July 30, 2022
60 Best Rock Fab Moments!
Reflection is an essential element of patriotism. It allows us to examine interactions, perspectives, and ourselves, creating the roadmap to move forward. At the core of patriotism is “helping your country to do better”. As we celebrate Jamaica 60, the question to ask is:”How are we helping our nation?”
As we gear up for a series of events to mark Jamaica’s 60th year of independence under the theme: ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness,’ SO revisits some of the cultural moments that have been lampposts on the road to 60.
From runway looks we coveted, to cultural icons who shaped what we wore, and Hollywood A-listers wearing Rock-fab designs across the globe, here are 30 SO moments (in no particular order) celebrating who we are and how far we’ve come. Next week we’ll share 30 more.
1 – Beyoncé & Jay-Z breezed into Trench Town on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 to film portions of their On The Run tour material. The surprise visit blocked traffic but made that day forever memorable for the area’s residents… (Photo: Naphtali Junior)
2 – …And, let’s not forget that a few months later, in May, Beyoncé was spotted in Milan wearing a Flowerchild1999 Miah handbag by Jamaica’s own Kaysian Bourke..
3 – The Dîner en Blanc picnic concept was introduced to The Rock in March 2015 at Emancipation Park. Here diners twirled napkins, indicating the successful occupation of the public space — a Dîner en Blanc ritual..
4 – In March 2018, while she was still a Royal-in-waiting, Meghan Markle continued her parade of show-stopping fashion choices with a skirt from Greta Constantine, a Toronto-based label helmed by Rock-born fashion designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong.
5 – American poet and activist Amanda Gorman stunned in the Keele dress by Greta Constantine for the cover of Time Magazine’s 2021 Black Renaissance issue.,
Jamaican-Canadian designers Kirk Pickersgill (left) and Stephen Wong for Greta Constantine.
6 – Chanteuse/model/actress Grace Jones in the lobby of the Jamaica Pegasus shortly after being conferred with the Order of Jamaica on National Heroes’ Day, October 15, 2018. Of course, the cameras came to her! Especially since she was decked out in luxury name brands from head to toe. A true diva and fashion icon, Grace Jones has brought the nation glory with her roles on the silver screen and her cult status as a musician..
International singer/actress Grace Jones received her Order of Jamaica from the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. file
7 – Former First Lady Michelle Obama sent the Internet into a frenzy, in August 2020 when she wore the ByChari “Vote” necklace by Jamaican Chari Cuthbert, for her virtual speech at the Democratic National Convention.
BYCHARI designer Chari CuthbertBenjamin Holtrop
8 – Saint International model Tami Williams for Chanel Cruise 2019/2020 collection Courtesy of Chanel
9 – In 2020 Hollywood actress Gabrielle Union-Wade posed in a series of shots in celebration of her birthday wearing Theophilio’s Ruche Tank Dress.IG/@gabunion
Jamaican-born designer Edvin Thompson.
10 – Back in 2018 we knew her as Chicsea “Shenseea” Lee, a budding dancehall artiste who exuded star quality at the Campari Negroni 100-year celebration in Milan Skkan Media
11 – The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine arrived in Jamaica wearing a yellow custom Roksanda ‘Brigitte’ dress, Aquazurra heels, and a She’s Royal Bracelet from Jamaican brand Steelz & Mantraz.Naphtali Junior
The Duchess of Cambridge was gifted a gold bangle by Steelz and Mantraz, the inspirational arm of Jamican brand Inzzpire365..
She wrapped her visit in similar Rock-fab fashion, wearing The Queen’s Hummingbird brooch as she’s escorted to the Royal Airforce Voyager by The Duke Cambridge and Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss.Naphtali Junior
The Queen’s Hummingbird Brooch, which was gifted to Her Majesty during her visit to Jamaica in 2002.www.rct.uk
12 – The ballroom of the Ritz Carlton, Toronto was at capacity on Saturday, April 6 for the UWI Benefit Gala. Honorees included (from left) Dr Joy Spence, Damian Marley, Dr Mohamad Fakih, Dr Juliet Daniel, Gordon Arthur “Butch” Stewart, Deborah Cox and Justice Gregory Regis. .
13 – Lashana Lynch paid homage to Jamaica in custom Vivienne Westwood Couture at the No Time To Die premiere in London..
14 – Island Grill founder Thalia Lyn was inducted into the Private Sector of Jamaica (PSOJ), making her the second woman to achieve the honour. After officially being inducted Lyn hoisted the citation with the help of PSOJ President Keith Duncan.Norman Thomas
15 – Incredibly striking for its visual impact alone, the British Vogue Sept 2018 cover — which was Edward Enninful’s first September issue for British Vogue — takes on added significance since Rihanna was the first Black woman to front the fall fashion issue in the magazine’s history. .
16 – The first overseas location of Tracks & Records opened in London on November 14, 2018, and Jamaican professional footballer Leon Bailey (left) and reggae singer Chronixx were there to celebrate the official opening with Usain Bolt.Courtesy of Tracks & Records UK
17 – Supermodel Naomi Campbell endorses the Jamaica Observer A Virtual Fashion show webinar..
17 – On July 28 the Jamaica Observer created history with the staging of the world’s first-ever virtual fashion show, featuring designers from six countries. ‘A Virtual Fashion Show’ spotlighted 13 designers. From Jamaica: James Black, Mina Robertson, Ashley Rousseau, Keenea Linton George, Bill Edwards and Carlton Brown. From Barbados: Nefertari Caddle and Candi Nicholls. From the Commonwealth of The Bahamas: Theodore Eylett. From Trinidad and Tobago: Meiling Esau and Robert Young. From Canada: Jamaican-born Kirk Pickersgill for Greta Constantine; and from Nigeria: Mai Atafo..
18 – The fashion editorial, labelled ‘Material Values’, was shot on location in Portland, Jamaica, and produced by Rock star Maxine Walters. Models Anok Yai, Indira Scott and Selena Forrest (in photo on cover), styled by Tonne Goodman and lensed by Nadine Ijewere for the March issue of US Vogue, donned stellar ‘fits..
19 – Actress Halle Berry looked striking in a sheer, floor-length, red number by Jamaican-blooded designer Samantha Black while posing barefoot in 2021 alongside beau musician Van Hunt. IG: samanthablacknyc
Fashion designer Samantha Black.
20 – With her afro as her best accessory, Davina Bennett — who won Miss Universe Jamaica 2017 — represented Jamaica at the Miss Universe 2017 pageant where she placed 2nd runner-up. .
21 – In 2022, Nigerian-Jamaican photographer Nadine Ijewere lensed the historic Polo Ralph Lauren collection for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges Collection.Nadine Ijewere
Nigerian-Jamaican photographer Nadine Ijewere lensed the collection.Courtesy of Vogue.com
22 – For Int’l Women’s Day 2022, Barbie honoured Pat McGrath, British-Jamaican make-up artist and founder of the billion-dollar beauty brand Pat McGrath Labs.shop.mattel.com
23 – Grammy-nominated artiste Grace “Spice” Hamilton pulled out all the stops on the 2022 Grammys red carpet, in a sheer, cut-out gown, a red, ruffled cape that weighed 90 pounds and teal hair styled into a topknot.IG: @spiceofficial
24 – International footballer Raheem Sterling presented his clothing label 1692 at London Fashion Week 2021..
25 – The stylish arrival of guests for ‘Haute Tea’ on the spa lawns at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in July 2021.
26 – A screengrab from Naomi Campbell’s virtual talk with Usain Bolt in 2021, showed the supermodel expressing delight at having the Olympic legend join her for No Filter With Naomi. www.youtube.com
22No Filter With Naomiwww.youtube.com
27 – Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in a white coat-dress by British-Jamaican designer Grace Wales Bonner, posed for a photo with their newborn baby son in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, on May 8, 2019..
Designer Grace Wales Bonner (Angelo Pennetta / © ArtPartner)
28 – In January 2022, Rihanna debuted her baby bump wearing vintage Chanel jewels and a puffer from the house’s Fall/Winter 1996 collection. Miles Diggs/@diggzy
29 – Grammy Award-winning deejay and record producer DJ Khaled joined Jamaica Observer Senior Associate Editor – Lifestyle & Social Content Novia McDonald-Whyte on Instagram Live for Feel Good Fridays in May 2021..
30 – In 2022 Saint International Kai Newman re-emerged for Prada David Sims
