Caribbean Fashionweek is here!
Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) is here and all systems are go, as the event which glamourised the regional fashion industry kicks off today.
Fashion fever has taken over Kingston, Jamaica as scores of fashion professionals and lovers flock to CFW 10.
TEENage caught up with Pulse general manager Romae Gordon to get a snapshot of the past 10 years and look ahead to the shows, which begin on June 18-20 at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
TEENage: What are some of your more significant memories of the last 10 years?
Romae Gordon (RG): Right off the bat, the Catch a Fire 2005 collections. Cedella Marley really rocked that year. Also, Nadine Willis lighting up the runway in that same collection. Both designer and model had the audience in the Sports Centre transfixed in awe and excitement. Moving to the new venue was also significant, as more had access to the best of Caribbean fashion. The 100-ft long runways, multiple lighting trusses was happening for the first time in Jamaica and the Caribbean for that matter!
TEENage: Who are some of the models expected to walk this year?
RG: Sedene Blake who is the new cover girl of Italian Vogue beauty, she is 19 and is the model of the moment. She recently did a fashion spread for the New York Times. And look out for four new faces to grace our runway, as well as Jeneil Williams, Jaunel McKenzie, Nell and many others.
TEENage: What is going to be special about CFW 10?
RG: Everything! This year we have the largest line-up of new as well as young designers presenting collections. So, as the event grows, we continue to rejuvenate keeping things fresh and solid. Janel Jolly and Ashley Martin, are too young Jamaicans who will be showing for the first time. CFW is particularly special for young designers, because it is an excellent platform for them to breakthrough and share the runway with some of our more accomplished counterparts.
TEENage: What else can we expect from CFW 10?
RG: There is the wonderful mix of fashion and entertainment. This year Johnny Gill will be performing and even though your TEEN readers may not be as familiar with him, his songs are very popular and well loved. Of course, there will be other celebrities and recording artists in attendance as well as in concert. Several big names are on the cards and the Sunday night is likely to have that strong TEEN appeal.
Pulses Vogue Model Sedene Blake in Sharon James Pret a Porter – BAR -CFW 2009