What she wore - Kristia Franklin gives Carnival in Jamaica outfit rundown

Describing herself as a “Tia of Trades”, influencer and entrepreneur Kristia Franklin feted in fine style during carnival week. The 29-year-old Sunshine Snacks brand ambassador, shared that she first played mas more than three years ago. “My first carnival experience was with Xodus in 2019. I’ve enjoyed all my carnival experiences. I’ve jumped three times and each time with a different band,” said Franklin.

To say that Franklin keeps herself busy is an understatement. The Tia Clothes Girl brand proprietor not only works in fashion but also in home décor and real estate. “ I’m part owner for two cabins for short-term rental on Airbnb. Lastly, I’ve recently entered the construction industry with my mother, as we are building a boutique hotel from a 17th century old Spanish fort in St Mary, Jamaica,” she told Living.

Taking a break from the ardours of style and design, she gave us the fashion 411 on her whirlwind week.

You styled yourself for the season. What was the key ingredient in all your outfits?

The key ingredient was comfort and not buying anything new. I repeated a lot of outfits this season and just styled them differently. Luckily, I didn’t put on any weight (laughs).

You go by the moniker ‘My Repeat Offender’. What item did you repeat during carnival week?

I repeated every single outfit, nothing new was purchased. Outfits were just styled differently, a new hairstyle, different shoes, different accessories seemed to do the trick.

What was your favourite event and outfit of carnival week?

My favourite event was Rise Up and that was also my favourite outfit. I designed that outfit years ago. It mixed a black-and-white print and crochet. I learnt crochet when I was around 10. It’s my special talent, it never leaves me, and every now and then I take up my needle and get creative again.

I also enjoyed Sunrise Breakfast Party. That’s always a great party, the vibes is always good and the ladies and gents always come out well dressed. I wore a full pink outfit and channelled my inner Barbie with a pink monochromatic look. Monochromatic looks always excite me, [it’s] a fun fashion challenge to execute.

What’s one tip you follow when selecting outfits for carnival week?

Comfort! Carnival is full of day parties and lots of fêtes per day. So it’s important to dress comfortably so you can enjoy all of them. If you wear something uncomfortable, it’s unlikely that you’ll be going to three parties in that day, because you’re going to want to go home after being uncomfortable at a party. So I always advise to dress comfortably for that reason, and also so you can dance all day long and be happy.

What’s your trick for luminous carnival skin?

I want luminous skin all year around, so I try to stay hydrated, drink a lot of water daily. I also try to eat well and moisturise twice a day.

On carnival day, you jumped with GenXS and wore Summer Sunsets by Shawn Dhanraj. What made you select that costume? What did you love most about it?

I absolutely loved my costume. I loved the design of the bra, I loved the cut of the bottom that tied behind my neck, thought that made it more flattering, and my favourite part was the wings. I loved all the colours and the big size.

Your hair was amazing on Carnival Sunday; what was your hair inspo?

For my hair, I just wanted to be extra. The costumes are already grand and beautiful, so the only way you can style it to be different from anyone else in your section is with your hair and make-up. With that said, I chose to be extra with the hair. It’s a style I’ve done before but not to that length. I decided to extend it to the floor because, why not? We only jump once a year, why not make it memorable?

S ummer Sunsets was inspired by Negril. Do you have a favourite place to visit on the West End?

That’s crazy that it’s inspired by Negril. I didn’t even know that. Negril is my favourite place in Jamaica, debatably in the world. Negril nurtures my soul and awakens my heart, so I’m not surprised that I connected to that costume. I love all of Negril. I cannot choose a favourite part, all of Negril is a magical experience for me.

Are you planning to be back on the road next year?

I actually had said this was my last year but, after such a great Sunday, I think I have to eat my words.

lifestyle@gleanerjm.com