Lawn chairs, comfy cushions, wine, cheeses, hot dogs, cool music and persons casually engaging in conversations. Were it not for the runway placed squarely in the middle of the lawn it would have been the setting for a very chic garden party. Such was the scene for the grand opening of Foot Candy Couture’s new location at 8 Hillcrest Avenue. Foot Candy Couture, a high end boutique owned and operated by Lisa-Gaye Chin specializes in unique well made pieces and aims to give clients an intimate shopping experience in a beautiful atmosphere.

Shenna Carby 2012 Collection at Caribbean Fashion Week

The runway show that heralded the opening of this location featured some local designers whose pieces would certainly fit in with the Foot Candy image. Shenna Carby , Mission Catwalk’s 2011 winner showcased a few pieces from her line Journey , the standout piece being an emerald green jumpsuit that would be perfect for the summer perhaps styled with metallic sandals and a pop of colour be it from a bag , jewellery or one of the Essie nail polishes available at Foot Candy.

Spring / Summer 2013 by Arlene Martin next graced the stage with what was described as the must have pieces of the season. Though some of the fabric choices were questionable, there were some very well made pieces which stood out from the collection. These included a sunshine yellow tea length dress, a bright green shorts suit and a beautiful royal blue jumpsuit. Saturated colours were a recurring theme through all three collections which is to be expected given that the fashion colour forecast for 2013 predicted cobalt, jade, purple and canary as the colours that will be seen on the runways.

The final collection, Attitude by Ashley Martin certainly lived up to its’ name from the very first piece to the last. The collection showed a range of maxi dresses in various colours and patterns, a chartreuse dress that could only be described as a goddess gown. The collection moved from casual to edgy with a red body suit paired with an animal print blazer, neon green high waisted shorts, feathered dresses and a sparkly green capelet. A white bathing suit that would look perfect styled with a sunhat and a bright caftan also made its’ way down the runway. Last but certainly not least came a stunning silver gown, demure from the front as it featured a high neckline and long sleeves but still sexy due to the plunging back. The designer herself could have been mistaken for just another model as she made her walk down the runway in a shiny white dress and sparkly silver pumps.

The show though it ended reasonably early was a fun experience as it combined good food and good music with great atmosphere and great fashion.

Rushell Ferarah