International model and runway expert, Lu Sierra, a prominent figure in the beauty and fashion industry, headlines this weekend’s inaugural staging of Jamaica Beauty, Fashion and Wellness expo, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the AC Hotel in Kingston.

The two-day expo is a precursor to the grand coronation of the 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica beauty pageant which is set to begin at 8:00 pm on Sunday inside the hotel’s ballroom.

Lu Sierra, who arrives on the island on Thursday, has coached and mentored many successful contestants in pageants like Miss USA and Miss Universe. Sierra’s participation in this event is significant as she aims to enhance Jamaica’s reputation in the beauty and wellness sectors, showcasing her expertise in runway performance and confidence development.

The event is promoted by Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, owners of the annual Miss Universe Jamaica franchise.

In an interview with Observer Online on Wednesday, Mark McDermoth, president of Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, gave an insight into this weekend’s events.

“The Jamaica Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Expo, which runs from10:00 am until 6:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am until 3:00 pm on Sunday, will see experts making presentations throughout the day, each day. On both days there will be a Lunchtime Fun Time Spin and giveaways featuring DJ Anash,” said McDermoth.

“Admission for the expo is only $1,500 for adults, $500 for children and our patrons can come out, sample and purchase a range of beauty, fashion & wellness products in an upscale and trendy environment.  So we invite everyone to come out and support our Jamaican manufacturers, stylists and creatives as they present brand Jamaica in all its wholesomeness and glory,” he continued.

On Saturday evening, the Jamaica Fashion Collections will take place featuring some of Jamaica’s more prominent fashion designers and brands modelled by the 33 contestants in the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant as well as leading Jamaican male and female models.

Headliners include Miss Supranational Jamaica 2026 Rasheda Green, who copped the Miss Supranational Caribbean title; Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 Miqueal-Symone Williams, who was a Miss Universe Top 10 finalist; and Lu Sierra.

Gem Myers will be performing alongside her band.

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, Dr Gabrielle Henry, will also make her first official appearance since her return from Thailand last year.

The finalists in the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant have been making several public appearances over the past few weeks. Last Saturday, they were hosted at Rituals Coffee House in Village Plaza.

According to Managing Director Donna Smith, hosting the ladies was “good energy”.

“Well as a proud sponsor of the pageant (she sponsors contestant Racquel Chung), I think it’s only fitting to host the beautiful ladies and to be a part of their journey. It gives me great pleasure just having them in our space. It was good energy, just watching the different personalities and having seen them earlier in the pageant and how they have developed and grown. The journey is a big one and they’re really brave, so I commend them,” Smith said.

Donna Smith of Rituals Coffee House shares lens time with some of the finalists in the 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant whom she hosted last Saturday.