ISLAND CHILD STYLE

DIVA DESIGNS BY RAINA

Diva Designs by Raina jumped right into summer season with stylish beach and pool wear along with ready to wear casuals and sportswear.

THE FASHION EXPERIENCE

Jaye-Ann O’Connor

When fierce mini models from an allisland model search hit the runway for the first-ever children’s fashion show no one knew what to expect. A new bar was set when fashion enthusiasts, parents and well- wishers gathered on the lawns of the Formal Gardens at Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica to witness the first children’s fashion showcase Island Child Style courtesy of B3. It was a spectacle to behold almost reminiscent of a scene from the childhood novel The Secret Garden. The show featured seventy-two, yes seventy-two toddler to teen models strutting exclusive collections from fifteen local and regional designers including Carlton Brown, Neah Lis, drennaLUNA, Julan, and Anthony Reid in the hopes of being selected for one coveted spot at a week-long camp at The Bailey Agency School of Fashion in Atlanta- the brainchild of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey. The showcase featured a mixture of youthful, high spirited, and couture collections and even one from a duo of preteen designers. It spoke, in particular, to show-goers with youthful memories living vicariously through their children.

Cynthia Bailey, who partnered with the B3 on its initiative, announced the child star selected to spend a week at her agency to a tense audience. Brianna Campbell, who effortlessly wore a couture Gleaner print dress by Pebbles King went from model in the making to upcoming fashion star and was on her way to embark on an unforgettable journey. Here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how the collections came together.

GABI GIRL

Gabi Girl brought playful and sporty style stood out for innovatively incorporating the traditional bandanna print into high fashion pieces creating a couture collection with rich Jamaican history.

A’MARIE

A’MARIE unveiled high fashion swimwear with mesh and glittered cover-ups and ball gowns depicting a scene from a Super Sweet Sixteen.

KNOCK ABOUT KIDS

Knock About Kids reminded us of playtime in a spring garden with vibrant stripes, fun layered frills, and flower appliqué on various pieces.

KOKOBEENZ

Coco Beans kept it chic in all white in cool linens, with blue floppy hat accent for the ladies and button side slit shirts for the gentlemen.

SOLSAI

Created by an eight and nine and year old duo, SolSai channeled their inner Punky Brewster with mesh, cropped tops, combat boots and colourful poofy skirts.

NEAHLIS

Designer Lisa McIntosh-Aris translated her signature easy going resort wear style with vibrant tie-dyes and tropical prints into ready to wear for the younger generation. Could this be the start of a local “twinning” trend?

ANTHONY REID / MEILING

Trinidadian-based Anthony Reid in a collaboration with top Designer Meiling took us on a new course in children’s wear when his impeccable suave style translated into a menswear collection with stylish contrasting patterns and geometric lines.

DRENNALUNA

drennaLUNA brought trendy luxury to the runway with high fashion designs accented with oversized flower crowns and funky fresh blue African prints. Even an adorable dog made a surprising appearance during the line!

AIYA RAINWEAR

Bahamian line Ajya Rainwear made playing in the rain a thing again featuring signature over-the top raincoats in brights, plastics, pastels and earth tones.

N’LIGHT’N

N’light’n took onlookers on a style ‘safari’ with crisp, vibrant African-inspired patterns and prints just in time for the summer.

ZAID

Zaid stayed true to form with his love for roots culture designing tailored male and female pieces accented by rasta colours and religious emblems. The Island Child Style fashion experience further solidified Jamaica’s position as a creative hub of Caribbean fashion alongside global trendsetters such as Hong Kong, New York, London and Paris which have long been staging children fashion shows. This event introduced a new dimension to Jamaica’s social scene and opened talent, designers and brands to new and potential markets.

CARLTON BROWN

In a collab with Drenna Luna, Carlton Brown brought white “preppy boy” suits in baby blue stripes with white oxfords and golf clubs.

PEBBLES KING

Reflections by Pebbles King showcased ready to wear redcarpet style in time for prom season. Memories by Julan brought pops of bright colours accented with a black and white plaid print then showed her versatility with elegant gowns.