CARIBBEAN FASHION-WEEK (CFW) has apparently distinguished itself as one of the most noted events on the fashion calendar for the region. A record 45 designers from around the world have confirmed their participation in this year's event.
The annual Fashionweek is scheduled for June 10-13 this year instead of the November dates that characterized the previous events.
Thirty designers will present collections, while twenty others will participate in the exhibition. The five remaining spaces will be held for other Jamaican designers who have expressed interest in the event.
According to a release from Pulse, the organisation behind the event, the three day event is scheduled to take place in Kingston, Jamaica, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and a number of other locations in and around the city.
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE
The release further suggests that the overwhelming response to CFW this year is reflected not only in the numbers but also the fact that the complement of designers confirmed their places three months prior to the event.
The event will pull designers from Jamaica, as well as Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, The Bahamas, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Guyana, St. Kitts, Haiti, Australia, Africa, The United States, Britian and Canada, no small feat for a series just 3 years old.
Kingsley Cooper, CEO of Pulse, says that; "CFW has now come of age and designers from around the region are extremely excited about the event. The worldwide exposure as well as the general marketing and imaging that the event has provided for designers, is an important factor and several designers are now reporting significant business coming out of CFW."
A series of firsts will typify this year's staging. For the first time CFW shows will be beamed live to a yet to be confirmed venue in New Kingston where interested persons will be able to see "the best of Caribbean Fashion free of charge".
Only the invited guests, local, Caribbean and International press, industry players and fashionistas will get to view the action live.
There is also a newly formed CFW Foundation which Cooper says has been set up to "help in the development of Caribbean Fashion, within the context of Caribbean Fashionweek." This year, the Foundation, chaired by Mrs Lois Lake-Sherwood, a Business Executive, will provide grants to Jamaican designers. Through the Foundation registration fees for approved repeat Jamaican designers will also be covered.
Pulse reports that all the sponsors from last year's event have reconfirmed their support for 2004.
