Designer nominated for Jerome award
By RON FANFAIR
As a perfectionist with an affinity for style, substance and originality, fashion designer Ettie Dawkins thought she had a full appreciation for internationally-recognized interior designer Rafaell Cabrera's creativity.
She however said that her admiration for his talent increased when she paid a visit to his apartment a few years ago for a business meeting and was stunned by his selection and application of tasteful products and the imagery he used to create an attractive interior.
"I was simply blown away by the wonderful way in which he mixed the antique with the modern," said Dawkins who successfully nominated Cabrera for a Harry Jerome award in Arts, Media & Entertainment.
"My appreciation for his work and talent went up several notches after witnessing the manner in which he transformed his living space."
As founding members of the Applause Institute which has staged the successful Cotillion Ball in Toronto for the past decade, Dawkins has witnessed first-hand Cabrera's skill in combining technical perfection with functionality to produce and direct one of the landmark events in the city's vibrant youth community.
"Rafaell is a dedicated, committed and very humble professional who does not wear his creativity on his sheeves," remarked Dawkins who won a Harry Jerome award four years ago for Community Service. "When he commits to a project, you can rest assured that he will be there from the start to the end with incisive input.
"Through this award, I hope Rafaell will get the recognition he deserves for the extremely high standard of work he has done in this community and also on the international scene."
Born in the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Cabrera migrated to Canada in 1969 at age 17 to complete high school and pursue post-secondary studies in Psychology and Sociology at the University of Alberta.
"As a very young child, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do," Cabrera told Share from Miami earlier this week. "But I also thought I wanted to be a psychologist and that's why I decided to do it in university and get it out of the system.
"I however found out that you have to be a psychologist to be in the business of interior designing because you are dealing with people, finances, designing and creativity all the time. In a sense, my undergraduate studies helped prepare me for my chosen profession."
After working briefly in Visual Display and as the Home Fashion Co-ordinator at the Hudson Bay Company, the multi-talented artist and gourmet cook launched Rafaell Cabrera
International (RCI) in January 1978.
As the President and Principal Designer of the company, which has offices in Toronto and Miami, Cabrera develops unique design ideas, presents and manages design projects, tenders construction contracts and bid packages, hire contractors and co-ordinate the manufacture of custom millwork, furnishings and product display units.
He also prepares reviews and approves drawings, budgets, estimates, contracts and schedules and processes bonds, lien waivers, warranties and close-out evaluations.
With an abundant desire to share his creative talent, Cabrera served as Director of Visual Planning, Store Design and Construction Worldwide for MAC Cosmetics for 13 years up until 1996, Creative Director for Excellence Magazine, which was produced by Share, and Splash Magazine, and as a stage and set designer for theatre productions at The Mercury and Poor Alex theatres.
In addition, he has worked with such luminaries as academy Award winning actresses Charlize Theron, Faye Dunaway, Helena Bonham-Carter, singer Gladys Knight and Dr. Maya Angelou during the world premiere of Down in the Delta at the Toronto International Film Festival a few years ago.
"Dr. Angleou's people were looking for stylist for a photo shoot for the world premiere of her directorial debut and that was how I got connected to her," recalled Cabrera who has designed booths for several international hair shows. "She's an absolutely delightful and personable individual."
A licensed real estate agent and a former lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design, Humber College and the University of Victoria, Cabrera recently acted as Creative Director for a new CD titled SouLuscious which is being played on local radio stations and sold in music stores.
He said he's excited to be a Harry Jerome award recipient and will relish the time leading up to the awards on April 16.