Coco-Mat located in New York’s fashionable Soho area was a fitting, if somewhat unusual setting for the staging of designer D’Marsh’s latest Haute Couture collection – La Vie du Noir (The Life of the Black); his contribution to New York’s fashion week; on February 18, 2016. Glenroy Marsh, who has been working and living in NYC for the past ten years, unveiled his 2016 collection to an eclectic mix of fashionistas, entertainers, print and digital media specialists and investors who were treated to the latest offering from a trailblazing son of the Rock. D’Marsh’s determination, drive and travels have broadened his horizons since his early foray into the heady world of fashion and his first store in Jamaica. His vision – reflected in this latest collection – tells a story of sophistication. From the parade of models all clad in garments built on a palette of black, accentuated with teal, uncluttered and bereft of excessive frippery, the immediate take-away was the smooth clean lines of both the women’s and men’s wear.
Highlights of the collection included the perfectly constructed boned corset, the sophisticated and flirty cocktail evening dresses and a men’s line of exquisitely tailored-to-fit shirts and pants. The choice of models, haughtily strutting their stuff complimented the look to perfection, the designs hugging the models, appropriately fitting and flaring on both male and female forms, the unifying detail – a delightful mosaic pattern in brilliant blues that conjured up images of far-away castles and kingdoms ruled by princes of old or the intricate jigsaw patterns of medieval stained glass windows. The mosaic pattern was repeated in the sparse accessories carried by the women – small clutch bags or purses.
The inspiration for this collection comes; as Marsh tells it; from a stylish black Parisian couple migrating to New York and the challenges they face as immigrants, the assumptions formed about them and how they overcome and assimilate. The inspiration for this collection mirrors reality and the current hot button issues of immigration, illegal immigration and the presidential debates that have given some a perfect bully platform from which to scapegoat the weakest in society and the opportunity to outline the measure that will be taken to prevent their quest for a peaceful existence and the ability to provide for their families.
The House of D’Marsh has a symbiotic relationship with Caribbean, African, and European cultures and is an apt fit for sponsors Restless Media, Aflik TV and Black Speech Media the success of the cross-culturalisation is evident and an exciting hint of things to come. Other sponsors included title sponsor Caribbean Food Delights, The Jamaican American International Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, iLAND Magazine, Sinners & Saints and CG & D New York.
La Vie du Noir – Moving forward from obstacle to assimilation and excellence.
Photos Jeana Lindo
