Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer
A model presents a design from the Beach Crew collection at Natalie Parboosingh's 'On The Runway' show, held at Red Bones Blues Café, Braemar Avenue on Saturday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
FROM THE casual jeans look to formal wear, 'On the Runway' held last Saturday at Red Bones Blues Café featured fashion, accessories and sandals creations of nine local fashion designers.
The fashion show was put on by Natalie Parboosingh. A graduate of Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Parboosingh says she loves fashion and has a flare for the dramatic. Her goal is to continue showcasing local designs with bigger and better shows.
On Saturday, the show was done in a professional manner, with a group of fairly new models showcasing the designs of the mixed group of seasoned and new designers.
Badwud, designs by Vaughn Graham, featured casual works with T-shirts incorporated with Jamaican sayings and history.
CASUAL WEAR
Beach Crew, as the name suggests, was casual wear for the resort scene. Created by Sharleene Sleem, the collection included fashions for both men and women. There were Bermuda beach shorts of varying colours and designs for the men, while the women's fashion included short and long flared skirts, off shoulder and midriff-baring tops and spaghetti-strap summer dresses in bright colours.
Decision Designs by Maureen Clarke was both elegant and semi-formal. There were six jacket suits with single buttons or buckle, dark suits with sexy blouses for women, and a black jacket skirt suit with a sky blue inner blouse decorated with sequins.
Elan for Women featured peasant skirts in many bright colours. Strapless tops, broad belts and sequins were also a feature of the collection.
Kevin Smith of Pound Jeans says he does not work with denim but instead works with cotton twill. Whatever he works with, his male designs are unique. One that stood out was a sleeveless white shirt with an image of hands clasped in prayer on the front. At the back was a table with Psalm 125:1. Another was a suit made with Jamaican colours - yellow pants, green shirt and black jacket.
MALE FASHION
Linford Beecham also presented male fashion. The male segment was especially entertaining as the male models removed their shirts exposing well developed abdominal muscles. The designers also were not averse to experimenting with colours, as male fashion include colours as varied as blue, yellow, pink, green orange and red.
Meleissa Dunkley's Rydim is described as flirty and sexy. A casual look, Meleissa worked with mesh and jeans, saying she is willing to work with any fabric she gets her hands on.
The husband and wife team for Pimento showcased summer dresses and semi-formal and formal wear. Although the designs appeared to be tye and dyed, according to Pat Skeete, co-founder, they in fact utilised the discharge technique taking the colour from within the fabric.
The models also showcased leather sandals and handbags by Leder Mode.Chandelier earrings, Mardi Gras necklaces and stones were provided by Debbie Lyn who designs jewellery from silver and precious stones.
