The Sydney Harbour became home to a dazzling red carpet and history-making event earlier this week with the arrival of Jessica Minh Anh, and her bold new vision – creating a catwalk in the middle of the ocean. This is not the first time Jessica Minh Anh has created a world exclusive catwalk event. She doesn’t just push the boundaries of the fashion industry; she redefines them, making them her own.

Known worldwide for producing astonishing catwalks, she turns iconic buildings and landmarks into her own domain. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, London’s Tower Bridge, New York’s One World Trade Center and even the Grand Canyon have paid homage to her productions, which are a fusion of art, architecture, culture and fashion. For that reason, Sydney fits seamlessly into the Parisian based model and catwalk producer’s bold designs.

And this time, her bold designs came in the form of the luxurious Costa Luminosa. Anchored out towards sea, the cruise ship’s upper deck was transformed into glitz and glamour; red carpet, Champagne, models, breath-taking fashions and dramatic music. Surrounded by water high above the city skyline on the horizon, Sydney made history with the first fashion runway to grace its harbour.

But for once, the arc of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the sails of the Sydney Opera House were not the main attractions, though they acted as a fitting iconic backdrop. Taking center stage were flashes of vibrant colour, layers of delicate lace and hand-sewn gems. They captured Sydney’s autumn golden light and reflected it back in dazzling shards as models paraded along the runway.

With her prowess and signature complex hair design – this time paying tribute to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Jessica Minh Anh took center stage. Her impossibly intricate ‘up-do’ arced high above her head, twisting and coiling like as the iconic architectural landmark in the background. And just like the city of Sydney, Jessica exudes confidence and glamour, both on the catwalk and also in her extraordinary vision to dominate fashion’s cutting edge of style.

And the J Spring Fashion Show 2016 is all about style. The Catwalk in the Middle of the Ocean is a bold idea, but so too, is the J Model Management 2016 Spring Collection. It showcases several distinguished designers from all over the globe; Jad Ghandour, Lebanese’s Rouba.G, Pakistan’s Syeda Amera, Romanian brand Chotronette, Kiwi Beverley Riverina and Australia’s very own brand, Begitta.

Showcasing the artistic craftsmanship from the talented designers, Jessica and a selection of stunning models continued to dazzle – draped in the latest haute couture as well as ready-to-wear collections bursting with colour, layers and seductive transparency. Layers of lace, silk and hand crafted details passed my eyes. The smooth lines, subtle angles, and pure and intense colours reflect textures, rhythm and flow. Bold ideas, innovative designs – works of art adorned upon models as they strode the catwalk high above Sydney Harbour.

The event came to a close to a rapturous applause, while fashion connoisseurs mingled and discussed the stunning designs and epic catwalk in the sumptuous piano cocktail bar aboard the Costa Luminosa. Champagne glasses tinkled in cheers to another great success for the J Model Management production and their catwalk high up in the middle of the ocean. It seems, for Jessica Minh Anh, not even the sky is a limit.

– Angharad Rees