and International companies alike support the event by manning food and beverage stalls or running promotional stations where the crowds benefit from generous give-aways and reduced prices on goods. All in all, the Round Table Regatta weekend brings many Seychellois and tourists together in a high-spirited, cause-driven event. Definitely an event not to be missed!

Event:
World Tourism Day

Date:
27 September 2013

Location:
Mahe, Praslin, La Digue

Organiser:
Seychelles Tourism Board (+248 4 67 13 00)

About the event:
World Tourism Day is celebrated on the 27th September each year. Various activities held in the preceding days create an ideal forum to increase public awareness on the importance of the tourism industry in Seychelles. Contact the Seychelles Tourism Board for details.

15 Interesting Facts About The Seychelles

1. Pirates used to seek the islands of Seychelles as a hideout. It is believed that Olivier Le Vasseur, an infamous pirate, had a treasure worth 100,000 euros that remains hidden in the land up to the present.

2. Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, is the smallest capital in the whole world.

3. Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond novels and short stories, named his character Milton Krest after a tonic and ginger beer that he tasted while vacationing in Seychelles.

4. This beautiful country island was home to none until the latter part of the 18th century, when its first settlers arrived.

5. Almost half of the limited landmass in the country is occupied by national parks and reserves. This is in support of the government’s various environment and ecosystems protection and conservation policies.

6. Seychelles is the right place to visit if you want to see unique endemic species. These include the paradise flycatcher, the warbler, the jelly fish tree, and the female Coco de Mer, which is the world’s heaviest nut.

7. The country is home to the heaviest land tortoise that is living in the wild. Named Esmeralda, the animal weighs 304 kilograms and can be found at the Bird Island.

8. In the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, you will find the Moyenne Island, which is believed to be haunted by a spirit that guards a buried treasure.

9. Round Island used to be a leper colony. A stone prison still remains up to this day.

10. When it served as host country to the Miss World Beauty Pageants in 1997 and 1998, Seychelles had great international media coverage, enough to boost its tourism industry.

11. Seychelles is a democratic country with its own constitution that was adopted on 18 June 1993.

12. Seychelles has a population growth rate of 0.922%, which is in line with the world population growth rate of 1.14%.

13. The highest point in Seychelles is Morne Seychellios which is situated on the main island of Mahe. It has an altitude of 905m, or 2969ft.

14. The National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of 34 seats; with 25 members elected by popular vote and 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote. Members serve five-year terms.

15. Seychelles consists of 41 granitic and 75 coralline islands.

Seychelles... Destination of the Stars

We all know that Seychelles is a popular honeymoon destination, but very few people realise just how popular it really is, especially amongst celebrities. In an article entitled The Celebs’ Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations, Seychelles is listed as the best place to go for a romantic honeymoon, followed by Turks and Caicos, Maldives, Mexico, California, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Fiji, Barbados and Bahamas respectively. 

The beautiful Seychelles...

 There are some beautiful destinations around the world, but few offer the beauty, luxury, and tropical paradise that Seychelles does without the prying eye of the paparazzi. That stands as a major reason why many celebrities have chosen the Seychelles as their destination of choice, be it for a honeymoon or just a getaway. The privacy afforded to guests is unmatched and this allows them to enjoy a vacation without it making front page news all over the world. Famous personalities such as Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault as having a good time at the North Island Hotel after their wedding. It also named the former famous British couple Paul McCartney and Heather Mills; even though their marriage did not last, they certainly had a beautiful honeymoon. As did Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt who apparently rented the small Frégate Island, for their honeymoon, just like Liz Hurley with Arun Nayar and Prince William with Kate.

Salma Hayek on honeymoon in the Seychelles

William and Kate, the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, followed in the footsteps of a number of celebrity newlyweds as they boarded a private jet and flew to the Seychelles for their honeymoon. Their final destination was the ultra-exclusive North Island, accessible only by private helicopter. There are only 11 villas on the island, and the royals took up residence in the finest, Villa North Island. This villa is tucked away from the rest in the Takamaka Forest on the northern end of Anste d’Este beach. The villa is designed around the natural incline and offers spectacular views from every angle. Will and Kate would have enjoyed 450 square metres of space with a private sun deck with pool and sala, butler service and a beach buggy to get them around the island.

The private island where Prince William and Kate honeymooned

 This sort of treatment is not reserved for the famous however, and at Seychelles Yacht Charter we provide the sort of unmatched privacy and luxury discussed in this blog. The reason we have not mention ourselves and our visitors above? Well, that would be defeating the object of privacy! Contact us at www.seychellesyachtcharter.com to book your exclusive, private getaway. 

Events in Seychelles - July/August 2013

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout July/August 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience.

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

 

 

 

Event:
Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival

Date:
9 - 10 August 2013

Location:
Various locations on Mahe

Organiser:
Mr. Chris Mason Parker (+248 2 57 57 70)

About the event:
Global Vision International (GVI) and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Education are organising the first Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August 2013. Friday's opening ceremony will be held at the National Theatre and Saturday's fun day will be on the waterfront area in Beau Vallon.

The aim of the turtle festival is to raise public awareness of issues relating to marine turtle conservation within the Seychelles. The event will be an opportunity to highlight existing initiatives, promote future partnerships and celebrate the Seychelles marine turtle population.

Event:
Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Date:
15 August 2013

Location:
La Digue

Organiser:
La Digue Board (+248 4 23 45 96)

About the event:
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is dedicated to the church of La Digue and is very popular with Seychellois from all islands who flock to the island for the occasion.

For further information please contact the La Digue Board on telephone number provided above.

Event:
Southeast Monsoon Sailfish Tournament

Date:
31 August 2013

Location:
Mahe

Organiser:
Marine Charter Association (+248 4 32 21 26)

About the event:
Fishing tournaments are always an exciting event in the Seychelles, especially with pride and reputations at stake! This a 1-day trolling-only tournament from 05h00 to 17h00. Please contact the Marine Charter Association for entry forms and tournament rules at email: christophe.houareau@huntdeltel.com

 

 

 

Seychelles Parasailing...

”I was standing on the magnificent spread of beach at Beau Vallon Bay, dressed in shorts and life jacket and strapped into a tight-fitting parasailing harness. Directly behind me lay a bright-red parasail neatly laid out on a tarpaulin. The instructor clipped the parasail to my harness and continued his pre-flight instructions. “Hold the harness handles tightly in your palms and lift your hands shoulder-height with elbows facing forward.” This is similar to the way you hold the toggles on a parachute. “Watch the boat. It’s going to edge forward to take up slack in the towrope. The moment the rope tightens the boat will accelerate and all you have to do is run like mad.” The 115-horsepower Yamaha outboard clicked into gear and the sleek red-and-blue speedboat moved forward. I gazed across the thin tract of sparkling sand separating the fringing line of palm and takamaka trees from the turquoise tropical water. The towrope slowly snaked off the beach and disappeared into the water. We were ready for take-off. The speedboat had edged at least 50 metres from the beach, and the towrope, with its 1 350-kilogram breaking strain, tightened, tugging sharply on my harness.“Now!” the instructor yelled. I rushed forward and sprinted down the beach. Just before treading on wet sand I felt myself being lifted above the shallow shoreline . . . and I was airborne!”

 These are the words of Patrick Wagner, a journalist from Getaway magazine who was lucky enough enjoy the incredible experience of parasailing at Beau Vallon Bay on Mahe Island, Seychelles. With wind racing round your ears, legs dangling in space and torso supported by a comfortable harness, you float over paradise. The feeling of freedom is what makes parasailing so exciting. The sheer beauty of Beau Vallon Bay from the air, the glowing turquoise water and the lush vegetation down below will make this experience one you will never forget. Once airborne, your only job is to just sit back and relax, soak up this beautiful scenery, and take a few photos if you wish. You will also be able to too see other islands in the distance, and the perspective one gains from viewing this tropical paradise from up above is not to be taken lightly! 
 

 The main concern people have when considering parasailing, is the safety aspect, however the crews who operate this sport have many years experience behind them. You don’t even need to be able to swim to take part in this activity, and age is also a non-factor… with the oldest participant having been a ripe 92 years old!

If parasailing is not your thing however but you still enjoy motorized water sports, water skiing, jet skiing, and other activities are also offered at Beau Vallon Bay.

 

 

 Beau Vallon Bay is located in the north-east of Mahe, and in order to protect and maintain the beauty of Seychelles, as well as the safety of beach goers, motorized water sports in the Seychelles is restricted to this area. Please contact us if you’d like to set up a visit to Beau Vallon Bay. www.seychellesyachtcharter.com

 

 

The SYC Beach Clean-Up

Seychelles Yacht Charter recently collaborated with the Ministry of Education, Environmental department of EKO schools, Seychelles Tourism Board’s event promotions, Star Seychelles, Seychelles National Youth council, Landscape and waste management, and the Ministry of Environment and Energy to work on a Beach Clean-up campaign/programme.

The 1st ever Beach Clean-up was held on the 8th of June 2013, which coincided with World Oceans day as well.
The aim of the campaign was to create awareness of the importance of keeping our beaches clean, and safe. Seeing that Seychelles has some of the world most beautiful beaches it’s only fitting that a yacht charter company arrange and co-ordinate such an event.

The day started at 9am and ended at noon the same day.

Beaches that were cleaned: Grand Anse Beach, Anse Royale Beach,Beauvallon, Belombre beaches, North East Point Beach, Port Glaud, Port Launay and Cap Ternay.

A total of 307, children, teachers and parents assisted with the beach clean-up. Hotels around the beaches and schools provided lunches.

Seychelles Yacht Charter would like to thank each and every individual, organisation and company who assisted with the program, without your assistance this would not have been possible.

For more info, visit the the Seychelles national website at http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=31777 and below are some pics from the day.

Let keep our pristine beaches clean!