Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Lilieth Nelson has never failed to surprise with her creative hat creations. This year she wore a purple number with a gift-wrapped heart perched on the crown.
UNDER THE patronage of Ambassador Madge Barrett, Hearts 'n' Ideas once again staged their annual fund-raiser, 'Hats on to Easter' to celebrate the onset of this year's Easter season. As expected, the guests came out in their hats, some with exceptionally wide brims, some with gift wrap perched on the crown, and even one bearing the face of President-elect of the People's National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller.
Upon entry, guests were given hats made with chocolate, courtesy of Chocolate Dreams; a charming gesture in keeping with the theme of the party. Chocolate Dreams also had their white and dark chocolate, fountains flowing with the gooey sweet delight next to a platter of dipping goodies; a feature that has recently become a staple at parties all over Kingston.
DRAMATIC PIECE
The entertainment segment of the day got under way as the Master of Ceremonies, Heather 'Brown Sugar' Grant, introduced 'Children First', who performed a dramatic piece depicting how many young people currently celebrate Easter. Their comical portrayal of youngsters parading in Carnival rather than going to church, drew laughter from the audience. Roxanne Corniffe, of the Stella Maris Dance Ensemble, performed a dance to Stevie Wonder's "If it's magic." Ibo Cooper of Third World introduced the audience to a number of young performers all students in the music programme at the Edna Manley College. Phoebe-Ann Henry who sang Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me to the Moon', was the most memorable.
The fashion show featured and hat parade featured items from D'Choix Boutique. It was arranged by owner Rosalyn Campbell. The models first paraded the Jamaica Collection which was comprised of Jamaican- made pieces, fashioned from fabric in colours of the Jamaican flag. Each outfit was styled with a hat to complement it. The models also wore several variations of the little black dress; an item that compere Jacqui Tyson described as "the ultimate wardrobe essential." In the middle of the show Ibo Cooper walked up to the runway in a yellow wide-brimmed hat, with a yellow veil, much to amusement of the guests. There was also a show of evening dresses, and some casual wear.
Among the guests were Ambassador Madge Barrett, of course, accompanied by her adorable granddaughter Morgan-Brooke Levy, Gerthlyn Holman and Thyra Heaven who wore probably the widest brimmed hat at the function, a lime green number adorned with pink and green flowers. Also present were Dr. Heather Little-White and her husband Peter Watson.
