Kandré McDonald, Freelance Writer

(Left)A model displays an outfit by Kulcha Vybz at Saint International Style Week Fashion Show, held at Devon House, Hope Road, last Thursday. (Next) Neah Lis, Ande Sew, Carpe DM and Neah Lis - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The East Lawns of Devon House was on Thursday transformed into a tropical oasis, complemented by stylish attire that spells out Caribbean.

Saint International went all out, decorating the venue in a simplistic but stylish manner to showcase the Spring/Summer '08 Collection, which featured resort and leisurewear. The natural setting harmonised perfectly with the designs that were being showcased, all of which had some Caribbean flavour embedded in them.

Photographers clamoured to get the best spots at the end of the two-tiered runway and were busy all night adjusting their camera lenses to get the perfect shot. The lights flashing from their cameras not only captured the image of the models but also their attitude and that of the attire they wore.

On a night filled with glitz and glamour, several local as well as overseas-based designers were on hand with the best they had to offer. From the revealing swimwear to the casual evening wear that left almost everything to the imagination - most of the designs left the patrons in awe.

Lisa McIntosh, the mastermind behind Neah-Lis Collection, was the first featured designer. Her swimwear pieces fit sexily to the curvaceous bodies of the models as they strutted their stuff down the walkway.

Although the music provided for the Afreeka Collection was in no way connected to African culture, the designs spoke volumes. The collection showed signs of connection with African cultures, with a bit of European flavour added.

Mims' This is Why I'm Hot was the perfect song for the models as they strutted their stuff down the catwalk wearing Kulcha Vybz designs. The collection featured lots of hooded cotton jackets and casual T-shirts, and was a hit with the male patrons who yearned for a thug-like look.

The Ande Sew Collection, which featured knitted imported virgin wool from Africa, either hugged on to or swayed perfectly from the bodies of the models. Designer Susanna Curtis was beaming as she took the stage with the models herself, dressed in virgin wool, to R. Kelly's Slow Wine.

tropical social wear

Elan Collection, a series of tropical social wear, courtesy of designer Heather Laine, was also a crowd favourite. The designs featured sleek lines that liberated yet embraced the body and moved in unison with the models as they worked the runway.

Duane Bennett's Reve Acces-sories Collection was the only one of its kind on the night. The event provided the perfect opportunity for the student/designer to showcase his creative side. His designs were featured under the theme 'Naturally Stylish: from the land to the sea,' and comprised accessories from the ocean.

Carpe-DM came all the way from Los Angeles, U.S.A., to make their debut stage appearance. Their collection featured sports wear for him and her, and grabbed the attention of the patrons, who looked on in awe at some of the designs.

Peterina Lindsay, the mastermind behind the sex-appealing brand R.A.W. (Real Amazing Wear) Collection, showed that she loved to express sexuality through designs. Her female collection was a hit with the male patrons who were for the first time really getting into the action.

The saying, 'save the best for last' would be appropriate on an evening that featured some of the best that Jamaica had to offer. Melissa Dunkley's MDiz Collection was the final one for the night, and it was undoubtedly breathtaking. Working under the theme: 'Going Beyond the Universe,' Ms. Dunkley metaphorically took the patrons into another dimension with some jaw-dropping designs. Her swimwear were an instant hit and the men were whistling as the models made their way down the catwalk. The patrons gave her a rousing round of applause as she walked onstage with the models, and the more than two-hour fashion spectacle had ended.