- PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
CONFIDENT TUXEDOS and bold colours are among the current trends in men's fashion. This was evident judging by the men's collection displayed by designers at the 'La Hot Couture' fashion show on Sunday, March 19 during 'A Touch of France' expo at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.
Held poolside, Petals and Promises, Les Campbell and Carlton Brown illustrated that men's fashion is getting daring and sexy.
Campbell's designs showed that men's formal wear could be pepped up with colour. The crowd went wild for his green jacket themed with rainbow coloured pants, red shirt with multicoloured pants, and a gold and black jacket with black and grey pants.
Brown's pieces also demonstrated that men should be bold with colours. He showed how, with bright greens and lustrous rose pink. Versatility was also in his designs. Whether it was only a tie underneath jackets, concealing the skin or scarves instead of belts.
However, Petals and Promises, located at the Spring's Plaza, featured stylish formal wear for men. Peacock tail jackets, pink and white striped ties with pink vests, white formal shawls over formal suits for those trips in winter weather. They won the audience with a green military inspired suit - a buttoned hip-length jacket with matching pants styled with red, green and gold epaulettes. Following tradition, Petals and Promises ended their collection with a bridal gown.
'La Hot Couture' is an annual feature at the expo, staged by the Embassy of France, it features French designers. This year Guadeloupe designers Eliette Lesuperbe, Cathia Coppry and N'Djamena Caprice's collections were presented.
A. A Carlton Brown original that showcases tone on tone greens with interesting use of fabric to line jacket and a tie instead of shirt. The sandal completes the effect.
B. This formal suit is perfect if you are on the guest list for this week's ball in honour of our new Prime Minister. It is from Petals and Promises in The Springs shopping centre.
C. There is something about a man in uniform that gets the ladies screaming and this army inspired suit complete with epaulets and bright red pocket piece, did not fail to bring the girls to attention! It is also from Petals and Promises.
D. Les Campbell combines textures and colours to create this three-piece ensemble of shirt, pants and jacket. You definitely should be confident to carry this off and this SAINT International model had the strut to pull it off.
E. This is so sexy and right for a party in Hollywood with close friends or Sunday afternoons in sunny Miami Beach. It is from the creative fingers of Les Campbell and was a hit with the crowd. The softer subtle shades in the trousers make a beautiful contrast with the jacket.
F. Shades of green and blue give this shirt a spring-like feel. The Les Campbell design goes well with a pair of khakis and your favourite shoes.
G. If you have wardrobe challenges and if you get at least three or more invitations per year for black tie affairs rush out and purchase a tuxedo from Petals and Promises. This one is just what the fashion doctor ordered, complete with black and white accents - and for the travelling man, don't forget to pack this men's scarf for colder parts of the world.
- Shelly-Ann Thompson
