If there was any question about Saint International CEO Deiwght Peters’ continued influence on local, regional, and international fashion, the La Hot Couture runway show offered a definitive answer. After a three-year hiatus, A Touch of France — a three-day showcase of the best in fashion, arts, cuisine, and commerce — is back! Rounding out this year’s showcase was La Hot Couture, a fashion show featuring Jamaican and French designers, coordinated by Saint International.

French Ambassador to Jamaica Olivier Guyonvarch, US Ambassador to Jamaica Noah Nickolas “Nick” Perry, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, and familiar fashion faces like Joan McDonald, Carlton Brown, and Cecile Levee sat front-row as Saint International superstars Kai Newman and Brad Allen, and rising stars Aakesh Henderson and Emelio Stewart walked the runway at the November 12 event.

Presented on the driveway of the AC Hotel Kingston — under the auspices of Ambassador Guyonvarch and in conjunction with A Touch of France conceptualiser Pierre Lemaire — the show featured expertly tailored MAXBROWN suits, whimsical bridal-like gowns from Guadeloupe designer Eliette Lesuperbe, fresh cuts from the next generation of fashion stars at the Edna Manley College, and a riot of colour from Heather Laine for Elan.

The hotel — arguably Kingston’s most Instagrammable spot — had a starring role, provided a scenic backdrop for stylishly clad models, even as the lights from the hotel twinkled behind the runway.

It was a sign, as if any were needed, that runway shows are back! And the audience in all their fabulosity had returned rocking the latest in fast fashion and haute couture. The general vibe was delight at the chance to be out in person again and hope for an unabridged return to the fashion calendar. “Three long years…what a way to be back,” said Saint boss Deiwght Peters as he brought the curtains down on the fashion show. “I never imagined a turnout like this…fashion is back!” he declared.