SUMMER CHIC COLLECTION
WHEN DOZENS of Jamaicans gathered in New York recently to raise funds for underserved children in Jamaica at the Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) annual summer soirée, popular fashion designer Courtney Washington added his support in the form of mini dresses and afro chic prints. This is the fourth time Washington was showing at the five-year-old event, and this year his Summer Chic collection included cool, printed dresses that encourages women to step out of their comfort zone and into a world of super-edgy fashion. “I created this collection to give my clients more choices to enjoy the season’s styles. It embodies elegance and retro chic designs that will make women look and feel beautiful,” the designer told Outlook in a recent interview. Washington, who wished he had been there to enjoy the evening, admits that he loves being part of COJO’s efforts at creating opportunities for the children of Jamaica. Washington appreciates that the organisation offers scholarships to students who, without their help, would not experience education. “Featuring my designs at COJO’s summer soirée shows my desire to give back and support organisations that help to make Jamaica better,” he expressed. The event raised over US$17,000 for the 23-year-old organsiation that makes annual trips to the island to award numerous scholarships. Here are some of Washington’s hot designs that made a memorable appearance on COJO’s Summer Soirée’s red carpet!