Caribbean designs
“2007 will be remarkable,” shares Caribbean Fashionweek founder and CEO Kingsley Cooper when we catch up with him a couple of days after his return from the United Kingdom.
“The number of designers will increase, but we are more concerned with a continued increase in the quality of Caribbean designers and their preparation for the event, rather than sheer numbers. The cross-fertilisation that comes from major international designers will help and will give the event increased stature, but it is still about Caribbean fashion development.”
When Cooper is on a roll, it’s hard to stop him. “The buyers, press, etc continue to be very relevant, but designers have to be organised and structured to take advantage of their opportunities. That must come before buyers will flock the event. That’s where meaningful workshops come in, as well as access to resources.”
Truth be told, Cooper’s philosophy has remained consistent and there are no plans to “tamper with it. it already has the key elements and has made its mark around the world. What needs to happen is continuing and increased designer development. In tandem, Pulse will continue to improve all aspects. This is our seventh year, which is very significant. A big jump forward can be expected therefore in all aspects. It happens every few years. Moving the event to the National Indoor Sports Centre three years ago was one such major improvement.”
What came out of the UK launch
The CFW launch marks Pulse’s entry into the European/African markets, hence the cross section of persons at the function, including those from the business and finance sectors. This is not at the level of model agency, since Pulse has been placing models in Europe and Africa since 1983, but as regards business partnerships: CFW with the Mayor of London’s Office, Catwalk The World and The United Nations’ World Food Programme; Caribbean Model Search UK with More 3; television with Trace/Jervis Media and Investment funding for expansion.
This should hopefully convert into more designers (including celebrities who are official UN WFP ambassadors) more British designers and African designers like Deola Sagoe, named by American Vogue fashion editor Andre Leon Talley as the best new designer at New York Fashion Week.
2007 is not just about cricket. It’s about more press, more travel, trade and more tourists. The proof of a garment has always been in the way it’s worn and shown. Let’s see what happens come June 1-3, 2007.
