19 collections, the Caribbean’s longest runway... FASHION BLOCK

-Skingraft Designs’ collection defined sexy and mellow with classic themes remixed with a modern-day appeal and flair that is undeniable...

Saint Models strutted down the Caribbean’s longest runway last Sunday, wearing 19 different collections and showcasing the vibrant creativity of Jamaican designers, as well as some from Europe, the United States, and around the Caribbean. Complete with performances from Chino and Laden, and a surprise guest appearance on the catwalk by King of the Dancehall Beenie Man; the Digicel Sponsored Styleweek, Jamaica’s Fashion Block was the place to be.

Impressive collections came from Emeryic Francois out of Paris, Dexter 3D Pottinger, Pablo Palair, Nzigma, Phillp Reid, Tamika Browne, Andre Rowe, Les Campbell, H.O.D designs, Sammy B, Anarchy by Adrian Shirley, White Skyy and Skingraft Designs.

Skingraft Designs’ collection defined sexy and mellow with classic themes remixed with a modern-day appeal and flair that is undeniable, while Andre Rowe presented a short, über-chic modern collection of women’s wear.

Bubble dresses, flowing frocks, and sharp designs were what made up the collection presented by Adrian Shirley’s Anarchy, and was definitely a collection for keeps – except for that occasional design with that ‘storebought’ look that ’09 fashionistas try hard to avoid. Sammy B was simply sensational. That all-female line was a fashion fiesta with fine, hot, and practical women’s designs, without the eccentricities of haute-couture-gone-bad.

Dexter 3D Pottingers eyebrow raising futuristic collection was also impressive and interesting. The collection was designed for communications giant Digicel and was an interpretation of their ‘cutting-edge’ modus operandi. The result was a collection of boustiers, metallic golds, lights, and other out-of-the-box designs, being schlepped down the 130-ft runway.

A slew of palatable browns, burgundies, yellows, oranges, and purples characterised the Les Campbell collection, which was not complete without his interpretation of the immortally important Little Black Dress. It was Tamika Browne’s interesting play with colours like purple, orange, blue, peach, and gold that resulted in a long, but enjoyable display of fashion.

H.O.D designs were the definition of eclectic and eccentric. With models sporting veils, unevenly cut fabric, edgy leggings, and pinks and blacks, and Phillip Reid was certainly a refreshing style on male fashion, with simple designs complete with a bold flair, and lots of lustre.

Nzigma’s itsy bitsy two pieces, chic white fashions, and attempts to re-establish mettallics like gold and silver in the pool of summer trends were interesting to see, as were Emeryic Francois’ pop coutoure line that took Fashion Blick through a range of colours, from formal to urban style.

White Skyy was perhaps the most popular of all the collections. Except for a yellow ‘thing’, their men’s collection was the talk of the night, even though Montego Bay-based designer Pablo Palair turned up the swagg factor with a menswear collection that defined a 21^st century GQ man. Clean, bold and sharp were the designs from the humble Rastafarian designer.

At the end of the fashion explosion that is the Fashion Block, the only thing left to do was wonder what next could Dewight Peters and the Saint International team do to make the event even bigger and better.

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