The Mission Catwalk reality series has expanded its reach and returns to television for a second season with contestants from several Caribbean countries. Fifteen designers from Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and home country Jamaica will compete for enviable prizes, among them the chance to show at London Fashion week.
Says host and executive producer Keneea Linton-George, “Our aim at Mission Catwalk is to grow the fashion industry, not just in Jamaica, but the entire Caribbean. We want to show that a great quality production can come from the region and to that end, I must give credit to our production crew especially Mykal Cushnie who returns as director/editor.”
The Kingston-based TV series, which was second only to the evening news in its debut season, is now one hour long. Fans can expect 30 additional minutes of excitement in each episode which comprises four segments: the challenge, the design production, the runway show and the elimination of the designer. Things get off to a dramatic start when the designers meet a swift and ferocious first round challenge in which 5 of them will be eliminated. The thirteen week series culminates with three designers at a live showdown in Kingston where the winner will be chosen.
Last year’s winner Shenna Carby is still reaping benefits from her victory, which included the chance to show at Miami Fashion Week. In addition to the opportunity to show in London, this year’s winner will receive JMD$500,000 courtesy of National Commercial Bank of Jamaica (NCB) to start their clothing line, industrial sewing equipment valued at JMD$200,000 courtesy of singer Jamaica, a contract to sell their designs at SOHO boutique, a six-page fashion editorial in Ocean Style Magazine and a scholarship to pursue fashion program at London College of Fashion.
Returning to join Linton-George in the judges seat are Jamaica Observer lifestyle editor Novia McDonald-Whyte and menswear designer Carlton Brown. The trio will be joined by special guest judges including creator of Guyana Fashion week, Sonia Noel, Trinidad designers, Meiling Esau and Claudia Pegus as well as Jamaican entertainer Lady Saw. This year the show puts focus on HIV/AIDS awareness and Dr. Sharlene Jarrett will represent the Ministry of Health on a special episode.
The contestants for Mission Catwalk Season 2 are Jamaicans Shellane McFarlane, Gregory Williams, Crystal Powell, Kimbally Smith, Janelle Jolly, Keshon Hawthorne, Natalie Rochester and Maria King-Beadle. Kesia Estwick and Kerin Scott are from Barbados. Ryan Chen and Shannon Kwong represent Trinidad while Jeanelle Forde represents both Trinidad and Barbados. Ryan Bentley (Guyana) and Rebecca Stirm (Belize), round off the non-Jamaican contenders.
Mission Catwalk officially launched on Tuesday Jan. 31st at the Courtleigh Auditorium. The show, presented by NCB, Supreme Ventures and Digicel, airs every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on Television Jamaica starting March 20th. Viewers in Barbados, Belize, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago please check local listings.
Contestants
Pictures from the Press Launch
Comment