Designers hit right fashion notes
Published:Sunday | November 10, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:Ashley Martin's Attitude collection seems like it's on its way to Vivica A. Fox's closet if the actress has her way, and if actor Anthony Anderson has anything to say about it, the Jamaican designer will make her red-carpet debut in America very soon.
Martin, designer and hairstylist Lisa 'Neahlis' McIntosh-Aris, Greta Constantine's Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong and G-SUS' Everton McDougall hit the fashion notes in the right spot with their fabulous cutting-edge designs at the OCEAN Style FashionShowcase at the Montego Bay Convention Centre on November 2.
Their runway dominance was complemented by Montego Bay's Annmarie 'Kokobeenz' Robinson-Chin, whose pieces were timeless. The fashion designer used peplum and fishtail dates for a back-in-time, yet very trendy contemporary look. Using a predominantly black collection and metallics of gold, blue and silver, Kokobeenz juxtaposed the black throughout her collection, making it very arresting.
Of all the designers on the sixth annual event, none was more thrilled than Martin, who stated: "For me, OCEAN Style this year was like being in Paris. It's a fashion show that has now evolved from being just another fashion show held in Jamaica to the fashion event of the Caribbean."
The show has not only set a high standard for designers to showcase their talent, but it has also built a platform where celebs can hand-pick a designer from the Caribbean to wear their clothes.
"For me, it was one of the most humbling experiences I've ever had," said Martin.
Neahlis showcased her Mariposa The Blessed One collection, highlighting the rich, vibrant colours of Jamaica. Hers had a Caribbean feel and look to it.
Both Anthony Anderson and Camille McDonald (a former contestant on 'America's Next Top Model') will also be making purchases from McIntosh's line.
Purchases on the night were also made by actor Omar Benson Miller, and celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch has declared his interest in working with some of the designers on upcoming projects.
Other designers that wowed the audience - and registered purchase activity - included Montego Bay-based boutique Déjà Vu, with its collection of hand-made Indian evening wear.