Caribbean Fashionweek : Purple Rain

The highly anticipated Caribbean Fashionweek, made itself right at home at its new style hub — Villa Ronai in Stony Hill, St Andrew.

It kicked off last Friday night (June 17), as socialites and fashionistas were shuttled up from Manor Park to experience the transformed tropical oasis.

The event, scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. did not officially get under way until 9:30 p.m. By then, patrons had become somewhat restless, but many still looked forward to the flashing lights, high fashion and signature struts.

Designers emerging on point for the night included the fabulous all-white line by Meiling, and Zaid’s artistic tribute to Prince in a spectacle of purple and lilac. Jasmine Rand’s swim-line made a big splash with vibrant colours and textures. Also on show were the swim-line Miakalani by Brittany Johnson; Sandra Kennedy’s all-black SK Collections; DS by Daniella Stone; Haiti’s bag line, Veve by Phelicia Dell; Lola by Alyssa Simone; and veteran high-fashion designers, Uzuri.

Some of the designers featured on night two of Caribbean Fashionweek were Sandra Kennedy, drennaLUNA, Jacki Cohen and Meiling. There was also Caribbean Fashionweek first-timer, British designer Nicki Wright whose line was a tribute to musical icon Prince. Hints of leather and lace were staples in this risqué line. Arri Lopez was tasked with entertaining the crowd, and included Prince's Purple Rain in her performance. Between her tribute and Wright’s designs, the stage was set for the bigger, formal Prince tribute to come on Sunday.

On Sunday, the show moved to the home of Pulse on Trafalgar Road. for the best of CFW collections

Three designers ruled the runway. American Jasmine Rand stood out with beautiful jewellery added to her swimsuits, symbolising her memories made from visiting more than 20 countries.

Jamaican designer, Zaid had his models gliding down the runway in Rasta-inspired revolution style, taking militant fashion to new heights. He presented a Peter Tosh-inspired collection, while his hand-painted designs showed support for the legalisation of marijuana.

Then, Nicki Wright wowed the crowd with Miss Universe Jamaica 2015 Sharlene Rädlein, who was simply beautiful in an elegant jumpsuit.
The energy of the night went up when songbird Tessanne Chin hit the stage. Morris Day and the Time took guests down memory lane with some old school funk music, bringing down the curtain on another year of Caribbean Fashionweek.