The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

HAVING witnessed what living with a HIV/AIDS diagnosis is like through the experience of a family member, Bahamian model Kendrick David Kemp has set out to once again stage “Fashion for a Cause”, an event aimed at creating continued awareness of the issue.

“Fashion For A Cause” (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 bringing awareness to the HIV/AIDS under the theme, “Live. Love. Care”.

During a brief break since its last staging in 2011, Mr Kemp, along with his team, took a step back to refocus their efforts.

Now, they are more than excited than ever to present the show for a third time on March 30 at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel beginning at 5pm.

Mr Kemp signed with the 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.

“When Kendrick Kemp won a modelling competition he was charged with giving back to the community a portion of his earnings,” said Lakeithra Taylor, FFC director of media.

“Instead of randomly picking a charity he chose one that meant something to him. Having a family member diagnosed and dying from HIV/AIDS he knew how family members could be affected. He invested the earnings and produced what was then ‘The Ultimate Fashion Show’, now known as ‘Fashion For A Cause’.”

During the upcoming event, a representative from the Bahamas AIDS Foundation will briefly speak to the attending audience. Former Miss Teen Plus Jacklyn Frazer will serve as host. The creations of several local designers will also be modelled during the show.

Organisers hope to raise enough funds from the fashion showcase to help the Bahamas AIDS Foundation increase awareness.

“ ‘Fashion For A Cause’ is different from its previous stagings because we have had the time to take a step back and re-brand. We have refocused our efforts, partnered with a few new people, but retained our core values. Our team believes in quality over quantity and being a living breathing representation of our motto, ‘Live. Love. Care’,” said Ms Taylor.

She said the event’s decor has been revamped entirely by FFC team member Gregory Wilkinson and people will be presented with an “extraordinary showcase”.

“We have aimed at attracting the best and brightest with Pia Glover-Rolle of PTG Models as our casting director. Everyone has gone above and beyond thus far in ensuring this event’s success. The only thing that remains the same is our relationship with the British Colonial Hilton Hotel, which has so graciously once again partnered with us to make this event a reality,” she said.

“We are going to show and prove how different this fashion show is from anything anyone has witnessed on this island. There will be a few familiar faces as well as a lot of new ones. We are encouraging everyone to come out and support, because for as little as $20 you get to walk the red carpet and take those Facebook and Instagram worthy shots, give back to a worthwhile cause and enjoy a fashion show like none you have ever seen.”