New York, NY (Ms. RAINE INC): Fashion industry luminary Kingsley Cooper, Chairman and CEO of Jamaica's illustrious Pulse Model Agency, will be the 2010 honoree at Caribbean Fashion Rocks!, New York's signature runway extravaganza for Caribbean fashion and models. Cooper will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, while internationally recognized Pulse super models Jaunel McKenzie, Carla Campbell, and Oraine Barrett will grace the runway for Fashion Rocks' 3rd annual staging in New York City on April 25th.
 
Created in 2007 by Irie Jam Media, the tri-state area's leading Caribbean media/entertainment outfit, Caribbean Fashion Rocks! has been on a mission to bridge the gap between mainstream designers and innovative indie collections. Fashion Rocks provides a unique stage for Caribbean fashion designers and models to penetrate New York's renowned fashion industry. For the 2010 event, Caribbean Fashion Rocks! will be honoring Cooper for pioneering, defining, and developing an international modeling industry for the Caribbean, providing a global platform for marketing the region's designers and models.
 
Pulse was founded in 1980 by Cooper and Hilary Phillips. Over the years, Cooper has built Pulse into a fashion/entertainment industry powerhouse and an icon in Caribbean style, representing some of the world's foremost models. Currently, Pulse represents Vogue and Gucci models Nadine Willis, Jaunel McKenzie, Gaye McDonald, and Jeneil Williams; Sports Illustrated swimsuit model and Esquire covergirl Carla Campbell, Cosmo covergirl Sunna Gottshalk, and Polo and Abercrombie & Fitch campaign star Oraine Barrett.
 

In 2001, Pulse conceived, organized and produced the inaugural Caribbean Fashionweek. Described by British Vogue as "one of the important new trends in world fashion," CFW has become widely acclaimed, and is seen in over 150 countries via the Fashion TV channel. 
 
Pulse has brought many stars of music, film, fashion and beauty to Jamaica, including Keyshia Cole, Eve, Vanessa L. Williams, Nia Long, Roshumba, Tyra Banks, Gail O'Neil, Mounia, Tyson Beckford, Erin Cosby, Ade Wale, and Miss Universe winners Michelle McLean, Chelsi Smith, Wendy Fitz-William and Mpule Kwelagobe.
 

"It is always a pleasure to have one's work recognized," states Cooper. "It is especially an honor when recognition comes from my own Caribbean people, especially in the wider Diaspora, which is what this Caribbean Fashion Rocks! award in New York represents. I look forward to being there and want to thank Irie Jam Media for their kind consideration."
 
Pulse super models McKenzie, Campbell, and Barrett will be joining some of New York's prominent and upcoming models on the Caribbean Fashion Rocks! runway this spring, wearing designs from local fashion lines Michael Gillings, Kay Dane, Rep JA, and Royal Rush, among many others.
 
"I'm thrilled about the opportunity to assist Irie Jam Media with bringing mainstream recognition to wicked independent Caribbean designers," states Metanoya Z. Webb, noted style writer who works with Marie Claire and In Style Magazines.  
 
Caribbean Fashion Rocks! will be held on Sunday, April 25th in New York City. The event will honor Kingsley Cooper, Chairman and CEO of Pulse Model Agency with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Featured models include Pulse super models Jaunel McKenzie, Carla Campbell, and Oraine Barrett. Featured designers include Michael Gillings, Kay Dane, Rep JA, and Royal Rush. Limited advanced $20 tickets are available at Irie Jam Media, and several satellite ticket locations throughout the tri-state. For more information, contact Irie Jam Media at 1-888-IRIE-NYC or caribbeanfashionrocks@gmail.com.