Fashion Caribbean adds flair to regional designs

The creative juices of top local and regional designers who showcased their creations at Digicel Fashion Caribbean 2006 overflowed at the Cruise Ship Berth over the weekend.

The spot where tourists are usually docked was transformed into a catwalk of haute couture on Friday with a cocktail for patrons and on Sunday with a fashion show with the junior models, and a market where the designers got to sell their products to eager customers.{{more}}

The big event, however, was on Saturday night where the professional models of the Image Modeling Agency strutted with the elegance that could be matched to any international super model.

The regional designers like Trinidadian Robert Young stood out with his bright collage of Caribbean colours that gave a tropical twist to his garments; Judith Rollins of St Kitts with her earth toned hues which represented the richness of the Caribbean soil and its produce was also a hit.

With a mix of leopard prints and leather pants that were made for a sexy cow girl; gigantic chains, and overly sized “puss in boots” type leather shoes, you were given the sassy flavour of Barbados’ 19-year-old Antonio Cumberbatch with his spectacular Posh Punk.

Guyana’s Vhesti Harlequin also caused a stir with her knitted wear which included eye popping gowns and swim wear. Although the knits gave a sexy peak at the body, Harlequin tastefully ensured that the models were appropriately covered.

Standing ovations however seemed to have been more reserved for the local designers at the show and 18-year-old Shenicia Meyers received the loudest applause for her creativity. The petite Georgetown lass stunned the audience with her young hip creations, which also had a touch of “grown up” essence that was apparent in her designer business suits.

Local designer Shellene Williams showcased her retro-chic style with garments from the 40’s to the 60’s proving that some classic styles are just as trendy today.

There was nothing bland about the white linen and cotton pieces produced by Kimya Glasgow who actually made pure white seem devilishly sexy.

Eniye Kagbala’s spiced up the show with her breezy cool Caribbean baby doll dresses while Kimone Baptiste played with vertical, chevron and horizontal stripes in various fabrics to create illusions and compliment various body figures.

Ebyka Kagbala with her authentic African designs brought the queenly garments of the MotherLand to the stage with head wraps and gorgeous fabrics. Commendation must also be sounded for model turned designer, Rhonda Solomon with her playful girly pieces.

The only disappointment patrons expressed with the show was that there were too many sections at the event which started at 8 pm sharp and ended close to midnight.

Digicel Fashion Caribbean 2006 is the innovation of founders of the Image Modeling Agency, Monique Tash and Kimya Glasgow