Island of Dreams Fashion Show Lights Up Park James Hotel

This past weekend in Menlo Park, the Island of Dreams Fashion Show swept through the sun-drenched courtyard of the Park James Hotel, delivering a vibrant wave of Caribbean glamour and floral chic. Guests arrived in breezy, island-inspired attire, perfectly complementing the tropical ambiance of the event.

New York-based designer Carlton Jones unveiled his Spring/Summer 2026 resort collection, showcasing an elevated mix of denim, Tencel, and silk, accented by his signature “Forio” print. Known for blending urban sophistication with island ease, Jones once again delivered a collection that was both aspirational and effortlessly wearable.

The venue, the Park James Hotel—operated by Storey Hospitality Group—played a vital role in infusing the day with authentic Caribbean flair. Drawing inspiration from their Anguilla roots, where Carlton has also shown in past seasons, the hotel brought a true taste of the tropics to the Bay Area.

One of the event’s standout sensory highlights was the signature cocktail menu, featuring a specially curated drink flown in from Malliouhana Resort, Storey Hospitality’s sister property in Anguilla—offering attendees a literal taste of the Caribbean.

The runway also shone with jewelry by Rosalina Tran Lydster, whose luxurious designs added an opulent finishing touch to the show. Her pieces paired seamlessly with Carlton Jones’s resortwear, elevating the collection’s overall elegance and island sophistication.

Charleston Pierce, the legendary former model coach for Tyra Banks and America’s Next Top Model, directed the runway with his signature flair. His expert eye and dynamic leadership brought both polish and personality to the show.

The diverse model lineup featured notable figures from both the fashion and tech worlds, including Denise Tran, founder and CEO of Bun Mee, one of San Francisco’s top Vietnamese dining destinations, and Jennifer Marples, a marketing and PR executive who champions the empowerment of midlife women.

Also commanding attention on the runway was sommelier and influencer Maria, known as "The Wine Blonde," who turned heads in a flowing pink duster, paired with a “Forio” printed skirtand bikini top, embodying the spirit of relaxed luxury that defined the show.

A special highlight of the event was Omari Banks, reggae musician and former cricketer from Anguilla, who not only performed live with his band but also walked the runway, modeling a short-sleeved Tencel twill cargo romper from Jones’s collection. His presence added star power and a heartfelt connection to the Caribbean roots of the show.

Carlton Jones currently operates a showroom in the heart of New York’s Garment District and will be launching a pop-up location in SoHo this Fall—stay tuned for the official opening announcement.

For more information and to explore the collection, visit: carltonjonescollection.com

This unforgettable event was a true celebration of island luxury, artful design, and tropical elegance—all set against the stylish backdrop of Silicon Valley.