Caribbean creators are rewriting style rules worldwide, bringing originality, culture, and fresh perspectives to fashion.
Take Jamaica, where designer Grace Wales Bonner has earned acclaim for her refined tailoring infused with quiet cultural storytelling. Her aesthetic speaks softly but travels far, from London runways to global fashion conversations.
Now let’s turn to The Bahamas. A name rising in international circles is Theodore Elyett. He’s not just designing looks, he’s reimagining global icons. In 2024, Disney tapped Elyett to create custom wardrobes for Mickey, Minnie, and other characters at their new island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera. Elyett didn’t just dress cartoon figures, he layered in local meaning, echoing the textures and traditions of Junkanoo, celebrating Bahamian culture on a universal stage.
Beyond flashy characters, Elyett’s story is about dedication, 25 years of craft, persistence, and authenticity paved the way to Disney’s doors. As the Bahamian Prime Minister noted, this wasn’t just a fashion milestone...it was history.
For Caribbean designers, style becomes a vessel for identity. They remind us that fashion doesn’t travel lightly, it carries stories, roots, and visions shaped by the islands.