D'Angel - file

The region's premier fashion event, the Pulse-sponsored and created Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) is all set to rock the fashion world come June 10-14, right here in Kingston, inside the National Indoor Sports Centre, and luvs, it promises to be one sensational event and nothing but!

Daahlings, we are talking red-hot celebs here! Fabulous clothes from the region's hottest designers and models all coming together in one fabulous fusion of fashion, music, moods, moves and attitudes. CFW represents a celebration of the Caribbean way of life and is one of the fastest-growing fashion weeks the world over. It has an especially unique cache, making it a trendsetting show-stopper of unparalleled import!

Dears, since its inception in 2001, much has been done to mimic the success of the event, but nothing else has so captured the imagination of the people of the Caribbean, while at the same time serving as a vehicle to unearth and launch the creative energies of the region.

Honeys, not since Althea Laing exploded on the international fashion scene with her unorthodox but very dramatic runway style and landed the coveted cover of Essence magazine, has Pulse been as effective in capturing the imagination and channelling the energies of Caribbean fashion.

Answer to prayers

Dear hearts, CFW was like the answer to the prayers of many who had seen the Jamaican and Caribbean fashion industry limp along from one idea to another, with very little benefits to those within the industry itself!

Enter CFW, coupled with the marketing savvy and pizzazz of the Pulse organisation under its dynamic founder Kingsley Cooper, and the Caribbean had found its own gateway into the fashion consciousness of the global fashion industry. Not only had Caribbean fashion arrived, but it would no longer sit idly by while others took credit for its creativity.

Well, my dears, talk about an idea whose time has come! CFW this year promises to be one of the hottest to date, according to Pulse's fabulous general manager, the lovely Romae Gordon!

And dears, little wonder here, as they are fresh from taking Brussels by storm. Expect to see the region's premier fashion designer, Sandra Kennedy, returning to her designing ways; the eclectic urban chic of Biggy Turner; the magic of Trinidadian couturier Cloud Pegs; all coupled with an A-list of celebrity attendees. These include Kelly Rowland, Eve, Tami Chynn, Cherine Anderson and D'Angel. Plus some simply fab promotional parties and after-parties. Dears, we are talking about the fashion event of the season here, and nothing but!

And with fashionistas, scribes, buyers and spotters pouring in from all over the globe, not to mention some of the hottest models to have ever graced the runway anywhere, y'all know that this here scribe wouldn't miss it for all the silk kimonos in China.

Honorary degrees

Issa

Then congratulations are in order and extended to the Hon Oliver Clarke and the Hon John Issa, on their being recognised by the University of the West Indies, for their selfless and invaluable contribution to this nation through their respective areas of service!

Both men with impeccable records of service to country above and beyond the call of duty, have distinguished themselves as men of integrity and pioneers in the fields of publishing and tourism, respectively. Clarke, as publisher of the island's most successful publishing empire, has been a bulwark against the state's usurpation of individual liberties; and Issa, the region's most distinguished tourism figure, his SuperClubs brand of elegant resorts breathing new life into the tourism sector and re-establishing brand Jamaica as a premier destination, at a time when international and national politics made us unfashionable!

The university, by choosing to award these two distinguished sons of Jamaica with honorary doctorates, is to be commended for honouring two genuine role models and business leaders who created their empires the old-fashioned way - by hard work.

Gemini birthdays

Then belated birthday wishes to the very charming Anna Chin, who celebrated her birthday yesterday but actually started celebrating on Sunday, when her Jo-Jo's Jerk Pit and More emerged as the grand champions at last Sunday's Jack Daniel's All Jamaica Grill Off, hosted at Devon House.

Described as a "gastronomic coup d'état" for Jo-Jo's Farm Market and Jo-Jo's Jerk Pit and More as the 'little grocer that could' grilled its way into the judges' tastebuds and scorecards.

They received a cash prize and trophy along with a chance to represent Jamaica at the Jack Daniel's American Royal competition in the United States. Anyone who had the pleasure of tasting their jerk offerings will attest to the fact that theirs is a most satisfying jerk offering, the lamb, in particular!

And happy birthday greetings to the charming Jannieve Jackson, who celebrates her special day today, May 29, with the party to follow in New York, later.

Also celebrating today is Lifestyle Editor of The Gleaner, the charming Barbara Ellington.

New York socialite and Round Hill habitué, the very lovely Leslie Klotz will celebrate her birthday tomorrow, May 30.

Thalia Chung will celebrate on Sunday the 31st.

Raynard Branch of Chicago will celebrate on the 3rd of June.

And artist Andy Jefferson will celebrate next Friday, June 5.

Claudia Pegus

Cherine Anderson

Designers Sandra Kennedy and Biggy Turner. - Contributed photos