BASSETERRE (18th November, 2015): – Entrepreneur and former model Kirah Griffin is a name synonymous with fashion and modeling within the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, having over 20 years experience in the field.
Owner of Plush Accessories on Cayon Street, she is now gearing up to host a mega weekend of events that will be produced by St. Kitts Fashion Events (SKFE).
Not only did Griffin, who is the CEO of SKFE, become one of the Federation’s notably fashion models but she also paved the way for many with various model projects during the early 90’s.
The first swimsuit calendar to ever be produced in St. Kitts was done by Griffin, who scouted models and sponsors for what became one of the most talked about modeling ventures an initiative Griffin produced to showcase the beauties of St. Kitts that featured former National Carnival Queens and top models.
Taking the forefront in helping to build the local fashion industry is something Griffin does without thinking twice. That is why, at the tender age of 19, with the same confidence and tenacity she takes to the runway, she used those qualities to tackle event planning by organizing her first fashion event. Her fashion event featured regional designer Calvin Southwell and was held at the Fort Thomas Hotel.
Having had that experience of producing shows, she moved on to co-producing Brown Sugar’s Fashion shows along with the designer for five years and also co-produced a fashion event which was a part of the Carifesta celebrations held in St. Kitts in 2006.
Therefore, it is no surprise that she has undertaken the challenge of ‘Renaissance Red’ to be held on November 20-23, 2015.
The schedule events will begin with a Culture and Style Welcome Party at The Verrandah at the newly renovated Ocean Terrace Inn on Nov. 20, a Red Themed Haute Couture Gala on Nov. 21 at the Sky Ultra Lounge at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and the Renaissance Red Fashion Extravaganza on Nov. 22 at the St. Kitts Marriott Dome at 7:00 p.m.
The following day, persons will be able to purchase the admired pieces at a Trunk Show at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort’s Statia Room at 12:00 p.m. which will be followed by a Sunset Catamaran Cruise starting at the Port Zante Marina at 6:00 p.m.
This year’s designers bring a plethora of elegance, style, sophistication and Caribbean Haute Couture with the likes of Roger Gary of Aqua Couture, Claudia Pegus of Trinidad and Tobago, Uzuri International of Jamaica, Kurt Campbell of Jamaica, Kimon Baptiste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Red Ibis Designs of Jamaica.
The local designers will also make their mark with Tamisha Cranstoun and former National Carnival Queen, Kaeve ‘Mimi’ Armstrong showcasing their ‘Eccentric’ line, Kiwie Dan Couture and Shontall Vanterpool will also return with a new line to showcase this year, Dale Kelly Designs, Jay Weekes of Irep SKN and Lovella Benjamin along with Lulu’s Closet by IC Jewelers will also be showcasing.
St. Kitts Fashion Events has also launched a campaign to encourage and foster aspiring designers with their project EMERGE- Express, Motivate, Encourage, Refocused, Greatness to Elevate which caters to young persons who desires to pursue a career in design between the ages of 14-19 with the opportunity to showcase on the upscale fashion event.
This year’s recipient of EMERGE is Shavaniece Lake of You-Nique Designs, a student of the Immaculate Conception Catholic School.
A true advocate for teamwork and unity, believing nothing can be achieved without the right joint efforts, Griffin has put together a super team she feels strongly would be able to put on the production of a lifetime.
Her team includes persons who have all walked the runway and have had some level of experience in event organizing. Eusha Johnson is currently the reigning Miss White Sands Queen, Joy Wilson, former winner of St. Kitts-Nevis Top Model Competition, Tamesha Cranstoun a former plus-size model, who now dabbles in the field of designing and Suelika Creque, former model manager and trainer.
This year SKFE will recognize two longstanding contributors of our growing fashion and modeling industry over the years with a fitting tribute and plaque at the event.
Last year’s Renaissance event wetted the appetite of attendees when once again local fashion shows with an international touch had returned to the island.
St. Kitts Fashion Events was created as a platform to showcase Kittitian talents to the world in the form of clothing designers, performers, models, graphic designers, photographers and the list can go on. The main goal of the determined team at St. Kitts Fashion Events is to produce and host upscale fashion tourism driven events to highlight, promote and market the Island and the people of St. Kitts globally.