I have put this off for a long while purposely. I was unable to come to grips with the fact of the matter. The passing of a fellow fashionista, blogger, colleague & friend, Barrio Dimitri. Barrio died on July 14, 2012.
It was another fellow fashion blogger, Sueann Tannis, who told me the news of Barrio’s passing. Within twenty four hours of spending time with him at Louis Vuitton, in the Limegrove Lifestyle Center in Holetown, Barbados. I was completely taken by surprise. Not only because I had seen him just the day before, but due to the fact that he only eighteen years old & with such a bright future! I was in shock, and I’m still in disbelief today.
Barrio not only inspired others with his vision, drive & style, but he was an amazing individual as well. Anyone that was blessed to have known him or met him knows what I mean. Facing the coming month in which Barbados’ premier fashion week is held, I predict an eerie atmosphere amongst the fashion fraternity. Especially amongst photographers such as Michael Alexander, Khalil Goodman & Adrian Richards, with whom he always engaged in interesting conversation. Or stylists & bloggers such as myself, Sueann Tannis & Gigi Ma’at. He will truly be missed.
My two fondest memories of Barrio were the M People Magazine ‘top fashion bloggers’ shoot & that last day with him at Louis Vuitton, as aforementioned. The day of the M People shoot Barrio was ecstatic. Rocking his signature fox tail, on the side of his trousers. Always greeting you with a smile. We all clustered together, talking about what outfits we were rocking for the photoshoot (shot by Khalil Goodman). During a break, I remember Barrio going outside and grabbing a shovel, “Take a picture! As if people are gonna believe this anyway. Me with a shovel, HA!” I laughed out loud before agreeing to take the picture, which I still have in my phone today.
My second favorite memory of Barrio, at Louis Vuitton, was one of more comedy. Barrio was a comedian. I remember him walking up & down the store with the same neon orange travel-size tote bag, saying “Can you see it Dre? I wanna rock this at fashion week.” Simulating his entrance with the bag & effortlessly grabbing the attention of all around him. I just kept laughing & smiling at his comedic behavior all evening. Not knowing that the very next day, around the exact same time, I would be receiving a call saying he had died.
His funeral was reminiscent of that of a legend. It was as if the Gianni Versace of Barbados had died. It was flocked by countless models, stylists, photographers, make up artists, bloggers, model trainers, designers & fashionistas from all around the country. It was a spectacle well deserved. One that I believe Barrio would have been shocked by, but would have loved. The family requested no mourning colors, so the ceremony was one true celebration. A celebration of his life & what he had accomplished at such a young age. A fashion fair.
Barrio was an inspiration to me, but he was also a friend. A friend whose presence that I will miss forever. I would love for everyone to visit ModeDimitri.com & look at his work. The legacy he left behind. A legacy well beyond his years.
RIP Barrio
