The Arts and Recreation Centre at Cayman Bay became the centre of style, sophistication and elegance as the Fashion Solstice Gala got underway.

The Gala was part of four days of Solstice fashion-themed events and was aimed at raising the profile of Cayman as a fashionable destination while showcasing talented local fashion designers as well as up-and-coming local models.

“Solstice’s focus is to improve on the tourism product and to enhance it. The idea is to get Cayman on the international fashion calendar,” said Cindy Jones of Guavaberry Marketing

“People like fashion and they like lifestyle and Cayman is a great destination for luxurious lifestyle and so to add fashion to that would be the perfect combination.”

The show was hosted by former Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillips, and Joel Steingold from the American reality TV show “Clean House” and it began with several collections from local fashion designers and stores.

There were plenty of men’s fashions this year too with men’s casual wear, beachwear and party wear.

Local models, many of whom received catwalk training earlier in the year with the legendary model, Alva Page, included Cassianne Lawrence, Nadicia Dixon, Tanjana Campbell, Sydney Solomon, Andre Johnson, Adrianna Christian and Nicosia Lawson. They shared the catwalk with International models Sessilee Lopez, Lisa Jackson, Aminat Ayinde, Bianca Golden and Tyrone Baker, amongst others.

The big attraction of the Solstice events is the synergy of bringing local and international talent together:

“Local models get very inspired by being around the international ones,” Ms Jones said. “We are looking at three models who we think can make it internationally right now. We will be sending one of our local models to New York Fashion Week next year,” she added.

“Local designers included Jawara Alleyne, Kidan Brooks and Gabz & Gabz and we had local store, Sand Angels, take part as well,” she said.

Headlining the show were international designers Kevan Hall, Cesar Galindo, Korto Momolu, Francis Hendy, Roger Gary, Andrew Cristian and Copperwheat.

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