Thursday was the kick off day for Caribbean Fashion Week and the event brought together many international stars to make sure this year’s topical celebration of fashion topped all the rest.
The premier event was held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica. Bold colors and flowing fabrics were showcased on the long runway and the list of designers at the show was massive. Debra Hill of Locstafari, Earl Turner of Biggy Womenswear, Ashley Martin of Attitude, Rhonda Tracey of China Doll, Brigid and Jason Lawson of Mushroom Swimwear, Keneea Linton, and Shaun Griffith of Raang, plus designers from Haiti, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, the U.S., Europe and Africa all came together for the first show on Thursday night.
This has officially marked the 11th year that Caribbean Fashion Week has provided a show case for Caribbean and international fashion designers, supermodels, and even music artists. The massive event was a magnet for the media as major networks from all over the globe were present on the night of the premier.
Vogue U.K, Fashion TV Paris, the Associated Press, Black Entertainment Television (BET), Women’s Entertainment (WE TV), the New York Times, BBC and more all showed up to get a glimpse of the latest international fashion trends.
On top of major networks and fashion designers, the list of celebrities in attendance was also quite extensive. Actress Nia Long was present along with singer Kelly Rowland, rapper Eve, actress Vanessa Williams, and reggae music producer Lee Scratch Perry.
The show was produced by Pulse Investments Ltd., an entertainment company that has spent more than 30 years in the fashion, music, and modeling industries.
The premier show was an exceptional breakthrough for the winner of Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search, Oraine Barrett. The young beauty from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica is now currently modeling for Ralph Lauren’s Polo brand.
Grammy winner Estelle was thrilled be to be performing at the internationally acclaimed fashion week. “Ever since I read about [the event] in SHE Caribbean, I have wanted to come to see some of the fashion the Caribbean has to offer,” Estelle tweeted in anticipation of the event.
June 11th will be the final night for Caribbean Fashion Week.