StyleWeek set to celebrate Jamaica 50

As the anticipation builds towards this year's StyleWeek Jamaica (May 23-27), Saint International has announced that the Jamaica 50 secretariat has officially endorsed the event with the 'Proudly Celebrating' designation.

"StyleWeek Jamaica has always been a one-of-a-kind citywide fashion experience like no other. International and local fashionistas alike have embraced the 'Jamaicanness' celebrated at this global event. I am pleased that we can announce that StyleWeek Jamaica was the first fashion event to be assigned this designation," said Deiwght Peters, creator and executive producer of StyleWeek Jamaica.

"The event's creative and unique manifestation is consistent with what we as a people should be celebrating after 50 years of Independence," Peters posits.

Dubbed the world's iriest fashion week in the Caribbean's trendiest city - Kingston, this year's StyleWeek Jamaica will be of special significance.

In validating the 'Proudly Celebrating Jamaica 50' designation for StyleWeek Jamaica, Sydney Bartley, principal director (culture) in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, declared "Fashionblock is the only event of its kind in the world, which reflects the uniqueness, innovativeness, and creativity of the Jamaican character - the essence of brand Jamaica which the world has come to recognise, respect and acknowledge. StyleWeek Jamaica therefore provides a rare opportunity to establish Kingston to be considered an international mecca of style, creativity and panache."

historical journey

The five days of events unfold at legendary sites in Kingston, taking patrons on an incomparable historical journey. From the bayside themed car park (Accessories Showcase-May 23) to the majestic mansion of Devon House (International Men's Collection, May 25) and the once infamous pirate stronghold of Port Royal (International Mecca Of Style, May 26), to Fashionblock on Knutsford Boulevard on Sunday, May 27, the StyleWeek cross-town dance exposes the intrigue of the city.

international interest

Peters revealed that there is a high level of international interest from as far as South Africa and Eastern Europe.

"In the past, high-end fashion publications such as ID, Italian Vogue and ARISE Magazine have done glowing features on the event and city Kingston.

"Undoubtedly, the 'Proudly Celebrating Jamaica 50' designation gives the event a special classification in the country's celebration of its milestone as an independent nation. A high production value, supported by a cast of home-bred international stars (led by Calvin Klein runway regular Shena Moulton), guest supermodels (think Italian Vogue star Sesilee Lopez or French Vogue cover star Giorgianna Robertson), celebrity hairstylists and make-up teams ensure a delivery of world-class standards.

In the past, StyleWeek Jamaica has hosted world-renowned designer collections such as Gaspard Yurkievich, Julia Clancey (London/LA), SkinGraft (Los Angeles), Andrew Ramroop (Savile Row London), Xuly Bet (Paris), B. Michael (New York), LaQuan Smith (New York), Eyemeric Francois (Paris Couturier), Abaete (New York), Pierre Henri Mattou (Paris), Mark and Michael (South Africa) and others. This year will also feature an impressive global list of brands.

StyleWeek Jamaica will be supported by a cast of blue-chip brands and companies including Carreras, JAMPRO, Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), Jamaica Tourist Board, JHTA, Wyndham Hotel, Courtleigh Hotel, The Gleaner Company Ltd, Lascelles Wines and Spirit, Ministry of Youth and Culture, FAME FM, Newstalk 93FM, KOOL 97FM, MELLO FM and others soon to be announced.