Gem of the World Costume Design by Reba Dilbert

---

DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

RD : Test of skills against other professionals,have name on designers' list with all the other great designers like Ralph Lauren, current events relating to environmental issues, specifically destruction of seven mile beach in my own country

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

RD : Used my backyard beach for inspiration - look at the beauty of the beach and inspire people to want to save it from destruction

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

RD : I want it to be displayed so that everyone can see it and have discussions about the beauty of our environment and be inspired.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

RD : An inspiration

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

RD : As the designs were sponsored by the Cayman Islands Government, it will be displayed in the National Gallery as part of their permanent display.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

RD : Wanted to incorporate the art of wire bending, the use of feathers, cardboard and other materials to show how simple materials can be used to produce something beautiful

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

RD : The design came out of my head, I thought about it so much that I began dreaming about what it could look like and this was my end product.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

RD : It is unique in terms of what it represents - the beautiful beaches of my country that I see from my backyard.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

RD : My beach that I see from my backyard looks like a gem.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

RD : This was all me.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

RD : I am not technologically inclined so no technology was used.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

RD : lack of funds

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

RD : The competition was brought to my attention years ago by someone I met in Hollywood, California.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

RD : I learned a different way of decorating with feathers and gem stones. I had had surgery on my left shoulder and the doctor told me to go home and continuing working on my costumes. I have always considered myself a strong woman and I was able to move pass the pain and this cemented my sense of strength and resilience.