The holiday season is one of the best time to introduce either yourself or a loved one to a new brand. With so many acclaimed Jamaican designers on the scene today, no matter what your personal style or taste may be, an emerging force of progressive designers are taking Caribbean fashion worldwide. The following are a curated selection of designs from a few labels on the scene at the moment.
Jin Forde, Trinidad & Tobago
Jin Forde is a formidable Trinidadian designer known for beautiful draping that includes botanical prints and patterns tailored to accentuate the female silhouette. For the modern woman that wants to add a sophisticated element to her wardrobe, Forde is the way!
Go for the gold in the Maribel Jumpsuit from the Jin Forde Cultura Collection, a ruffled and draped vision perfect for an evening affair. Cinched at the waist and featuring front pockets, the two-way stretch fabric clings to the physique through to the plunging neckline.
Kristin Frazer, British Virgin Islands
Once the Queen of Pop, Beyoncé, anoints you with her official stamp of approval, is there really anywhere to go but up? As one of the British Virgin Island’s shining lights in the design world, Kristin Frazer and her Trèfle Designs is a prime destination for apparel that includes children’s clothing, adult swimwear, and resort clothes in intricate patterns and prints that embrace and represent the culture of the nation with pride.
A versatile look that works with any wardrobe is the Janette Kimono, a sheer, floor-length piece that comes with set-in sleeves with contrasting print on the sleeves and front, plus a matching belt to cinch at the waist or alternately wear as a headpiece. It’s an elegant addition to any woman’s closet and works for women of all body types. Pair it with jeans, leggings for a day on the town, with a swimsuit lounging at the beach, or at home as a robe.
Anya Ayoung-Chee, Trinidad & Tobago
As a former Miss Trinidad & Tobago and contestant on Project Runway, Anya Ayoung-Chee has represented her country to excellence, and she has carved out a niche through her fashion line that is known for dynamic prints seen in her line of trousers, smocks, and kaftans designed to be seen in all their splendor!
A stunning option from her limited edition collection is the Ft. Greene Shirtdress. Simultaneously sexy and comfortable, the structured floral print design includes cropped short sleeves, a button-up collar, and a provocative V-neck back for a seasonal look perfect for a casual spring or summer day.
Charu Lochan Dass, Trinidad & Tobago
Charu Lochan Dass is one designer taking her merging of cultures to new heights with her eponymous line that liberally takes from her Indian heritage to create singular fashion and combines her passion for art and painting. Elegance, sensuality, and femininity are at the forefront of her collections, and her exceptional talents are on full display in this luxurious brown linen dress – intricately designed with cut-outs at the waist, billowy sleeves, and detailed embroidering near the hem. Charo Lochan Dass knows how to capture the feminine form and women with a penchant for distinctive apparel will love each of her sophisticated collections.
Shoma The Label, Trinidad & Tobago
If anyone understands the assignment when it comes to the art of refinement and ruffles, then it’s Shoma Persad and her eponymous label. Through Shoma The Label, the Trinbagonian designer is able to revel in her passion for vibrant Caribbean design, which is executed to perfection in her collections that translates through a range of swimwear, pantsuits, jumpsuits, accessories, and much more.
Fall in love all over again in the Musa La Flor Maxi dress, an intricately designed floor-length, floral print design that offers a full flare with a back zipper, ruffled detailing, and a halter top that is lined throughout to enhance the silhouette – a tropical vision ideal for a woman’s spring or summer wardrobe.
Robert Young, Trinidad & Tobago
The best fashion designers are able to tell a story through apparel, and Robert Young is a formidable Caribbean visionary capturing the spirit of Trinbagonian culture through The Cloth, a maximum brand known for its minimalist approach to clothing.
A winning example of his approach is featured is their turtleneck wrap dress. Created with baltic linen fabric, this is a structured piece that can be dressed up or down with simple accessories to suit the occasion – a surefire way to add maximum beauty with a minimalist design.