Missy – Supa Dupa Fly
Nobody ever really plays it ‘style-safe’ at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest, save those with first hand knowledge of that so unglamorous early morning chill followed by the dappling first rays of the morning sun as well as feet so swollen that for weeks even the most preferred heels elicited agony.
The diminutive 5’2 bundle of energy called Missy Elliott did little walking around Catherine Hall, but came time to hop, skip, ‘dutty wine’ and ‘frog back’ – all was stylishly executed in her size nine Adidas trainers. Those in the know (read Sumfest fashion historians) felt stylishly redeemed.
We had caught up with the rapper earlier that day at rehearsals in the ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel where there was little ‘ice’, no hair nor make-up artist. When the lady stepped on stage later that night (or rather the wee hours of Sunday morning) however, she had been styled by Brandon Atherley of Adam Donchamp Couture in a ‘bling’ peak cap and baggy tee paired with black track suit bottom. Laced up Adidas trainers completed the look.
The ghetto fab queen wore Ed Hardy of-the-moment bling cap and tee in black to make her grand entrance and later shone in opulent white and gold. Don Ed Hardy known as the ‘godfather’ of the modern tattoo has a much sought-after label that attracts the likes of R&B singer Mariah Carey, actors Adrien Brody and John Cusack, model Lauren Hutton as well as Hollywood ‘A’-listers Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba.
AJ Crimson the man responsible for Missy Elliott’s face focused on a suggestion of sexy lashes, a great looking mouth and hair that could move to the pulsating beat of the ‘dutty wine.’ Missy’s favourite Mac Lip Gloss right now is ‘Who’s that lady’. Those lucky members of the audience that got up close and personal with the star and loved her scent might wish to know that the lady mixes up bottles of her favourite perfumes to create her own truly Missy Elliott moment.
Finally there was ‘ice’, oodles of it dripping from her lobes, her wrist and on her fingers. Missy Elliott, the rap star with a passion for Scotchie’s jerk chicken and festival and ice-cold pina coladas as well as the vibes of Q-Q and Tony Matterhorn was ready to Smash The Place.
Missy might have made her own style moment, but our own local style goddesses were not to be outdone making their own very fashionable statements throughout the week long musical festival (see below).
