Kimon unveils impressive fashion collection at show

With an impressive display of collections, designer Kimon Baptiste successfully hosted an evening of elegance at Grenadine House on Saturday, September 5.{{more}}

Showcasing designs in ladies wear, men’s wear, swimwear and eveningwear, the event was more sedate than the usual fashion show, but a thoroughly enjoyable affair. Baptiste’s line, Kimmystic Clo, made great use of fabric, colours and accessories – all tinged with a decidedly youthful and crisp feel.

The eveningwear segment was a swirl of satin, lace and beading. Many of the gowns have been used by contestants in rural beauty pageants – something Baptiste took great pride in.

Baptiste recalled: “I’ve wanted to do my own fashion show for quite some time… I was motivated now because I have to raise funds to take me to New York Fashion Week.”

Patrons of the event were exceptionally pleased with the quality and quantity of Baptiste’s designs. However, there were a few grumbles at the pauses between fashion segments. Baptiste explained that this was intentional. “It was a cocktail evening… we didn’t want the fashion to run consecutively.”

She continued: “I wanted something different… we just see clothing go up and down the runway. I wanted something that was elegant and classy… more theatrical!” This was a concept that went over the heads of a few, but for those who caught the concept, they rightly used it as an opportunity to mingle, feast on wine and cheese, and discuss the designs they had just seen.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT, Baptiste admitted that although preparation for the event was an arduous task, she is satisfied with the outcome and, more importantly, the turnout. “The turnout exceeded my expectations!” she beamed. Patrons were also treated to a “sneak peek” of her 2010 collection, which she will be showcasing at New York Fashion Week (September 14 – 18).

Baptiste revealed that feedback has been encouraging, with positive criticism, which she will no doubt use to improve next year’s show. She is hoping to turn this event into an annual one.

Sponsors for the event included Digicel, Minors’ Construction, E.D Layne and Sons and Grenadine House. Baptiste expressed a profound gratitude for the sponsorship, and was also appreciative of the assistance of her organizing team (Tamara Gibson-Marks, Wendy Minors and Rochelle Forde), her mother Marcelle Baptiste, Stephen Joachim (Mustique Company), Mijé Modeling Agency, Image Modeling Agency, Singer and Pulse.

She also thanked Lesmond Cockburn and Latoya Lewis for preparing the hair and make-up of the models.

Baptiste’s line of clothing is available for purchase online at www.kimmysticclo.com. “This opens me to a wider market,” she acknowledged. Like most designers, Baptiste dreams of having her clothes retailed regionally and internationally in boutiques.

At New York Fashion Week next week, Baptiste will exhibit her clothing, accessorized by jewelry from a company that she met at Miami Fashion Week earlier this year. “Doors are opening!” she enthused.