‘Freedom Street’ fashion forecast - Fashion designer offers style tips for Vybz Kartel’s concert

As anticipation builds for Vybz Kartel's highly awaited 'Freedom Street' concert, one of dancehall's most popular fashion designers, Jenelle Thompson of A Legends, has offered fashion tips for attendees to turn up in style.

Known for dressing some of the most iconic names in the dancehall industry, Thompson has become a go-to person for persons who want to make a statement at events.

Freedom Street is set for New Year's Eve, December 31, at the National Stadium in Kingston. Thompson, asked by THE WEEKEND STAR how she believes partygoers will dress to see Kartel perform for the first time in 14 years, said she expects may of them to try and imitate the Worl' Boss' fashion trends.

"I think Vybz Kartel's personal style will play an influence with what fans choose to wear . He's Kartel, he's very influential. We will surely be seeing a lot of the bandanas, as that's his latest go-to look. For the short weeks he's been out, the cost of handkerchiefs has increased. I think the colour orange may be a colour of the night, reason being, again, is that's the colour he's been wearing frequently in the first few days of release, and his fans have already taken to it," she said.

"I personally think there will be a lot of personalised Kartel T-shirts in the crowd, as everyone will have his face or just the Gaza hand symbol on their garments, along with his new signature style - the bandana," Thompson added.

Kartel, along with Shawn 'Shawn Storm' Campbell and Andre St John, was released from custody on July 31 after the Court of Appeal ruled that the men would not be retried for the murder of Clive 'Lizard' Williams. Initially sentenced to life imprisonment, the trio successfully appealed their convictions.

Kartel has consistently influenced fashion on the island, using his lyrical prowess to direct persons to wear 'straight jeans and fitted', Clarks footwear and recently, the orange bandana handkerchiefs. With the Worl' Boss now a free man, fans are anxious to see him in concert. Thompson said she is expecting that many persons will be dressed in designer brands. She thinks the go-to footwear for men will be Clarks, even though it has not gone unnoticed that Kartel has not been seen wearing the popular footwear.

Arguing that Freedom Street promises to be a concert for "the history books", Thompson is advising patrons to make a bold, unforgettable fashion statement.

"You never know whose camera might catch you, or if you may end up on the big screen, or whatever the case may be, but it's guaranteed there will be massive. Media houses will be on the scene to cover everything, so whether it is custom or it's an off-the-rack item, you can be prepared to be seen one way or another," she remarked.

For those planning to attend the concert, Thompson offered practical styling advice. "Stay within your budget and make sure you're comfortable -- this is going to be a long night filled with excitement. You want to be able to dance and enjoy yourself, so comfort is key. And of course, hygiene is crucial," she said.