When the history of Caribbean Fashionweek 2009 is written, night two will undoubtedly go down as the biggest and arguably the best night for fashion the Caribbean has seen to date.

It unfolded in full splendour at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday, June 13, featuring a dazzling presentation of fashion from far and wide, as well as rocking performances from Jamaica's Cherine Anderson and superstar Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child. The show billed as one of the hottest events of the season, lived up to and exceeded the high expectations created, judging from the reaction of the audience which packed the venue.

A galaxy of collections from such fashion heavyweights as: Meiling, Gavin Douglas, Biggy, Nana Boateng, The Mushroom, Mutamba, Catalin Bothezatu and Yardmanstyle, had fashionistas in seventh heaven. And if that was not enough, collections from Britain's young designers of the year, Lucy Jackson and Jennivi Jordan, titillated the fashion senses.

Former Pulse model and Vogue covergril Lois Samuels, now turned author, painter and photographer, unveiled her collection; The Vessel, shown for the first time at CFW.

Runway highs

Here comes the bride.

Teenagers Didi Beck and Martine Ali hit runway highs with a stunning new collection. VP Record's Pat Chin also unveiled her show stopping urban line, Riddim Driven Clothing.

The fashion euphoria of Friday night continued into Saturday as fabulous collections unfolded. Cherine Anderson, former child star of the Dancehall Queen movie, now turned Reggae Ambassador, put Kelly Rowland on notice, as she used her superb vocals to great effect.

It took an exceptional song and dance routine down the CFW runway from Kelly Rowland, including her mega hit 'Dilemma', to hurdle the bar set by Anderson. Rowland was fresh, stylish and polished in her performance and showed us why she is still the favourite Destiny's Child member for some.

But, exceptional fashion presentations reigned supreme on Saturday. Combined artistry, chic ready to wear, urban edge, glamorous swimsuits, expertly tailored suits and exquisite couture were on show. The collections opened with a fusion of art and fashion from pairings of top Jamaican artists and designers Art on the Run. Plants, burlap, and recycled materials were staples in a presentation that made fashion lovers sit up and not only take notice, but applaud generously!

And, if audience reaction was anything to go by, the queen of minimalist chic, Meiling, took the accolade for the night. The collection, titled the 'Secret life of Plants', revealed delicate draping cowl tops and flowing skirts which were mixed with tailored jackets and pants to create a delectable fashion narrative for the discerning woman who wants free forms as well as structure in her wardrobe. The designer shared her exquisite sense of colour by opening with pairings of subtle shades of pinks and peaches layered on delicate beige which lead into browns and rusts and other earth tones.

Attention-grabbing swimsuits

Miles ahead of the pack.

The collection from The Mushroom, which preceded Meiling, was an overflow of glamorous, attention-grabbing swimsuits. Brigid and Jason Lawson pulled out all the stops and Brigid's artistry was evident in the fine cuts and bold metallic prints.

Biggy showed off why his award-winning edgy, sexy urban chic made him king of the threads. Yardman went with solidly clean lines of Jamaican colours for his collection. It was, however, the Riddim Driven Clothing that took the urban title at their first showing at CFW. Music from reggae greats through the years accompanied a collection that brought all of the force and energy of the streets to the runway. A collection clearly influenced by the beats of reggae, Chin sent her models down the runway fitted with headsets and boom boxes to great effect.

Now a CFW staple, Gavin Douglas showed why he was awarded master designer status when he presented a stunning collection at his fourth presentation at the event. Of the moment, frills were deftly crafted to flatter the figure and his staple of short flirty dresses with his customary Elizabethan themes were simply glorious. The Vogue-acclaimed designer presented a potent mix of structure and form in rich fabrics that were fun and feminine.

Following in the footsteps of Gavin Douglas, London designers Jennivi Jordan and Lucy Jackson were impressive first-timers. Jordan's collection reflected her theatrical influences while Jackson revisited the intricacies of corsets with a modern touch which tickled the senses of the fashion-loving audience.

Also making their debut, Lois Samuels and Didi Beck shone brightly. While the Vessel by Lois conveyed confidence with simple lines and a study in black and dark grey with her male-influenced tailored looks, 17-year-old Beck brought playful colours and an appealing variety of looks which would please consumers even beyond her natural target group.

Well-tailored suits

Ghanaian Nana Boateng showed well-tailored suits in the boldest of colours that were strong and decidedly masculine, and refreshingly so. Fuchsias, greens and reds dominated the collection, with the lean cuts well suited for today's metro-sexual man, or the man with that edge!

The night's final designer was definitely haute couture, and nothing but. The collection from Romania's Catalin Botezatu had each piece screaming high glam and opulence. Vivid colours complemented by delicate appliqué and lace details brought light and art to Botezatu's presentation. The creative process in the designer's atelier were evident in the very detailed and intricate collection. Not satisfied with his high-quality craftsmanship, the designer added jewels and crystals to take each look to another level. So powerful was the collection the audience gave Botezatu a standing ovation.

It was a night of intoxicating high fashion. We look forward to CFW 2010, the 10th anniversary of the region's best and biggest fashion extravaganza.

Bold black. - Photos by Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer