Kitchen, restaurant and bar staff all around the world can now enjoy new, stylish looks thanks to Quintessential by T. Stoute, a line of Food and Beverage apparel, designed by renowned local chef, Trevon Stoute.
Quintessential was funded in part by a National Cultural Foundation grant, and is the apparel partner for the Barbados Food & Rum Festival. The brand has been officially launched this month to coincide with the festival.
Actually, chefs participating in the final upcoming events of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI’s) Food & Rum Festival will be wearing the Quintessental brand.
“I am ecstatic and super, super, happy for the opportunity to have the entire Food & Rum team fully drapped in the apparel. It is an absolutely blessing. The response has been huge. People love what they have been seeing. They love the fit. I am honoured to see the Food & Rum Festival posters plastered on the highway with the chefs in gear my company designed,” the 28-year-old said.
Stoute was also in high praise for the funding and other support provided by the NCF.
“Special thank you to the NCF. The project was a tough undertaking from the get go. It was a very expensive project and the NCF did lend a hand with the grant and I appreciate that. Any help is a big help. The process was a tedious one but it was tedious for a reason. The NCF grant process ensured that I was well-organised and had all my ducks in a row which is good for anyone starting a new business,” he stated.
“Quintessental was born out of a desire to revolutionise apparel in the Food and Beverage industry”, the chef explained.
“Due to the demanding nature of our work, we have been forced to prioritise function over fashion. But our job is about more than flipping pasta or pouring a glass of wine; we create an immersive dining experience, and I believe that we deserve to be a part of that experience as well, starting with the way we present ourselves,” owner and founder said.
Stoute has been one of the major players in Barbados’ culinary scene for several years, representing the island around the world as a culinary ambassador, and has received a number of titles, including Barbados’ Chef of the Year, a Taste of the Caribbean award-winner, and the Hans Schenk Commemorative Awardee.
It is this expertise and experience he has brought to Quintessential, where the pieces have been designed with important elements like water and stain repellence, breathable fabrics, and added features for increased airflow and improved fit.
“Quintessential proves that fashion and function can comfortably coexist. It means the world to me that I’ve been able to design pieces that function like well-oiled machines in the kitchen, while maintaining a superior level of elegance and style the moment you step out of the kitchen.”
Stoute added: “Ultimately, I want our food & beverage teams to feel good about themselves. I want the heart and soul we put into our work to be reflected in the way we present ourselves while on the job.”
The Quintessential line currently includes chef’s coats, mixologist jackets, servers’ shirts and aprons, and is currently offered online with worldwide shipping available. (PR)
