Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

A model dislays a design from Siim's Tropical Coutre line. - Contributed

It wasn't a fashion show, but a fashion event at the launch of Siim's Tropical Couture, introducing her 13 months of fashion at 2 Hyperion Avenue, Jacks Hill.

Decorated in bold blacks and whites on well-manicured lawns, the venue was just a taste of the elegant designs from the House of Siim's new collection. "When Siim came on in 2001, she brought an intellectual design philosophy to the Jamaican scene, which was missing here," fashion journalist Norma Soas said of her first impressions of the young designer, named Michelle Simone Clarke. "Siim is filling gaps in the industry with clothes that shift from day to evening, which is very economical for our environment."

Siim's Tropical Couture is complemented by jewellery from Garth Sanguinetti, whose jewels have graced Buckingham Palace as a gift to the Queen.

The concept is a full colour 13-month desktop calendar running from November 2006, to November 2007. Every month features 13 different styles of dresses, pants, blouses, skirts, bathing suits, handbags and T-shirts. The calendar itself is free with the purchase of any Siim product.

Three of the calendar's models, 'November, December and January', mingled with the crowd, showcasing some of the lines designs. One model was dressed in full black, looking very elegant in a pants suit that was visibly light and comfortable, while another showcased a long tropical skirt in multi-colours, with a sleeveless white top. The third model looked businesslike, yet out for a evening wear in a greyish skirt suit. The back of the suit was interesting, with lacy white frills in a circle at the back of the top, with accompanying white lace at the split at the back of the skirt.

The launch ended with entertainment from Jamaica's self-proclaimed only real rock band, Downstairs.