Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Donna Taylor-Wright of Rapid True Value gives her hilarious opening remarks at the paint unveiling. - Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Ralph Lauren sell paint? If that's the question you ask after reading the headline, it's understandable, as some people think the popular brand was about clothes and accessories.

Not only has the mogul been selling paint since 1996, but now Rapid True Value, right here in Jamaica, is the official distributor of the product. To celebrate the event and to formally introduce the decorators, architects and space planners to the line, the directors of the Rapid True Value team had an open-house of sorts on Monday evening. An entire section of the Constant Spring Road store was transformed into a showcase of the new colours.

General manager of Rapid True Value, Oscar Kerr, said with this development, Jamaica has become the only distributor for the paint outside of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. He noted that since we are the number one reseller of paint for True Value (worldwide, that is), it might have convinced good old Ralph and his boys to reward us with the franchise. He explained that there are three types of paint that will be offered: interior broad wall, speciality finishes and applicators.

Demonstration

General manager of Rapid True Value, Oscar Kerr, tells more about Ralph Lauren's exciting line of paints while Jackie Johnson, chief financial officer, looks on.

Guests also got a first-hand demonstration of applying one of the kaleidoscope of colours and were later presented with kits explaining more about the world of colour they were going to experience and how to apply to their walls and other surfaces. For good measure, the Rapid True Value team threw in a couple of free gallons for two lucky guests, who also received the necessary brushes to help them apply the paint.

The paints are 100 per cent acrylic, so they can better withstand significant temperature changes, are very durable and come with a lifetime warranty. The paints will also be available in Rapid's Ocho Rios, Mandeville and Montego Bay outlets.

Architects (from left) Pierre Tatem, Tracy Alberga and Kiva Alberga examine some of the colours at the Ralph Lauren paint launch.