Actor and model Hector Lincoln can now add fashion editor to his credentials. A recent request from Mark McDermoth, franchise holder for Miss Universe Jamaica, to produce a fashion editorial during the current Miss Universe Jamaica’s visit to New York was accepted. “It took me a minute to respond… Absolutely!” said Lincoln. “Being a patriotic Jamaican, I absolutely could pull it together. Think tank… Years of experience here in NYC, who could I reach out to to make it as organic and natural as possible?” SO has the reveal.

Photographer: Marlon Atkinson

I’ve known Marlon for years, first as a model in Jamaica, then as a photographer here in the city. He actually lives in my neighbourhood and we would run into each other on the street, in passing, or while he would be shooting models. We would always make plans to shoot but couldn’t get our schedules in sync. The last time was in August, then I got a booking and couldn’t. I have always liked his work and aesthetic. In natural light, he is a master.

I sent him a text, saying once again that we must work together, but this time not me as the subject. Another patriot.

Stylist/Designer: Raxann Chin

We met in 2017, while filming the Jamaican Movie Unspoken, and have worked together quite a few times. Most recently on a project at Kaufman Studios. Another Jamaican in the Big Apple making her way in the very competitive field of fashion. Another text was dispatched to another patriot.

Make-Up Artist/ Hair Stylist: Nilda Morales

Having just worked with Nilda on the same Kaufmann Studios project with Raxann I found her to be outstanding. I reached out to her. She is, by the way, from Puerto Rico and completely understands the Caribbean woman. She’s now an honorary Jamaican.

Shoot Location: Negril Village NYC

I had just spent some time with Marva Layne, the owner of Negril, at an annual fund-raiser for Mustard Seed, a Jamaican organisation. Negril Village NYC is a veritable oasis with perfect backdrops for a fashion editorial. I reached out and we got the space for hair/make-up/wardrobe holding.

Mission accomplished!

Date: October 15, 2019

Iana Tickle Garcia, Miss Universe Jamaica, was on a very tight schedule. Our window was 2:30 pm- 4:30 pm. Thankfully, we got into the space before 2:30 pm. Location was ready… Garcia arrived and everyone went to work.

Theme: “Miss Jamaica In NYC”

In our final production meeting before the shoot, we decided that every frame of the shoot must amplify the theme. It was very important that our colours be represented. The black, gold, green from the flag and the red from rasta and reggae.

The two-hour window ran into three. We worked in perfect harmony. The weather was perfect.

This is Miss Jamaica In New York, my first production, ever. We are Team Jamaica, Brand Jamaica.