LUXURY brand Audi will power the 15th anniversary of Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW) scheduled for June 6-15.

Kingsley Cooper, chairman of model agency Pulse — event organisers, made the announcement at the Audi state-of-the-art terminal in New Kingston, on Wednesday.

The chairman said it was not only a milestone year for CFW, but for Pulse, which is celebrating 35 years. He also explained his reason for partnering with the German luxury brand.

“My association with the brand goes way back. Audi is the new powerhouse in automotive circles. I had a friend in London who kept telling me Audi technology was superior to all the prestige vehicles you know… I won’t call any names. And I discovered it for myself. I actually own two Audis,” he told Auto.

“In addition to the technology and how the vehicle performs, there is the prestige of Audi. Audi has new-age prestige that is superior to what is going on now automotive circles. It is a perfect fit,” he continued.

Pulse’s chairman outlined some of the activities slated for CFW.

“We’re looking at two weekends of Total fashion. We’re engaging the entire fashion community. We’re talking the weekend of June 6 and 7 where you can attend off-site shows and choose your look. Not only you seek those looks coming down the runway, but you also have a trunk show with different purveyors showing you looks you can buy. You can go to the restaurants and have a Caribbean Fashionweek special. Similarily, you can go to the bar and get a CFW drink,” he said.

A black tie gala is scheduled for the Audi Terminal on June 11, while designers are expected to take the runway on the weekend.

“Music will play a big part in our celebrations. A full Billy Ocean concert, with his 12-piece band, is planned for the Sunday night [June 14]. It’s gonna be fantastic,” he said.

Cooper also disclosed that former Pulse superstar Nadine Willis will be a special guest. Discovered by Pulse in 2002, she became the face of Gucci the following year.

ATL Automotive, authorised dealers of Audi, announced they too will have something for the ‘runway’.

“We’ll be unveiling the new Audi A6 at CFW,” said Etus Collman, Audi brand manager.

“And the reason why we chose CFW is because it is one of the most widely broadcast event. We did a launch of the A3 with them last year and that was very successful,” he said.

Collman explained the features of the new A6 ahead of its launch.

“It’s a facelift over the current A6, so it won’t be a full model change. Subtle details of the car have been enhanced. The inside has some minor touches to it. It now comes with dynamic indicator lights, so instead of the flashing ones, it has a running one. The power is different as you’ll have 10 more horsepower for a total of 190. So, there’s also lower displacement, more horsepower, better fuel efficiency,” he said.

“It’s still gonna be stylish and sporty with an executive look. Sporty, trendy, sexy… that’s the Audi A6 and that’s the reason why Caribbean Fashionweek was chosen to unveil this car.”