9 Leading Caribbean Brands to Support Right Now

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Beauty Designers

The world is changing. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, there’s been a shift in dialogue in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. Brands are taking action to address the lack of representation and refocusing their marketing efforts to include everyone. No matter what they’re skin tone. While the conversation on this topic is long overdue, it’s just the beginning.

From beauty to fashion, we’ve rounded up our top favorite leading Caribbean Brands to put on your radar and support this season.

Caribbean Beauty Brands

1.  Cultured Naturals Body Care – St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Based in St Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cultured Naturals Body Care marries nature with science to produce Natural Body Care Products. Owner, Ramone Reid is a Nurse, Chemist, Kitchen Beautician, and Young Female Entrepreneur. Cultured Naturals Body Lotions are Vegan and infused with herbs and essential oils to create a gentle, creamy & moisturizing lotion. Scents include Lavender, Coconut, and Pink Sugar.

Follow on Instagram: @cultured_naturals_bc

2.  Itiba Beauty – St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Yoki Hanley created Itiba Beauty for her infant daughter, who couldn’t use everyday skincare products and soaps made with harsh chemicals. The U.S. Virgin Islands mother made her first soap with skin-loving oils like coconut, mango butter, lemongrass, and lavender. She knew she was on to something good when her daughter stopped crying during bath time. Since then, Itiba now offers a range of body butter, lotions, body sprays, and soaps that are phthalate-free, mineral oil-free, silicone oil-free, and paraben-free.

Follow on Instagram: @itibabeauty

3.  E.C. Soap Co – Road Town, British Virgin Islands

Based on the British Virgin Islands, E.C. Soap Co makes natural bath and body products from organic ingredients sourced from local farmers. This tropical skincare line makes reef-safe sunscreen, salt island body polish, and soap bars. Founder Alexandra Durante created the brand in 2016; it’s the Virgin Island’s first and only local manufacturer of natural bath and body products for both the hospitality and retail industries. These products are environmentally friendly and also have recyclable/reusable packaging.

On Instagram @ecsoapco

Fashion Brands

1.  J. Angelique – Trinidad & Tobago

This Trinidad & Tobago based fashion brand is all about creating Authentic Caribbean Clothing. From rompers to kaftans, Jin Forde designs unique pieces for the J. Angelique brand. Their latest Gypsy Paradise Collection features styles that make transitioning from day to night a breeze.

Follow on Instagram @designerjangelique

2.  Fe Noel

Felisha “Fe” Noel designs styles for leading women who love travel, vibrant colors, and bold prints. Fe’s Grenadian heritage roots influence the brand and the collections are elegant and luxurious. We can’t get enough of the Caribbean inspired collections “Daughter of the Soil” and “A Queen’s Tale.”

On Instagram @fenoel

 

6. Meiling – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Clean lines and neutral tones, designer Meiling Esau believes that less is more. The Trinidad based fashion designer creates unique bridal gowns, off the shoulder tops and jumpsuits that are anything but what you would expect. This fashion house is a force to be reckoned with. Take note! 

On Instagram @meilinginc

7. Always Leid – St. George’s Inner Harbour, Grenada

This Grenadian fashion brand is all about empowering, encouraging, and inspiring Caribbean women. The clothing brand specializes in bold, funky, and vibrant prints. The clothes are handmade, and we love the wanderer crop top and wild child swing dress. The line also carries bold print shirts for men.

On Instagram @alwaysleid

8. Jae Jolly

Made for the wanderlust-er who doesn’t shy away from bold, bright, and beautiful colors, Jae Jolly brings the ultimate resort and swimwear collection. Creative designer and fashion designer Janel Jolly is based in Jamaica. Her kaftans are everything you need right now, and you’ll fall in love with the swimsuits, especially the cheetah print. Don’t say we didn’ warn you!

On Instagram @jaejolly

9. Trèfle Designs – Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Kristin Frazer was born and raised on the beautiful island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands. In 2018, she launched Trèfle, a resort-wear collection and swimwear brand for women and girls. This Caribbean swimwear fashionista designed the BVI Olympic team’s outfit for the RIO 2016 Olympics opening ceremony. She also launched a separate home line of pillows, bed throws, table runners, and napkins under her TrèfleHome label, which are manufactured locally using her prints that enable her to give back to her community.

This is swimwear you’ll be wearing all summer long. Guaranteed!

On Instagram @trefledesigns

Conclusion

From fashion to beauty, these Caribbean based designers are making waves in the industry. Follow these nine brands for style inspiration and quality products you’ll love. Show the islands some love by supporting Caribbean artists and creatives who live and work there. 

What’s your favorite Caribbean brand?