BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – 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 created projects that would help build the industry 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.
The calendar was an initiative Griffin undertook that showcased the beauties of St. Kitts featuring 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. She 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 November 20-23, 2015 with the main attraction, a fashion event on November 22, scheduled to be held at the St. Kitts Marriott Dome.
Recently, she traveled to the British Virgin Islands, for one of the regions’ mega fashion events, ‘Summer Sizzle BVI’. There she networked and gained valuable advice and coaching from stalwarts in the fashion arena.
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.
“Behind every successful event is a great leader and an outstanding team. I honestly feel that I have outdone myself with the Renaissance Red team. A group of hard working individuals who passionately immerse themselves with any and every thing fashion. We are working none stop to ensure that this year’s event surpasses all expectations.”
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.
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. This year it will be a packed weekend of events that will be released to general public shortly.
“There is so much in store, where should I begin. Last years show was amazing but sadly, it was just a glimpse of what we can produce. This year you can expect a much higher standard. We are challenging the status quo as it pertains to fashion within the Caribbean. ”
Griffin is also the founder and producer of Fusion Mas Camp.
This is the second staging of the fashion show hosted by St. Kitts Fashion Events which is geared towards promoting our beautiful island of St. Kitts and Nevis through Fashion Tourism, as well as efforts made to boost the economy to attract visitors to the island through essential media coverage and key marketing strategies.
Their aim is to showcase the talents of the local designers with a goal of creating sophisticated platforms that will empower, promote, elevate and provide an avenue for the networking of fashion creatives within the Caribbean and beyond, achieving business opportunities that will catapult their brands to the forefront.