The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A TEAM of nearly 100 models is what Bahamian Kendrick Kemp envisions when he next hosts his Fashion For A Cause, an event with a two-fold purpose.

Its re-staging after a brief break proved worthwhile last Sunday, as scores of fashion enthusiasts and supporters turned out for FFC 2014 at the British Colonial Hilton, Mr Kemp told Tribune Arts and Entertainment.

FFC was introduced to the Bahamas in 2010 by Mr Kemp and was intended to be an annual event that brings together local fashion designers and retailers for an evening dedicated to raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS under the theme “Live. Love. Care.”

At FFC 2014, representatives from the Bahamas AIDS Foundation spoke to the audience. Former Miss Teen Plus Jacklyn Frazer hosted the event.

“We wanted to create a platform for the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and reach a certain demographic of 15-year-olds to 40-year-olds. We had a opportunity for Lady Camille Barnett (president of AIDS Foundation), who was able to speak on behalf of their initiatives, and that was a great opportunity for them to be there and talk about their platforms and how HIV is impacting our young people,” said Mr Kemp.

“That was our golden ticket and that was the highlight of the event. They were able to talk about it and we were able to entertain the people that attended.”

Several local designers and stores modelled their fashions during the show, including Parke & Ronen of New York , H&M of New York, the Sports Centre of Nassau, Orico Bahamas Limited, Lamaris Couture, Tanya Saunders, His Fashion and Del Mare.

Angel K of the Vendetta Group provided entertainment and performed one of her popular songs.

The runway show started off with a ‘White & Black’ collection and then transitioned to the spring collections, which featured a lot of floral prints and pastel colours. The show ended with designs by Tanya Saunders.

“For us, this year we did not want to do a lot of gowns,” Mr Kemp said.

“That is the reason why we wanted to go to the Sports Centre and have Converse shoes modelled, because this is how the normal girl and guy dresses. If we are going to reach a certain demographic, (we have to) put looks on stage that are appealing to them. So we decide on have the models wear Converse and little bit of heels.”

During a brief break since its last staging in 2011, Mr Kemp along with his team took a step back to re-focus their efforts. He said this was important if they wanted to bring back a bigger and better show. And it looks like the effort paid off.

“We thought it was a success, we had a great turnout, the designers loved it. I took the break mainly because I did not feel FFC was at its best. And I did not think I had enough education about the fashion world at the time. Although I walked the runway, I still needed to know what was happening backstage. So through my travels I was able to work backstage at different shows and help out. So I brought all of those ideas home,” he said.

Mr Kemp said FFC’s success is just the start of something greater.

“We had a lot of help from people in the fashion world. For instance, although David Rolle and Theodore Sealy could not play an intricate role in the show by being on the stage, they still helped backstage along with Pia Rolle. They helped the models backstage and that was a step down, I think, because where they are in their careers they do not need to be organising models anymore. But they were still assisting,” he said.

“Next year we are going to have 75 to 100 models participating instead of the 55 models. It is hard to find models here first of all, but when you find them and persuade them it turns out well. A hundred models next year is going to be task, but I believe I can find them.”

Mr Kemp signed with Irene Marie modelling Agency in South Beach Miami when he moved to the US to advance his career. He has walked for such designers as Sean John, Parke & Ronen, Heatherette, Louis Vuitton, Joann Berman, L&H and more.

He said his new venture right now is exploring the Canadian and Chinese fashion markets. He is expected to leave the country in the a few weeks to start his travels.