“The Time Is Right” kickstarts Caribbean Fashion Week 08

As I stepped out of the lift at the Hilton Hotel, Kingston onto the 18th floor for the Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) 2008 press conference I was met by a high energy level and truly positive vibe.

I could see model fittings taking place in a room next to the press suite. Other models were sitting in the waiting area smiling, joking and of course directing us press fashionistas where to go.

Tea, coffee and juice were available while we waited for the final preparations to be completed. Don’t worry I’d come prepared with my black Americano! Lessons learned from being on the fashion circuit.

Journalists, designers, students mingled, exchanged business cards and spoke with some of the designers showcasing at this three-day event, celebs including the talented actress Vanessa Williams (Soulfood see left) and personalities. A large number of foriegn press were present at the briefing. Including the big names in fashion to name a few Marie Claire, Vogue, FTV (for the unconverted Fashion TV) and of course, the Gleaner Online, Go Jamaica!

Our m/c was Dawn Lisa a young lady who represents Pulse in Barbados. She introduced us to a number of key sponsors including Nestle, Red Stripe/Smirnoff Vodka. All of who gave us short, positive and humorous speeches.

A number of other individuals spoke amongst them co-founder of Pulse, Kingsley Cooper CD, Minister of Culture & Entertainment the Right Honourable Ms. Babsy Grange (pictured below), Duncan Smith from FTV and Tonika Sealy from Invest Barbados.

During Kingsley Cooper’s brief speech a number of people were mentioned for there support, hard work and encouragement, such as Hilary Phillips co-founder of Pulse, Gavin Douglas UK designer winner of Fashion Fringe Award, Catalin Botezatu Romanian designer, Claudia Pegus T&T designer, Sandra Kennedy Jamaican designer, Mutabaruka Jamaican personality, Mae Wayne Publisher of She Caribbean Magazine (St Lucia) and so many more. Way too many for me to list here… so please do not be slighted…

The energy and vibe from all who spoke was positive and constant. All agreed the future for fashion in this region was dependent on regional collaboration. Only together could we achieve long-term goals and sustainability.

I think Kingsley Cooper (left) captured the sentiment with his statement “the time is right” to take fashion to the next level in the region.

Yes I know it does sound familiar but, I don’t think Barrack Obama will mind Kingsley borrowing his slogan! Or me for that matter.

It is a given that all in attendance had nothing but the utmost respect for what Kingsley Cooper and Hilary Phillips have achieved. Their determination, energy, vision and focus have made CFW what it is.

So I have no doubt that they are working and are capable of taking us to the next level. “We little but we talawa!”As we say in Jamaica.

I’ll keep you posted on all the shows, interviews with celebrities, designers, personalities and of course feedback from you guys who make it to the shows…

Tonight we have young designers ( a few have walked the CFW catwalk before), such as Poshe, Minka and Luna Designs. A special performance by Cezar and a celebrity appearance. If you can come on down and enjoy please do.

CFW is taking place at the National Indoor Sports Centre on the National Stadium Complex, Kingston at 7pm.

If you can not be there you can keep up to the moment with this blog and reviews in the Jamaica Gleaner and the Jamaica Star…

Share your thoughts on the shows, designers, good, bad or indifferent- I don’t mind. Just post a comment and I’ll be in touch.

Lata Shaz.

All words by Sharon Davis. Images by Jermaine Evans.