Nathelie Taylor, Gleaner Writer
Scenes from the University of the West Indies Dance Society's 34th Annual Season of Dance, entitled 'Moved', held at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, UWI, Mona. Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
AND SO it was on Thursday morning as TVJ presented a brief peek at items from a few of Jamaica's top designers who have signed on to dress nominees and presenters at this year's Actor Boy Awards, to be held on April 5.
With the red carpet rolled out befitting the splashy tone of an awards function and eager 'paparazzi' waiting in the wings for a glimpse of interesting haute couture, the models er, actors strutted and showed off designs from a number of fashion houses.
Ranging from the traditional tuxedo by Beautiful Brides and Mr. Tux to the sensual shimmery brown gown by Les Campbell to the royally resplendent golden yellow African garbs by Shades of Africa, the preview left one itching with anticipation to see the 'real' creations come awards night.
Carlton Brown's contribution an ensemble in cool earth tones that 'relaxed' on actor Christopher McFarlene's (No Disrespect) lean frame was another hit. This is not very surprising, since Brown has dressed actors and other well-known personalities for other award events. Brown seemed quite enthused about his involvement in the project, insisting that he will be opting for "a retro kind of feel" for his two actors, McFarlene and Jerry Benzwik.
Explaining his decision, he says: "I don't want no jacket and tie ting. They should be going
to an event where they're comfortable and at the same time represent. If there's a jacket, it's going to be more sporty, fitting right into the theme of an awards event."
'FORMAL HIP'
Dexter Pottinger, Avant Garde Designer of the Year, will of course try to raise a few well-arched eyebrows with the style he describes as "formal hip". Slated to dress Maurice Bryan and Olympian Sherone Simpson, this is Pottinger's début dressing for the red carpet, although he is quite used to designing for local entertainers like Lady Saw, Macka Diamond and Bounty Killer.
While Brown and Pottinger are leaning toward more casual styles, Les Campbell is sticking to the 'uniform' formal, elegant wear. He is going for the glamourous look, stating that "my garments should be able to be worn to any other occasion so nothing weird".
"Fabulous" is all that SIIM, who will be dressing Maylynne Walton from Four Play, would offer when asked about her plans for Walton's red carpet appearance. Not wanting to spill the beans, she explains "We're still doing some serious brainstorming right now, so it would be a little preemptive of me to tell you, those kinds of details. I can tell you, it's gonna be fabulous. She wants to go kind of all out; so we're definitely gonna be doing something worthy of the red carpet".
The bond between the Actor Boy Awards and local designers is now two years old and was born, according to Event Planning Committe Chairman, Robin Baston, "from a little brainstorming session over a couple of Red Stripes and finger foods one day with the planning committee".
FASHION DESIGNERS
Costume designers have always been actively involved in the awards and in theatre but, as Baston states, the committee saw the need to also bring on board fashion designers. "We said, 'lets' bring the fashion designers in and make it like the Oscars'. So we called them up, gave them a list of the nominees and it was a tremendous success and good fun," he said.
Apparently, it is good fun, as more designers have come on board bursting at the seams with fresh, creative ideas for their willing clients. The designers also think the marriage between actors and themselves is a good one. Pottinger, for instance, states: "I'd push getting designers to work more closely with actors and try to outfit them for various occasions like launches and opening nights."
SIIM also thinks it is a promising relationship. "I know Carlton Brown, for instance, has dressed a couple of male actors, which is really great. And Barry Moncrieffe dresses some of the more established actors. It's just a matter of time, really, cause you know red carpet here is kinda young, plus our fashion industry has only been resurging over the last five or six years," she said.
But, what are the designers getting from this association? Simply promotion from what Baston terms a 'symbitotic relationship.' "I think they'll get more out of it as the years go by, as the whole red carpet hype takes on more of an interest. But promotion is the main thing. Last year, after the show, people were going up to others and saying 'Ohhh, who gave you that outfit?'. I don't know if the designers have made anything out of it, but they have been happy to jump on again this year. There are different levels and everybody sees what they'll achieve from it, what they want out of it. It can only help," he said.
SIIM is hoping to increase her clientelle, because "that's usually what these things promise", adding that it is great being able to dress "a truly fabulous girl".
Brown, on the other hand, says adamantly that he is simply doing it for the fun. "I know all of the actors and they just ask me and I say no problem. It's not like I'm doing it because I need a million-dollar contract or I need the advertisement. It's just fun for me. I'm just doing it for the fun. The whole Actor Boy Awards, I think, really needs some flavour. And, I think the only way they can get that flavour is by coming to the designers, someone who can basically help them along the way and fashion is a very big part of it," he said.
