Hey!
So I’m headed back to New York today (woo hoo!), but wanted to give you guys the scoop on a few designers I spied during Style Week Jamaica 2011. The line up for this year’s showcase included familiar names like LaQuan Smith, Sammy B, and Mataano, along with new names like Ashley Martin, Frenchester Christie, Lisa McIntosh, Simone Gordon of T&T Fashions, and Andre Shirley.
Check out a few highlights.

Allan Virgo:
By day, Jamaican born Allan Virgo designs outerwear for Michael Kors. By night, the 26-year-old FIT graduate fashions his own line of beautifully colored maxi dresses, one shoulder frocks, and asymmetrical skirts, characterized by a signature patchwork style melding different patterns and fabrics.

Though some pieces in the collection fell away from the brand’s aesthetic with plastic cut outs placed on A-line skirts, Virgo will certainly triumph by sticking to more feminine elements: crop tops, skirts, and floor grazing yet easy frocks.

HOD:

Gregory Williams of HOD called his adventurous collection, “Ninja Glam.” Models in pin cushion bras (replete with pins) sauntered down the runway in leggings, jumpsuits, and tops with dramatic elements like generous hoods and parachute like pockets.

I could see Nicki Minaj on stage twirling in any of these bold separates. Barbz approved.

Nina:

Nina’s forte is crochet. For the presentation designer Karlene Levy of the brand offered monokinis, bikinis, mini and maxi dresses in alluring knit.

The pieces seemed perfect for a relaxed vacation in a tropical paradise.

Kevin O’Brian:

Paris based Kevin O’Brian brought a bit of couture sensibility to the proceedings with dramatic face masks played up by fall away gowns comprised of lace, light reflecting material, and chiffon.


T & T:

One shoulder dresses shared the runway with alluring maxi frocks for Simone Gordon of T&T‘s segment. Out of all the designers who presented that night, these were definitely the closest to red carpet worthy.

And of course we can’t forget our very own New York designers.
Mataano presented a 70′s themed safari replete with rompers, paisley pieces, and straw hats:

And LaQuan Smith lit up the venue and closed the show with his electrically sweet ‘Hard Candy’ collection:

Which designer was your favorite?
Photos by Mari J Brooklyn.