It’s been eight years since KERRYmanwomanhome principal Kerry-Ann Clarke conceptualised MoDA Kingston. The thinking then, she shared with the Style Observer (SO), was to not only elevate the narrative around the production of a fashion show in Kingston but to deliver local products in a first world setting. There’s no disputing her delivery on this and her upping the ante each year, both in the production of the show, a formidable precursor to the MoDA Market, and her presentation of local artisans and their wares in a setting that complements the price tag.

MoDA 2019 was no exception. Tai Flora Luxe handled the show venue with aplomb while Main Event stamped their class on the production. Aiesha Panton curated MoDA Market. The Worthington at the Spanish Court Hotel remains MoDA’s HQ.

The opening this year was Cirque du Soleil-influenced, directed by Oshane Ellis and led by National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) Ballet Mistress Kerry-Ann Henry, and a cast that included adorable ballet dancers Solae and Sahai Panton and Soul Dynamics.

The unravelling of ceiling-mounted silk ties and the dulcet vocals of compere Judith Denton signalled the start of the runway collections.

Iconic Trinbagonian couturier Claudia Pegus rocked the MoDA runway with a haute festive collection that included dresses of silk and antique lace, the season’s must-have modern power suit, pastel-hued organza blouses with Elizabethan ruffles teamed with ultra high-waisted, wide-legged pants with a satin finish and tonal textured dresses. The collection was the evening’s clear standout.

Another crowd favourite was Project Runway star and MoDA habituée Korto Momolu, who used traditional Ankara prints to reimagine the kimono by way of jumpers, suits and skirt sets. The collection also introduced ready-to-wear pieces in solid colours and floor-sweeping gowns in shades of ivory, gold and black. And as those who were familiar with Momolu’s design aesthetic wondered if she had lost her ‘sparkle’ she sent a show-stopping sequinned look down the runway, much to the delight of fans.

Known for her sustainable designs Venezuelan-American visual artist and fashion designer Lisu Vega upcycled material from her recent Rope Project to adorn relaxed-fit dresses. The wearable art pieces were well-received and Vega got nods of approval as she walked the runway with her two young children.

Designer Carlton Jones embraced colour with a resort-wear collection that was chic, colourful and comfortable. Jones used brushstroke printed shifts, colour-blocked slip dresses and a neon pink pants set to make familiar fashions look new and crisp. A chorus line of bold colours, frills and flounces breezed past the audience as Kimmysticclo by Kimon Baptiste-St Rose collection hit the runway. The ‘fits made from relaxed fabrics featured sensuously draped dresses, backless rompers and tropical print sets.

Detroit-based, Project Runway Season 9 contestant Joshua Christensen’s keen attention to detail was apparent as a flurry of golden champagne graced the runway. Embellished organza shirts, a glamourised velvet mock-neck sweatsuit, a shredded tonal-striped gown and a black latex one-shouldered, cinched-waist minidress, with a velvet-embellished sheer train and a suited leather and lace merlot moment were Christensen’s key pieces.

The lone Jamaican designer Andre Stephens’s focus was showmanship as he presented Premier Gentleman. The collection opened to the beats of live African drumming as model/stylist BootlegRocstar hit the runway in a cheetah-print jumpsuit and leopard-print trench coat. The designer followed up the bold pairing with avant-garde looks from the Motherland and for good measure, a few androgynous suits were shown as well.

Germain Smith from the BVI closed the show with a monochromatic collection from his Kym’Asia line. Though the black and white theme remained, shapes went between structured, sleek and slouchy as the designer’s willingness to present variety showed his confidence and dexterity.

Ready! Set! Glow!