CFW kicks off

The crystal ball of fashion revealed the future of Caribbean fashion on the opening night of Caribbean Fashionweek at the National Indoors Sports Centre, on June 7. From Barbados to Jamaica, including Antigua, the twin republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the US Virgin Islands, the Caribbean was on show featuring emerging designers.

While most of the designers were timid, creating ready-to-wear pieces in the trends of the moment, others chose to step out of the box with varying degrees of success.

The night clearly separated the emerging designing stars from those whose finishes left a lot to be desired. But, overall, the lines were reminiscent of the Caribbean - light, flirty and colourful.

But on a night where everyone started out on equal footing, there were some memorable designers. Totlyn Freckleton and Marlene Moore's Totlyn and Lynmoore's swimsuit line popped against the all-white stage. The crochet pieces were well done in vibrant colours.

The Jamaican Turkish duo of Ozge Turan and
Kesi Gibson of Kyu Mélange brought something different to the night with
their array of Sultana clutches, Lulu shoulder bags and Nomade totes.
The high quality of the materials used was evident as the models
strutted across the stage. The Wadada movement line by Trinidadian twins
Ayanna and Asha Diaz was well done with a finish that surpasses their
limited years in the industry.

Erica Appleby from the
United States with her ETA LUXE collection, and Tameka Jervis George
with Genx 724, had very colourful
lines.

Photos by Winston
Sill/Freelance Photographer