Hear Reba Dilbert’s name and dazzling creations that have graced local and international pageant and competition runways or adorned revellers during some 20 Batabano and Pirates Week celebrations readily come to mind.
In her hands, fabric, feathers, wire, shells, glue and glitter are all artfully transformed into colourful, unforgettable and award-winning costumes. And as Cayman’s only costume designer, she is revered for her creative talent.
Ms. Dilbert’s love affair with design began as a toddler in West Bay. She was frequently punished for running scissors through curtains, tablecloths and her parent’s clothing – all to adorn her dolls! But, intent on emulating her seamstress grandmother the late Maggie Hydes, she followed her passion, even experimenting with her six siblings’ – and her own – hair.
That stubborn determination remained and has won her both local and global accolades. Chief amongst them was her 2009 nomination for an International Design Awards (IDA) at the Platinum level, selected from a field of nine. Before that she was awarded first place in the 2008 IDA Professional-Avant Garde Women’s category.
However, recognition of her talents began long before 2009. In 1998, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation nominated her for outstanding work in costume design. Then, after establishing a non-profit organisation for designing pageant-wear and offering modelling and etiquette training to young ladies, her costumes captured the attention of international judges.
The first international awards came when her creations won best national costume at the 2002 Miss Bikini World and Miss Tourism World competitions held in Malta and Turkey. That same year she was awarded Longest Batabano Participant, having designed costumes for the annual festival for two decades.
By 2003 Ms. Dilbert had added a Golden Apple Award and the title World’s Best International Fashion Designer to her growing repertoire. She’d won both while displaying her costumes at a podium exhibition in Russia.
In all, she has earned over 16 local awards for her festival costume contributions and has designed national costumes for numerous Miss Teen and Miss Universe participants.
Commenting on her Certificate and Badge of Honour award for services to the people of the Cayman Islands, Miss Dilbert says, “I am blessed and honoured that my work could promote Cayman internationally.” She thanks her design partners, supporters and sponsors, past and present and now sets her sights on her September 2011 début at the London Fashion Week.
