Twelve designers, 12 different looks and so much talent.
The fashion pavilion set up at BMEX two weekends ago elicited ooohs, aaahs, catcalls and whistles not only for the swimsuits, gowns, resort wear and eye-catching pieces but also for the fact that the models came in all sizes.
The Sunday saw Karen Brathwaite’s collection with 12 different looks: denim shorts, jeans, swimsuits, romper, draped dress and a harem pants. Orlando Williams’ summer collection was cohesive in the swimsuit section and the prints and material tied in with the theme of the collection. The geometric plus-size pantsuit was a nice touch.
Kudos to Matthew Williams and Kofi Branch. Well-thought-out collections. For both designers, every piece in the collections was well thought-out and every model who came out told a story. The natural fibres and fabric plus the colour scheme fit well in the Caribbean climate. The tie-dye shirts and the various bottoms worked well for Williams and Branch’s swimwear seemed like something straight out of a magazine shoot for St Tropez.
The La Rosa summer collection was all about haute couture and she had the largest showing with plus-size models. Prints and patterns were exciting and most of the clothing was fashionable but on a tiny note some choice of fabric showed too many lumps and bumps and a couple of the lengths had models inappropriately showing too much flesh.
After a seven-year break, Wayne Smith is back and some events will be better served. The pieces were red carpet ready and the last five gowns with former beauty contestants and queens were the icing on the cake. On Whit Monday Pat Brathwaite brought colour and glamour with two different collections, Kathy-Ann Baird’s black dress that looks like it can be worn back to front was a hit and Orlando Williams returned a second night with his Linda Belle line.
Plus-size wear showed that curvy girls can be fun and fabulous too, as seen by Gayneldor Grazette’s line Kudos Designs. Suzanne Reeves brought a children and adult collection and the beautiful jewellery by Ashlan Designs were statement pieces that deserved rousing applause.
