Mission Catwalk Turns Up Drama with ‘Wild Card’ Finale

Photo Credit: Tiffany Lue Yen

Some Mission Catwalk viewers were in for a surprise on Tuesday’s episode of the Caribbean reality series when instead of seeing Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW) presentations from the final trio, eliminated designer Rebecca Stirm, who also showed at CFW, was brought into the mix as the wild card and a contender for the winning title. Needless to say the top three, Crystal Powell, Gregory Williams and Ryan Chan were caught off guard by Rebecca’s return as well.

For her part, 19 year old Belmopan Belize native, who was already preparing a collection for CFW was thankful for the second chance. “When the judges announced to me that I was being brought back as a wild card I teared up. It’s very humbling to know that I have a second shot at winning and going to London Fashion Week.”

Rebecca, who won four of the shows 11 challenges, introduced the crowd at Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre to her line Rebecca Stirm Collection, which featured her trademark soft dresses.

The marine theme in Powell’s collection “Treasure Beach: Where the Desert Meets the Ocean” was evident in her use of different shades of blue and an interesting number which she called the sting-ray dress. The Crystal Christina owner, who specializes in evening wear, says she is now considering swimwear after strong reaction to her first item on the catwalk- a striking black and white one-piece.

Fellow Jamaican Gregory Williams who loves black showed his edgy fashion sensibility with unique constructions set to Lady Gaga no less. When asked if his H.O.D Designs collection will bring him the win, the 28 year-old says “I want to. But if not, I win in my heart.”

Rounding up the top four is Trinidadian Ryan Chan of Ryan Chan Designs, whose gladiator-inspired presentation was unified by shades of brown copper and gold.
The designers each presented 12 looks; worn by Pulse models including jetsetters Nell Robinson, Carla Campbell, Jaunel McKenzie and Kimanee Wilson.

The collections were judged by regular panelists Mission Catwalk host and executive producer Keneea Linton-George; Novia McDonald-Whyte associate editor lifestyle and social content at the Jamaica Observer and international menswear designer Carlton Brown.

Special guest Kay Davatian (former head of quality control at Jones NY and Ralph Lauren) who first assisted the top three in the prior episode, returned to mentor the finalists during the CFW challenge. The winner, who stands to earn $3 million in prizes including the chance to show at London Fashion Week, will be announced on Tuesday June 19 following a reunion of the top 15 contenders.

Will the wild card cost a designer the title? Who will rule the Catwalk?
Mission Catwalk airs Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. on TVJ and repeats Thursdays at 5:30PM. The series also streams at www.televisionjamaica.com/aspx