Local designers, La Quan Smith, Indashio, Roger Gary, Man vs Machine, Korto Momolu and Simon Duncan, along with couturier Claudia Pegus, Tigerlily Hill, Gabz and Gabz, Kristen Frazer from the Caribbean, were a force of their own, blowing Hurricane Tomas out to sea to showcase colorful collections during the first Cayman Fashion Solstice.
The astute production staged by New York’s Signature by Terry Donovan, director and CEO of Guavaberry Marketing (Cayman), Cindy Rosen-Jones, brought together some of the region’s best professionals for four days of excitement.
The runway show at the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Nov. 6 hosted by Victoria’s Secret Selita Ebanks was up beat with a variety of exquisite creations. The pieces all had one thing in common though – the breathtaking backdrop of the Cayman Islands that inspired many vibrant hues.
Momolu said her collection was geared to women who are ageless, and who appreciate bright colors. She used tall models such as Georgie Badiel, Crystal Morris, Kacie, Alysssa Young, Kelly and Leah to show flowing gowns, palazzos, mini dresses and separates that captured the beauty of her creations.
The pieces were sensual such as Smith’s sexy body hugging dresses and his one-piece multi-colored tights with jacket that ruled the runway. The swimwear, capped off the designer edgy and youthful line.
Design master Roger Gary, jazzed up the runway with exquisite sequined swimwear, and alluring evening gowns that were magical. His gold lace jumpsuit and see-through lace pant were stunners.
Indashio is a Bronx designer whose showmanship is evident in his creations. He unleashed his funky style that was influenced by his flare for color. The glam detailed collection in mini sequin dresses, floral printed Kaftans and swimsuits among others, garnered loud applauses.
And influenced by beautiful women, Brooklyn-based designer Simon Duncan flooded the runway with gorgeous floor-length dresses in chicken yellow, orange and black. His brocade pantsuit and detailed male and female slacks showed off his tailoring skills.
The Man vs Machine brand by young designers Jordan White and Charlie Brown brought into focus a progressive lifestyle that they say caters to the creative intellectual. They chose models such as Watkins, Kadeem Fisher, Bobby Roach, Wendell Lissimore, and BJ, to wear their colorful slim-fitting jeans, jackets and shirts.
And thanks to the crew such as Celebrity stylist Calvin Jones, the amazing team of make-up artist, Ashunta Sherriff, hairstylist Giselle Moveste Latham, fashion director, Memsor Kamarake and runway coach Alva, the show was a total success.
Caymanian models included Joe Jackson, Treveen, Cassian Lawrence, Nicosia Lawson and Cleopathra Henry.
