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.

20 thoughts on “Style Week Jamaica 2011 Show Review: Allan Virgo, HOD, Kevin O’Brian, and more”

  1. Those Laquan Smith are the same pieces from couple years ago, or is that just my imagination, I have a strong deja vu feeling here… I love the hair on the model with the pencil skirt and rainbow colored sleeveless top, HOT.com

  2. I was hoping to see my girl Jaunel Mckensie on the catwalk..a well. Nice coverage Claire. Thanks.

  3. Laquan and Mantaano I’d have to say. I’d be biased to say trini as I only saw one piece (looks nice though). I’m really not a fan of anything else.

  7. Jaunel Mckenzie would not walk at Style Week Jamaica (SWJ). Here’s why. Unfortunately both fashion weeks in Jamaica are agency shows. Yup! Not done by the city (Kingston), private sector or any such independent person. So both leading agencies (Saint Int’l and Pulse Investments) in a way of self promotion (and grabbing as much sponsorship dollars as they can) host two separate shows weeks apart from each other. So you’ll see Jaunel at Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) ;)

  10. Further more to Ryo stylin’ comment, most of the black top models this past year are form Pulse, Gaye Mcdonald, Sedene blake will be at CFW. CFW although they do have some international designers show there,(too increase interest of course). CFW also showcase the best in design coming right out of the Caribbean. Designer with much more experience and it shows.
    I hope you had a good time…but of course you did.

  12. Thanks for the info Ryo..I absolutely adore Jaunel…Also thanks for the added info jboogie

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  19. you didn’t get pictures of NINA’s dresses which were Fabulous!!!! there was an orange piece with green underlining and a long black piece with green as well. there were also pieces done with intricate designs a brown satin with cream crochet detailing on the front……. all the designers were brilliant btw big up to my island!!!!

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