Jamaican-Born Designer In Finals Of Project Runway a Critique With Tim Contest

A Hope Wade original at Caribbean Fashion Week. (Hope Wade image)

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. May 12, 2015: A Jamaican-born designer is one of three finalists selected to move forward in the A&E Lifetime Television Network’s fashion contest series Project Runway A Critique with Tim.

The Jamaican Gleaner reports that Hope Wade recently received the congratulatory note from the network. The finals which will be announced in a few weeks, carries a cash prize of US$10,000.

The series features fashion guru Tim Gunn as an on-air mentor to designers.

Wade was born in Kingston, Jamaica to the late Supt. Eustace Gustavious Blake and Mavis Blake. She is the fourth of five siblings and has an A.A.S. in Art and Advertising from New York City Technical College and a BFA in Graphic Design from Cooper Union.

In 1991, Hope Wade Designs was born as a custom-design fashion house for sophisticated women looking for outstanding couture designs.

She is known for her signature style and rich fabric selections such as silk, linen, and lace, according to her website.

“My passion for fabric literally allows me to create couture that is awe-inspiring and breath-taking,” she says.

Wade has showcased her designs at Gracie Mansion in New York City, Black Expo and at London Fashion Week in 2013.

Her designs have been worn by Academy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of famer Darlene Love.

Wade is also an accomplished actress and played the lead role in the Off Broadway stage play All My Struggles.