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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.