I wouldn't be a good person if I kept this to myself; that and this happens to be the best channel for a PSA to declare: I accept Galavant bracelet gifts of all shapes and sizes, no discrimination. Thanks in advance (:
Happy September Everyone! The Summer season officially ends on September 22nd which means; Hello FALL. Hands down, fall is my absolute favourite season for fashion. Why? Generally speaking the weather doesn't get too frigid so the trends are centred around mostly light coats and cardigans with the introduction of more neutrals to dark hues. Since Jamaica is a tropical country we pretty much have Spring/Summer weather throughout the year, and so fall fashion is really the most action we can get where trends are concerned for the rest of the year without looking ridiculous- especially this year when fur and knee-high leather boots completely consumed the runway for the Fall/Winter2015 (f/w15) collections. Sensibility would convey that fur + knee-high booties+ Jamaica's humidity is quite laughable.
Hey!! It's back to school time- not for me, I'm grown lol (not really) but I felt inspired to do a post about college fashion. In Jamaica primary and secondary schools have one thing in common: uniforms. Everyone wore them. Luckily for me, I actually attended a school -HAIL CAMPION HAIL- with one of the better uniforms on the island, thank God. Still I would be lying if I said I didn't spend a generous portion of my high school years dreaming about going to college and once and for all banishing my uniforms to the very base of my closet. In hindsight though I really should have appreciated those uniform days more.
All black looks are truly a saving grace on those days you have nothing to wear, especially when you're headed to a stylish affair such as a fashion show. This is what I wore to The Design Jamaica showcase:
On Saturday, August 16th I attended the first annual Design Jamaica showcase orchestrated by budding designers Simone Nielson and Summer Jarrett. I was super excited about this event. Sure I've been to fashion shows before but none of this kind. Here was a new platform for young ambitious designers, who other than the typical social media outlets rarely had the opportunity to display their craft on a big stage, or runway rather- until now.
Decked in a full suit of black (photos HERE) I arrived wide eyed and READY to be awed. As I alighted the shuttle bus my initial impression was: holy shit this venue and decor is superb! A part from those over the top couture runway shows (witnessed through the wonderful worldwide web), this was by far one of the best set up I've seen in a while. There was a fountain smack in the middle of all the action, but not in an unnecessary ubiquitous way - more along the lines of a stunning backdrop. And then that runway- possibly the longest I've ever seen. It was soooo long. So long. But sensible.
With just enough time to grab a drink of white wine, I shuffled to my seat as former Miss Jamaica, Sara Lawrence kicked off the night's proceedings moments after 8:30. Vain Glory was up first. I honestly could not have thought of a better way to open the show. Actually this line was so good it could have easily closed the show. I may not exactly be an authority of any sorts, but I know a cohesive collection when I see one. Dubbed the "Old Harbour Babe" collection, the use of tropical and geometric prints on light flowy material screamed island life- in a much opulent and exotic way. The styling and use of woven visors and clutch purses really made the collection come alive. I won't even bother to go on as I'm sure you can tell by now, I was really impressed to say the least.
Decked in a full suit of black (photos HERE) I arrived wide eyed and READY to be awed. As I alighted the shuttle bus my initial impression was: holy shit this venue and decor is superb! A part from those over the top couture runway shows (witnessed through the wonderful worldwide web), this was by far one of the best set up I've seen in a while. There was a fountain smack in the middle of all the action, but not in an unnecessary ubiquitous way - more along the lines of a stunning backdrop. And then that runway- possibly the longest I've ever seen. It was soooo long. So long. But sensible.
With just enough time to grab a drink of white wine, I shuffled to my seat as former Miss Jamaica, Sara Lawrence kicked off the night's proceedings moments after 8:30. Vain Glory was up first. I honestly could not have thought of a better way to open the show. Actually this line was so good it could have easily closed the show. I may not exactly be an authority of any sorts, but I know a cohesive collection when I see one. Dubbed the "Old Harbour Babe" collection, the use of tropical and geometric prints on light flowy material screamed island life- in a much opulent and exotic way. The styling and use of woven visors and clutch purses really made the collection come alive. I won't even bother to go on as I'm sure you can tell by now, I was really impressed to say the least.
Hi, I am Tanaka and I have whole-heartedly surrendered. From what you might ask?.... That would be Jamaica's heat. Had I been anywhere close to my 40s I would be of the opinion that I'm experiencing a premature onset of menopause and I'm not even being dramatic.
Ask any Jamaican, it's serious. So serious, it has taken a toll on my wardrobe. While summer is indicative of colour, I've honestly never been a fan of a flamboyant closet. I was of the impression that I could get away with wearing black all year round, but clearly climate change has other plans for me. Next to a generous helping of coconut jelly, I've decided it would be wise to remedy the heat by adding some hues to my life- as if I had a choice.
Ask any Jamaican, it's serious. So serious, it has taken a toll on my wardrobe. While summer is indicative of colour, I've honestly never been a fan of a flamboyant closet. I was of the impression that I could get away with wearing black all year round, but clearly climate change has other plans for me. Next to a generous helping of coconut jelly, I've decided it would be wise to remedy the heat by adding some hues to my life- as if I had a choice.
What have I gotten myself into? That was the question I found myself asking while looking through the photos of my recent shoot. It took me days and and a few nudges from my family to actually make this post - but here I am. Despite of my presence on social media, especially Instagram- I would be the first to tell you I hate having my picture taken. I know, you must be thinking, so why have a fashion blog?
