Italian Vogue gives rave review of Styleweek

Styleweek Jamaica's blockbuster finale event, Fashionblock, may have been postponed (to June 19 at 9 p.m.) because of inclement weather, but organiser, Saint International, can claim a major victory for the 2011 staging with critical acclaim from industry powerhouse, Italian Vogue.

The global fashion industry is abuzz after the Italian Vogue (Vogue Italia) website posted a report on the recently held International Mecca of Style showcase at Styleweek Jamaica.

The writer recaptured the energy and panache of the event, noting: "Reggae and techno beats swirled into the night air at Jamaica's Styleweek 2011 Womenswear presentation at Fort Charles in Kingston," the article read, certainly in recognition of the eclectic musical backdrop formed by the Stereo Massive duo of Jeremy Harding and Christopher Edmonds (aka Engineroom).

The multi-level venue, with three stories of runway space, took the historic and global appeal for the event to a new high. Indeed, with international celebrities such as Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, VH-1 Glam God Indashio and manager of international pop star Nelly Fuertado, Chris Smith, front and centre, it was a prestigious affair in overdrive.

"This Italian Vogue review has put Styleweek Jamaica at the top of the fashion game within the international context of fashion weeks in emerging markets. It has clearly demonstrated that within the Caribbean Styleweek, Jamaica is the pre-eminent creative space for our design talent. I am thrilled at the support from global media and local sponsors that could ensure a successful 2011 staging," said Deiwight Peters, creator and executive producer of Styleweek Jamaica.

Peters also said this has now started a paradigm shift in the way Jamaica will be viewed as a fashion destination.

Designers, venues, models and Jamaica all earned deserving kudos from the article. Special highlights were for Jamaican designer HOD, by Gregory Williams, described for "showing promise with generously hooded tops and jumpsuits with parachute pockets".

Red-carpet worthy

Jamaica's T&T Fashions, by Simone Gordon, was said to have presented "red carpet worthy options."

"These are amazing reviews considering it's from Italian Vogue, one of the world's top four most-respected fashion sources," Peters responded.

I am particularly happy that these are designers who have consistently excelled on the Saint International fashion platforms. It can only mean bigger things in the future.

The review noted that the international guest designers added the international context of the presentation with highlighted collections from Kevin O'Brian (Paris), Allan Virgo, LaQuaan Smith, Sammy B(New York), and Mataano (Somalia via New York).

"Many congratulatory emails have been coming in from across the world, New York, London, Paris, plus confirmations for next year," Peters revealed.

He also noted there is an even bigger interest from power players who have indicated that the feedback from international media has been nothing short of spectacular and confirmed participation for next year.

"This is a win-win for Jamaica's tourism and fashion industries as Kingston beaches, nightlife, hotel, and dynamic fashion industry were spotlighted in many of the articles on Styleweek Jamaica," Peters explained.

Styleweek Jamaica is executed across three signature events with the recent addition of the groundbreaking CityStyle, held downtown Kingston, on the waterfront, to herald the accessories designers.

The all-white affair had all the trappings of a Hollywood glitzfest - stretch limousines, red carpet paparazzi arrivals, Jamaica's hottest fashionistas, firebreathers and stiltwalkers, hot models, and stunning cocktails.

The other events include The International Men's Collection (IMC), The International Mecca of Style, and Fashionblock.

Stylweek enjoyed the support of Scotiabank, Carreras, Soldanza (JAMBISCO), the Jamaica Tourist Board, Wyndham Kingston, Compact Car Rental, The Gleaner Company Ltd, Heart Trust/NTA, Appleton Genesis, TVJ, American Airlines, the Courtleigh and Knutsford Court hotels, Fame FM, Nationwide, and Luxury Limos.