The success being enjoyed by young Jamaican models on the international scene is due to a great extent to the trailblazing work by Althea Laing.

In the 1980s this elegant model became the first Jamaican to grace the cover of an international publication — Essence. Since then, her sense of style has always been worthy of emulation.

As the Jamaica Observer celebrates Fashion’s Night Out on September 8, Laing describes her style as being classic and sophisticated. “I am of the belief that my pieces should have a timeless quality. I have never been into what happening now, and based on the cost of clothing, I need to get value for money out of my pieces,” she notes.

Tailored suits and chic separates are a must-have for this former model, but when asked about the favourite the favourite thing in her closet at this time, she had to admit it was the LBD. “The little black dress again fits in which my need to timelessness and sophistication. It just works all the time and every woman should have one, or two, or three.”

Although she is in love with her little black dress she noted that she recently purchased a red evening gown at Flame — her favourite boutique in Mandeville — and says she was a head-turner at a wedding she attended. She notes that Flame has timeless pieces that suits her sensibility and the prices are extremely affordable.

Laing believes one thing should made a statement in your outfit, and therefore accessories are a must. These days she says it’s “pearls, pearls and more pearls.” Here she drawn influences from old Hollywood and that sophistication.

Again she is also a major lover of shoes and pops into her favourite shoe store in the Corporate Area, Lianza in Cross Roads, for what she calls that pair of ‘major statement shoes”. Her brand of choice when it comes to shoes is Nine West, noting that “its all about the comfort.”