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The future of fashion is here

Published:Monday | September 30, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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A model wears tailored chic white, cotton poplin casual long-sleeve shirt with micro-thin vertical plastic inserts, and mid-thigh cotton twill shorts with paisley hem.
A Saint International model wears black polycotton fishnet long- sleeve t-shirt and P cuff shorts with paisley hem.
A Parisian chic cotton poplin casual long-sleeve shirt with micro-thin horizontal plastic inserts, and cotton twill trousers with paisley hem.
This 1950s Italian-inspired black and white, cotton paisley shirt is worn with high-waist yellow, cotton twill trousers.
Another Parisian-inspired black super-fine cotton short-sleeve shirt with horizontal micro-thin plastic insert and high-fashion black and white, cotton twill trousers with paisley hem.
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 Andre Rowe, 'Avant Garde Designer of the Year' has joined forces with top Jamaican fashion photographer Wade Rhoden and stylist Michael Atkinson to present a preview of his spring/summer 2014 collection. Rowe, who topped the 13-contestant field in the Saint International design competition in March of this year, draws inspiration for his latest men's collection from what he describes as the international looks of the future.

According to Rowe, "This collection motivated me to create a voice, one that speaks to quality and luxury. This collection targets the fast-growing community of fashion-conscious men who want to make a fashion-statement and wish to complement their female counterpart."

The young designer told Flair that in conceptualising his spring/summer collection, he wanted to make a bold statement and to ensure Jamaica takes its place on the global fashion stage. For this collection, Rowe has chosen to work with a variety of cotton blends, combining some pieces with micro-thin breathable plastic, to create an appealing look for today's professional and modern man.

His participation in the 'Avant Garde Designer of the Year' competition, has afforded the young designer an opportunity to showcase his talents to a local audience, but he now has his sights set on tapping the international market, particularly the principal fashion capitals of London, Milan, New York and Paris.

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Since he was adjudged winner in this competition earlier this year, Rowe says he has realised that the fashion industry is fast-paced and ever evolving. To this end, Rowe has sought to keep abreast of developments in the global industry by reading fashion blogs, magazines and websites to learn about new trends. "To not keep up to date, is to risk being left behind," notes Rowe.

He is of the view that young designers will need to become more assertive and take greater care in understanding the business of fashion in order to be taken seriously in this global market environment of fashion.

A final-year student at the University of Technology, where he is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Food and Beverage Management at the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Rowe is beaming with confidence as he prepares to launch his spring/summer 2014 collection. He has set his sights on not just the local market, but expanding internationally, catering to consumers worldwide. With such a design-led determination, this focused and talented young designer appears set to make a great impact on the global fashion industry.

To find out more about the spring/summer 2014 collection, email: andre.d.rowe@gmail.com or like André on Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrerowedesigns.