World's First Sundeck Catwalk Sucess: J Winter Fashion Show at Costa Atlantica in Dubai

(Dubai 23 January 2013) Famously known for turning England’s iconic London Tower Bridge and the world’s highest PETRONAS Twin Towers’ Skybridge into a phenomenal catwalk, entrepreneur and model, Jessica Minh Anh made history again with the first ever fashion show on the sundeck of an international cruise ship. 

The highly anticipated J Winter Fashion Show, which took place on the luxurious Costa Atlantica, showcased an exquisite combination of haute couture, bridal, swimwear, and high end ready wear collections from the UAE, Portugal, Lebanon, Russia, Italy, Hong Kong, Greece, and Vietnam. With the grand catwalk staged on the 70 metre sundeck overlooking Dubai’s skyline, the event redefined modern fashion show standards.

Opening the show in a breath-taking Oscar De La Renta long trail wedding dress, Jessica Minh Anh appeared as a stunning representative of the multitalented new generation who makes their fairy tale a reality. 

She was followed by other fashion models in elegant and romantic designs from world’ famous brand Marchesa, Hong Kong power house Lusan Mandongus, Greek talent Christos, and Lebanese celebrity designer Aiisha Ramadan, which can be found at high end Frost Boutique.

In contrary with the angelic looks of modern brides, the second collection by Russian award winning designer Polina Raudson, conveyed strong emotion and harmony with all-black retro dresses. Using an unusual combination of natural fabrics such as silk, chiffon, cotton, and denim, and materials such as plastic, glass, and metal, Polina’s collection strengthened the concept of future and space.

Perfectly suited for the lengthy sundeck, the next collection from global swimwear leader Gottex made a bold fashion statement by incorporating colours, shapes, prints and details into two opposing extremes. The daring side presented strong colours such as cadmium reds, royal blue, torques, purples, and canary yellow, while the more feminine side used softer hues and prints, twisted and drapery shapes, Swarovski stones, and graphite jewels woven through fine lycra. The swimsuits were accompanied by colourful, crystal studded, and ultra-light anti-flat flip-flops from UAE’s very own footwear brand FLOPEDS, which married fashion and comfort together.

Adding sophistication to the grand catwalk, Jessica Minh Anh’s next collection of choice was the dreamy bridal series from Portuguese famous designers Joana Montez and Patrícia de Melo. Using light fabrics such as tulle, muslin and silk organza in the form of overlays, transparencies and frills, the 15 dresses moved away from traditional styles to show more distinguished cuts.

Talking about the second last collection by House of Art Slouchy’Z, Jessica said “I wanted to show the unique taste of a modern Middle East, which is a lot more colourful and refreshing. Slouchy’Z has definitely transformed traditional abayas into stylish loose-fitting pieces with a special mixture of color, flow of textile and delicacy of cuts”.

Closing the show with elegance and class, Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai brought couture to the next level with richly embellished floor-length pieces. The finale ivory lace dress worn by Jessica, which was a design masterpiece, used gemstones, layered lace, and delicate floral elements to accentuate timeless beauty.

The show was followed by a VIP Networking Party at the famous café Florian on board, where fine Italian drinks and canapés were served. Exclusive guests, such as countries’ ambassadors, luxury brand managers, retail group directors, and famous international designers, experienced world class hospitality from J Model Management and Costa Cruises while enjoying the delightful company of Jessica Minh Anh herself. The show was covered by CNN, CNBC, Forbes Middle East, The National, Dubai TV, Sama TV, Rotana TV, Abu Dhabi TV, Fashion One TV, and OK! Middle East among many others. Official partners included Sephora Middle East, Damas Jewellery, Al Qudra Sports Management, Fonoon, Pastels Salon, Dusit Thani Dubai, Marine Biz TV, Cocoona, Asiatic Printing Press, Cosmopolitan Hotel, OK! Middle East, Eve Arabia, and M Print House.

With this addition to her excellent track record of continuous history making showcases worldwide, Jessica Minh Anh has become one of the most desirable fashion show organisers of the new generation. She is set to expand her seasonal catwalks this year to other major cities including Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, and New York.

Catwalk photos of J Winter Fashion Show from J Model Management

· About Jessica Minh Anh: The young director of global fashion event organiser J Model Management was the first to turn England’s iconic London Tower Bridge into a spectacular catwalk 44 metres above the river Thames in October 2011. Just 5 months later, she hosted the first ever fashion phenomenon on the famous Skybridge of the world’s tallest twin structure and architectural wonder, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, in March 2012. Right after being named “Global Fashion Mover and Shaker” by Marie Claire, Jessica created a whole new fashion show experience when she turned River Seine’s giant glass boat into a 90 metre floating catwalk in July 2012. These achievements have quickly made Jessica the most desirable fashion show organiser worldwide and the UK press have named her as an icon of the new multitalented generation. Her shows have been covered by reputable press such as the BBC, ITV, CNC, Fashion One TV, The Independent, ELLE, Marie Claire, Tatler, and ICON among many others. Her social circle includes international fashion leaders, country ambassadors, and directors such as Alan Williams of the London Olympics 2012.  She can be spotted at the front row of Paris Fashion Week next to IT girl Vanessa Traina, Michelle Yeoh, Sky Ferreira, and Yu Xiawen as well as in entrepreneur workshops where she teaches young girls the essential skills to excel in the fashion world.

· About Costa Atlantica: The Italian cruise ship can accommodate up to 2,680 passengers in 1,057 cabins and 58 suites. The decks of Costa Atlantica are a tribute to the work of Federico Fellini, Italy’s best known filmmaker, as each deck is named after one of his famous films. In much the same way as on a film set, one can move from one reconstruction of an identifiable famous place and ambience, to another, and with Milo Manara’s paintings embellishing the walls, can enjoy a succession of wonders and historical tie-ins to Italian art. Iconic places for viewing include the scrupulous reproduction of the 18th century Caffè Florian in Venice, an atrium decorated with Pompeii-style frescoes and the Via Veneto Lounge featuring original paparazzi photographs of the “Dolce Vita” period. Costa Atlantica is a true floating museum of contemporary Italian art.