Beauty & style
Published:Sunday | June 23, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:Montego Bay fashion designers Paula Hurlock of Indigo Soul and Annmarie McKenzie of Kokobeenz were all about Caribbean sexy. Their designs oozed calm and beauty from each contestant wearing their pieces at the Miss Jamaica World Cornwall finals on Saturday, June 13.
Showcasing their 2013 collection at the packed Pier One on the Waterfront venue, the two women who are creating waves on the fashion scene added panache to the annual event, which saw 23-year-old Nastashia Bryan copping the coveted crown.
Creatively complementing the pageant's theme, 'Beauty with a Purpose', it was the fashion that added oomph and confidence to the eight women, beautifully enhancing their skin tones.
Hurlock's line of vibrant and colourful Indigo Soul Kaftans and Halters opened the evening. All eight contestants wore empire waist maxi kaftans, replete with matching faux suede cummerbund and statement bib necklaces. Exquisite printed chiffon punctuated by bright teals, forest and lime greens, oranges and purples, fluttered in the gentle sea breeze as each contestant graced the stage, "oozing Caribbean sexy", said Hurlock.
McKenzie utilised metallics. Her styles were carefully chosen for each contestant based on skin tone and body shape. Some of the designs were asymmetric while others were diverse, accentuated with rows of budding flowers.
"The fashion theme this year is 'bling', hence the fabrics that were used in the swimsuits and gowns," McKenzie told Outlook.
At the end of the evening, Bryan, who wore the sash Miss Jamaica Tours, not only went home wearing the crown, but had also copped sectional prizes for Best Skin Tone and Most Photogenic.
First runner-up was 18-year-old engineering student Bria-Symone Lewis, while the second runner-up position went to 17-year-old science student, Shanice Rerrie.
Bryan automatically qualifies for the finals of the Miss Jamaica World Pageant, which will be held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, on Sunday, July 21.