High fashion inspires at St Catherine High School

Jerome Reynolds, Staff Reporter

It was the right blend of school spirit and high fashion last Saturday at the St Catherine High School as emerging designers with high fashion pieces took centrestage.

Leading the pack were the urban chic pieces from 2014 Saint International Avant Garde second runner-up and the 2013 title holder André Rowe.

Rowe displayed a combination of mixed textures, sharp lines and on-trend colours.

For him, taking part in a high-school fashion show is in line with his philosophy of exposing young people to the fashion industry.

"My career is still growing, but I strongly believe in giving back. Plus, it is a good opportunity to market while raising funds for a worthy cause," Rowe told Outlook.

The fashion dial was turned up when Rowe and fellow designers from the University of Technology (UTech) hit the runway with avant garde pieces. The bold designs set off a flurry of smartphone cameras as the crowd of students, parents, faculty and alumni were in awe of the creativity of the designers.

Exposure

Spokesperson from the UTech team Olivia Charles told Outlook that the group of young designers, who recently entered the Saint Intentional Avant Garde Designer of the Year competition, jumped at the opportunity to display their wares as they wanted to inspire young people as well as to expose them to the university's design programme.

"The programme at UTech is wide. You get to learn about management, chemistry, economics, etc. So this course is something which will help them to become independent and earn an income," she said.

Also on show were the hip, youth designs of design-pair Anic Walters and Dane McLean, who showcased a collection of fun pieces drawn from on-trend styles that are popular with the style-discriminating Jamaican.

Speaking with Outlook, The Edna Manley College fashion students said they were glad to showcase their talent as they steadily try to grow their brand.

"People want to look good and we have the right eye to make them look good," McLean declared while pointing out that they have a background in the arts. "It all starts with research; knowing your client, and drawing inspiration from all around you," Walters said.

Meanwhile, the modern roots wear of crochet designer Karlene Levy was a hit with the crowd.

Her fresh take on this traditional art form had the right blend of colours, resort casual appeal and an island roots vibe.

"It's a good thing to have your line being seen by young people. They are the ones who are setting the trend and, if they like what I do, then I can market to them. I consider my crochet pieces wearable art. My designs are sexy, trendy and colourful," she ended.

Photos by Taydesse Photography & Jerome Reynolds