TVISUAL

MARK EASTMAN : THE DAPPER STAR

Written by Anastasia Tomkin

Mark Eastman’s delicate flowing locs and creamy skin the colour of fine mahogany, make him an image to behold. His signature full, dark eyebrows are enough to make Cara Delevigne jealous. And under those perfectly groomed curtains looms a piercing gaze that exudes confidence and creativity.

Browse through some of Eastman’s photos on social media, and you are sure to become inspired by his effortless fashion sense. We’re talking fashion sense so profound it should be added to that list of the five senses. Anyone? No? In any case, his design aesthetic marks a myriad of worldly cultures wrapped in a spicy Caribbean vibe, with a dash of rebellious urban street style.

Photo by Terrance, Clothing by Mark Eastman, Visual art by AJ Rogers Model Darnell Grant

It all started in Arouca, Trinidad when young Eastman’s passion for art and clothing led him to pursue Fashion Design as a career. Amidst personal and societal pressures, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design, the first and only institute of its kind in the region.

Currently an established local fashion blogger and illustrator, he wears several hats, including Head Designer for the Dappered by Mark Eastman brand which specializes in bowties and accessories, and Assistant Designer with Robert Young of The Cloth, a leading men’s and women’s apparel line in Trinidad and Tobago.

Photo by Terrance, Clothing by Mark Eastman, Visual art by AJ Rogers Model Darnell Grant

But Eastman is more than just bow ties and bold eyes. In 2013 he was chosen as one of Trinidad & Tobago’s top emerging designers to participate in the International Fashion Showcase held in London. His first Menswear collection debuted to rave reviews at Caribbean Fashion Week 2015. Fast forward to 2017, and Eastman is hard at work on his third series of bowties for Dappered as well as his second Menswear line. He’s all about working hard and playing hard, so when he isn’t at the cutting table, you can find him catching some rays at the beach or keeping up with the latest hits.

Get in touch with Mark Eastman at aneas27@hotmail.com or on Instagram @markymark_82.