By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
CJ Travel Editor
The Caribbean is famous for its sun, sea and sand but let’s also add another “s:” style. That’s because despite the challenges of heat, humidity and, often, limited resources, season after season designers across the region are turning out island-inspired collections that never fail to wow us. The proof: these eight talents, who we consider to be the Caribbean designers every fashionable dresser should know.
Fiona Compton This accomplished U.K.-based St. Lucian photographer is doubly talented, putting her artistic skills to work on a travel-friendly collection of stretch knits on which she hand-paints vibrant botanical motifs and Africa-inspired patterns. paradiseprintsfashion.com
Kristin Frazer In 2014, when Beyoncé wore a bikini she designed, this Tortola, British Virgin Islands-based talent’s career took off. Since then her Trèfle bran has continued its upward trajectory with well-received collections of men’s and women’s swimwear, resort wear and kids’ clothing, and she’s even inked a deal with tech protection manufacturer OtterBox, who licensed her designs for a collection of cellphone cases. trefledesigns.com
Isy Obi Referencing the color, relaxed vibe and sophistication of her Grand Cayman home, Obi’s collection of flowy resortwear and casual clothing is the perfect solution for women who need to look hot but keep cool in warm weather. Her Isy B brand is the first Caribbean label to launch an exclusive capsule collection for Evine, the third largest home shopping TV network in the USA. isybdesign.com
Luis Antonio One of only a handful of Puerto Rican designers who’ve shown at New York’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Antonio is a master at dressing the island’s notoriously fashionable women in designs that are feminine, body-conscious and dramatic. Find his ageless, sophisticated designs at his store at the Mall of San Juan. facebook.com/luisantoniomoda
Stella Nolasco Discerning Puerto Rican brides (as well as stars such as Beyonce and Eva Longoria) turn to this formalwear and bridal gown designer, famous for her custom-fabricated, hand-stitched lace creations that are ladylike and romantic with an of-the-moment edginess. stellanolasco-collection.com
Jessie-Ann Jessamy Few fashionistas can resist the appeal of the fabrics (printed with botanical motifs such as breadfruit leaves and the island’s ubiquitous nutmeg pods) created by Grenada’s Nutmeg Design Company’s principal, who uses them to make not only garments but accessories (totes are bestsellers), too. facebook.com/nutmegprints
Pat Wright This Jamaican hair stylist, cosmetologist and personal development consultant is also the designer behind Schatzie, a line of linen separates sold at the brand’s eponymous Montego Bay boutique. “Linen is versatile, stylish and airy yet elegant,” Wright says of her favorite fabric. And, we believe, only looks better the more creased it (inevitably) gets. facebook.com/schatzieboutique
Meiling Esau When you’re as accomplished as this Trinidad-based costume and fashion designer (who has dressed celebrities such as Wendy Fitzwilliam and Wolfgang Puck and also fashioned Commonwealth Games uniforms for the national team), there’s no need for last names. And her Meiling label, known for its simple yet arresting styles fabricated in flowing cottons and crisp linens, speaks eloquently and elegantly for itself. meilinginc.com