Island of Dreams Fashion Show Lights Up Park James Hotel

NY Fashion Week designer Carlton Jones kicks off his resort collection at the Park James Hotel in Menlo Park

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 2025 resort collection alongside a sneak peek of SS26, presenting an elevated mix of Bamboo, Tencel, and Silk, accented by his signature “Forio” print. Renowned for fusing urban sophistication with island ease, Jones once again delivered a collection that was both sustainable and effortlessly wearable.

A Stunning Collection by Carlton Jones

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. Storey’s Luxury Hotel Management portfolio spans some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, including the Nanuku Resort in Fiji, Long Bay Villas, Santosha Villas, and the iconic Malliouhana Resort in Anguilla. Each property offers its own distinct brand of barefoot luxury—private beachfront villas, panoramic ocean views, world-class cuisine, and warm, personalized service that make them ideal for an unforgettable island escape. Whether it’s the tranquil seclusion of Santosha, the modern elegance of Long Bay, or the storied glamour of Malliouhana, these resorts embody the essence of refined tropical living.

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 Valetta Grilly, known as "Maria The Wine Blonde," who turned heads in a flowing pink duster, paired with a “Forio” printed skirt and bikini top, embodying the spirit of relaxed luxury that defined the show.

Maria Valetta Grilly

A Taste of the Caribbean

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Omari Banks — the celebrated reggae artist and former Anguilla cricketer — took the stage. With his smooth, soulful voice and laid-back island grooves, he created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and electric, transporting the audience straight to a Caribbean sunset. Joining him was the legendary Carlos Reyes, a virtuoso known for his mastery of the Paraguayan harp and violin. Reyes didn’t just captivate with his live performance; he also surprised the crowd by stepping onto the runway himself, confidently modeling a short-sleeved Tencel twill cargo romper from Jones’s collection. The sight of Reyes blending music, fashion, and cultural pride in one seamless moment brought an extra layer of authenticity and star power to the show — a celebration not only of style, but of the Caribbean spirit at its heart.

Carlton Jones currently operates a showroom in the heart of New York’s Garment District. His brand is built on the belief that “Resort isn’t a destination; it’s a feeling!” Drawing inspiration from his travels, Jones creates versatile designs that transition effortlessly from resort escapes to city streets.

With a styling career that has included icons such as Halle Berry, Erykah Badu, Aretha Franklin, and Michelle Obama, Jones brings a refined, global sensibility to his work.

This showcase benefited Dress for Success, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through professional attire, career development, and support networks.

Explore the collection at 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 benefiting Dress For Success.

Fashion Designer Carlton Jones