TORONTO - Outside, the weather was spring perfect. Inside, the music was riveting, the food tasty, the guests animated and the clothes eye-catching as Roots hosted a special evening to launch the new Roots Rock Reggae collection last night.
Some 500 people attended the event at the Roots flagship store on 100 Bloor Street West. Hosted by Roots Co-Founders Michael Budman and Don Green, the party featured live entertainment, Jamaican food and models wearing the new colourful Roots Rock Reggae line of clothes. Among those in attendance were Canadian Olympic Gold Medalists Adam van Koeverden, Jaimie Sale and David Pelletier. Reflecting the long-standing and strong Roots-Jamaican connection was the presence of Jamaican Consul General Vivian Betton and members of the Jamaican Tourism Board.
Adding to the Caribbean vibe were separate live performances from reggae recording artists Dylan Murry and Selena 7ty Six. The Ritz Caribbean Cafe contributed to the Jamaican flavour of the evening with their authentic Caribbean favorites, including jerk chicken and patties. The bar was sponsored by Appleton Rum and Grace Kelly Foods, who also sponsored the Roots gift bags for all the guests.
But the big hit of the evening was the Roots Rock Reggae collection. It’s like a burst of warm sunrays in the middle of spring. Like its name suggests, it’s inspired by Jamaica and its legendary native son, the late reggae master Bob Marley.
The collection features a variety of styles, mostly in Jamaica’s sizzling national colours of black, green and yellow. The line includes graphic T-shirts (some with Bob Marley’s image), half-zip hoodies, kanga jackets, luggage and other leather goods, and more.
Roots and Jamaica and Reggae go way back. The styles and sounds of Jamaica, particularly Bob Marley, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff and Third World, have been an intrinsic part of the Roots mosaic since it was established in 1973.
Over the years, Roots has been actively involved with Jamaica. We have worked closely with widely acclaimed, Kingston-based record and film producer Chris Blackwell, outfitted performer Sean Paul, designed and provided the uniforms for the Jamaican bobsled team for the 1988 Winter Olympics, promoted Toots and the Maytals, and Third World, and last fall helped raise funds for hurricane-ravaged Jamaica (and Haiti and Grenada). In 2001, Roots Co-Founder Michael Budman was recognized by the Bob Marley Day Foundation in Toronto for his on-going support for the ideals of Bob Marley.
With the new Roots Rock Reggae collection, Roots pays tribute to the Jamaican vibe and its lasting influence. It’s also a way to express our appreciation for all that is great about this Caribbean paradise. Enjoy our Jamaican splash.
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