Swiss design house to show at CFW

For the first time in its 145-year history, the Switzerland based, Spoerry 1866 brand will present a collection outside of Europe.

The runways of Pulse's Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) in Kingston, will be the location for this historic fashion presentation.

Although a first, Spoerry's showing in Jamaica was always on the cards, the principals just didn't know it, until now. According to Pulse, welcoming the Swiss brand to Caribbean Fashionweek reinforces the internationalisation of this regional-based fashion showcase, a core component of the event since its inception.

For Spoerry, presenting its collection in Jamaica is coming full circle, a getting back to roots.

Both the island and the brand are naturally woven together and the common thread that binds the two is West Indies Sea Island Cotton. It is, indeed, the perfect meeting point for the place in which the world's best cotton is grown and the brand which has made the finest yarns and luxury fabric from this very cotton.

Speaking from his design base in Swtizerland, chairman of Spoerry 1866, Peter Spoerry expressed his delight in coming to Jamaica in June for the showing: "I'm looking forward to this presentation, it will be fantastic," he said.

The excitement for the presentation is not only resonating with the chairman though, as the design house is galvanising a full team of professionals who will come from Germany, Italy and Switzerland for the collection.

Excitement resonating

More than any other brand, Spoerry knows that the West Indies Sea Island Cotton is not just any cotton. The WISICA cotton, harvested in Jamaica, is the finest and most expensive in the world, due to its especially long fibres and silky, smooth feel.

The company has expertly milled this cotton fibre into premium fabrics for which it has been recognised around the world, for several generations.

So what can the attendees of CFW expect to see of the collection? According to the company's latest catalogue, a rich blend of history, tradition, luxury and sustainability are the hallmarks of its design ethos.

"When the finest yarns, a 140-year tradition of luxury fabrics, passionate Italian design and sewing come together, the stage is set for a sophisticated casual collection for men, says a statement from the design house.

CFW takes place at the National Indoor Sports Centre, Arthur Wint Drive from June 8-13. A special opening party is set for June 9 with the shows beginning on Friday. The public expo will also begin on Friday June 10, through to Sunday June 12. Several other events and activities including a business development forum, special concert performances at the main venue and various after parties, will take place in the city. For updates on events and activities go to www.caribbeanfashionweek.com.