Look Out For fashion

Look out for African fashion

 

EARLIER this week my comments about the recent Jamaica Observer report on Caribbean FashionWeek showcase were questioned, with civility and good manners — a rare commodity these days. The response came from one who spoke with respect, even as I gave my views. The person who was involved in the presentation communicated with me with a mild and gentle e-mail, questioning how and why? It is not often somebody disagrees with you and does so in a calm and civilised way.

Therefore, I extend thanks and best wishes to the particular gentleman who knew what the word “civilised” means. We had a difference of opinion, as I declared that I was not impressed by the show — a conclusion I arrived at all by myself. Message learned: Respeck...even when somebody is bound to ask why you “fass inna people business”.

Some expletives could have been included in the correspondence, but they weren't. There are many other people who would have gladly turned our differences into a time for “bad wud”, yardie style, but instead, the certain gentleman kept away from that. Yes, he didn't agree with me, but he would not waste valuable time in argument. I ended up agreeing. So much for that, thank you, please.

So what if people want to walk around and be critical of even the question of coverage of the female body, said I.

Meanwhile, if you are a follower of CNN, whose news coverage is spread worldwide, you will have noticed by now that in several African countries there is a fashion outburst exploding worldwide. Buyers are pouring in to see and buy the latest designs created by African designers, using materials from all across the continent where the creative fashion producers have become worldwide favourites and money-makers for using strictly African material.

I have been pleasantly surprised to see the amount of publicity in the global news on the African fashion. Why then aren't we, in this part of the world, not creating ways to gain a place on the map using what we have or make? Could it be we are too lazy, too tired, or too lacking in imagination to settle down to create the best, instead of wasting time or not acknowledging real material which we can profit from?

At the same time, there is need for assessing the fashion business. There was a time — the real time, some say — when the Jamaican fashion industry was the best; acclaimed on the global scene. There were designers who exhibited in Paris shows, and other much-valued areas, including high- fashion shows in New York, for instance. Wherever the name of Jamaica went it was respected then.