Five young Caymanian models are set to walk the runway during London Fashion Week, being held 12-17 Sept.
Mili Almaguer, Shannon Crew, Ileann Powery, Leilani Eden and Stella Calderon-Hoaglund, accompanied by fashion designer Norma Ebanks – CEO of Cayman InStyle Fashion Week – will join an international line-up of fashion models, designers, celebrities, fashion enthusiasts, and performers for the highly anticipated show, which is marking its 40th year.
The models will be showcasing the latest avant-garde designs and cutting-edge looks by several international designers for Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25). In addition to the fashion shows, the event, held biannually in February and September, will feature presentations, panels, workshops and networking opportunities.
“I am beyond grateful for the incredible opportunity to take five stunning models with me to London Fashion Week,” Ebanks told the Cayman Compass. “This exhilarating opportunity has been made possible by The Fashion Life Tour, and I am humbled to be chosen as a representative for the Cayman Islands in the fashion world.
“The fashion industry is a highly competitive one, and being able to participate in one of the biggest fashion events in the world is a dream come true. Not only does it provide a platform to showcase our local talent, but also gives us the chance to network with some of the biggest names in the fashion industry,” Ebanks said.
Among the models to accompany Ebanks is 6-year-old Calderon-Hoaglund, who first ‘ripped’ the runway two years ago at a local fashion show and has been enthusiastic about modelling ever since.
“I’m super excited to fly to London for fashion week. I’m gonna rock it!” Calderon-Hoaglund told the Compass.
Eden said she was “proud to represent the Cayman Islands” at the upcoming fashion week, and “to highlight the exceptional talent emerging from our home on such a prestigious global stage.
“This opportunity allows us to shine a light on the unique contributions and creativity coming from our islands, and I am honoured to be a part of it,” she told the Compass.
Crew echoed that sentiment about being one of the models chosen to represent Cayman, and thanked her sponsors, along with Ebanks, “for this amazing opportunity”.
‘New connections’
Powery, the 2023 Miss Universe Cayman Islands, also spoke of the privilege of representing Cayman.
“I am excited for the opportunity to do this at the London Fashion Week especially because it will be my first time travelling there. I’m looking forward to hitting the runway and making new connections while sharing the Cayman Islands with London,” Powery said.
Almaguer, who was the 2023 Miss Global International Cayman Islands, said, “I feel extremely grateful to be able to be represent Cayman on the global stage and expand my portfolio in the modelling industry as a Caymanian model.
“From representing Cayman in Jamaica as Miss Global and our first trip to New York earlier this year in February, I have immense gratitude and can’t wait to showcase our Caymankind, work ethic and talent.”
Ebanks stressed the importance of providing Caymanian models with international exposure. “This gives them the experience needed to grow, develop and flourish as aspiring models in the industry. I am proud to say that the models selected to represent Cayman Islands at London Fashion Week are the epitome of style, grace, and professionalism. Each of them brings a unique and dynamic energy to the runway, making them the perfect ambassadors for our island,” she said.
Following London Fashion Week, Ebanks will travel to Russia to attend the third Moscow Fashion Week, being held from 4-9 Oct.
While in Moscow, Ebanks will also attend the second BRICS+ Fashion Summit, “a center for business communication between leading industry professionals, experts, light industry specialists, journalists, bloggers, academic experts, up-and-coming designers and emerging brands from around the world,” according to its website.
The Summit programme will include plenary discussions, roundtables, lectures, master classes and the World Fashion Shorts Film Festival.
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