The mood was both mellow and festive Saturday last, as family, friends and devotees stepped out in style to pay tribute to “Jamaica’s ‘First Lady of Fashion” Olga Francis Keane at a by-invitation-only red carpet event at the Terra Nova All-Suite hotel curated by the late designer’s family.

Setting the tone for the affair that commenced with a sumptuous lunch and would end with some of Francis-Keane’s favourite models sashaying down the runway in vintage pieces from the atelier, anchored by daughter Fay Keane-Headley and protégé Weston Haughton.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who was one of the many speakers on the programme, highlighted how a appropricate it was as the nation celebrated its 60 year anniversary to bring awareness of the contribution of a woman who, albeit small in stature, like her beloved Jamaica punched way above her weight class. “In the year when we celebrate Jamaica 60 under the theme ‘Reigniting a Nation for Greatness’, it is truly fitting to celebrate one among us who held nothing back, but launched out with a dream from Hagley Park Road on to Central Plaza in the process of taking on Florida, New York, Paris, indeed all the global centres of fashion for over 50 years.

“Olga Francis Keane believed in her creative imagination. Her vision was to dress the Jamaican woman to take on the world, to see beauty in every step, in every curve of her body. She was determined that the Jamaican woman would exude the personality and charm that would inevitably conquer the Jamaican society,” Grange said.

Francis-Keane’s forward thinking was also highlighted by international consultant Franklin Johnston and, too, media consultant Elaine Wint-Leslie.

“Francis Keane was a visionary who was clear about manifesting her impossible dream… she radiated the essence of humility, sincerity and clarity in her demeanour and masterfully, though quietly, displayed the knowledge, grace and skill that saw her effortlessly creating the exquisite and groundbreaking designs that were sought after locally and globally,” shared Wint-Leslie. ” Johnston shared his fascination with the designer. “I had heard so much about her cutwork and so I went to meet her. She was an utmost professional,” he said. He would witness her design genius in her pattern grading, the creation of each design, and her manipulation of fabric. “I thought to myself this woman is phenomenal. I discovered that small business people have big visions, large minds and great ideas, and Olga Francis-Keane was one of those people who allowed me to be a part of that.”

The highlights of the afternoon were the launch of the Dudley & Olga Francis Keane Fashion Foundation Ltd, which will be governing the annual scholarship dedicated to a student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, as well as the launch of the fashion tome: Francis Keane: Her Life, Fashion & Legacy.

Tuesday Social takes you into the showroom of a Jamaican fashion icon, small in size but enormous in stature and who made an impact on the world.