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  • Writer's pictureKerry-Ann Clarke

Making Magic Happen


Tessanne Chin wowed the crowd with her melodic opening performance at the 2018 MoDA Runway.

What do we do now that the 2018 MoDA Series is over? Well, first we reflect on how amazing it all was! Duh!

It can't be denied that when it comes to creating magical retail experiences centered around culture, The Collection MoDA reigns supreme. This year’s series was undeniably a year of growth for the platform as it made notable steps towards its goals of fostering the growth of the region’s creative talent and making Kingston, Jamaica the Caribbean’s creative hub. As the year comes to a close and we anticipate next year’s series, (which the gifted ladies of the MoDA Team have probably already started planning!) let’s take a look at all the magical moments from the MoDA Series 2018…



MoDA Makers captivated by Bianca Weld's teachings at this year's Creative Canvas workshop presented by Sagicor Bank.

MoDA Talks: Before MoDA Market, the team makes it their mission to get their MoDA Makers (designers and exhibitors) ready for the series i.e. wholesale and retail ready. In light of that, MoDA kicked off the year's magic with an intensive business development workshop to help it's creatives realize the steps they need to take to build sustainable business models and brands. The workshop was free to the platform's MoDA Makers and open to the public at a fee. As MoDA Director Aiesha Panton expressed, at MoDA they don't believe in 'starving artists'. So cheers to more creatives with profitable businesses!


(From Left) Tasmin Goldson, Jeneque Pinnock, and Mellissa Tulloch make a celebratory toast with 3 tasty Grey Goose cocktails they mixed themselves.

MoDA Pop-up Series: The series took a turn for the fabulous with it's pop-ups! Every week the team partnered with a key sponsor of the series to host specially-invited guests and celebrate this year's theme: HER. The pop-ups were intimate gatherings and the leads shared with guests different- makeup, hair, styling, and even mixology,- tips and hacks that they could use to celebrate the Goddesses within everyday! We saved a few highlights just for you; take a look:

Lisa Escalona and Stephanie Lawrence learn the art of mixing the perfect Grey Goose cocktail courtesy of MoDA Series Sponsor: CPJ

Talented Hair Stylist Brittany-Rae of HairByBrittanyRae shows Gabrielle Waite of Gabby Glam the technique behind achieving the perfect curls at the Collection MoDA X Redken Pop up.

Beauty Queen and MoDA Runway Model Ashlie Barrett poses for the 'gram in front of everyone's favourite backdrop- the MoDA Wings!

Makeup Artist, and Guest, Ashleigh Porter creates a natural makeup look on fellow guest and creative entrepreneur Anna Lisa Guthrie at the MoDA X Revlon Popup.


MoDA Dinner Party: This intimate dinner party was all about celebrating the platforms amazing partners and sponsors who, year after year, work closely with the MoDA team to help create the magic that both patrons and MoDA Makers have become so accustomed to. No one could have imagined, though, how MoDA Director and Curator Aiesha Panton would have transformed CPJ Market for the event (Take a look at the breath-taking setting below!).


Of course, it wouldn't be a dinner without some delicious food. The menu, which was crafted just for the occasion, composed of a delectable four-course meal which tantalized the taste buds of all in attendance.


It's safe to say it was an enchanting night for all!


Dinner guests Valon Thorpe of Mystique Integrated and recording artiste Anna-Sharé 'Sevana' Blake share a smile for the camera.

Dinner setting curated by MoDA Director Aiesha Panton courtesy of pussbackfoot.


MoDA Runway: As one of the most anticipated nights of the series, MoDA Runway 2018 did not disappoint. The elite and stylish came out to view the collections, of emerging and established Caribbean designers, that they would shop a few days later at MoDA Market. Songstress Tessanne Chin, whose vocals were accompanied by the talented EPARK Jazz band, serenaded the crowd with her surprise of an opening piece.



Yendi Phillips, Ann-Merita Golding , Sandor Panton and Aisha Morgan pause conversation to pose for the camera during cocktail hour at MoDA Runway.

Jacqueline Stewart-Lechler, Michelle Meyers, and Katia Dehring didn't disappoint with their chic and modish outfits for the night!

Michael Sean Harris joins Tessanne on stage to sing a duet to live jazz music performed by the EPARK band.


A piece from the Yumi Katsura collection.

A piece from the Jae Jolly collection.

A piece from the Trefle collection.

A piece from the Drenna Luna collection.


A piece from the House of Raphelita collection.


A piece from the Korto Momolu collection.

MoDA Market: The grand finale to the series was trailblazing to say the least! Patrons who attended were surprised to see just how much the Market had expanded with this year's staging. In addition to the customary shopping sections (which welcomed more makers and wholesale buyers this year), MoDA Eats and MoDA Kids, the MoDA Market platform added two new sections under its umbrella: MoDA Reads and MoDA Music. The Reads section hosted Jamaican Authors with recently published books and MoDA Music, in collaboration with New Wave Jamaica, featured live performances by emerging local artistes.

Despite a few hiccups, that were notably out of the team's control, MoDA Market 2018 was an overall success thanks to generous sponsors, a dedicated team and passionate exhibitors.



MoDA Makers Those Creative People gleamed with pride while posing in front of their contemporary product line.

Essie made a lot of females happy by offering manicures on the spot in the MoDA Beauty Lounge!


Curated boxes featuring a variety of products from MoDA Makers? Yes, please!

Candy Craze can put a smile on anyone's face! Including this gentleman's :)

MoDA Makers Art Frenzy did live drawings. Talk about creative ways to attract customers to your booth!

These two models make the perfect yello directory cover don't you think?

MoDA Eats Exhibitor Danielle Thompson of Therapy charmed patrons with her welcoming smile and enchanting stall.

MoDA patrons throwing some shade your way!

Ayanna Dixon of ASD definitely brought the cheer to MoDA Market this year.

Well we won't disagree! What a beauty!

Brittany Johnson of Miakalani Swim smiles for the camera w/ MoDA Patron. Looks like a sale!


MoDA Reads exhibitors Sarweeks Publishing weren't shy at all about educating our young women :)


Lila Ike had the crowd swooning over her vocals during her performance on the MoDA Music X New Wave stage.

You can see more awesome moments in the albums on their facebook page @TheCollectionMoDA. We look forward to all the #MoDAMagic awaiting us in 2019!

Happy Holidays until next time!





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