Some pieces from Antoni & Alison's Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

Hi there

I want  to start off by saying thanks for all the well wishes. I really appreciate it. Thank you! I’m on the mend and back in London for a while.

Now you and I both know what that means….Yes London Fashion Week

So far its been fabulous! I’ve seen Antoni & Alison, Bora Asku, DAKS and so much more. So I will be posting regularly as of tonight so keep watching.

If you want to see some of the treats from London Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 then you can watch the shows live on http://qv-designs.com/ from the comfort of your sofa.

See you tonight

Shaz

A piece from the 'Strings' Collection by Cecilia Davena.

Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston, Jamaica came alive at 9:40pm Sunday night, for Style Weeks Fashion Block. Although it started a little late the Jamaican public came out on to celebrate this free fashion event. Kevin O’Brien opened the show, closely followed by Donna Shamair, Shades of Africa, Balla Shawn, Cecilia Davena, Kaydian Nicely, Coco Johnson and Neah Lis.

Yes your right some of these designers did present collections on previous nights, but all ensured something new, fresh and unique hit the runway on Sunday night. Take a look at a few of the pieces below.

A vibrant, bold, abstract piece that was part of Kevin O'Brien's collection.

Shades of Africa presented mens & womenswear.

Kevin O’Brien added some bold  statement pieces to his ‘all white’ collection that he presented previously. An outstanding presentation on his part once again! I liked how Tanya Cameron the designer for Shades of Africa used traditional African fabrics for relatively modern looks. Such as the one pictured above, alongside some very traditional pieces. Definitely a good mix.

Carl Brown presented 'Calilles Hatitude' at Fashion Block.

Nish by Nikolay presented some cute swimwear.

Carl Brown presented some exquisite hats in celebration of Jamaica’s 50th, while Nikolay showcased some sexy swimwear. Designers Debra Jarett, Andre Shirley and Donovan Depass also took the runway by storm with some great collections.

After a brief intermission when the compere of the night Jerry D entertained us all we got back to some show stopping fashion.  Andre Rowe, Gregory HOD Williams, White Skyy, Courtney Washington all graced the runway with amazing pieces. Some are pictured below.

A Saint model strikes a pose in a Andre Rowe piece.

Celebrity designers White Skyy presented some female pieces alongside the mens collection.

Franz Christie, Rick B, the fabulous Indashio and Donna Rose were the designers that closed Fashion Block. All presented unique, exciting creations that were worth waiting till after midnight for. Some are pictured below.

Although I found each of the fashion events full of  so much talent, creativity, uniqueness and able to compete on the global fashion stage, the turn out was continuously disappointing. I hope that next year Jamaica realises what a phenomenal event Style Week is and support it fully in huge numbers.

A simple but beautiful piece by Franz Christie.

A show stopping Jamaica 50th tribute by Donna Rose.

Keep watching the blog as I post some of the video footage taken from Style Week 2012 and one on one interviews with the designers. Great job Deiwght and the Saint team. I’m looking forward to next years event already.

Shaz

P.S. Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) 2012 starts June 7th, so keep watching!

]]> http://gleanerblogs.com/fashion/?feed=rss2&p=2800 2 http://gleanerblogs.com/fashion/?p=2850 http://gleanerblogs.com/fashion/?p=2850#comments Wed, 30 May 2012 14:01:29 +0000 Shaz http://gleanerblogs.com/fashion/?p=2850 Saint International’s Style Week Jamaica 2012 came to an end on Sunday but not without showcasing some fabulous fashion over the weekend. So lets talk about the International Mens Collection first.

On the 25th May at Devon House, Kingston we were treated to a mens fashion extravaganza. Andre Shirley, Shades of Africa, Balla Shawn, White Skyy and Rick B were the designers that showcased their amazing talents in Formal Gardens. Pictured below are some of the creations.

One of Andre Shirley's menswear pieces.

White Skyy's collection was a mix of casual & tailored pieces.

Rick B celebrated Jamaica's 50th in a number of his casual pieces.

As you can see from the pictures the collections encompassed high end tailored garments and on trend casual wear. Sophia Max-Brown also presented on the night garments made by designers such as Michael Kors. Her presentation had individuals such as the Hon. Damian Crawford and Brian Schmidt walking for charity. The audience found it all, thoroughly entertaining.

On Saturday night Style Week took us to Fort Charles, Port Royal, International Mecca of Style. Yola Gray opened the fashion festivities, followed by Nina‘s detailed and sexy crochet pieces. Cecilia Davena presented some figure hugging, vibrant pieces and Andre Shirley surprised the audience with a youthful & very wearable collection.

A Jamaica 50 inspired piece by Cecilia Davena

The patrons were then treated to up and coming talents from UTECH. As some students presented mini collections. This was followed by designs from Courtney Washington, Elaine Dyer’s beautiful day & evening wear. Donovan Depass, a designer that trained with Vera Wang closed off this segment of the show, with some amazing silhouettes.

Courtney Washington's Jamaica 50 inspired creation.

A gorgeous piece by Donovan Depass.

After an intermission we were onto the final segment of the show. Neah Lis, La Quan, Franz Christie, Tasha of T&T Fashions, Coco Johnson and Kevin O’Brien all graced the runway. Loved Neah Lis’s fluid shapes and bold use of colour with the black. (As pictured below).

L.A. designer Coco Johnson’s creations were to die for. Yes I did see a few that I’ve definitely got my eye on Kevin O’Brien closed the show paying homage to Jamaica’s 50th with an all white collection. It was absolutely stunning!

Neah Lis designs utilised bold, abstract colour.

Celebrity deisgner Coco Johnson's creations were fabulous.

One of Kevin O'Brien's inspirational pieces.

I thoroughly enjoyed the two nights of fashion and have to applaud the creativity and talent of  all the designers that participated. Log on tomorrow to check out the Fashion Block.

You can also log on to www.qv-designs.com to see more images and much more detail regarding Saint International’s, Style Week Jamaica 2012.

Shaz

Basia Szkutnicka from the London College of Fashion treated all those present at Style Week Jamaica’s, Career in Fashion Forum to a phenomenal presentation. The talk was split into two parts. Creativity & Inspiration being the first part, followed by a presentation on The London College of Fashion. Unfortunately I was only able to attend the first section, but I’m so glad I did.

Basia spoke at length about her creative process. The journey she goes upon on a daily basis and encourages her students to travel when creating. She discussed at length her inspirations, which were then used to motivate and inspire those present. Such as a photograph of a man filled with paper. Based on these images a number of designing tasks were set for the audience. (Pictured above).

Basia’s passion, knowledge and energy on the whole subject of design I’m sure all present found inspirational and energising. In fact the only thing about this whole event I found disappointing was the fact that not enough of our young and creative individuals were present. I know in the UK where I studied the Villagio at the Wyndham Hotel would not have been able to cope with the number of people wanting to attend this free event.

I hope Saint International continue bringing individuals such as Basia to Style Week Jamaica and that eventually the creative educators, students and individuals in Jamaica realise that they need to attend these types of presentations to develop themselves, their visions and their creations.

Keep watching the blog. Next up is The International Men’s Collection

Shaz

Now what can you expect at Style Week Jamaica 2012? As promised here’s a synopsis of the show stopping one of a kind shows and events.

May 24th

4pm. – 6pm. High Tea ‘N’ Style with the first ladies. It’s the first time Saint International have hosted an event such as this and as usual it has an unusual twist. Lady Allen will be hosting High Tea at Kings House in the Ballroom, with an ultra exclusive fashion show just for the ladies.

A contribution of J$5,000 is requested and the monies will be going to Lady Allens various charities. So lets enjoy the company and the fashion while assisting  a worthy cause.

9pm. The night of the 24th is all about ‘White Glam’. The City Style & Accessories Show & Party will be taking place, at the UDC Car Park, downtown Kingston. It’s an invitation only event and its looking as though its going to be more fabulous than last year.

May 25th

I’m grateful to the Saint team for making sure the events for the 25th do not start too early, especially after such a late night

10am. – 1pm.  A Career in Fashion Forum is taking place at the Villagio, Wyndham Hotel. This event will have the Director of International Studies from the London College of Fashion participating, hence sharing a wealth of knowledge.  Saint International have targeted this event primarily at our youth and hope to have a 1,000 high school & collge students attend this free event. Yes its free, so everyone interested in fashion as a career needs to attend.

1pm. – 3pm. JAMPRO are hosting a Designers Lab/Fashion Cluster. Buyers from the US will be attending this event. So this workshop would definitely be beneficial to all designers. As discussions about what they are looking for in their markets, critiques of pieces etc should take place in this forum. Who knows it may end in your creation being bought

9pm. – The International Men’s Collection  (IMC) will take place at Devon House in the Formal Gardens. I’m expecting phenomenal things from this show. I hear that Sophia Max-Brown will be doing something special on the night and that Kevin O’Brien, Parisian designer will be presenting a collection based on Jamaican glamour in celebration of Jamaica 50th. Yes I’m excited as his definitely one of my faves!

An After Party for IMC will take place at Fiction Nightclub after the show. See you inside.

26th May

9pm. –  International Mecca of Style takes place at Fort Charles, Port Royal. This location is such a lovely backdrop for a fashion show. A wealth of history and apt for our 50th year. I still don’t know how those gorgeous models manage to walk in those mega heels on those cobbled walkways. Maybe if I’m lucky they’ll give me a lesson

27th May

11am – 7pm. – Skintastic/Hair Me Beautiful Trade Show is another of Saint Internationals new events at Style Week 2012. Its free and takes place at the Pegasus Ballroom. Soft Sheen Carson will be sending a team over to participate in this event so all you hair & beauty diva’s need to be there. I’m not missing it!

7pm. – 8:30pm.  - Meet Me Behind the Runway, Knutsford Blvd. Another innovation by Saint International. Knowing Deiwght Peters its bound to be full of surprises.

9pm. – Fashion Block will be taking place on Knutsford Blvd. I’m told its going to knock our socks of this year and has an amazing finale.  So come in your numbers to this free event.

An After Party for Fashion Block will be taking place at the Jonkanoo Lounge, Wyndham Hotel.

Tickets for the fashion shows at Devon House and Port Royal are J$1,500. Get in touch with Saint International for the details 876-969-9645 or 876-969-3829

I’ll be posting content through-out the days and  the nights So keep watching.

Shaz

Welcome - Saint International CEO Deiwght Peters opening the Media Launch for Style Week Jamaica 2012.

It’s that time of year again fashionistas when the Caribbean has a number of fashion weeks taking place. I’ll be keeping you posted, starting with Style Week Jamaica 2012

A fabulous ruby red two-piece creation shown at the Style Week Jamaica Media Launch.

Kingston, Jamaica was the place to be Thursday night (17th May) at Saint International’s Media Launch for Style Week Jamaica. Although the launch started a few minutes late I enjoyed watching and talking with the, leggy females, public figures, models & designers Andre Rowe, Gregory ‘HOD’ Williams, Andre Shirley.

A fashionista attending the Saint International Style Week Jamaica 2012 Media Launch.

The head table & speakers for the night consisted of Hon. Damion Crawford – Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism & Entertainment, Christopher Barnes – Managing Director of The Gleaner Company. Looking very dapper in a tan suit. Monique Todd – VP Marketing & Public Affairs Bank of Nova Scotia, Lenworth Tracey – Deputy General Manager of the Urban Development Corporation.

Sponsors & speakers at the Style Week Jamaica 2012 Media Launch.

Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) CEO Valerie Veira. Oozing elegance in a animal print two-piece and wrap. Sydney Bartley – Principal Director of the Ministry of Youth & Culture, Kim-Marie Spence – Director Creative Industries/Film Commission JAMPRO and Angelique Virtue – Senior Brand Exec at CARRERAS Ltd. (Pictured below). I’ll be posting some of the speeches over the next few days so keep watching

One of the fab pieces presented as part of the accessories segment during the Style Week Jamaica Media Launch.

Yes an impressive panel with a consistent message.  Whether historically based or witty & succinct the universal message really consisted of three parts. The first being the driving force behind Saint International, Mr Deiwght Peters. His passion, energy, commitment, fortitude & boldness.  I’d like to add his class, style & vision to that list.

This bold creation was shown at the Style Week Media Launch.

The second part of the message spoke to the the uniqueness & creativity of our designers and models. I think Sydney Bartley put it well “Creativity thrives in adversity” It definitely has in Jamaica. As during three segments I saw beauty & uniqueness as we were introduced to Saint International models. Followed by ingenuity, flair & fancy as we were treated to creations ranging from jewellery to hats to mens & womenswear. (Pictures are through-out this post).

Another teaser of what to expect at Style Week Jamaica went down well with the audience.

The final element of the message spoke to the potential of Style Week Jamaica. How this fashion extravaganza can assist in the revitalisation of Downtown Kingston & generate positive tourism & financial rewards for all of Jamaica.

As someone that travels, far too regularly I have to agree. Brand Jamaica is only helped globally by first world events such as Saint Internationals Style Week Jamaica, showcasing our talents.

These beauties were present at the Saint International Style Week Jamaica Media Launch.

So come out Jamaica and support this amazing spectacle of fashion “the worlds iriest fashion week in the trendiest island city – Kingston” Style Week Jamaica 2012.  I’ll be at the events & shows, so come over & say hi

The 'fantabulous' Keshon with some lovely ladies at the Style Week Media Launch.

Remember to log on Tuesday to see an outline of Style Week Jamaica’s show stopping schedule, 24th – 27th May 2012.

TC!

Shaz

Which side do you fall on? Well I’m certain Danielle’s an intelligent, charismatic beauty but does the wardrobe fit the bill? Below are a selection of pictures all credited to that amazing Jamaican photographer Winston Sill with my comments. I’d love to hear yours!

The daytime creation above by Anarchy works on some levels for me. The full sleeved blouse is cute! But sorry Anarchy I feel the high waistband area is far too fussy to be falling right beneath our beauty queens breasts. Not very flattering.

Keena Linton’s fuschia and black piece above is both sexy and youthful. Love the lace back and embellishment on the lower part of the dress. Gorgeous!

But the black and white ensemble (below) for me does not have the youthful elegance I associate with Miss World. Sorry! The head wear from Marcellas Designs of Cinderella Hats is beautiful! As always!

Uzuri gowns are distinctive, bold statements. The black number pictured below fits the beauty perfectly. Accentuating those curves that can make all the difference.

Unfortunately a number of the looks for Danielle I felt were very matchy matchy! Silver dress with silver pumps, blue strapless mini number with matching shoes and earrings. A lot of the time a mismatch of colour would accentuate the outfit and give it an on trend, fresh vibe rather than a 80′s feel. Just imagine a hot red pump with the cute black mini dress. Yeah…

I also found a lot of the pieces for our beauty queen to be totally unflattering and inappropriate for this renowned pageant. For example the dress pictured above, in my opinion its far too frumpy. Julan why oh why… I know you can do better I have seen your work.

NEXT… is this white gown bridal or maternity wear? Uzuri International like Julan is a strong design house but one has to wonder what happened here!

I do have to say that when I consider Miss Jamaica World’s wardrobe as a whole I find it to be far below the calibre expected for beauty pageants.

My comments are not designed to take anything away from the designers. I have seen a number of fashion shows over the years with these designers and I’ve seen some amazing creations that show these designers to be world class. So I’m left thinking possibly the brief that was given to them or the selection process or both were lacking?

How do you feel about Miss Jamaica World’s wardrobe? Is it strong enough to help our Jamaican beauty bring the title home?

I’ve also been monitoring the polls for this competition on a daily basis. In one poll Spain is heading the competition as the favourite, closely followed by Venezuela and Hungary. While Sweden leads in another poll followed by India and Ireland.

Unfortunately Jamaica is low in the rankings in both polls. Nevertheless, I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing our Jamaican beauty Ms Crosskill all the best for November 6th in London, England. .

For more pictures of Danielle’s wardrobe take a look at Flair Magazine and the Miss Jamaica World Pageant 2011 Facebook page.

Talk soon

Shaz

In a very small poll of my neighbours suggestions included Portia Simpson Miller, Danielle Crosskill, and Shelly Ann Fraser….The list of suggestions could go on and on and on and on. So I put together some suggestions below.

Ann-Marie Vaz (above) looks stunning in this strapless gown.

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Ex beauty queens Lisa Hanna (above, left) and Yendi Phillips continue to look absolutely gorgeous!

Dancehall diva’s D’Angel, Tifa and Natalie Storm always look fashion forward whether you like there style or not they are always – let me repeat – fashion forward.

So who would you include in this list? I know I’ve missed so many many! Share your thoughts!

Talk again soon.
Shaz

As I’m sure you’ve heard Miss Angola, Leila Lopes made history for her country as she was crowned Miss Universe.

In my opinion the 25 year old beauty illustrated both striking beauty and intelligence. But I’m sure you have heard the negative comments from Miss France, Laury Thilleman. Do you think Miss Angola deserved to win?

Unfortunately Shakira Martin, Miss Jamaica Universe (below) did not place in the final grouping, but good effort young lady. So once again I find myself asking do we in Jamaica have the right formula for selecting our beauties for the pageants and the right panel selecting the beauty? You tell me….

The newly crowned Miss Jamaica World, Danielle Crosskill will represent Jamaica at Miss World in London on November 6.

Unfortunately Chantal Raymond was unable to bring home the crown last year. But Jamaica has won the Miss World title on three occasions, Carole Joan Crawford in 1963, Cindy Breakspeare in 1976 and most recently Lisa Hanna in 1993.

Do you think the right girl won and is likely to bring home the crown for the 4th time?

Although I’m running around for London fashion week i’ll be checking in regularly to get your thoughts. So lets get to chatting .

Talk soon

Shaz

What fun and festivities, what colour! Who would have thought a few days ago London and so many of England’s cities were in such upheaval and disorder…

It was so nice to see the “bobbies on the beat” – what we call our police officers – chilling with the crowds…

Jamaica had an extremely strong presence at carnival this year. The lady below styled JA perfect whilst enjoying the event. I think she was also feeling the World Championship vibe… Go JA…We are going to end the games strong…

As usual what I love about Notting Hill carnival is that it excludes none. Persons with disabilities represented as participants. While future carnival goers – yes our children – came out to enjoy the vibe.

Naturally, Jamaica’s influence was everywhere – jerk pans were everywhere. My jerk pork went down very well with my long cool Red Stripe.

If you were there let me know what you thought… Do you think Notting Hill carnival is here to stay?

Remember you can follow me on my travels on facebook or check out my tweets on twitter @qvdesigns.

Walk good.
Shaz…

All images courtesy of Sharon “Shaz” Davis.