Design Week Ja 2023 was launched in fine style Sunday, at 4 Holborn Road, home of, concept store Locale.

Now in its sixth year, the event’s conceptualiser Novia McDonald-Whyte was effusive in her praise of sponsors and industry players who have, with the Jamaica Observer as its platform kept the design conversation top-of-mind over the years and who have in no small way elevated the narrative around the modern Jamaican aesthetic.

One such partner, National Housing Trust (NHT), represented by Dwayne Berbick, assistant general manager, corporate communications and public affairs in his remarks, highlighted an iconic scene from the film The Devil Wears Prada, where Meryl Streep’s character delivers a stinging monologue that speaks to the importance and extensive background (economic and otherwise) of the “stuff” that might be overlooked in everyday life. This struck an evident chord with guests at the launch, many of whom were designers, suppliers and industry influencers. To elevate the narrative, it is clear we must see more than just “stuff””.