There is still a buzz from New York Fashion Week about the African Collective of Designers who made their debut with the help of African glossy, Thisday Arise.

The African designers' show kick-started the glitzy Fall 2009 presentations at New York Fashion Week. Supermodels, international media, buyers, celebrities and socialites gathered at the Bryant Park tents to witness history in the form of a group of four African designers presenting a cohesive collection in the most influential fashion capital of the world.

The cast of models was the envy of everyone - Jamaican supermodel Stacey McKenzie, Grace Jones, the legendary Jamaican model-turned singer and James Bond villain; Saint model Sigail Currie; Tyson Beckford; supermodels Alek Wek and Leah Kibede and present 'it' model Chanel Iman.

The designers included Stoned Cherie by South African Nkhensani Nkosi, Xuly Bet by Malian-born French designer Lamine Badian Kouyate; Momo by Nigeria's Fati Asibuela and Tiffany Amber by Nigerian Folake Folian-Coker.

The Jamaican connection ran beyond the runway as Saint International had presented the Paris-based Xuly Bet collection at Styleweek Jamaica 2006 in Kingston.

Then there was the launch of Arise, a new global style and culture magazine, celebrating African achievement in music, style, culture, business and politics.

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It is being bankrolled by ThisDay, Nigeria's largest newspaper. This was the boldest statement yet by the newspaper which had staged three major fashion and music festivals in 2008, featuring top models including Naomi Campbell and pop stars Beyoncé, Jay Z and others. Saint Model Sigail Currie appeared for all the international events.

The Saint models were booked for numerous shows and presentations throughout New York Fashion Week including Twinkle by Wenlan, Thisday Arise, Farah Andsana, Haute Hippie, Victor Glemaud and Rebecca Taylor.

The Saint models are poised and ready for London with Currie now joining the newly opened Elite London and Sosheba ready to strut for Premier Model Agency.