A design by So-Ann Creations

The audience experienced the rhythms of Jamaican Fashion last Saturday April 25, 2009 at the Hilton Kingston poolside through the sexy swimwear by The Mushroom, sophisticated, detailed work by So-Ann’s Creations, the edgy designs by Anarcy Clothing and the show stopping designs by dancehall fashion mogul Biggy. The designs were topped off with accessories by Cinderella Hats and the Janai models worked the catwalk like never before.

Shaunalee Champagnie wowed the audience with her beautiful voice and sexy back up dancers and the beautiful bikini clad Janai models stormed the runway during the live performances by local recording artiste Protoje creating an exciting “Rip the Runway” feel.

Island Couture highlighted the tremendous support local designers have enjoyed through its “Who Are You Wearing?” campaign, aimed and creating a buzz within the local fashion industry.  Individuals wearing local designs were invited on stage by host Denise Hunt to show off their outfits for a chance of winning prizes including a lunch for two at the Hilton Kingston and gift baskets from Softsheen Carson and Things Jamaica, resulting in an exciting amateur fashion show.  The audience were given a “touch & see” opportunity in the designer store front sale area at the event and also seized the opportunity to purchase ‘must have’ pieces directly off the models back at the end of the show.

Island Couture is a feature of the Hilton Kingston’s Jamaica theme night, and is an exciting fusion of local food, art, music and fashion providing established and emerging local designers with a platform to showcase their designs on a monthly basis. Since its launch in November 2008 Island Couture has featured designs from Les Campbell, Keneea Linton, Yola Grey, Julan, Poshe, Shades of Africa, Barry Moncrieffe, Blaazin Designs, Yaad Trenz, Mutamba, Minka, T&T Fashions, Simi Ya House, heather Laine, Akira Lyn, Yahdie Conscious, REVE Jawellery, Dahliaz Collection, Mahala Jewellery and Cinderella Hats. The membership of the Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster has been growing and now boasts approximately one hundred and thirty members, many of which are designers from different categories. The Jamaica Fashion Cluster facilitates the training needed to make designers market ready and will feature many of these designers on the monthly staging of Island Couture. 

About the Jamaica Fashion & Apparel Cluster
The Jamaica Fashion & Apparel Cluster is a project of the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) which is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Jamaica. The Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster is supported and guided by the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC). The Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster facilitates the growth and development of new and existing micro, small and medium enterprises in the Industry. The Cluster promotes the collective interest of its members and has the ultimate goal of improving the competitiveness of Jamaica's Fashion and Apparel Industry.