‘High Fashion’ by Shampagnex

“Style a style and style cya spoil”.

This phrase has been a mainstay in Jamaican culture for ages and its truth has yet to be disputed. Fashion is one of the main features of Jamaican culture and the main tenets of it are just to simply “wear weh yuh have”. This slang has pushed Jamaicans to step into their closets and come out dressed as Mr Tumnus. While many Jamaicans are still unfashionably trapped in their closets, the ignition to true empowered fashion will have to be through the branches of marijuana and the strength of women.

The proof is there as we have seen fashion designers like Mara Hoffman use a marijuana leaf print for her SS15 show and jeweller Jaciquie Aiche created a bud emblazoned collection.

Kadiya McDonald styled by Shampagnex / SEORA Clothing

Women’s influence in the Jamaican fashion industry has been constant through the years and their foothold has been noticeable. The path many women take in an industry that is tumultuous is admirable as they have trodden through the trenches some in their Clarks boots and others in their high heels. The renaissance of fashion in Jamaica can only be led with two important assets that many in our nation undermine.

With a country that possesses a huge dispensary of potent marijuana and a collection of powerful women, Jamaica should be leading the charge in the battle for women’s ennoblement. With accomplishments such as going to the Fifa Women’s World cup and then transiting into being the country with the most women managers in the world. Jamaica’s feminine energy is at an all-time high and will continue to be supercharged.

The personality of our women in fashion, sports and business will never cease to stop as Jamaican women will dominate, refresh and surge in all areas whether traditional or non -traditional.

Selah.

Hakeem ‘Uncle’ Bryan