And just like, that December has arrived! If we didn’t have calendars, the numerous invites and sprucing up of sidewalks would have indicated that Christmas is a-coming. And to celebrate the official start of the holiday season Style Observer (SO) finally reveals the annual RSVP issue. The list comprises the persons who are currently making waves (the good kind) here on The Rock and abroad and who should definitely be invited to your Yuletide shindigs.

Speaking of shindigs, British Jamaican philanthropist and Caribbean art collector Theresa Roberts will host a benefit for the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Women’s Health Network, Jamaica at her Hanover Grange private estate on Tuesday, December 4. Roberts is affording Jamaicans a second rare treat of enjoying British chanteuse Mica Paris perform live. Mica Sings Ella is Paris’s touring show (and title of her 2017 album) that has enjoyed thunderous applause across the Pond. For Paris, Ella Fitzgerald has been overlooked as the musical lens at the time was focused on her contemporary, Billie Holiday. However, Paris is using this tour and album not just to remind of her vocal chops (and boy, does she have some) but also as part of a mission to educate the younger generation about the legendary singer.

SO can’t be the only publication that misses the days of former First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS) Michelle Obama. Obama’s style was fashionable, pure class and aspirational. But thank God we now have Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex! Obama graced the December cover of Essence magazine wearing curly natural hair, a crisp white suit and earrings from Jamaican jewellery designer Matthew ‘Mateo’ Harris. The classic 24K gold hoops dangled delicately against her cheeks and complemented the former FLOTUS’ beauty. Well done, Matthew!

Still on the fashion train, when it came to choosing a dress for her wedding engagement party, television, film and Broadway actress Lea Michele naturally opted for Cushnie. The Glee alum chose a flattering navy blue cocktail dress from the Jamaican-blooded designer’s current collection. The designer showed her appreciation by giving Michele a shout-out on social media. Of course, there can’t be fashion news without a mention of Saint International! One of the modelling agency’s in-demand male models Tevin Steele appeared in Esquire magazine’s winter issue dripping in Dior. It’s been quite a year for Saint and we’re sure we’ll see more from them before New Year’s.

And… North Carolina-based visual artist Whitney Austin trended on Instagram for her eye-catching mixed-media pieces bearing the visage of reggae icon Bob Marley. The one-of-a-kind works of art were created using acrylic paints, broken glass and resin and sold within a matter of days.

Plus… Congratulations to Jamaican Chef Levi Roots whose London-based “rasta-rant” Levi’s Caribbean Smokehouse celebrated its third anniversary on Friday, November 30. Congrats Levi! And another London-based Jamaican chef is enjoying some more time in the spotlight. Chef Collin Brown is a cast member of the Netflix cooking series The Final Table. For the taco challenge first episode, Brown and his cooking partner made curry goat tacos which made SO pine for smell-o-vision!

‘Cannot Took It’ Moments

Kudos to Minister Bobby Montague, who continues to turn up on time and prepared for events at which he is programmed to speak. No comment re the other…

FYI… evening starts at 6:00 pm!

So, if you are not on the guest list, why would you be begging an outfit and a drive?