Collections by designers from across the Caribbean, including our very own Meiling, Heather Jones and Claudia Pegus will be on show, so expect a showcase of styles and trends reflective of sophisticated tropical virtues and relaxed casual island flavas.

An opening gala, poolside at the Hilton, Kingston, is to be followed by three shows a day, each featuring a different designer and smaller exhibitors showcasing jewellery, swimsuits, footwear and fashion accessories. Everything culminates on Sunday the 10th with the haute couture Caribbean Fashion Collections.

From designs to make-up and from hair to the level of organisation backstage, last year’s show was deemed a major benchmark for the Caribbean fashion industry. Buyers and showroom representatives were more than impressed. Gary Williams of Department and Speciality Stores was sanguine about what he saw. “I am pleased that I saw collections that I really like. I am positive that it’s not a question of if, but rather when they will make it to the top.” Likewise Jody Eliston of DKNY felt the 1st Caribbean Fashionweek had played “a much needed and important role in bringing Caribbean fashion to the wider world.”

Now that relationships have been forged with experts, buyers and designers from across the world Caribbean Fashionweek 2002 hopes to make real financial headway for the regional fashion industry. Designers and other exhibitors now realise the event is an investment in themselves – it is these sort of high-gloss, glitzy showcases that enthrall buyers and showroom representatives. It is at these events orders are made and the wider world market becomes accessible.

Away from the major wheeling and dealing Caribbean Fashionweek provides more than just catwalk glamour and beautiful people twirling in a host of styles. Like other major fashion weeks around the world a host of parties are planned for each night, where all those involved in the shows, can mingle, let their hair down or if they really want to – schmooze away. There will also be regular press conferences, a 2-day exhibition and the odd beach party – slash – show too.

People in the Caribbean are a stylish lot and it isn’t surprising to hear American style house representatives claiming major designers like Ralph Lauren and others have over the years drawn inspiration from Caribbean fashions for many of their collections. However, what Caribbean Fashionweek contributes is recognition, both financially and professionally, our local designers have for so long found hard to come by.

Paris, Milan, London and New York, now need to take note, the periphery is becoming the centre, and that’s why those in the know are here – to watch the birth and growth of the world’s newest house of style, the one that says ‘made in the Caribbean.’