AW Fashion – The Dress Issue

On the cusp of ushering in a new year, we fashion-savvy women will be fabulously styling tonight for New Year’s Eve Balls from Kingston to Negril. AW hits the rewind button and looks at ladies who knocked it out of the park, fashionably speaking of course, with glam wardrobe choices at the Private Sector Organisation’s (PSOJ) Fifty Under 50 and Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies. The fashionistas share the stories behind their dresses, intimating how you too, can make your own style statement.

Rochelle Cameron, Head of Legal & Regulatory, LIME (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

Purchased her gown at…

Angela’s.

Because…?

Once I put it on and saw my reflection in the mirror, I knew I wouldn’t need anything else but a smile.

What’s more…

I love getting dressed up and wearing gowns and long dresses. I also believe that you should be able to look yourself over when you’re dressed and give a thumbs-up.

Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth and Culture (spotted at the PSOJ’s Fifty Under 50 event)

Got her dress at…?

It was made by my go-to fashion designer Louise Graham.

Chose this particular look because…

I liked the colour and thought it was perfect for a black-tie affair. I tend to gravitate to black, white and khaki colours and my wardrobe is predominantly those shades. When I do wear colour, it has to be bright. I don’t like to shop for clothes, except jeans, so I buy the fabrics and take them to Louise. I grew up having my mother making my clothes, so Louise building my wardrobe, is really a continuation of what I know.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Not at all. I don’t like exposing my arms so it was a risk I took. But once I saw the dress, I knew it was a good choice.

Ann-Marie Cocking (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

– As told to AW by the designer Courtney Washington

On The Choice Of Gown…

The gown was selected for Mrs Cocking’s body type and the cut specific — to afford a look and feel of elegance.

Did the outfit reflect her usual fashion sense?

The cut and choice of colour reflected her personal aesthetic.

Vennis Williamson, Head of SME Sales at LIME (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

Got the dress at…?

Shimmer Boutique. I looked at several lovely options but settled on this evening gown from Liz Claiborne whose label is associated with sophistication and elegance.

In addition…

The occasion was a black-tie affair and there were no two ways about it — an evening gown was required. The dress also worked well with my body type and complemented my skin tone.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Definitely. My style icon is Kate Middleton and as such, I try to adhere to being chic, sophisticated, classic and elegant.

Patrice Wilson, owner, Bars 2 Go Group (spotted at the PSOJ’s Fifty Under 50 event)

Bought her gown at…?

No 7 Boutique.

Because… It’s funny, as it wasn’t the outfit I had initially decided on, but I stumbled upon this dress and fell in love immediately.

Plus…

The occasion warranted it: I was being honoured at the ceremony, an needed an outfit that would add to the memory of a wonderful experience.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

My style is driven by two things: my personal style and my job. How I look is a representation of my company as I am a face of a brand, so I take extra care when selecting my statement pieces.

Gillian Zacca, proprietor of OMG Boutique (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

Got this dress…?

From fashion designer Arlene Martin, an old high school friend, who designed it for me under her drennaLUNA label.

And chose it because…?

I needed something to wear and thought, why get something from abroad when there are excellent designers right here in Jamaica who can design and make one just for me? I called up Arlene and said “Help!”

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

It was a collaboration between Arlene and me. We discussed what type of dress, settling on a backless design, and decided on a silhouette, black lace ensemble. It’s one of my favourite dresses I’ve ever worn, other than my wedding dress, of course.

Melanie Schwapp, author (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

Where did you get the dress…?

It’s a BCBG dress from Kerrymanwomanhome.

And you chose it because…?

I wanted something simple but with a difference and I liked the crisp colour.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

I love classics that make a statement. I like to wear a dress that doesn’t wear me, and once I fitted the outfit I knew it was my style.

Alicia Glasgow, arts and media specialist at Jamaica National Foundation (spotted at the PSOJ’s Fifty Under 50 event)

Got her dress at…?

Angela’s boutique where I have been shopping with my mother since I was a teenager.

Why did you select this particular outfit?

Comfort is always critical to my clothing selection. The dress felt like a second skin and I found it had a light yet shapely silhouette that accentuated my height and build.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Absolutely. I like outfits that have a little edge and while I am usually reluctant to wear print dresses, I thought it was a nice mix of youthfulness, class and elegance.

Khadene Foote, producer at Television Jamaica (spotted at the PSOJ’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Lorna Myers)

Got her ensemble at…?

Both pieces were bought independently of each other. I bought the top at French Connection in Boston, and the skirt was the bottom half of a two-piece outfit I purchased at Vera Wang in Manhattan for a wedding.

Chose it because…?

I thought the black sequinned top would complement the full-length gold skirt and together they would fit the dress code for the event.

Did it reflect your usual fashion sense?

Yes, simple lines but elegant. Not extravagant or fussy, but striking and eye-catching just the same.

Tina Myers Matalon, marketing manager at Restaurants of Jamaica Ltd. (spotted at PSOJ’s Fifty Under 50 event)

Got her dress…?

After attending the launch of Keneea Linton’s latest collection, I ordered a version of an elegant dress fresh from the runway. She whipped it up in 48 hours.

Why did you select this particular outfit?

My husband was being recognised as one of the honorees and I needed something “special” to wear for such a great milestone.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Yes! The dress completely reflects me and how I believe “formal” should be… Classic, stunning, fashion forward, relevant and memorable! I truly enjoyed wearing the dress and felt glamorous in it.

Michelle Myers Mayne, director at Restaurants of Jamaica Ltd.(spotted at PSOJ’s Fifty Under 50 event)

Got the dress at…?

Neiman Marcus

Chose it because…?

I wanted something elegant, but not too revealing. It also had to be a colour that would not clash with my mother’s wine coloured dress.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Yes. I like elegant styles that complement my body. I always ensure that my outfits are appropriate for the occasion.

Kimberly Mais-Issa

TV personality (spotted at Lorna Myer’s induction into the PSOJ Hall Of Fame event)

Got the dress from…

Meenakshi who brings in clothes from India and Morocco.

Chose it because…

Although not your typical formal wear, it was comfortable and had a simple elegant appeal.

Did the outfit reflect your usual fashion sense?

Yes, because I like to support up and coming designers offering looks with a difference at affordable prices.