Lucien Harrison delivers inclusive RTW fashion showcase

With styles transcending time and space, Lucien Harrison’s Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Fashion Show offered more than just original couture. Nine designers showcased their upcoming collections on a runway set up on the NHT Parking Lot grounds in New Kingston on Sunday night, celebrating artistry in motion. As the evening unfolded, the show’s vision of redefining beauty standards came through clearly in the commanding, confident strides of models representing a diverse range of body types.

The couturier explained that the inspiration for the fashion show stemmed from a desire to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, while fostering a harmonious union among creatives.

“From make-up artists and hairdressers, videographers and photographers, to designers, models and artists, I wanted to create a union and do a show which is very inclusive to everybody, every type, every shape, every colour, just for everybody,” he told Living.

When the time came to select other esteemed designers, Harrison searched far and wide to include creatives from Montego Bay, Portland, St Catherine and St Andrew. Among them were Nashwear, Tonii Alanna Designs, Endlesz Dezigns, RMS Apparels, Young Addiction, Styled by Neeks, Na’Mae and Naomi Frazer.

“I knew the work from some of the designers before; others were new to me. I looked at their work, their page, [and] their attitude; all were in alignment with the vision. We have similar personalities; we just know what we want. We’re hungry but humble, very easy to work with, but weren’t getting enough highlights,” he said, adding, “The fashion world can be such a competitive space. But [with] these designers, it wasn’t a competition; it was a ball game, and there were enough players on the field to make this fashion game the match of a lifetime,” he revealed.  

Host for the evening, Debbie Bissoon, invited well-dressed audience members to step into the spotlight, creating her own impromptu fashion show on the runway.

On the topic of his collection, Harrison wanted to bring his personal style of vintage to life and add a timeless touch to the mix. His story began with an iconic wedding dress, which turned heads with every stride. Choosing two tones, which is even reflected in his classic black and white logo, the journey down the runway also incorporated the forever-trending design of polka dots, highlighting pumpkin skirts and dresses. Then, the trend of denim entered the chat.

“My personal style is streetwear. I love denim. I will wear denim everywhere. And I designed denim for every occasion because it can be both formal and casual. And that speaks to my design style, similar to my personality, both structured and playful at the same time.” 

It was equally important for him to showcase models of all body types. Among his most challenging and rewarding creations was a custom design for his clients and models Ginnel Peart McKenzie and Kaylan Dowdie, both of whom are wheelchair users.

 “If we're doing a runway show, why is it that we always have to use a size zero model? When I have children as my clients. And they did so well in the fashion show! I have clients from the disabled community, so I had them on the catwalk. I have plus-size clients. Every plus-size model that rocked the runway is all about fashion. And I had fierce models who subscribed to the standard. Fashion is universal. And for me, beauty is about being yourself and being confident. And that’s the beauty and style standard I want to present to the world,” he highlighted.

Leaving no stones unturned, he seamlessly shifted the narrative with a truly ‘magnifique’ and inclusive twist that resonated with the elegantly dressed and attentive audience.

“Many said it was giving international standards, with the VIP experience [and] Fidelity Motors on the runway,” he added. 

So, what’s next for the elite designer? This is only episode one of a three-part series. Watch out: the motion picture that is Lucien Harrison’s RTW Fashion Show is stitching its way to segment two, on a runway near you.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com