After a one-year hiatus, CFW was back on the fashion calendar, repackaged with a new twist: Africa, Nigeria. Pulse, which has dominated the Caribbean fashion industry and modelling, has a long tradition of reinventing itself. The company has just launched its global initiative, partnering with the best of African fashion. Africa, and Nigeria in particular, has been building a respected reputation in couture and has seen its designers featured in many music award shows.
CFW 2019 showcased a well curated ensemble of the best of Caribbean and African designers. The setting, the Villa Ronai in the rainforest,could not have more magical, more Caribbean. Presenting the collections this year were Pulse’s new runway stars led by Alicia Burke, Jeneil Williams and Oraine. The runway, shorter than usual, allowed each model to take her time and properly parade the collections of the designers.
The Best of Trinidad featured Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, The Cloth by Robert Young, and Meiling.
Claudia showed two collections, resort and couture. The first category featured colours inspired by Africa, along with easy breezy white cottons. Her couture line, as usual, was sexy, well constructed and effortless.
The Cloth by Robert Young showed the most progression. Robert also showed two collections, for both women and men. Known for making political statements via his work, Robert chose fabrics that were natural and pure. His deliberate selection, from cotton to linen, lends to well constructed, comfortable clothing that embraces his love for the environment.
Meiling, always a favourite and one to watch, presented a small collection that was modern, elegant, chic and perfectly executed. The collection of Anthony Reid for Meiling emphasized shirts and trousers cut to perfection. Their designs mark a great partnership in style and a vibe that is undoubtedly Meiling!
The best of Jamaica featured Biggy, drennaLuna, Hope Wade, Uzuri, Mutamba, and Rouge Creation.
I absolutely loved the drennaLuna capsule collection comprising nothing but the colour black. The designer proved that black is a colour for all occasions, from her use of lame, silk, satin and cotton, all beautifully constructed. She made the point that all black is not created equally.
Rouge Collection by Jeneil Williams revealed the model turned designer’s growth since her first showing two years ago. Her collection added active wear which embodies her athletic lifestyle and her universally famous tomboy physique. A line of clothing to wear at the gym, for running errands and to lounge in. As Jeneil hones her skill as a designer, she will be a force to reckon with in the very competitive active wear industry.
Mutamba is the essence of effortless Jamaican living, and I just love Jackie. Her designs have an eclectic feel as she embraces her Afro-Caribbean heritage to create a line that exemplifies an easy, casual lifestyle.
The three Nigerian designers, led by heavyweight Mai Atafu, were the highlight of the event. Mai men’s- and womenswear was pure high-end luxury. From his choice of fabrics to his amazing tailoring and precision cuts, his suits are certainly a cut above anything we have seen on a Caribbean runway.
Tokyo James, from Lagos, was edgy, mixing traditional fabrics with faux leather to bring us a line that any hip-hop star would die for.
The third Nigerian designer was fun! All her models were asked to smile on the runway. Her label, Ituen Basi, embraces the world with spunk and energy. Her line combines, vibrant colours, a wide array of different fabrics and sharp cuts, but is still feminine and girlie. She was a great end to a very best of CFW!
Well done Kingsley and Romae at Pulse! You pulled off yet another amazing weekend for fashion lovers!
