The Cayman Islands has a rising fashion star

By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor

In a first for the Cayman Islands – and the Caribbean – a local fashion designer, Isy Obi, has been selected as a finalist for The Emerging Designer of the Year award by Arizona’s Phoenix Fashion Week.

Each year, the Phoenix Fashion Week team hits the road on a 10-city tour of the US to hand-pick worthy designers. Obi, creator of Isy B, a luxury line of womenswear sold in the Cayman Islands and online, was plucked from a field of more than 300 international designers, and will compete with 14 others in a series of fashion challenges over the next four months.

“I’m excited to share Isy B.’s modern island-inspired style through Phoenix Fashion Week,” said Obi. “This is the opportunity every designer dreams of for mentorship, and fast-track brand growth. However, this is no walk in the park. It’s proving to be one of the biggest challenges I have ever taken on as a designer; like Shark Tank and Project Runway rolled into one!”

The competition culminates in October with a runway presentation, during which the designers will unveil their final collections and one will be named the Emerging Designer of 2016, walking away with  $10,000 in prize money.

“The Phoenix Fashion Week ‘Designer Boot Camp’ is proud to have international brand Isy B among our curated 2016 line-up,” said Brian Hill, executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week. “I’m impressed with Isy’s attention to detail, high quality design and strong work ethic, ensuring success for this brand.”