Sat | Apr 18, 2026

Independence creations

Published:Sunday | July 7, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Sarsha in pink and white Androsia with matching shoes.
Christabelle commands attention in this purple dress with Androsia and lace.
Reflecting the blue of the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful white-sand beaches, Bahamian designer Sabrina Francis shows off Independence Creations.-Contributed Photos
Sarsha in a green and white gown perfect for any independence celebration.
With an up-there slit, this design captures attention.
1
2
3
4
5

Dave Rodney, Contributor

In Wednesday, July 10, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas celebrates its 40th anniversary of independence. To mark this historic milestone, celebrations will be taking place across the chain of more than 700 islands where Columbus first made landfall in the Americas in 1492.

Parties, concerts, church services, festivals, theatrical performances, boat races, art and craft exhibitions and, of course, jonkonuu, will all form part of the celebrations this month and throughout the rest of the year.

All this flurry of activity will require sharp, striking and comfortable clothing. Veteran Bahamian designer Sabrina Francis, who has been designing for more than three decades, tells Outlook that she has the perfect designs for the various independence-celebration events.

Francis loves working in bright, tropical colours with a fabric called Androsia. This is a batik fabric manufactured on the island of Andros in the Bahamas, from where it gets its name. Androsia uses the natural beauty of the Bahamas for inspiration in its designs, and its production provides employment for hundreds on the island.

Here are some examples of Sabrina Francis' independence designs shot at Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas, with models Christabelle Izevbizva, Sarsha Taylor and Kendra Mathews.