Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Left: Miki Nembhard's super sexy design. Right: Bold-striped swimsuit by Miki Nembhard. - Contributed photos

Twenty-five-year-old Canada-based Jamaican fashion designer, Miki Nembhard, has created history with an invitation to showcase her GIA Inc. line at next month's Oscars in Hollywood, California. She will join many of the world's top brands in the Luxury Suite and be a part of the excitement and frenzy of what is unquestionably the best week of the entire year, Oscar week!

Speaking with Flair last week, Ms. Nembhard said the suite will provide:

Premiere Beverly Hills Hotel location

Opportunity to showcase her line directly to celebrities and media

Opportunity to put her products directly into the hands of celebrities

Twenty-four-hour staffing by GIA and partners principals

Inclusion in all media and press activities

Logo inclusion in all printed materials/invitations and all releases

Gift bag/basket inclusion for celebrity guests, and much more

This invitation marks the pinnacle so far in a relatively short career. "I have been invited since 2006 but this is the right time, said Nembhard who is also on the guest list for the next BET awards. The 'watered down' version of the recent Golden Globes was also an opportunity but the ongoing writers strike put an end to that.

Accidental encounter

Still on track, Nembhard, who is pursuing her advanced degree in law, got into the fashion business quite by accident. She was asked by a former employer to seek sponsorships for a fashion show and after pounding the pavement, surpassed their expectations. "I put on the show with 80 models and did some sketches in my down time. Someone saw them and was so impressed, I was invited to a networking party," she said.

As events progressed, she was later invited to participate in the Saint International Avante-Garde designers competition. Not one to say no to opportunities, Nembhard teamed with Pablo's fabric stores who provided raw material for her designs. "I won the contest and never looked back, she told Flair.

In stores

Today, her line is in stores in Florida and New York and she hopes they will go further afield. But, being a realist, Nembhard is still pursuing her studies. "The fashion industry takes commitment and I must have something to fall back on."

She credits the great team behind her for her success and is hoping to showcase Jamaica at its best in Hollywood. The invitation was extended to her but Nembhard told Flair she will give producers some of the best quality Jamaican products a chance to include some of their brands in her bags.

The Luxury Suite is designed specifically with the needs of editors, stylists and celebrities in mind. It is the first celebrity and editorial-driven luxury destination showcasing today's decisive brands as the best of worldwide 'über-luxe'. Following a five-year successful run as the best pre-Oscar suite in town, Luxury Suite will return to this year's Oscar race.

When celebrities utilise the product/service, it endorses and magnifies the brand. The Oscars' red carpet is the world's biggest showcase and marketing platform. It makes careers and turns organisations into overnight success stories.

The proposed collaboration between GIA Inc. and Nemhbhard's organisation offers an amazing opportunity for international branding. This strengthens the highly positive role Jamaica and Jamaicans play in the international scene.