Caribbean Fashionweek Takes Its Unique Place In World Fashion
Pulse model Crystal Patterson epitomizes elegance in this piece from Trinidad's Claudia Pegus at CFW 09
It is promoted as the “coolest fashion week in the world”, but after 9 years of innovation Caribbean Fashionweek is not only “cool”, it can also claim its own unique space in the dizzying firmament of world fashion. In 2009, the event became a solid entertainment feature as well – it always had the supermodels and the collections – thanks to Pulse’s 30 years of model development and success around the globe. No one can question the fact that CFW is a unique combination of international style, world class fashion, entertainment and business, with a natural Caribbean flair. The hundreds of fashionistas and mainstream media who come to CFW from around the world, makes the event an obvious prospect for Jamaican tourism growth and enhancement. Now, with entertainers of the quality of Eve and Kelly Rowland as well as such personalities as actress Nia Long, the event is a style package that also boasts high entertainment value.
The result was extremely high interest in the event and record attendances at the shows, despite increased entrance fees in a recession year. Truth be told, the fashion collections continued to take centre stage, but the added performances, not to mention the wicked parties, were fun and fabulous. Indeed, the Monday night Wrap Party at Strawberry Hill, must now be one of the year’s great parties, encompassing cocktails, dinner, dancing, a great vibe enjoyed by colourful personalities from around the world.
With the advent of the CFW Business Forum and CAFIF (the Caribbean Fashion Industry Association), held on the Sunday of CFW, there is a new focus on business development. When this is added to the buyers’ / designers matchmaking meetings, which take place on the Saturday afternoon of CFW, it is clear that Pulse has made a commitment to the commercial success of the region’s designers.
Today’s feature is the first of a three part look at CFW 2009 and highlights the fashion collections which took the runway by storm. CFW designers include world rated couturiers from Europe, Africa, America, Canada, Asia, Latin America and of course, our best stylists from the wider Caribbean. Just under 50 designers showed collections this year.
Tie Dye makes a bold come back during the Shakad collection by Shanika Burnett at CFW 09
It was indeed a dazzling display of colourful couture from the region’s finest and some of the world’s best designers. The star studded event delivered a host of a-list celebrities, world rated supermodels and stellar afterparties, but the collections made the biggest statement at CFW 2009. For three nights Kingston came alive with fashion. From elaborately crafted looks to chic understated ready to wear, the presentations boasted a melting pot of Caribbean couture laced with international style.
International fashion prodigies from India, Romania, London, the US and Africa were at their finest and CFW regular Gavin Douglas led the charge with his impressive leather jackets, bustiers and pleated pumpkin mini dresses. Strewn with fun and feisty pieces, the Vogue acclaimed British-Jamaican designer took fashion followers out on the town for a slice of London nightlife before heading over to one of India’s leading lady of fashion - Sushma Patel. Unveiling a kaleidoscope of colours adorned with gems and ‘capped’ with turbans native to her homeland India, Sushma blew patrons away with her hand embroidered details boasting her own stunning Indo-Western fusion themes and impeccable craftsmanship.
Former Pulse supermodel, artist -cum -designer, Lois Samuels debuted her classic, tailored line ‘The Vessel’ which boasted a chic uniform silhouette. Her collection gave way to the bespoke menswear line from fellow CFW first timer, Nana Boateng of Ghana. The cousin of world renowned designer Oswald Boateng, Nana showed up his family’s penchant for style as his African’s ‘suited warriors’ rocked the runway in unorthodox bubble gum pinks, magentas, teals as well as classic blacks, grey’s and whites. The new Brits on the block Jennivi Jordan and Lucy Jackson got off to a smashing start at CFW as well with Jackson’s study in corsetry and Jordan’s futuristic themes hitting all the right fashion notes.
Innovative and style savvy New York based fashion designer Courtney Washington presented simple lines with his signature fabric that were classic-chic, quite the opposite of six time Romanian designer of the year Catalin Botezatu. Lace detailing, silks in rich colours, complemented by opulent furs and elaborate headwear were solid staples in a high glamour collection.
Trinidad's grand dame of fashion Claudia Pegus walks down the CFW runway after a sucessful showing
The Caribbean’s own stylists brought their A game to CFW 2009 as well. Meiling had the audience captive with every look in her celebration of Secret Life of Plants. Cropped jackets paired with flowing skirts and long lean silhouettes were beautifully presented in the season’s subtle shades of pinks and peaches. Pencil skirts coupled with delicate blouses gave way to knee length dresses, printed with natural pigments reflected the true minimalist classicism that is Meiling. Claudia Pegus’ tribute to Michelle Obama saw a carousel of stunning cocktail frocks in bold hues of lime, tangerine, navy and black. Robert Young the Cloth and the Zadd & Eastman lines also made a strong representation for Trinidad.
Jamaica’s Earl ‘Biggy’ Turner reaffirmed why he is called the “King of Denim” with smart, sexy cuts from two of fashion’s most versatile materials --white cotton and denim. The au courant master Barry Moncrieffe explored classic black and white themes mixed in with signature reds as he styled enamored couples on the catwalk. Bags, berets, bangles and booties, Moncrieffe is a wiz at selecting accessories for his creations. Fellow Jamaican designer Sandra Kennedy also had a good showing with her ethereal all white collection made entirely of West Indian Sea Island Cotton. Starch and silky white jumpers, vests, box dresses and wraps sewn by a masterful hand, the collection, which was debuted in Brussels earlier this year, has earned Sandra favour in both the European and Japanese markets.
An impressive synergy of fashion, business and entertainment, CFW proved that in good times or recession, glamour sells. The world has taken note of Caribbean Fashionweek and has watched during its evolution from fledgling event in 2001 to its current status as the premier event representing the convergence of myriad cultural and fashion influences. The show noted record numbers in attendance for designers, patrons and press making it without doubt, the largest, most far reaching and strategically important fashion event in the region.
