Seven countries put their best foot forward for three days @ IWFW

17 Nov '09

5 min read

The second edition of Islands of the World Fashion Week (IWFW) was nothing short of a success. Audiences and critics alike are continually showering the event with rave reviews for high fashion and an exquisitely executed programme.

Thirteen island designers, representing seven countries put their best foot forward for three days with edgy couture and fantastic accessories as they showcased their 2009/2010 collections.

From the Caribbean, to Canada to China and beyond, IWFW made its mark this year as the premiere event of the season. Gregory Stennatt, a Tokyo resident said, “In a nutshell, well–stunning looking models, wearing jaw dropping fashions who execute every catwalk move with the calculated professionalism that would make each garment dazzle the eye of any denomination under the sun.

“Islands of the World Fashion Week seems to have put the Caribbean on the international fashion map, as the most exciting place to showcase new fashion creations from [island] designers who are clearly not merely making big splashes by the pool-side of this splendid venue, but also causing a tsunami across the fashion world... Bravo!”

It wasn't only the island prodigies showcasing their talents. The group of 13 were joined by three guest designers; the legendary b michael, Project Runway's cycle five winner, Leanne Marshall and Henry Jackson for HNJ, whose 2010 collection won a special nod and subsequent orders from United States First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Though all the designers came to Islands of the World Fashion Week(IWFW) to flaunt their collections, their creativity was also put to the test as they all vied for various awards during the event. The new designers battled for the NextGen Designer Award, while veteran participants aligned themselves to possibly be awarded one of four Seals of Excellence Awards. Additional awards were also available for designers that constructed special Sustainable Eco-Fashion and Cultural Fashion garments.

Celebrity judges on hand for the event were Susan Stein and Luis Sarmiento. Stein, a fashion diva in her own right, has been a staple in the fashion industry for more than two decades managing marketing, merchandising and public relations for fashion retailers and designers. Sarmiento is one of the fashion industry's foremost commentators and also the publisher of IMG's the Fashion DAILY Magazine.

Madagascar's Eric Raisina took home top honours as he won both the Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award and one of the four Seals of Excellence Awards. The Sustainable Eco-Fashion Award is given for effectively using environmentally friendly products while incorporating environmental or social issues into designs.Raisina won for his outfit called African Lace, which includes a crocheted raffia dress, raffia and silk organza hat, and a silk organza scarf.

The Culture and Fashion Award, given for incorporating a uniquely cultural element in garment design was won by Jessie-Ann Jessamy of Grenada for her spice cloth patterns and design,

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