On August 1, Jamaica celebrates Emancipation and on August 6 we celebrate the birth of our nation. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of the nation, but also on the essence of who we are as a people. Among the many attributes for which we are admired is our creativity. There is no better time to Rock the Cloth in your own creation, using fabrics to craft designs inspired by the national holiday season. As an option, we can support the local fashion industry, a strong representation of our culture, by wearing local design products – clothing and/or accessories.

To avoid coming off as “costumey”, you can avoid a Jamaican flag dress and go with one colour of the flag and instead dress it up with accents with the flag’s colours. This week we did just that to present a few such options and we incorporated items from local members of the industry: Cinderella Hats (accessories) and Patwa Apparel (T-shirts).

One of the things we can do to celebrate this Independence is to wear the colours of the Jamaican flag as we reflect on the meaning: Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth (Original meaning).

Happy Independence!

Steps: dress

1. Cut front and back of the dress.

2. Join front to back along the sides only.

3. Finish edges.

4. Hem

NOTE: The shoulder is cut in extended strips that are tied over the shoulder.

Photos: Marc Evans

Make-up: Angelie Martin-Spencer

Model: Crystal Patterson