Wanderlista

#fridayfives - Do you really need more than five reasons to re-discover Jamaica when all five are in one destination? The place where it’s all converging is on Jamaica’s northeastern coast in Portland, a lush, forest-to-ocean Elysium that has been dubbed the “Jamaican Riviera” for its natural glamour and cultural legacy. 

The region is equal parts sequestered haven and historical hot spot; not only was it the Hollywood hotbed of the 1960s, it is the quintessential birthplace of Jamaican tourism. Over the years, the area’s unspoiled beauty, pristine seascapes and host of natural attractions have drawn sizable international and local tourism. 

Everyone from high profile celebrities and international royalty to creative visionaries and adventurous-minded travelers has frequented Portland since the early 1900s.

The team behind the Port Antonio vision includes native Portlander and international business guru Michael Lee-Chin who has partnered with British-born music industry veteran and hotelier Jon Baker, to ally forces and revive Port Antonio to its former apex. Baker (owner of the Geejam Hotel with business partner Steve Beaver, and the famed Geejam Studios), will now re-launch the region (affectionately called “Portie” by those in the know), including Lee Chin’s Trident Castle, the historic Trident Hotel and the Blue Lagoon, Jamaica’s largest natural spring-fed lagoon.

Join the renaissance now by booking at Geejam Collection.

1. Trident Hotel, Port Antonio (opening March)

2. Geejam Studios, Port Antonio (has played host to Grace Jones, Rhianna, No Doubt and many more)

3. Geejam Hotel, Port Antonio (endless list of A-listers and just cool cats)

4. Trident Castle, Port Antonio (do you need more explanation? It’s a castle…by the sea…in Jamaica)

5. Blue Lagoon, Port Antonio (channel your inner Brooke Shields)

#Fridayfives: My favorite collections from New York Fashion Week

Norma Kamali: I live for Norma. She is an inspiration both on and off the runway. This year’s collection held countless pieces that mix comfort and effortless sophistication. 

Proenza Schouler - Monochromatic minimalism was the theme of this collection this year and I couldn’t get enough. This collection was so mod, and so perfect for a New York woman.

Carolina Herrera - The 74-year-old Venezuelan-American designer has been turning out works of art for years and this collection was no exception. Her inspiration for this Fall 2013 was a Beethoven sonata which reflected clearly in the elegant fabrics and textures she integrated into her couture. 

Rodarte - Very different from Herrera, the Mulleavy sisters, Kate and Laura took their inspiration from Santa Cruz, their home town. Not surprisingly the collection overflowed with loose, less form fitting styles, brightly patterned pieces, and hippie-inspired formal-wear. 

Helmut Lang: long lines and jutting angles were prevalent in this modern masterpiece. The designers were inspired by Picasso’s Black and White Exhibit clearly reflecting their interpretation of an old world art.  

Wander far, wander well,

-AM