ACF Weekend Report: Bajan Catwalk & International Couture

Absolut Caribbean Fashion Weekend (ACF) Barbados Sweet Fah Dayse Catwalk was for the 'best of the best' of Barbadian fashion. The designers that showed on Bajan Night were Kingsley Thorne, Pat Braithwaite, Marva Forde and Cassandra Mottley. In my opinion, the shining star of the night was Cassandra Mottley with her Sheneil Glimmer swimwear line.

Backstage shot of Jamaican model Deniese Dennis wearing a Cassandra Mottley piece.

The unconventional swimwear line was put together by Mottley by accessorizing with broken glass & mirrors and hand embellished with Swarovski Crystals to accentuate the plain black, white, beige, pink or brown base with which every piece was made. 

Models Lydia Graham and Janelle Skeete having fun backstage before going on the catwalk.

International Couture Night

 The stunners of the Absolut Caribbean Fashion Weekend International Couture night were Jewel Shannon, Claudia Pegus and Pat Blackman.  Heather Jones was also featured.

Jewel (front row, left), next to publisher of SHE Caribbean Magazine, Mae Wayne

Shannon's collection, Jewel Shannon Designs, consisted of sequins, metal and even glitter!! It was accessorized with some gorgeous drapes and capes, perfect for cocktail parties, fashion socials and red carpet events. There were even pieces suited for hitting up the clubs, classy clubs of course ;)! This collection was made for the out-of-the-box glamazon/diva.

Jewel Shannon was a definite hit! Even the models were pleased to wear her clothing. Janelle Skeete, former contestant of Miss Barbados World raved, “Pure elegance and style!! I thoroughly enjoyed having the honor of wearing her piece!” 

Elegant evening gown with fully beaded top and padded bra. (Photo courtesy Jewel Shannon Designs)

Boned corset top with laced up back. Gold sequence embroidered lace with silk embroidered trim. Bottom - Balloon mini skirt. (Photo courtesy Jewel Shannon Designs) 

Pat Blackman's collection was what I would describe as futuristic meets practical. Yes, I understand that those adjectives are COMPLETELY on different sides of the spectrum, however, that is what it was; haute couture that you could actually wear, IN PUBLIC!! The collection was made up of balloon-bottom dresses, empire-waist dresses and a host of other fabulous timeless trends.

Claudia Pegus made her mark with her 'patchy' jumpsuits! Which were fabulous by the way! The 'patches' were of different fluorescent colors (i.e. lime green, hot pink, fluorescent orange etc.)

ACF Fashion Weekend was held at the Fairmont Royal Pavillion, St James, Barbados. There were three nights for different showings. The designers were categorized by region: Barbados Night – Sweet Fah Dayse Catwalk, International Couture Night and Caribbean Catwalk, Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Read ACF Report: Caribbean Catwalk Hits & Misses

Coming soon: More photos from Barbados Sweet Fah Dayse Catwalk and International Couture Night.