SAINT International’s Fashion Face of the Caribbean + Avant Garde Designer of the Year competitions return for 2024 at AC Hotel Kingston on Saturday, June 1.

The news was announced at a media launch for the event on Wednesday, May 22 at the AC Hotel Kingston.

“I’m extremely happy that the Fashion Face of the Caribbean and Avant Garde Designer of the Year is back,” Deiwght Peters, CEO, SAINT International, told the Jamaica Observer.

The model and fashion design competition, which took a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, returned strong last year and plans continue in its mission of showcasing Jamaica’s talent to the world stage.

Its importance is felt in the increasing number of entrants each year. Peters disclosed that he has some 20 designers, which he has to short-list, lined up to expose their fashion to Jamaica and the world while vying for the cash up for grabs.

“We know that the platforms are celebrated in different ways, obviously. For the designers it’s something they look forward to. This year, the theme is inspired by Jamaica 62. As we say to them, don’t be literal. Think of global inspiration and bring all their influences through life to the piece that is being created,” Peters said.

Fashion Face of the Caribbean has created superstars on the world’s catwalks, so it’s no surprise Peters is dealing with near 100 entries — approximately 60 females and 40 males for this staging.

Present at the media launch was last year’s winner Dru Campbell, amongst other successful SAINT International Fashion Face of the Caribbean alumni, such as Kai Newman and Naki Depass.

“It’s the longest-running competition of its kind. In terms of success, it’s the most successful model competition in the English-speaking Caribbean,” said Peters.

This year’s crop of model hopefuls will be strutting their stuff in front of nine agents from several of the top agencies in the world. The event will also showcase the musical talents of D’Angel, Tifa, and J.Calm.

“We have so many corporate sponsors on board showing that there are people who believe in the vision, and understand the dynamics of the Avant Garde Designer of the Year,” he said.

HEART/NSTA Trust Managing Director Dr Taneisha Ingleton highlighted the fact that the partnership with the competition fully aligns with the goals of the institution.

“We’d like Jamaica to know that the HEART/NSTA Trust provides training and services in many areas aligned with the fashion industry. These areas include fashion design, event planning, photography, jewellery making, and beauty services,” Dr Ingleton explained.

She added that, in exchange for fostering a positive brand image for young Jamaican talent in the fashion industry to potential clients at home and abroad, SAINT International finds itself with access to the said pool of talent after they graduate from one of the many related HEART/NSTA Trust programmes.

Self-professed Choppanese Ninja Cornbread gives the audience in attendance a quick display of his dancing skills.

From left: Dr Taneisha Ingleton, managing director, HEART/NSTA Trust; Kia Newman; Deiwght Peters, CEO, SAINT International; and Naki Depass share some lens time at the media launch of the 2024 edition of the Fashion Face of the Caribbean + Avant Garde Designer of the Year competitions on Wednesday, May 22 at the AC Hotel, Kingston.

Media and guests at the Fashion Face of the Caribbean + Avant Garde Designer of the Year 2024 media launch on Wednesday, May 22, at the AC Hotel, Kingston, being given a taste of what the show will be like on Saturday, June 1. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)