Pulse's Caribbean Fashion Week sparkles

... Despite lengthy delays

Jody-Anne Lawrence and Krysta Anderson, Gleaner Writers

While the most highly anticipated fashion show of the season delivered on fashion, the delays had many patrons registering their annoyance.

Pulse's Caribbean Fashionweek kicked off with the Grand Gala on Friday, June 13, at the Audi Terminal.

Though guests had

arrived from 8:30 p.m enjoying the endless bar and finger foods, the 'formal proceedings' did not begin until 10:50 p.m. By that time some annoyed guests were already through the entrance, missing the short greeting and outline of what was to come by Danville Walker and Kingsley Cooper, respectively.

On Saturday night, it was all about the runway for the start of the two-night affair at the National Indoor Sports Centre. Again, fashionistas were annoyed by the long wait before they were finally allowed into the venue.

Many immediately made for the sponsors and designers stations before taking their seats.

The first night featured emerging designers; Tasha Groves and Tandra Birkette out of the United States of America with their line Roots Rock Re Belle; Kirsten Benjamin from Tobago with I Say U Design; Diamond Linton, also from Tobago with his Tobago Gyal line; and Cherie Warner of Cee Wee Design - Bags and Accessories, who closed off the first segment.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Joris Hendrik opened the second segment of the show, passing the baton to John Koveos from Canada with Yiannis K Couture. The cultural experience through fashion advanced with Alicia Mullings of the United Kingdom, Delia Alleyne of Trinidad and Tobago, and Yvonne Jewnelle, also from the United States. It was then time for swimwear from Denise Katz's Spunk, Jehan Jackson's Vain Glory, Julliet Dyke, and the legendary Barry Moncrieffe.

As a treat, I Shawna launched her new lingerie line, Legendary Lingerie, during her sultry performance. Afterwards, Jillionaire of Major Lazer took to the mixing board and gave the audience an electrifying performance. Many took this as their cue and made for the exit before Tony Mattherson and RDX could take to the stage.

DAY TWO

On day two, fashion enthusiasts utilised the on-site designer shop, checking out their favourite pieces, introduced the previous night. They were also reminded that they could shop online, a new feature of the show.

Our very own Gillian Murray, who opened the show, did not disappoint. She had everyone's attention, followed by Juliet Bernard of Krystal's Fashion, accessorised by Ted Arthur, Honorine Amoussou, Anicee Martin from Guadeloupe, and Denyque'e Summer Haze from her Wetswim collection. As a bonus, Denyque turned up the heat with a very entertaining performance.

For the second half of the show, Leean Designz from Suzilee Chambers created a tropical oasis, while Mariska's Design by Sonia Noel introduced the intricacy of merging patterns and styles. Mima Pesic's Everlazing line paid tribute to the FIFA World Cup and Hope Wade offered a taste of Paris.

After the unveiling of the smoking hot red Audi A3 Sedan, 17-year-old Yvonne Jewnelle was awarded the emerging fashion designer of the year award. The night ended with established designers Jacqui Cohen with Mutamba, Mark Eastman and Robert Yung's The Cloth, while Cedella Marley presented three stars with her Marley designs.

Maxi Priest, who was nothing short of a showstopper, heated up the night having guests working up a sweat as they said goodbye to Caribbean Fashionweek 2014.