Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) 2011 unveiled a cacophony of creativity and cultural optimism that set Kingston on fire — there were colours galore, frills, flounces, silks, chiffon and best of all Sea Island Cotton. Seems a level of expertise and passion are driving talent these days — the sort of excellence that one sees in Meiling and Robert Young, the kaleidoscopic burst of colour and sophistication seen in Julan and a gazillion theatrical movements of Gavin Douglas. The Caribbean in design collab mode and Kingston on the map. Turn these pages and enjoy the very best of CFW 2011!

Spoerry 1866

It was history in the making when the 145-year-old Spoerry 1866 unveiled their collection at Caribbean Fashion Week — the very first time outside of Europe. Using the finest Sea Island cotton at the base of all their designs, the deluxe menswear brand proved a force to be reckoned with at CFW 2011 with sit-up-and-take-note styling and Cartier watches thrown in for good measure and music that incorporated James Bond’s GoldenEye, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones… add the right swag — think President Obama — all in all, the execution was flawless. Feast your eyes on this superb collection, We’ll understand if, like us, you’re left picking your jaw up from off the ground.

Meiling

If fashion doyenne Meiling left us stylishly gloomy in black last year her mood was a lot more upbeat this time around as her models, gorgeous in white, made us all want to go out and purchase the all-white Grande Riviere collection and then jet off to an exotic destination ‘Walker’ in tow.

Julan

Vibrant colours, impeccable cuts and brilliant colour coordination are at the core of Juliette Dyke’s Melting Pot collection… and this one was her best yet.

Gavin Douglas

Brit-based designer Gavin Douglas gave us a peek at his upscale, sophisticated designs and naturally left us wanting more.

Everblazing

Solid authentic Italian materials are central to Milica Pesic’s Everblazing collection. The young designer who honed her skills with some of the biggest names in the industry — SO swears we saw Versace’s signature — unveiled a collection, much to our collective disappointment but priceless for her, usurped Biggy’s crown. With talks of a boutique opening soon in Kingston we reckon Mima, as she’s fondly referred to by her intimes, is one to watch.

Hope Wade

Hope Wade’s collection found much favour with the crowd on opening night. The sophisticated yet edgy designs were met with applause and shouts of approval as the designer matched pattern with print, complemented by solid colours and amazing cuts.

Attitude

Ashley Martin’s Attitude collection was well received at CFW 2011. Her devotees applauded lustily to a collection that took drama to a whole different level — Martin taunted as she presented from lace to feathers and Swarovski crystals to silk.

Anthony Reid

Menswear designer Anthony Reid featured an all-white collection of casual and formal wear and in so doing allayed the fears of the Caribbean male, so often clueless as to what to wear to complement their always stylish Caribbean sisters. Tailored from soft breezy cotton and linen fabrics, the designs suggested cool sophistication.

(Photos: Garfield Robinson and Marlon Reid)