Second Decade of CFW Starts June 8-13

Caribbean Fashionweek, the seminal fashion, entertainment and lifesty event that has come to epitomize the essence of Caribbean style, is now in its 11th year, the first year of a new decade. Undeniably established as the Caribbean's #1 event of its kind, CFW will once again be held in Kingston, Jamaica, June 8-13. In addition to the best designers the Caribbean has to offer, CFW boasts some of the most recognizable faces in world modeling, plus top stylists from Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America and Asia. CFW is also a growing entertainment event on a broader level, as it attracts major international celebrities and has featured short concert performances by superstars. Prior year events have showcased Eve, Kelly Roland and Nia Long.

This year will see an expansion of the live entertainment packages, with even bigger names and full length concert performances, immediately following the fashion shows. A major Business Forum, to be held on Sunday June 12, will be a key feature of CFW 2011. Designers who have shown collections at CFW include Cedella Marley, Gavin Douglas, Meiling, Sandra Kennedy, Claudia Pegus, Catalin Bothesatu, Atelier Dore, Barry Moncreiffe, Heather Jones, Jessica Ogden, Simon Foster, Pauline Bellamy, Mutamba, Nefertari Caddle, Deola Segoe, Biggy, The Mushroom, Uzuri and Robert Young. Most of these designers will show collections this year.


British Vogue once described CFW as an important new trend in world fashion and the event has been taken to every corner of the globe by Fashion TV Paris. It is also regarded as one of the important fashion weeks in the world and is accepted internationally as the #1 platform for the best of Caribbean style, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike. Its growth in its first decade has been exponential. This year's event is likely to be the biggest and best to date, based on confirmations already received from designers, celebrities, supermodels and entertainers. The event features 6 days and nights of activities, including opening & closing events, as well as 3 nights of shows, an exhibition, after parties and a Business Forum.

Over the years Pulse supermodels have led the model line-up at CFW and this year will be no different. Stars of past years include models of the calibre of Jaunel McKenzie, Carla Campbell, Nadine Willis, Oraine Barrett, Gaye McDonald, Lois Samuels, Kimanee Wilson, Sunna Gottshalk, Nell Robinson, Lincoln Wynter, Romae Gordon, Althea Laing, Reshima Hemmings, Nikki Vassell and Nicole Grey.

Our most current Pulse stars Sedene Blake and Jeneil Williams are driving a new ascendancy of black models in the world. Sedene, described by Elle UK as the new Iman, was named by Style.com (the online home of Vogue) as being one of 3 models to watch last show season. She did not disappoint, doing a staggering 85 shows in her first season on the international show circuit. Jeneil was one of 8 covers of Love magazine (Conde Nast's new publication), last year. Other covers include i-D (twice), the Wall Street Journal (twice), French, BMI and a number of others. Other Love covers in the series of 8, each featured one of the 8 hottest models in the world including such luminaries as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Natalia Vodianova, Daria Werbowy and Lara Stone. Jeneil has appeared in several editions of Vogue. Up and coming stars, Alexia Palmer and Hannah Lettman, will join this year's line up.

CFW 2011 will not only herald a new decade of the best of Caribbean style, it will help to cement the status of this pioneering event as the epicenter of Caribbean fashion in the world. More importantly, it will continue to provide lasting opportunities for Caribbean talent to emerge and take its place among the best that the world can offer.