As the doors opened to the Grand Jamaican Suite inside the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for this year’s staging of MoDA Runway 2018, the first word that came to mind was opulence.
The Ballroom creatively designed by Tai Flora Luxe featured a mix of gold + silver chandeliers, a curtain of crystals that cascaded from the ceiling then graced by celestials beings — a few angels who sat discreetly above columns by the runway.
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At precisely 9:15pm the lights dimmed with soft and sultry hues of reds and ambers where Tessanne Chin appeared and thrilled the audience with a few Jazz tunes. She was soon joined by Michael Sean Harris for a beautiful duet accompanied by the E-Park Band.
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| Yumi Katsura |
Then, just like “Wham, Bam, Alakazam! the show started just seconds later where 10 local and international designers presented their collections. New York-based Yumi Katsura was first on the runway with her fringe, lace, baroque + beautiful print pieces which featured selections from the Haute Couture Yuzen Collections and highlights from the Zoey Grey Collections. Next was Flowerchild1999 by our very own Kaycian Burke whose collection included her signature tassel bags + hats and beautiful woven statement belts complimented by a mix of the 60s +70s that featured dramatic sleeves.
The New-York based Kahindo was next which featured statement pieces in vibrant prints and bold colors which are Congolese inspired. The 4th Collection of the night was by Jamaican Designer Jae Jolly whose collection took us on a beach on the south of France which featured wide brim hats, colorful swimsuits, fun + flirty dresses and beautiful jumpsuits.
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| Jae Jolly |
The Salta Andino Collection was next which featured beautiful hand-made tunic dresses paired with colorful printed and metallic leggings. The 6th Collection of the night was by the British Virgin Island brand, Trefle with the Vogue Capsule Resortwear collection — the collection was all about “Art, Stripes and everything nice” paired with interestingly shaped hats!
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Up next was the Drenna Luna Collection by Arlene Martin which featured a modern take on wedding dresses that included shear, open back and a beautiful 2-piece dress with a crop top and an illusion nude lace. The Jamaican-born Netherlands based Designer Carmichael Byfield of House of Byfield was next with his menswear and womenswear collection that featured bold prints + ruffles perfect for Spring/Summer 2019.
The Penultimate collection of the night was by Project Runway Alum Korto Momolu which featured her signature African prints (influenced by her Liberian background). It would not be a MoDA Runway without Korto and the collection was a vibe!
Closing the show this year was Raphelita by Bahamian Artist and Designer David Rolle and his Spring/Summer 2019 “My Time” Collection which was a celebration of women power that featured timeless dresses + sequence pieces perfect for the holidays.
MoDA Runway 2018 was a celebration of Fashion in it’s most exciting form and brand Jamaica was definitely represented.
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Thanks to Maurice Tucker of Image Jamaica for capturing the Images this Year| ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (876) 297-0002.
