Left: Rykii De Jude. Center: Avark. Right: The Mushroom. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
CFW NIGHT ONE
FRIDAY NIGHT'S main show at Caribbbean Fashionweek got off to a late but scintillating start with a sizzling opening number.
POSH PUNK
Anthony Cumberbatch's Posh Punk collection visibly lifted the mood and captured the attention of the fashionistas who waited hours for their fix of fashion for the evening. The collection's impact and energy was no doubt assisted by Pulse's top models, Jaunel McKenzie, Janell 'Nell' Robinson, and Nadine Willis who, in that order, opened the presentation with a line inspired by rock chic; the edgy collection made for the fashionista who wants to look 'posh', 'punk' and a bit 'country'.
Wild, uninhibited and very luxurious, the line featured leather riding trousers, cowboy hats, fur, lots of it, suede, and animal print, all accessorised by studded belts, straps and boots. It was in this showing that Rising Stars' Diana Rutherford made her debut as a working model, closing the collection for Cumberbatch. Later, in show 2, entertainer Jovi would walk for Cooyah, as another pop tart who appeared on the CFW runway.
THE FIFTH ELEMENT
But they were not the highlights among more accomplished models and with the creativity of the designers on show. Andrea Davis' The Fifth Element, followed Posh Punk and brought the energy down a notch with a more cerebral collection which featured adinkra symbols from Africa and cryptic musings as part of the design.
THE MUSHROOM
The Mushroom, a CFW mainstay also showcased hip, trendy swimwear in combinations of rich burgundy and gold, blue,pink and green or black, green and gold mixed in with more mature, sophisticated black pieces. The accessories, provided by Kiki designs and Marie Elaine were also strong features of the collection.
RYKII DE JUDE
Rykii De Jude's closing collection was made for romance. The collection featured the traditional colours, red and white with a few pieces of black thrown in to break the monotony. White crushed cotton, pin striped polyester blend with lace detail were good, but the real standouts in the collection was the white dresses, made for the the casual or more sophisticated bridal party.
COOYAH
Cooyah stole the second show as the premiere Jamaican urban brand. Over the years many have questioned Cooyah's ability to produce more than casual wear. While they are nowhere near haute couture, the collection on Friday showed they don't need to be. The Cooyah womenswear combined casual with sophisticated for a line ready for the club or the cocktail reception. Denim wraparound skirts were presented along with fleece jackets and soft feathered coats and balloon dresses. The menswear did not break the mold however, with Cooyah sticking to tradition with casual denim or cotton pants, T-shirts and blazers.
AVARK
Avark's African inspired menswear line was also a crowd pleaser, linens, hand painted skirts and shirts and decorative bags inspiring some 'oohs' and 'aahs'.
- Alicia Roache
