Caymanian artist John Reno Jackson and Fashion Designer Jawara Alleyne making waves in London
John Reno Jackson exhibited his new collection in London 4-18 March 2020.
Jawara Alleyne launches collection at London Fashion Week 2020.
London, UK – 01 March 2019 – Caymanian Artist John Reno Jackson travelled to London to exhibit his recent collection entitled “Memoirs of My Lady” at Artisan Space in Putney, the exhibition ran from 4-18 March 2020, right before COVID-19 hit the shores. This follows closely on the heels of acclaimed Caymanian fashion designer Jawara Alleyne launching at London Fashion Week with his collection called ‘(Self) Made Man’.
Jackson lived in London and graduated from foundational courses in painting and drawing at the London Art Academy in 2015. Since then he has continued his exploration with painting media through a series of works made in Grand Cayman.
Alleyne has also studied in London graduating from London College of Fashion in 2016 and continuing on to pursue his Masters in Fashion at Central Saint Martins.
Both have experienced life as Caymanian in London and are registered CCUK members. CCUK is delighted to now share news of their respective influence in London.
Jackson organised a VIP opening event on Friday 6 March and invited Caymanians and friends in London to join. He commented: “The works have been made based around the ideas of letters of affirmation, cherishment and separation. Going to London to exhibit work is very surreal to me. I’m not just showcasing work for myself, I’m showing the work on behalf of my country. It’s been a few years since I’ve last been in London so there’s that aspect as well.”
Alleyne spoke of his collection: “I’ve woven Caribbean culture into my hand-writing and I’m heavily inspired by old-carnival which was about storytelling and masquerade. When you take apart the layers of my collection you can see clearly the influence of Caribbean culture on the international catwalk through my method of design, choice of fabrics, and the stories build around the characters I’ve created. This collection is only the start for me and now that I’m leaving university I’m excited to represent a Caribbean voice on the international catwalk.”
Kate Kandiah, Founder of Cayman Connection commented “I am always so impressed with the passion, enthusiasm and calibre of work that comes out of Cayman and is showcased on the world stage. It is so important that we recognise the work that Caymanians are doing across the globe, which promotes our country in their own independent way. Their cutting-edge independent passions in their respective fields should be applauded. John and Jawara are an asset to Cayman. One of the missions of CCUK is to promote and support these passionate Caymanians overseas, and we are happy and lucky as a country to have so many to support.”
