The recent launch in New York of fashion icon Ralph Lauren’s Jamaica-inspired 2018 Spring Collection is the latest boon for Brand Jamaica as the island continues to benefit from a windfall of celebrities vacationing on the island in recent times.

Ralph Lauren took to Instagram to share with his 7.3 million followers around the globe several videos highlighting Jamaica as his inspiration for the Spring Collection, which was launched during New York Fashion Week and has been carried by media outlets the world over.

American actress Katie Holmes was among a raft of high-profile personages seated front row at the launch.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett noted that Lauren’s “commitment and deep love for Jamaica is truly outstanding”.

“We agree that the warmth of the sun is really matched by the warmth of our people, and we know that forms a core part of the reason for coming back again and again. Additionally, Brand Jamaica has benefited tremendously from his support and continued work here.

Undoubtedly, the framing of his Spring Collection around his Round Hill Villa will only propel the island further as a prominent destination,” Bartlett remarked.

The Spring Collection features the yellow and green colours of the Jamaican flag, and incorporates the island’s beach ambiance with the brand’s signature style. The runway was also a virtual replica of Lauren’s Round Hill Resort and Villas vacation home in the Montego Bay area.

“Everyone wishes for a magical place where they can step out of time into the beauty of nature. For spring 2018, I wanted to share the mood, the light, the blue and white freshness of my retreat in Jamaica,” Lauren said of his collection.

“My collections for women and men conjure up the carefree, sophisticated style of this special experience — exuberant, luxurious, timeless!” he continued.

Meanwhile, referring to Lauren’s impact on Jamaica, Josef Forstmayr, managing director of Round Hill Hotel & Villas, pointed out: “He truly loves Jamaica and Round Hill. He has very quietly donated millions to charitable efforts and helped us to keep “front of mind” with the discerning traveller by assisting me here to renovate and define our style over the years.”

And in the words of Delano Seiveright, senior advisor and strategist to Minister Bartlett: “Jamaica has recently experienced a surge in wealthy and celebrity tourists, including Hollywood celebrities and global billionaires, vacationing at private villas and resorts around the island. Minister Bartlett has been credited by tourism stakeholders for his strategic and collaborative approach to the development of the industry contributing to the elevation of the island’s profile.”

An American fashion designer, philanthropist, and business executive, Ralph Lauren is best known for the Ralph Lauren Corporation, a global multi-billion-dollar enterprise. He is ranked as one of the wealthiest people in the world.