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CARIBBEAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - CREATE 02FASHION - FASHIONFORWARD

The true stars of the fashion industry are the designers and this is where the opportunity opens up for the region. Unable to fully compete on production cost and fabrics our inherent design aesthetic and talent allows a designer in Trinidad, Haiti or Antigua to rub shoulders with a designer from London, Paris, Milan or India. It’s this natural and cultural influence resident in our Caribbean islands that allows for the opportunity of a regional fashion industry to emerge; but that is just half the story. “Fledgling but having significant talent and potential.” That is how Kingsley Cooper, the creator of Caribbean Fashion Week responds when asked about the views of the Caribbean fashion industry by international counterparts. Though these sentiments might appear harsh and even for some a bit skewed, it is certainly not at all far from the reality. Unquestionably the region’s creative talent overflows in fashion. From the numerous carnivals to catwalks, the creative expression and level of innovation is undeniable. Converting this natural talent into viable business opportunities and economic growth is where the second half of the story begins. According to Cooper, the Jamaican attorney turned fashion entrepreneur and model agent , “There is demonstrable talent and capacity in certain areas, but much needs to be done to make the

Despite the chal lenges, the region has stil l been able to pr oduce notable success in the area of fashion.

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