Winston Sill/
Freelance Photographer
A model highlights a design from the Siim collection at Saint International's 'Fashion Block', held recently on Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston .
Kavelle Anglin-Christie, Staff Reporter
Saint International is on to yet another fashion adventure. The modelling agency has been invited by the Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, to showcase Jamaican fashions in an event called Kulture2Couture, which began on Friday and ends today in London.
The fashion show is a part of the annual Black Historic Season, and Kulture2Couture is a new addition to the season. "The mayor of London wants to make it an annual event, which will serve as a platform to promote black designers," said Dewight Peters, CEO of Saint.
Saint partnered with Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), for the event, which Peters will showcase the talent of African and Caribbean designers.
difficult task
Saint, therefore had a difficult task of choosing designers to represent Jamaica at the show, which will be unveiling fashions from other territories.
The designers chosen to go to London to showcase their pieces are: Simone 'Siim' Clarke, Les Campbell, Carlton Brown, Lisa McKintosh of Neah Lis, Minka and Dexter Pottinger. Peters, however said Pottinger and Minka would not be going, but their pieces would be showcased.
Some of the other events scheduled to take place at Kulture2Couture are a series of 'masterclasses' where designers will get the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. There will also be a trade fair and marketplace showcasing London's creative talent, among other activities for the designers.
Peters told how Saint got involved in the venture: "Saint got involved after a recommendation was made to the Mayor's office, and because of our rapport with Jamaican designers we got through."
He said the new project is an exciting one, both for Saint and the designers. "We are excited because the talent of Jamaican designers will be showcased in the European market and that market is a very powerful one. I anticipate great things for them and I hope that a lot of orders will be made."
first to be showcased
Miss Clarke, Siim designer, said "I am sure I will be excited when I get there. This is the first time my pieces are going there, and that's really wonderful."
Les Campbell who will also be showcasing his designs in London for the first time, said: "I am happy that I am one of the persons they chose." He added that all the pieces he will be taking are new designs, and "all my pieces are favourites for me, but I don't know what the buyers will be thinking. I hope they like them, but in my opinion all my pieces are hits."
Peters said between 10 to 15 pieces will be showcased from the designers. He said he was proud that Saint could be a part of "this platform for the designers to realise their dreams and Saint is being used as a vehicle to do it. We truly feel honoured that we will be able take them to this level, and to bring Jamaican fashion to the world."
