"You have to be present every moment and not apologise for your presence," explains newly appointed b.michael CEO Neil Lowe, PhD on a very wet and miserable Monday afternoon.

Cotton quilted floral gown

Truth be told, Lowe, at a quick glance, suggests a man who has always shown up and with no apologies. The Kingston-born, MoBay-raised (at least until the age of eight when his parents opted for a change of scenery and moved to New York) is as refreshingly stylish as they come and has shown up this afternoon in a silk Dolce & Gabbana shirt, an Armani leather band, David Yurman and Yves Saint Laurent rings, Prada frames and hand-sewn Gucci loafers and yes, there's that ever so light, yet distinctive, just-released Tom Ford cologne. And although he has arranged himself comfortably at my desk I feel the need to apologise ever so profusely for the weather, find an ample sofa and pour a glass of perfectly chilled Champagne.

Our interview turns to even livelier banter as we discover that his uncle is the celebrated Dr Henry Lowe, the 2006 Jamaica Observer Business Leader. The well-travelled (his father was an army officer and he grew up between Germany and Italy), Harvard-educated Wall-Street habitué, moved from Deloitte and Touche to Mitchell Madison Group before completely changing directions. "I had started doing some consultancy work with b.michael before taking the decision to take over the running of the corporation."

Naturally much thought went into his final decision. "I had several conversations with my mum Dr Emilia Rose and yes, there was much concern, but the older and more enlightened you become the more you realise just how short life is and the importance of doing what feels right." What now feels right for Lowe is streamlining the multi-million-dollar b.michael Corporation (2006 released figures estimated the company to be worth US$20.8 million). "It's now what keeps me up at night," he explains, "that and the fact that I'm walking on the shoulders of giants.I am where I have been created to be."

That he is, and it's a world away from Wall Street. "My first shoot was a life-changing experience.I was like, this is what I'm spending all of this money on." Lowe has had to soothe egos too, and play the role of diplomat and yes, there are those 'what if' questions. "When there are orders to be filled there's additional stress and when logistics do not allow certain invitations to be accepted, the PR machinery had better kick in." Lowe is, however, ready to zigzag in an industry that is as demanding as it is rewarding, as fickle as it is predictable and where you can have a load of genius that only leads to a load of bankruptcy.

"Many people do not know," continues Lowe, "that b.Michael is first and foremost a milliner. He launched a successful millinery line after designing for Oscar de la Renta and Louis Feraud ahead of launching his first couture collection in 1999. In addition, he dressed the inimitable Diahann Carrol during her years on the very popular television series Dynasty." Today b.michael is the darling of old money. "Socialites are our most consistent clients.the ladies who do lunch and are willing to pay for confidentiality and exclusivity." Actress Cate Blanchett is part of this elite set. "We close the atelier when she jets in for a fitting," shares Lowe. And why not, when a couture gown runs a mere US$25,000.

b.michael CEO, Dr Neil Lowe (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

Lowe, who is in Jamaica for a little R&R ahead of the busy Thanksgiving and festive season, is also in final discussions with Saint CEO Dewight Peters. "I heard about Style Week in New York," shares Lowe, "and came down on my own to check it out. I'm glad I did - it was amazing - I mean the choir, the models, the designs. I was completely bowled over. I certainly didn't expect a performance with fashion. Peters has taken the best of the arts and created an unforgettable moment in time."

There's more than gushing tributes, the results will soon be tangible: The b.michael Fall 2008 collection will be shown for the first time in the region at Style Week Jamaica '08. "I'm pretty excited," states Lowe. Not, we reckon, half as much as we are. Our stylish fingers are crossed as we recall the words of Lowe's grandfather: "Pray to God, but keep the cows tied up anyway." Our models and designers, not to mention Knutsford Boulevard and that amazing 150-foot catwalk, could for one night become fashion's epicentre.
The b.michael Spring 2008 collection appears in SunDay courtesy of Neil Lowe.