LEFT: Male models are suave in designs from Carlton Brown. RIGHT: A model wears a Melissa Dunkley design at the Saint International Style Week 2007, International Mecca of Style Fashion Show, held at Devon House last Saturday.
- Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Knutsford Boulevard was abuzz on Sunday night, as Saint International's 'Fashion Block' prevailed despite the rain. Spring/Summer '08 designs from an eclectic group of designers graced the Caribbean's longest runway.

Patrons flocked New Kingston while selectors Razz and Biggy brought a dancehall vibe, getting the crowd animated. After a delay the show finally kicked off with the University Singers taking the stage, performing an opera-style song. As they began singing, one model struck a pose before kicking off down the runway. The first set of designs were from 'Digicel Couture' by Dexter Pottinger, which were all red-themed skirts, dresses and bathing suits, mixed with leopard prints.

The male collection from Les Campbell followed, which the women in the crowd loved as the sexy male models looked dapper in well-fitted pants in a multitude of colours, as well as suits with interesting vests in plum, green and more. Meanwhile, Coppershot Disco turned up the heat during the show with the latest hit songs, while MC Jerry D jovially commented on the lovely ladies strutting before him.

Tasha Hussey, based in Atlanta, brought a retro cool feel to her designs with sexily cut dresses in green, purple-pink, browns and lovely shades of blue. The dresses had a real summer feel, utilising breezy, cool material.

Terri Nicholson's designs looked glamorous, with signature gathered pumpkin styled long and short dresses. The gathered effect made the clothes seem to float around the models as they walked. One model came out in a V-neck jacket style green and cream short dress, with a cream shorts that looked fun yet classy. Another fun look was the 'bridal pair' - a female model in a short white dress with red accompanied by a male in red pants and a white-frilled shirt.

Debut of Philip Reid

This year saw the debut of Philip Reid on a Saint stage, as he brought an old school, army style flair to his male designs. The pants and shirts fit the male models to a T, leaving little to the imagination. The look was old school but hip, with a black fur-lined jacket with leopard print on the back.

Another first-timer to Saint was Kevin Reid with Kulcha Vybz and the sexy culture look was well received. Kulcha featured numerous cute short shorts, capris and nationalistic T-shirts for men and women. 'Cotton Candy' from Barbadian designer Toni Thorn was strange yet appealing to some, who commented how interesting the designs were. True to the theme the designs were colourful, with puffy extensions that resembled cotton candy. The models were accessorised with lollipops and sweets. Designer Thorn made an interesting walk down the runway, as she and two models did a choreographed dance strut.

Les Campbell showcased his female collection with long dresses, but the female collection wasn't nearly as exciting as that of the male collection. Proclaimed the new phenomenon by Saint CEO Deiwight Peters, designer Martin Miller showed why artistes, such as Beenie Man and D'Angel, have clamoured for his style, dubbed 'White Sky'. Miller utilised a lot of leather and chains with reds, browns and blues. His designs varied from skirts, dresses and pants for women and pants through shirts for men that had a party dancehall flare.

A guest performance from Supa Hype gave added life to 'Carpe Dieum' by Nesta Garrick. His designs were all casual, featuring shorts, tops and sporty gear with 'Carpe' and 'D' sprawled across them. Supa Hype performed Uptown Story and sported his Carpe Dieum gear, also doing a take on another 'downtown story' as he sang "mi deh pon di poolside, if yuh want to know where to find me, come up on di hillside". Orville Lewis, aka Tony Crash, brought sexy back with his menswear, which featured a lot of whites, well-fitted pants and colourful tops.

An entertaining performance by Ashe Brazil brought added vigour to the night as they performed the 'Capoeira', a material arts dance that dates back to slavery in Brazil. The men moved acrobatically while the models, wearing Motorola designs from Body artistes Eon and Robby, strutted between them. The Neah-Lis Collection brought the high seas to the night with numerous sailor-style costumes, as the designer utilised many bright yellows and orange.

Glued to the stage

Then began the rain and some patrons left. But the majority were glued to the stage, staying put as the models braved the rain to show the eccentric accessories of Edna Manley student Dwayne Bennett. The bathing suit collection from Cassandra Motley was well-suited for the weather, sporting a lot of blues.

The male collection of Martin Miller rocked as the men looked provocative. Courtesy of the French Embassy were some lovely, colourful, flowing long dresses from Guadeloupe. One Third performed to cheering fans as designs from RAW and Professor Andrew Ramroop followed.

The grand finale was from Dexter Pottinger as the models came out accompanied by a marching band. The theme was sparkles and glamour with a lot of gold, shiny blacks and silver-gold bikinis.

Saints Style Week ended fashionably, and though the designs were not strong enough to really wow the crowd it was a good effort.