Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillipps' charity event, 'Fashion Xplosion', was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

After getting off to a late start 'Fashion Xplosion' blazed the runway at the Pegasus Hotel last Sunday night.

Hosted by Paula-Ann Porter, the evening featured an array of clothing from Jamaica's top designers, a slew of celebrity models and unveiled pieces from Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillipps' wardrobe.

Opening the show to a fairly packed crowd was 'Shades Of Africa' by Tanya Campbell which featured African influenced garb, in shades of purple, and earthy colours like deep browns and blues.

A strapping male model stole the show as he came out as the 'African king', and ushered in his African queen, Yendi Phillpps, in a purple and green dress with headpiece.

Models for the night included Saint International models, past Miss Jamaica Worlds Jade Fullforth, Regina Beavers, Sara Lawrence and Dr. Terri-Karelle Griffiths; this year's Miss Jamaica World contestants, Cameisha Powell, Tiffany Ellis, Racquel Ellis and Rosina Casserly.

'Cute and chic'

Designers included casual wear from Xtras, men's fashion with Pablo Palair was littered with an array of suede suits and light colours with a touch of polka dots. Posh's 'cute and chic' was filled with dresses with black and white polka dots, zebra prints and touches of yellow thrown into the mix.

Les Campbell's 'Classic Comfort' followed with a business look for men, and a specially designed suit for Yendi with a grey skirt and top with black mesh. The Mushroom was out with bright colours including a green, black and gold nationalistic bathing suit that Yendi modelled. The first performance for the night was from the well harmonised group To-Isis. Bringing a little comedy into the act as they tested their vocal talents, To-Isis sang Real Ghetto Pain, a touch of Dream Lover, Time Waits For No One and more.

Then it was back to basic with classic designers Barry Moncriefe and Carlton Brown. Moncriefe presented his line 'An Elegant Affair' with a lot cultural type clothes in Indian and African styles. Brown's 'Gentlemen of Leisure' had a lot of stripes through in with brown and beige suits. Neah Lis's 'Etraordinaire' was sexy with a lot of black dresses, lovely patterns and elegant cuts.

The most anticipated part of the night was the celebrity section, as the crowd was busy guessing who would be modelling. Present in the crowd was dancehall artistes Sean Paul, Wayne Marshall and Esco- who unfortunately did not model. Dancehall artiste Kris Kelli was up first looking sexy in a black skirt with a leopard print shirt, business man and ex-model Gilbert Chen followed looking right out of the matrix with a black leather suit.

Television host Denise Hunt showed off her legs in a brown number, as fellow host Jenny Jenny looked stunning peek-a-boo with a white embroidered dress. Bev Coore also stunned in a goldish silvery dress. Athlete Usain Bolt wore an a traditional African attire .

The crowd giggled when cricketer Courtney Walsh sported a cricket bat and a dapper suit. Asafa Powell got a standing ovation from an adoring crowd who got their fill of his rippling muscles.

Brick and Lace followed with songs such as Never Never, Mr. Officer and Love Is Wicked. Uzuri International ended the night of fashion with stunning glittering and colourful clothes. Yendi came out in a white number, a green dress and a crowd favourite red number. Sara Lawrence also modelled for the night in a brown number, as well as the other Miss Worlds. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Jamaica Red Cross in aid of those areas in need after Hurricane Dean.