Fashion industry aficionados turned out in their numbers last Wednesday night to support the launch of designer Michelle Simone 'SIIM' Clarke's 2006-2007 13-month fashion calendar.

Designer Michelle Simone 'SIIM' Clarke (second left) is flanked by models who are outfitted in some of the pieces featured in the 13-month calendar. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)

The launch party, held in the lofty Jack's Hill community, proved to be one of style and elegance - matched only by SIIM's eye for detail and cunning use of architecturally inspired lines. Dominique Brown, the designer's long-time friend, played host even as guests thronged into the venue for the function that was scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm. Lateness aside, visitors enjoyed drinks by the bar while models wearing some of the featured outfits strutted across the premises.

"When SIIM hit the design scene in Jamaica, she brought a fresh approach," said guest speaker, renowned local designer Norma Soas, who praised the designer's ability. "SIIM's studies in architecture influence her creativity and edge," added Soas, who pointed out acclaimed designers Gianfranco Ferre and Romeo Gigli as two others that were also architects.

Nowadays, Soas pointed out, fashion design was no longer assumed to be the preserve of the less-academically accomplished.
"When I was growing up fashion was something you did when you couldn't make the grades in math or science," she said. This stigma, she believes, has somewhat fizzled and "SIIM is living proof of this".

It seems SIIM's out-of-the-box philosophy is not limited to her designs since the "lucky 13-month" calendar - that starts November 2006 - is the first of its kind.
"The concept is a full colour 13-month desktop calendar that features 13 must-have styles," said the designer during her address to the guests. The styles include dresses, pants, blouses, skirts, bathing suits, handbags and t-shirts - a different style each month.

"Every piece from this collection is one-of-a-kind and only 30 of each will be made," she said, noting that the hand- finished items will be distributed to boutiques across the Caribbean, United States of America (USA) and Europe. Besides architecture, SIIM says she enjoys pieces that are able to take its wearer from "office-chic to evening elegance".

Two noteworthy pieces from those featured at the launch are the flamenco skirt with its Spanish-inspired ruffles, festive colours and high cut - a fitting item for the Christmas season.
"January is all about sophistication," SIIM said, describing the black top accented by polkadot chiffon ruffles.

In true SIIM style, the evening climaxed with punk-rock performances from underground acts like Downstairs whose gritty vocals and played-up bass-guitars reverberated amongst the now thinning audience.

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