BRIGID Lawson, whose Mushroom swimwear has graced the bodies of Jamaican and Caribbbean beachgoers for many years, was honoured with the Master Designer Award at Caribbean Fashion Week on Saturday.

The event was held at Villa Ronai in St Andrew.

Pulse CEO, Kingsley Cooper, hailed Lawson as an expert at producing designs to suit all sizes. He said the Mushroom Brand has endured.

“With her expert artistic skills, she is complemented by her son Jason who has imbued a fresh approach to tried and tested designs,” Cooper said.

Lawson noted that her objective is simple.

“It is a pleasure to see my clients happy when they leave the studio after receiving their swimwear. They can go to the beach feeling fully confident that the suit will be a perfect fit.”

Nine designers were showcased on Saturday to a semi-packed venue. Among the highlights were Rastafarian designer Zaid whose hand-painted and Cannabis designs saluted reggae icon Peter Tosh. His collection projected an ‘island and irie’ feeling.

Uzuri International also stood out. The collection by Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth comprised extravagant gowns with a Caribbean flair.

Also on show were drennaLuna, Mutamba, Sandra Kennedy, Donnette Cooper, Suzilee Chambers and YC by James Black.

The 16th Caribbean Fashion Week is a tribute to superstar musician Prince, Muhammad Ali and the 49 victims of the Orlando club shooting in Florida.

The evening’s entertainment included a performance from Cuban/Jamaican vocalist Arii Lopez. Following her song with Jamaican producer/ singer The Wizard, Lopez delivered a well-received rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain.

CFW continued last night at Pulse Centre, Trafalgar Road, with anticipated performances by Tessanne Chin and Prince proteges Morris Day and the Time.