IT WAS A PICTURE PERFECT SCENE scene on a Saturday afternoon that warmed the hearts of mourners.
In a magnificently refurbished St Augustine Episcopal or Anglican Church in Brooklyn, hundreds of people of different colours, shapes and interests gathered to remember Wilfred Christopher Hunte, a prominent Bajan fashion designer who died a few weeks before from cancer at the age of 63.
When the service of poetry, trumpet, piano and vocal solos, organ music, scripture readings, holy communion, a homily by an Episcopal bishop and special tributes were over, it was clear the man whose ashes were in urns in the church’s sanctuary meant different things to different people.
Chris, who dressed some of New York’s finest and most influential women, including internationally famous jazz singer Nancy Wilson, Metropolitan Opera singer Florence Quivar, Broadway actress Debbie Coudreau, Hazel Dukes, President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Dr Marcella Maxwell, a leading educator and human rights activist; Rolanda Watt, a television news anchor; Carla Harris, a Carnegie Hall performer; and New York state contestants in the Miss America pageant, left an indelible mark on his clients by making them fashionable.
To the students of Pratt Institute, a 130-year old leader in higher education for its 4 600 students, many of whom the Bajan taught fashion design for almost two decades, “Professor Chris” was an outstanding mentor, a gentleman who always found time for the youth.
“He was devoted to his students to whom he gave unlimited attention and unwavering support. Christopher was an extraordinary individual of great warmth and kindness,” said Dr Thomas F. Schutte, president of the Institute, the New York equivalent of the University of the Arts in London.
Just as important, added Schutte, the Bajan would be remembered throughout the design world for his generous spirit, his tireless dedication to his craft, and sensitivity to clients, students, friends and colleagues.
One such client, Dr Maxwell, an advocate for children’s education and human rights, described the Bajan as “a dignified and quiet professional” with a sharp eye for design, colour and style.
“His clothes made you feel beautifully, comfortable and enjoyable,” she said.
Sandra Hunte, Chris’ wife of more than 20 years, said he had been ailing for sometime but never sought to hide his illness and he certainly didn’t give up hope.
“Chris always felt the more people who knew about his health, the better it would be,” said the widow. “We had a happy life together.”
The Rt Rev. Daniel Allotey, Episcopal bishop in residence at St Augustine, called the designer “a man of peace” who believed in following Christian principles.
The designer was born and grew up in Barbados and came to the United States in 1968. After receiving a bachelor in fine arts degree in fashion design from Pratt and special executive training at Saks Fifth Avenue, an upscale department store, he opened his own couture design studio in Manhattan that he ran for at least 20 years.
He was often lauded in major newspapers and magazines and fashion industry publications.
Chris routinely helped Barbadian and Caribbean immigrant organisations raise money for social causes.
His ashes were interred a few days ago in Barbados.
Tony Best is THE NATION’s North American correspondent. Email: Bestra@aol.com