PHOTO BY RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Choosing the best Flair covers was no easy task. In 2005, scores of beautiful faces and interesting personalities graced our covers. After much deliberation, we chose the following as the best covers for 2005. They are not only the best because of aesthetic qualities but for the message in the stories they told.
FATHER'S LOVE (June 27)
Our June Men's issue had the heart-warming cover story of Ainsworth Bucknor, a single father raising his four children. Since the death of his wife in 2004, he has taken on the task of raising his children alone instead of sending them to relatives. The cover with a picture of Mr. Bucknor and his daughter Christina was very touching. It showed the softer, caring side of this man.
We salute, on his behalf, all other men who have stepped up to the plate and are embracing their responsibilities with love. That's why this is one of our choices for best of Flair covers 2005.
SCOTT & ANNETTE SAY I DO (September 5)
When Scott Kerr proposed to long-time girlfriend Annette Fletcher in Flair's Valentine's Day promotion 'Will you marry me?' his romantically worded proposal stole the heart of the judges.
Scott took the bold move to propose to Annette in the February 14 issue of Flair.
His proposal read:
To my Annette
All that I was before you matters little.
My heart finally leaned to beat the moment you flashed your beautiful smile, eventually kissed me with your exquisite lips, finally laid your perfect skin against my own.
All that I am now is because of you.
You with your generous heart and soul, who give so freely, so openly, makes me know that I'm the luckiest man alive.
You've given so much of yourself, and yet I want to ask for more, one last thing:
Marry me my love, and I'll spend the rest of my life giving everything I am to you.
Everyone waited with bated breath until she said yes.
Finally on August 28, on the beautiful white sands of Old Steamer Beach and in the presence of the Lifestyle team in Hopewell Hanover, they said their wedding vows. The ceremony and the couple were beautiful and their love for each other stole our hearts.
21 & RED HOT: Flair coming of age (October 17)
The cover of this issue sizzled with the Flair team in hot red outfits. Looking back, it's hard to believe that when the editor suggested the idea to dress in red as a dramatic testimony of the bold, bright, brash attitude of Flair, the team objected loudly.
"Red!", screamed Shelly-Ann Thompson, "No, no, I don't love red." Tesi Johnson, Nashauna Drummond and Keisha Shakespeare were a tad less strident but eventually, as they visualised make-up chairs and hours in one of Kingston's trendy boutiques, making careful selections of some trendy clothes, the 'models' relented.
When they saw the pictures, everyone suddenly became prima- donnas, even making suggestions about which picture showed their good side. We had fun putting this one together. The cover has made such an impression. During that week two of the island's top model agencies called to sign up two members of the team. And Shelly-Ann has since appeared as one of the models in the Twilight and Tea fashion show held at the Pegasus Hotel last month.
This cover story was also sentimental as it celebrated our 21st anniversary and looked back at the some of the past Flair co-ordinators who over the years have helped to make the magazine number one with readers.
Tie it, wrap it: Shawls for all seasons (October 24)
This issue was very innovative focusing on myriad ways to wrap and wear shawls and scarves that dominated the fashion scene for a large part of the year. However, it was the face of Pulse model Kayan that made this cover one of the best for 2005.
It showed character, personality, attitude while being warm and inviting. The model's hair was wrapped with a shaded hot pink silk shawl from Thailand. The style showed one of the many ways to accessorise with this versatile accessory.
Blossoming after retirement (November 7)
Former Postmaster General Blossom O'Meally Nelson really blossomed on this cover of Flair. After over five years in the top job, at 60 Dr. O'Meally Nelson shared her plans to embark on a new path in her life; embracing other passions.
Dr. O'Meally Nelson made a beautiful cover. She exhibited an ebullience that was captured by the lens of photo editor Andrew Smith. She absolutely enjoyed the session and her comedic talents also emerged during the interview. For these reasons, she is among the best of Flair covers for 2005.
- Nashauna Drummond
