Fall and winter may not be as applicable to Jamaica in terms of the many looks seen on the catwalks of the latest fashion shows around the globe (oversized coats, fur, layers of clothing and head-to-toe leather…) because we are a country in the tropics.

Therefore, on the heels of The Jamaica Observer Takes Style Out and the fashion weeks held in New York, London, Milan and Paris, here’s a look at some of the trends seen at the shows this season that one can rock in Jamaica.

Make-up

From Carolina Herrera to Dolce & Gabbana reds featured on the lips were a very frequent trend on the runway shows, not only hot orange red or true red but also deep plums and darker violet colours of almost a purple red/purple black (seen in Marc Jacobs shows, for example.) This look can be seen on model Alecia Muir, perfect for those with darker skin tones. A classic look that never seems to go out of style was the very dark black smokey eye and use of gel or waterproof liquid liners to create that winged look (also seen on model Alecia.) Designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Elie Saab and Dior did not hold back on their smokey eye-look. Sometimes, smokey or winged eye looks were even paired with that bold deep red berry look.

However, some shows presented an entirely different approach to make-up.

Nude or pastel/pale pink or pale peachy lips, and simply flushed cheeks. Just a dust of blush, leaving out dramatic eyes completely as seen in Kate Spade, Donna Karan but especially on the Chloé runway show. Also, a few eyes were seen with a hint of colour, as for example model Uliana Afanasenko’s Make-up look.

Fashion

These were Fall and Winter fashion shows so many of the fur, leathery, heavy material, and coat-like looks simply do not apply to us in Jamaica. However, here are some more practical fashion trends that we could use.

The Cosmos Effect/Polka Dots

Some have referred to it as the cosmos effect, others simply call it the polka dot dress. Mostly seen in a form-fitted way, designer Emanuel Ungaro incorporated this look here and there in his runway show, a striking difference to Bottega Veneta’s runway, in which it was ever present during that show and not only in dresses but in pants and other pieces of clothing as well. Take a look at model Alecia showing off a version of this trend. (#3 Alecia in blue polka dot dress pic goes here & #4 Alecia Pic goes here as well)

Lace

Lace & bejewelled lace-like tops and ornate one-piece body suits paired with plain black skirts were seen in Nina Ricci subtly revealing bare nipples, not as conservative as our sheer lace piece in which areas were strategically covered on model Alecia. (See#5 Alecia in lace top & black skirt alongside Uliana) Alexander McQueen went all out with this trend from which inspiration was taken from his more creative look- such as the bejewelled sheer body suit by local designer Nish Kollection in Jamaica (Uliana Pic #6 here), the sheer lace body suit was also by local designer Nish Kollection.

Floral Prints

Floral prints were seen on the runway, many following the sheer trend using more graphic floral prints. Valentino showed off interesting floral dresses and flowing wraps, as well as Giambattista Valli who reigned as the king of all floral looks. See model Uliana in her sheer green draped floral print wrap paired with her bikini (Pic#7 Uliana in sheer Floral in water)

Feathers

Feathery looks were seen in smaller patterns of feathers accentuating different areas of clothing pieces, in some designs. Others having fuller feather-like patterns, both emerged on the runways such as Roberto Cavalli and on Just Cavalli. This long white feathery piece was pulled from local designer Nish Kollection to show off a very wearable style following this trend. (Pic #8 & #9of Alecia is the focus but she is seen alongside Uliana in both Pics)

Velvet and Suede

Many runway shows saw inspiration drawn from the 70s, and the early 80s, two looks/fabrics in particular, velvet and suede. While designers featured lengthy pieces of suede clothing such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint Laurent, suede is still too warm for our climate. However, suede shoes do provide an option to wear that material and look.

Many pieces seen during London Fashion Week, by designers such as Topshop Unique were velvet. Velvet dresses can have an elegant look, such as the burgundy dress seen on model Alecia (Pics#10 & #11 here..) This particular dress is from local designer Lubica Slovak; see Designs by Lubica. It was accessorised by black suede shoes.

Animal Prints Especially Leopard Print

Animal prints were all over the runway for Fall/Winter 2015/2016, while mostly on coats and lengthy jackets, Roberto Cavalli’s show may have had the most leopard prints. See our model Alecia posing in her leopard print swimsuit top. (Pic Alecia#12 – swimsuits here)

Jewellery

Cuffs

It was all about that statement piece for jewellery all-round. From cuffs to rings, to layered/stacked beaded jewellery. Large neck cuff-like jewellery was a big fashion trend seen in Narciso Rodriguez — a statement piece, it can be seen in the photos of model Uliana Afanasenko see (Pics here…#13) She is wearing the neck cuff paired with a hand cuff also trendy right now, both provided by local designer Kristina Broderick.

Unique Drop Earrings

The drop earrings seen were simply gorgeous on the models strutting down the catwalk in shows from Christian Dior to Balmain in which it was especially ever-present. Model Alecia (pic#14 …) sports this creative drop earring look from the local designers at Rêve Jewellery and Accessories.

Layered/Stacked Jewellery

Beaded and layered bracelets brought funk to the runway, presented by the designers in a variety of ways. You can make this look more wearable by stacking beaded bracelets as shown on model Alecia (Pic#15 here…) from local brand Happi Beads in both silver and gold costume jewellery.

Back to the fact that mostly statement jewellery rocked the runways.

See model Alecia with her statement ring, provided to us by the local designers at Rêve Jewellery and Accessories (see pic #15) again.

This concludes the rundown of the runway Fall/Winter 2015/2016 fashion trends just for Jamaica. You can find more information on the local designers mentioned in the credits section.

Credits

Make-up Artist/Stylist: Sasha Bowie

Contributor: Sasha Bowie

www.facebook.com/SashaBowie.Makeup.Images.Art

e-mail: sashabowiemakeup.images.art@gmail.com

(876) 293-0759

Models: Alecia Muir and Uliana Afanasenko

Photographer: Jovian Blair

Above & Beyond Productions

www.abpjamaica.com

Velvet dress/Black Skirt: Designs by Lubica

www.lubica.com

IG: @lubica.official

White feather gown/ Bejewelled lace

& Lace one-piece body suit: Nish Kollection

IG: @nicollenish

e-mail: info@nishkollection.com

(876) 527-1905

Jewellery- Neck Cuff/Arm Cuff by: Kristina Broderick

IG:@happibeads_linxx

e-mail: happibeads@gmail.com

Statement Earrings & Rings: Rêve Jewellery & Accessories

Shop #13 Devon House Courtyard,

26 Hope Road

Kingston

www.rêvejewellery.com