Milica Pesic young designer from Italy

Jamaica has a way of luring people to its shores not only for sand, sea and sun. The magnetism of the island, boasting rich sounds of its intrinsic reggae beats and the complementing culture has been a major draw for foreigners for several years and, for the past decade, fashion has firmly become part of this allure through the Kingston-based Caribbean Fashionweek (CFW).

Come June 8-13, Pulse will stage the 11th installment of its flagship fashion and beauty extravaganza and each year, the event attracts a growing number of talented new designers.

This year is no exception and Milica Pesic is one young Italian designer planning to make an 'Everblazing' first impression on the global fashion scene.

For Pesic, Caribbean Fashionweek was the perfect showcase to launch her fashion line.

"My inspiration comes from self-confident people with attitude and I find the Jamaican people to be bold and expressive, they have a certain energy that boasts confidence and my brand is all these things and more," said the designer.

Passion for art
Pesic, who also goes by the moniker 'Mima', was born in Serbia but moved to Italy at an early age where her passion for art and high fashion flourished. Armed with a strong drive to become a successful designer, she studied fashion design at the University of Florence.

Having been immersed in fashion since she was 14, after leaving University, Pesic worked as a stylist and for a number of other design labels before she decided to launch her own line.

In fact, Everblazing is not just a single clothing collection; Pesic was recently in Paris working on her men's fragrance which is going to be part of her larger brand thrust.

"At CFW, I will present two collections, one focused on the women and also the men. This is my time on the international stage and I am going all out, to put on a terrific show," said Mima.

According to the designer, her collection will incorporate a bold mix of colours from the finest Italian fabrics and leather and she is positive that Kingston will be enthusiastic about her line.

"My brand is assertive, sexy and luxurious," and from all accounts the designer's inspirations, edgy sass along with her symbolic colour palette (including animal prints) as well as her bold signature-statement accessories will be in full view at CFW.

The launch of the young designer's collection at Caribbean Fashionweek will also coincide with the opening of her Everblazing boutique in Kingston. The line will also be available online. Pesi is set to join a stellar line-up of new and established designers from Europe, America and our own Caribbean stalwarts.

Caribbean Fashionweek will take place at various locations across Kingston beginning June 8. The major exhibition, fashion shows along with the now staple superstar concert performances, will be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre.