KOB brings Paris to Styleweek

Paris-based designer Kevin O'Brian arrives in Jamaica this week for what he said will be a very "Frrreeeeennnch" and dramatic collection exclusively for Styleweek Jamaica 2011.

O'Brian will be on show at the International Mecca Of Style at the historic Fort Charles in Port Royal on Saturday, May 28 at 9 p.m.

The designer is no stranger to Jamaica, having worked with Saint International, organiser of Styleweek Jamaica, since 2007.

O'Brian, a multifaceted artist, was born in Guadeloupe and moved to Paris at age 18 to fulfil his dream to be a designer.

He has the reputation of choosing his own customers. A 16-year veteran, O'Brian honed his technique in fashion school in Paris. Unpretentious and serious, he tends not to brag about the supermodels or renowned actresses who wear his clothes. In fact, he doesn't care to remember some names. According to his biography "he indulges himself in the luxury of freedom. The KOB collection at Styleweek Jamaica will be a study in French mastery and rugged elegance.

According to Saint International CEO and producer of Styleweek, Deiwght Peters, the calibre of international designers on show at the event has helped attract the attention of international media.

Over the years, leading designers such as B. Michael (New York), Abaéte (New York), Gaspard Yurkievich (Paris), XULY BET (Paris), Pierre Henri Mattou (Paris), Bas Kosters (Amsterdam), Couturier Eyemeric Francois, Indashio (New York) Ed Hardy (Los Angeles, London, and other countries around the world), Maurice Sedwell (by Professor Andrew Ramroop of Saville Row, London) have all shown on the Styleweek runway.

"It is important that we distinguish ourselves, in terms of fashion credibility, and provide a true global spectacle that is decidedly Jamaican but undoubtedly international in appeal. I have been able to execute connections and have some of the world's most prominent brands show in Jamaica," Peters said.

Partnership

Over the last eight years, the agency has gone beyond its connections with leading Paris agencies such as Elite, Silent and IMG to form a partnership with Guadeloupe-based company, ML Butterfly, operated by Guadeloupean public-relations guru Muriel Lantin. Saint also represents Guadeloupean model Rainer Boucard for whom it has earned agency representation in Paris and Milan.

But the Saint connection with the Jamaican French community is also renowned. Introduced by former President of the Alliance Francais, the affable Frenchman Pierre Lemaire, Saint partnered with that organisation for many years to successfully stage the Touch Of France fashion showcase. The event was the conclusion of the trade show and became main feature of the week of trade shows, and featured designers such as Elliette LeSuperb and Patrick Cassan from Guadeloupe.

The eyes of the world will be directed at capital city Kingston from May 25-29 as the international fashion pack jets in for Styleweek.

Lifestyle media from Italian Vogue to Japanese Elle have confirmed attendance. Organisers are pulling out all the stops for the most spectacular showing yet.

Styleweek is presented in association with corporations such as Scotiabank, JAMPRO, After 10 Studios, The Gleaner Company Ltd, Courtleigh Hotel, Ocean Spray, The Urban Development Corporation, Soldanza, Appleton, Wyndham Kingston Hotel, Jamaica Tourist Board, heart Trust/NTA,

Fame FM, TVJ, Kool FM, Nationwide, Carreras, Devon House, Devon House, Clear Sounds, Lasco Cambio, Value Added Services, American Airlines, Compact Car Rentals, Luxury Limos and Jamaica National Heritage Trust.