MODEL agency Saint International brought the curtains down on the eighth annual staging of Styleweek Jamaica in dramatic fashion in New Kingston on Sunday night.

The agency unleashed model after model onto the long runways which stretched along Knutsford Boulevard — the main artery through the popular business district — for Fashion Block, the signature outdoor fashion event.

Fourteen designers showcased collections ranging from men’s and women’s wear, accessories including bags and jewellery to body art.

Among the collections to stir the audience was the accessories by Lela, which featured leather bags and use of gourds (calabash). The pieces from guest designer Cesar Galindo, out of New York, also earned commendations as did the work by Neah Lis.

Saint International also took the opportunity to showcase some of their models who have earned a name for themselves on the international scene.

Top among them were globetrotter Shena Moulton, Trisan Holder, Jotasha Turnbull, Casmar James, Venecia Cordoza, Korey Rowe, and Ashane Rose.

Saint International CEO Deiwght Peters is pleased with this year’s staging of the fashion event despite the challenges.

“I am very happy with the feedback from all the stakeholders of this year’s staging including designers, models, and patrons. It was very challenging as many of our usual partners had severe budget cuts and could not participate,” he said.

The challenges experienced by Peters and his team was evident in the patronage at Sunday’s free, open-air event.

Compared to the tight-squeeze experienced in previous years as local fashionistas worked hard for a view of the huge runway, Sunday was a more relaxed air with much less patrons lining Knutsford Boulevard, but Peters insists that the patronage was only down by a small amount.

“Fashion Block is always extraordinary in attendance and otherwise. The crowd was about 10 per cent less than last year but, by any standard still the biggest live fashion event anywhere in the Caribbean,” said Peters.

Saint International also used the opportunity to showcase one of its other talents, singer Berry.

The singer, who hails from Sligoville, St Catherine, is being prepared for the music scene.

Berry’s booming voice thundered down ‘the boulevard’ as she delivered an a capella rendition of Marley’s Redemption Song, Whitney Houston’s All The Man I Need, Beautiful by Christina Aguillera, before rounding out with Chaka Khan’s classic Ain’t Nobody.