Expect the off-beat, the dramatic, and a walk on the wild side at the third annual Caribbean Fashionweek, organised by Pulse, this Thursday, November 6 through to Sunday, November 9.
There is a buzz in the air and it is all about Caribbean Fashionweek. From November 6 through 9, more than 25 designers from the region will be creating a vortex of fabulousness as they parade their collections on the runway of the Hilton Kingston Hotel, New Kingston, for three days.
Since its birth three years ago Caribbean Fashionweek has steadily grown into a platform for designers from across the Caribbean to unite and present their designs to a world market. In anticipation of the events unfolding later this week, Lifestyle Reporter Kaili McDonnough has touched base with several of the participating designers for a peep into what the audience can expect.
Claudia Pegus, Trinidad:
OLD WORLD couture is the inspiration for this season's collections by Trinidadian designer Claudia Pegus.
Taking from the House of Balenciaga and Oscar De La Renta, Pegus advises fashion followers to expect a very dramatic collection that is both vintage and sensational.
Known mainly for her women's collection, Pegus will also be showing a men's selection at Fashionweek. Gents, be on the look out for resort wear in linen and organza.
As for the women's collection, this is where Pegus will test her stitch at classic couture. No excitement will be spared and you can look forward to the fine handwork, details and beading. She hints that the audience should 'think pink' "because that is what it is all about."
Expect off the wall
Simone Clarke, SIIM, Jamaica
Simone Clarke is no stranger to Fashionweek. Three years ago she revealed her collection to the world and the response has been phenomenal.
If you are a true fashionista, you have probably heard of this self-taught designer whose butterfly collection has become the rage around in the island. Clarke says that for Fashionweek this year she will be showing structured and tailored wraps of all kinds. Smart woman she is as trend followers will remember the stir made by New York designer Diane Von Furstenburg earlier this year with the resurgence of her signature wrap collection.
The inspiration for SIIM by Simone Clarke has come from 'a bunch of ideas that have been built on one idea, the butterfly'. Simone will be showcasing two collections 'The Butterfly' and 'The Hummingbird'. In terms of fabric, look for a lot of silk, linen and Sea Island cotton, which was generously donated by the Jamaica Agricultural Development Foundation.
Ferociously fashionable, Barbados
Renee Luke
Award-winning Bajan couturier Renee Luke promises to take the audience on a wild adventure by way of an African Safari. Luke says her collection was designed with the Serengeti Safari in mind.
So hold on tightly to your seats because this first-time Fashionweek participant is going to take you through the jungle with a wide range casual wear in animal prints. Her showcase will feature mainly men's wear.
Globalising Jamaica Puma
Earlier this year the German-based athletic footwear and apparel company Puma devised a marketing plan like no other.
Taking from the spirit, history and culture of Jamaica, Puma has launched a pan-global pop advertising campaign for its concept stores around the world.
An increase in popularity with style conscious urbanites prompted the company to market its H line in true Jamaican fashion. If you have travelled recently to England, France or major cities in the U.S. you might have noticed the remarkable stamp of Jamaican colours - the black, green and gold - all over Puma products.
The brand had been at a lull in the marketplace, but is making a comeback by piggybacking on the popularity of the island. At the same time the Puma campaign is doing wonders for the country, making Jamaica more visible in the international marketplace. At the same time the company also sponsors the national and Olympic teams.
"I am very ecstatic about Fashionweek," says Juliet Cuthbert, Puma's local consultant. "Showing the Puma/Jamaica line at Fashionweek is an excellent idea as it will highlight the essence of the Jamaican influence on the fashion industry."
