Andrea Downer, Features Writer

A JLP supporter shows off her style.

Jamaican women are fashionable, but women from inner-city communities are known to take fashion to a whole new level.

Political candidates handed out hundreds of T-shirts to their constituents during the campaign to stamp their brand in various communities and these 'tees' also served as visible indications of the level of support candidates enjoyed in particular areas.

However, when female supporters of both the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) took to the streets yesterday to cast their votes, neither the manufacturers of the one-size-fit-all T-shirts nor the candidates, some of whose photographs appeared on the shirts, would easily recognise them.

Variety of frames

The shirts were snipped, cut and punched within an inch of their lives and tied or draped on a variety of frames.

T-shirts, which began their lives as a mere coverage for the torso, were cut in two and miraculously became midriff blouses and miniskirts, with the sides snipped and tied to ensure that they snugly fit very round derrières.

Armbands of the JLP morphed into earrings and necklaces and some oversized shirts doubled as dresses with gaping holes in the back through which undergarments were easily spotted.

Kadean Talbert, 13, proudly posed in her green dress which was formerly a T-shirt. Her bright yellow necklace, shoes and armband matched the bold 'Bruce' emblazoned across the front under a picture of JLP leader, Bruce Golding.

"It took me about an hour to do it," she said when asked how long it took her to transform her T-shirt into a dress.

Unique style

Supporters of the PNP on on Collie Smith Drive in Western Kingston show they've got 'backative' too. - Photos by Andrea Downer

Seventeen-year-old Shauna, whose once oversize T-shirt now hugged her body with a peekaboo space strategically placed just above her bottom, told The Gleaner that she worked just as painstakingly to make the outfit.

"I do it every year," she said, stating that there was just no way she would wear the T-shirt the way she got it.

While both political parties took aim at Jamaica House yesterday, many women who turned out to vote or support either party made sure that they were fashionably dressed in their own unique styles.

andrea.downer@gleanerjm.com