KADIAN NICELY
Designs bring out true dancehall fashion
When Kadian Nicely was approached with the proposal to design costumes for Dancehall Street Parade, a highlight event during Magnum Dancehall Week, she did not hesitate to accept the challenge.
As a popular designer known for her bold, flirty, and captivating creations, Nicely recognised the opportunity to contribute her unique style to such an electrifying occasion. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of dancehall culture, the designer infuses her creations with elements reminiscent of iconic looks from the past while adding her own modern twist.
For Nicely, the creative process involved delving deep into dancehall archives, paying homage to classics like the mesh marina, a staple of the ‘rude boy’ attire and Dancehall Queen Carlene’s gold two-piece outfit from the Murder She Wrote music video. However, she didn’t stop there, aiming to push boundaries beyond the typical red, green, and gold by incorporating unique elements like the marijuana leaf motif to one of the designs. Divided into five sections – Ukku, Glammity, Traffic
Blocking, Champion Bubbla and Rude Gyal – each ensemble reflects Nicely’s attention to detail and commitment to authenticity.
“I thought about everything dancehall especially from the old school era. I wanted to do an outfit that wasn’t just the regular red, green and gold mesh marina. For ‘Rude Gyal’ I incorporated the ganja leaf and
elements of the colours; meanwhile, Glammity is a reference to Dancehall Queen Carlene’s iconic look,” Nicely said.
She highlighted that the designs are not just costumes but wearable pieces that blend style with comfort and affordability, ensuring they can be worn beyond the parade festivities.
Nicely’s journey in the fashion industry started out with modelling in her teenager years, but she quickly discovered her passion for designing. Her Kadian Nicely Exclusive designs have been featured on local events and recently on international runways during Brooklyn Fashion Week. She boasts a wide clientele of celebrities including reggaedancehall recording artistes like Marcy Chin, Shaneil Muir, Sevana, and Nadine Sutherland, as well as five-time Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah, Social Media Influencer Tanaania Tracey, and Wellness Coach Kamila McDonald.
Magnum Dancehall Week, taking place during Reggae Month from February 13-19, serves as a platform to honour and showcase the vibrant fusion of music and style that defines dancehall. The Dancehall Street Parade will be held on Sunday. The parade will begin at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre on Hope Road, St Andrew, and end at Independence Park at the National Stadium.
With Magnum Tonic Wine as a key sponsor, the event aims to celebrate Jamaica’s cultural heritage while highlighting the enduring influence of dancehall on music and fashion.
“We really need this for dancehall. I am extremely glad Magnum came on board for the celebration; Magnum Tonic Wine is the staple drink at most if not all dancehall parties, dancehall nah keep without Magnum,” Nicely said.
Noting that Magnum Dancehall Week has the potential to become a staple event, she added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to be the first designer to participate in this project because that will be embedded in dancehall’s history.”