DEVELOPING designers is one of the objectives of this year’s Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW), set for June 7-11 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew.

While admitting that there is nothing new for the 12th annual event, chief organiser Kingsley Cooper stressed that there is an elevation in development of designers to meet the dictates of the local fashion market, regionally and at an international level.

“Our focus this year is preparing the designers in areas such as business generation and offer them the exposure to take them to the next level,” Cooper told the Jamaica Observer at Tuesday’s launch of CFW at Villa Ronai in St Andrew.

“Through a partnership with the Caribbean Export Development Agency and its Caribbean Fashion Programme, (we) will see the work of designers being showcased during the summer Olympics in London and also at London Fashion Week in September,” Cooper continued.

He will also bring in international fashion consultant David Jones to be chief presenter at the designers forum.

Cooper noted that the event is oversubscribed with as many as 40 designers expected to showcase their work.

Missing from this year’s lineup is Anya Ayoung Chee — the former Miss Trinidad and Tobago-turned-designer who won last season of the television reality series, Project Runway.

The Observer has learned that Ayoung Chee and her Pilar line will be showcasing a collection in New York around the same time.

Cooper continues to boost the entertainment package at CFW. This year, he has brought out a raft of entertainers headed by Rhythm and Blues singer Brian McKnight, British singer Estelle, mento band The Jolly Boys, soca star Shurwayne Winchester and dancehall acts Cham and Konshens.