We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you—MoDA Market is celebrating a decade of Curating Caribbean Cool! We are launching our newest venture, ‘COAL’, where we will spotlight the vibrant world of Caribbean business and creativity!
From the very beginning, our mission has been to bring you the freshest and most authentic Caribbean experiences, whether through our curated events, unique products, or our commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of Caribbean life. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the heartbeat of our journey, and we are profoundly grateful for the community we have built together.
From innovative startups to renowned artists, we’re dedicated to celebrating and promoting the unique flair and talent that make Caribbean-made products truly exceptional.
In this edition, you’ll find inspiring stories, exclusive features, and the latest updates on the work that we have been doing. Whether you’re an avid supporter of local businesses or new to exploring Caribbean creativity, there’s something here for everyone.
Join us as we celebrate the ingenuity and artistry that define our Caribbean heritage. Get ready to be inspired, discover amazing new ventures, and be a part of the movement that brings Caribbean brilliance to the forefront.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to celebrating all things made in the Caribbean, or as we like to say, ‘Curating Caribbean Cool’.
Aiesha + Kerry
REBIRTH KORTO MOMOLU
The Korto Momolu SS25 Collection for NYFW was sparked by a fresh energy and focus, aptly named “Rebirth”, the collection represents a new incarnation of the designer’s aesthetic, style, and creative vision. It showcases innovative silhouettes and shapes that bring life and movement. The exquisite beadwork and meticulous attention to detail, particularly the homage to her African heritage, certainly captured attention. Fashion lovers and enthusiasts were captivated by the vibrant colour palette, diverse fabrics, textures, and designs curated by Momolu this season. Among the audience were notable celebrities such as Bethann Hardison, Kolin Karter, and Kat Graham, with Karter and Hardison receiving lifetime achievement awards during the event. The show celebrated fashion, the revival of fresh ideas, and the reincarnation of a beautifully imaginative mind.
This season will be the first collection that Momolu will be manufacturing for public consumption. This has been a goal of the brand, and now with Rebirth consumers can see what ready-to-wear looks like through her eyes. The audience left the event buzzing with excitement, exchanging thoughts on their favourite pieces and eagerly discussing the future of the brand.
deep connection to her roots but also her ability to evolve and adapt in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.
As the lights dimmed and the final model took her bow, there was a palpable feeling of anticipation for what Korto Momolu would bring next. Fashion editors were already drafting their reviews, praising the collection’s bold vision and impeccable craftsmanship.
Fashion enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the ready-to-wear line, marking their calendars for the official launch. Stylists and boutique owners prepare for the influx of customers, knowing that the Rebirth collection will be a must-have for the Spring Summer 2025 season.
In the days following the show, the fashion community continued to celebrate Momolu’s achievements. Social media platforms were abuzz with snapshots from the event, interviews with the designer, and behind-thescenes glimpses of the creative process. The hashtag #RebirthByKorto trended globally, reflecting the widespread admiration for the collection.
For Korto Momolu, this was more than just a collection; it was a statement of growth, resilience, and artistic rebirth. As the world watched, she gracefully stepped into a new era, her creativity shining brighter than ever before.
Photography By Phelan Marc
The Rebirth collection not only highlighted Korto Momolu’s
Photography By Tiffany Lue-Yen
VINE AND DINE
Imagine stepping into a French garden, where fragrant pink and red florals intertwine with lush greenery under the soft glow of ambient lighting.
This enchanting setting was the backdrop for #ThePinkBuilding’s exclusive event in partnership with Caribbean Producers of Jamaica [CPJ], “Vine and Dine” with Monsieur Bruno Pépin, Directeur Commercial, Maison Louis Latour and Chef Alexa Von Strolley of Tooksie Kay Catering. This gastronomic evening featured a five-course menu paired with exquisite wines from Maison Louis Latour, providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience at Locale.
Throughout the evening, Monsieur Bruno Pépin educated guests about the family-owned company and the unique characteristics of each wine. His passion for winemaking was evident as he shared stories about the history of Maison Louis Latour and the unique terroir of the region. Guests were captivated by his expertise and left the evening with a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking.
The elegant atmosphere, coupled with the five-course menu of delectable food and exceptional wines, made for a truly memorable experience.
Guests were seen enjoying themselves, laughing, and taking photos to capture the special moments.
The decor of the event was equally impressive. The transformation of #ThePinkBuilding into a French garden was a testament to the creativity and skill of Aiesha Panton and her Pussbackfoot team. Pink fringe accents, along with pink and red roses, soft lighting, and the elegant ambiance created a romantic and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complemented the exquisite food and wine.
As the night came to a close, Kemmar Lewis, CPJ Category Manager, Monsieur Bruno Pépin Directeur Commercial, Maison Louis Latour, and Aiesha Panton, Locale co-director and founder of Pussbackfoot, expressed their gratitude to the guests for being a part of a memorable evening. The event was a resounding success, showcasing the beauty of cuisine and French wine in a truly unforgettable setting.
Overall, Vine and Dine was a night of elegance and indulgence. The event was a celebration of exquisite cuisine and a showcase of the exceptional quality of Maison Louis Latour’s wines. It was an evening that will be remembered by all who attended, and a testament to the success of Locale’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for its guests.
If you’re looking for more extraordinary events like this, be sure to subscribe to Locale’s mailing list to stay in the know!
A field guide toContemporary Art of Jamaica
MAPPING THE TERRITORY
When thinking about what the ‘territory’ of the contemporary Jamaican art landscape might look like in 2024, there may be the familiar impulse to think of the arts ecosystem solely in terms of the physical locality of our island. The reality though, is that the ‘territory’ now has to be considered as global. Contemporary Jamaican artists are forging new pathways into the art landscapes and markets abroad, and, as interest grows in art from the Caribbean region, there’s also an increased interest in Jamaican art history by curators, writers, institutions and commercial global north galleries. This reach that Jamaican artists have achieved over the past 15 years will be mapped in Part 2 of this series! First though, let’s focus on the core of the Jamaican art territory within Jamaica. A different ecosystem has emerged, driven by different players, artist-development focussed and with an outward trajectory. This is the art Homeland in 2024.
Online art galleries: Suzie Wong Presents @suziewongpresents who works locally in the primary and secondary art markets, and regionally/internationally in terms of Jamaica’s presence beyond the island in the contemporary visual arts. They participate in Artsy online Fairs, stage regular online Viewing Rooms and Exhibitions and are focussed on the articulation of Jamaica -> the regional -> to the global, and both initiate and manage contemporary art projects.
In terms of public art collections: the AC Marriott hotel’s ‘Beyond Tropical’ @achotelkingston contemporary art collection, curated by art consultant/advisor Susanne Fredricks, is open to the public and features some of Jamaica’s most exciting emerging artists, such as Leasho Johnson @leasho_ johnson , Cosmo Whyte @cosmowhyte , Katrina Coombs @duchesskcfibres , and Kimani Beckford @affirmationtour .
It is also the preferred place to stay for diaspora and international artists, art collectors, curators and institutions as a result.
In the commercial gallery sector, there’s Olympia Gallery @olympiagalleryja in Kingston, housed in a building designed by visionary art patron and Master Builder, AD Scott, with murals by Carl Abrahams and Karl Parboosingh, 1st and 2nd floor works by Barrington Watson, Laura Facey and the like, on show, occasional exhibitions in the central ground floor space, and an ongoing stock exhibition in their mini Gallery. Their annual December exhibition ‘And I Resumed the Struggle’ @resumethestruggle , is conceptualised by an artist collective and spearheaded by artists and educators Phillip Thomas @phillipthomasart and Camille Chedda @camillechedda , featuring emerging and established local artists.
WRITTEN BY,
For documentation of art happenings in Jamaica, with short but insightful writing on art events locally you can follow the Journal of Jamaican Art @journalofjamaicanart on Instagram.
Established in 1940, the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts @emcvpa is the region’s undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme arts education institution. Based in Kingston and encompassing all creative arts, the College has a graduate exhibition for the Visual Arts Department annually in June.
Courthouse Gallery @courthousegalleryja in Ocho Rios has been a refreshing addition to the gallery landscape, with a curated gallery space with works by Carol Crichton @carolelizabethcrichton , Jag Mehta @jagmehtaceramics , Tricia GordonJohnson @triciahandmadejamaica and others, an ‘out of the ordinary’ craft shop, and a cafe upstairs.
New Local Space (NLS) @nlskingston , a non profit arts organisation, was established by artist Deborah Anzinger in 2012. An
National Heroes Park stands as a testament to our history with an array of memorial monuments to our national heroes in the ‘Shrine’, as well as the burial site of our prime ministers and outstanding patriots.
Public art: ‘Chain of Love’ a sculptural work by artist Camille Chedda @camillechedda for the international art project ‘A Feral Commons’, commissioned by Kingston Creative, in Manning’s Park on Southcamp Road. In Emancipation Park @emancipationparkja
in
experimental initiative missioned in the spirit of equity, collaboration, dialogue and interdisciplinary practises, and serving artist, curator and writer development, it runs a gallery programme, a comprehensive studio and residency programme, a podcast (IN), conference exchanges, a growing library and film screenings.
Jamaica’s eminent Master painter Barrington Watson’s legacy is housed at his home Orange Park Great House @orange_park_ja in St Thomas. Dedicated to the Jamaican people and open to the public by way of tours and cottages to rent. Several Master works are installed throughout the property’s buildings’ and his huge and incredible studio is open to view. Laura Facey’s @laurafacey_ monumental sculpture ‘Redemption Song’ is a ‘must see’, as is a visit to Independence Park to view Basil Watson’s sculptures @basil.sculpture of several of Jamaica’s superstar athletes.
Blaqmango Consultants @ blaqmango , established in 2017, an artist initiative, focusses on artist and market development.
They curate and stage exhibitions, residencies and art projects, their most recent offering being a textile project titled ‘Touching the Waters, Embracing Our Land’. The works produced will be exhibited in October 2024 at CreativSpace @creativespacejm , on Laws Street, which is also available for hire as an exhibition space.
Next month we will reveal Jamaica’s reach beyond our shores, which insists upon a re-imagining of how we think about what an art territory might mean, by mapping the current international activity of Jamaican artists.
The beloved National Gallery of Jamaica @nationalgalleryofjamaica , houses the National Art Collection and implements an Exhibitions programme both in Kingston and at National Gallery West in Montego Bay. In an exciting development they have recently announced Dr Ashley James @ohashuhlee, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, New York, as the curator of the next Kingston Biennial, themed ‘Green X Gold’, scheduled to open December 15th 2024. We still await an artists list!
The dynamic arts NGO Kingston Creative @kingstoncreativejm , has taken Kingston by storm in their vision for a Downtown Arts District and they have achieved much in the last 7 years. They run a host of creative and community projects, a rich mural series throughout urban communities, and organise and host a monthly Last Sunday Art Walk with dense programming and even a hop on/off bus to tour downtown at various key cultural and project points downtown. The Kingston Creative vision of Downtown Kingston as an Art District is fast coming to fruition.
RISE OF THE ARTISANAL
BY KADEEM RODGERS @thekadsmeow
Perhaps it was the ‘awakening’ that followed the pandemic. Or that ‘urgency vs ‘lax’ debate that some creatives faced. Whatever it was, local artisans were inspired to create.
And it wasn’t just stuff. People were making valuable, intricate things, but doing so from an underlying desire to see ‘change’ in their worlds.
Artists had a new lease on life, thanks to this ‘artisanal awakening’, but I say this isn’t new. The ‘rise of the artisan’ is cyclical.
MoDA Market had its own cycle of artisanal awakening in 2013, and again in 2023 – with a new lease on Holborn Road at Locale. Today, MoDA Mag enters its newest cycle with COAL. In retrospect, MoDA Market had always been a catalyst for the promotion of artisans. It remains an integral feature for the founding Clarke-Panton duo.
My appreciation for ‘handmade’ grew circa Christmas ’22 when I saw Pussbackfoot design assistants adorn foam cones with unexpected trims like fringed paper and circular wood chips to make mini Christmas trees. I was transfixed by the attention to detail.
This level of personalization adds to the theory of ‘all artisanal, all the time’.
Hence why in today’s AI-forward world, the leading designers are the ones who embrace ‘handmade’ and tug on the emotions of their consumer by way of design.
Diotima’s Rachel Scott developed an entire storyline for crochet just from childhood memory. As she develops this storyline each season, she rediscovers elements of her life that somehow reflects the overarching human experience.
Every step of the production line is handmade by the Diotima ‘village’. No two designs are the same and each panel is created in a separate time and place, sometimes, by varying sets of hands. 100% of Diotima’s crochet are woven by groups of female artisans here in Jamaica.
For her first outing at Christian Dior in 2016, womenswear designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, conceived a vision of the ‘modern Dior woman’ specifically from her own musing of her daughter Rachele Regini.
‘Today, we have lost this incredible craftsmanship of artisans’, Chiuri said in an interview with FashionNetwork, 2023. ‘I have a personal connection to this issue…where valuable techniques and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge from mother to daughter have been lost over time.”
The Dior Lady Art – a Chiuri concept that involves renditions of the classic bag done by artisans, has been described as a ‘celebration of haute couture creativity and artistic diversity’. Then there’s the Lady D-Lite – an embroidered masterpiece with over a million stitches – all artisanal, all the time.
I could go on, but the common thread here is that these artists understand the intricacy and intimacy of creating communities that connect with their art and promote their artisanal endeavours.
For five short months (October 2023 to February 2024) I worked with Rachel Scott at Diotima, specifically for her Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear collection.
That time felt like two weeks and a crash course in the artist’s art. Researching and developing multiple collections while marketing and monitoring the sale and (outsourced) production of the current season’s designs is an art form in and of itself.
The tools are imported, the production is timed and monitored – extremely strategized – and the finished product is exported to NY for another round of handiwork.
Like Scott and Diotima, many artists today outsource material, take it home, add their own magic, bibbidibobbidi-boo, et voilà, ready for market.
Photography By Yemi Studios @shotbyyemistudios
CRAFTED KINSHIP
THE GOLDEN RULES OF MALENE BARNETT
Malene Barnett, of Jamaican and Vincentian descent, is the founder of a global platform and community of independent Black makers, Black Artists + Designers Guild. Its mission is to raise awareness of Caribbean makers and ceramic art traditions of the Black Diaspora, encouraging, connecting and collaborating with Black craftspeople, and inviting them to question how their work can take up an important space in Black archives.
With the upcoming release of her new book, Crafted Kinship, Malene takes us on a compelling journey of the work of 60 Contemporary Caribbean artists. Through powerful interviews, underscoring their process and how their heritage informs the art they create, alongside stunning photography, readers gain an intimate knowledge of each artist.
Having had her work featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Elle Decor, the aim with the printed work is to help broaden the mindset of Black craftspeople.
We caught up with the award-winning multidisciplinary artist, textile surface designer, Malene Barnett, to find out her Golden Rules for life!
Dance as often as you can and move with joy.
1 Embrace The Beauty of imperfection and uniqueness.
2 Create With Intention and purpose; let go of outcomes and embrace the process.
‘‘art has always been a part of my life, defining who I am, and the impact I want to make on the world’’
5 Prioritize Community over competition and support each other.
8
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3 Spend Time in nature to recharge and find inspiration.
7 Practice Selfcare and be kind to yourself.
6 Honour the rich stories and legacies of your ancestors Travel Solo to discover yourself and gain new perspectives.
9 Express Gratitude often and appreciate every small win 10
Laugh Often and find joy in the everyday moments.
Malene’s Book, Crafted Kinshop, will be available for purchase at Locale on Holborn Road, New Kingston towards the end of this year!
As told to COAL. Portrait Image of Malene Barnett: By Alaric S. Campbell.
- Malene Barnett
‘‘When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else.’’
- Iris Apfel: American Business Woman + Interior Designer + Fashion Icon 29th August
1921 to 1st March
2024
By Cecile Levee
THE ART OF STYLE
“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?”
- Charles Bukowski
Individuality: (noun) The quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind, especially when strongly marked.
“I dress with style and individuality.”
So many persons stand loud and strong on their individuality, yet sacrifice their taste and that hard-fought individuality for a state of belonging, the need to fit in.
The must-have at all cost, aspirational luxury items that scream look at me I am rich, the logo turned to make sure it is noticed, the drowning in headto-toe expensive, logo, luxury items.
Can we claim individuality, or be our authentic selves (another overused phrase) while slinging the latest Gucci, Pucci, and Louis Vuitton?
Don’t get me wrong I too have succumbed to the hype of a Chanel bag here or there, the Louis luggage (I have pieces over 40 years old. So I will stand on the argument that I buy them for the quality, LOL).
Yet I am one of those underrated individuals who welcome the resurgence of “quiet luxury”. Where your clothing, your accessories, and your lifestyle whisper instead of shooting with a bullhorn.
But let me not loose sight of “your individuality” and if you are a shouter so be it, no need to fit in when you can stand out vivir en coz alta (living out loud), draped in the sometimes
enviable, sometimes misleading signs of wealth. After all, we do it in the name of being true to ourselves, expressing our right to copy everyone else.
Quiet luxury made its way back into our consciousness with the success of the addictive series Succession, with labels like Loro Piana, The Row, Bruno Cucinelli. Quiet luxury is nothing new it has always been the hallmark of real wealth, old money (but let me be very clear, I am all for new money especially in vulgar quantity, especially if it’s mine) it’s that nod of appreciation, signalling “when you know you know”. It is rooted in the choice of fabric, the cut, the tailoring, the finish…The quality.
Again I will insert individuality, this time, my own, and what true luxury means to me.
True luxury for me is a lifestyle not only a price tag. It’s about the confidence to wear a label or a piece from H&M beautifully styled, a piece or 2 or 3 from an independent designer who is passionately working to make it to Paris or New York fashion week. Imagine being able to say “I wore him/her when.”
True luxury is lifting without fear of being replaced.
True luxury is freedom of choice.
True luxury is the freedom to be…seen or not.
P.S. In the search for ‘individualism’ aspirational customers are said to have spent approximately $387 Billion United States dollars, in 2023 (source Bain and Company).
Portrait Image of Iris Apfel: By CNN
FACE VALUE
The quest for radiant, healthy skin knows no bounds. We caught up with one of the most sought-after and authoritative voices in the beauty and wellness sector
— Kayla Greaves...
Q: Is immaculate skin within reach?
Definitely, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Everyone’s skincare journey is unique, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all goal for what immaculate skin looks like. Also, healthy skin doesn’t necessarily mean skin that’s free of blemishes, scars, or discolouration—these are all a natural part of the skin’s healing process.
Q: Can you buy perfect skin?
Yes and no. On one hand, depending on what you’re looking for, there are a plethora of skincare products on the market to choose from which can give you brilliant results, or you can opt for in-office professional procedures— there are plenty to choose from. Just keep in mind if you choose the latter, be sure to look for a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who is well-versed in working with your skin type/ tone. However, it is important to note—and I know no one wants to hear this—much of what our skin looks like comes down to genetics. But there are procedures you can look into that can combat our genes,
@kaylaagreaves
like blepharoplasty, which can permanently reduce the look of eye bags, for example, or PicoSure laser that can safely diminish sun spots on skin of colour. It really just depends on what you feel is worth making an investment into, and that’s not just about the price, but also recovery, time, and upkeep.
Q: Is there a big difference in choosing products and caring for black skin?
Everyone’s skin is unique, but generally speaking Black consumers tend to be most concerned about discolouration and uneven tone. So you want to look for products that offer supreme moisture and also combat hyperpigmentation, like vitamin C, niacinamide, glycolic acid, etc. And always be sure to wear sunscreen.
Q: Are there any ingredients to avoid when choosing our skin care products?
If you start using a product and notice any type of irritation or redness—stop using it immediately. I also recommend speaking with a
dermatologist or at the very least doing a spot test on a small area of skin before adding any new products to your regimen, especially exfoliants, if you have sensitive skin.
Q: What is the easiest way to supercharge your skincare?
By using nourishing ingredients that keep the skin moisturised, and not forgetting that skincare doesn’t just stop at your neck—you have to take care of the skin all over your body. For a face routine, I recommend a gentle face wash, vitamin C or niacinamide serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen for day time. At night, swap out the serum for a chemical exfoliant and omit the sunscreen. For the body, I suggest using an oil straight out of the shower while the skin is still damp. Brown Sugar Babe’s Nourishing Body Oils offer a gorgeous fragrance, along with a blend of avocado, castor, grapeseed, olive, and sweet almond oils to nourish and condition the skin to leave you with a brilliant glow. You can use it alone, or mix with a lotion if you want extra suppleness. My favourite is IT Girl, a scent I developed with the brand.
Q: When should I start using anti-aging products?
Generally speaking, people say around 25-years-old. But in my opinion, I think the best anti-aging product you can use is sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure can lead to premature aging and worsen discolouration.
Q: Is sunscreen essential for black skin?
Absolutely. On its own, melanated skin generally only gives you around SPF 13 protection, while dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 on a daily basis. There are plenty on the market to choose from these days, so it’s less about which one you actually use—so long as you use it.
Kayla Greaves previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at InStyle, with bylines at other prestigious publications such as Vogue, ELLE, and Allure. She can be seen as an expert commentator on HBO’s The Beauty of Blackness and Netflix’s The Black Beauty Effect. With her on-camera charm she has landed brand campaigns for major companies like SheaMoisture, Ulta, T.J.Maxx, and Maybelline.
