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In recognising the importance of
exposure of regional fashion industry
beyond the traditional trade mission
and exhibition, Caribbean Export
conceptualised a project that would
demonstrate the vibrancy and creative
expression of the Caribbean at an
international level. With this goal,
Caribbean Export launched the
Caribbean Essence platform to facilitate
the entry and penetration of regional
fashion and jewellery designers into the
European market through utilization of
the CARIFORUM-EU EPA.
The introductory instalment of
Caribbean Essence was showcased in
London during the Summer Olympics
on August 4, 2012 at Grosvenor House.
The work of six designers was unveiled
at the event, which sought to build on
the momentum generated during the
presentation of ‘Caribbean Collections’
at London Fashion Week from February
17-22, 2012, in partnership with
the Jamaica Promotions Corporation
(JAMPRO) and the Caribbean Fashion
Industry Association (CAFIA). The
participants were fashion designers
Sonia Noel (Guyana), Arlene Martin
(Jamaica), and Meiling (Trinidad
and Tobago), whose work was
complemented by accessories from
Veve Collection (Haiti), Atelier Doré
(Suriname), and Ibis Ceramic Jewellery
(Trinidad and Tobago).
Building on the London experience,
the Caribbean Essence platform
showcased five fashion designers at
The Gallery Runway Fashion show in
Berlin, Germany from July 2-3, 2013.
Design firms for this event included
Fifth Element Designs (Barbados),
Oriett Domenech (Dominican
Republic), drennaLUNA (Jamaica),
and Heather Jones Designs and
Meiling Inc. (Trinidad and Tobago).
Through Caribbean Essence, Caribbean
Export created market positioning
opportunities and tangible leads for
possible business partnerships for
Caribbean designers within the UK
and the rest of the EU through a live
showcase of their collections. The
platform also highlighted the variety of
design and market versatility available
in the Caribbean, while providing
designers with an enhanced view of
the technical and management skills
needed for success in the global fashion
industry. Participation in Caribbean
Essence, Berlin garnered tremendous
opportunities and accomplishments
for the designers, namely Atelier Doré,
drennaLUNA, Fifth Element Designs,
Meiling Inc., and Sonia Noel Designs.
ATELIER DORÉ – SURINAME
Atelier Doré started as a gold and silver
smithy named Doré & Co. in 1955
in Suriname by Doremus Hendrick
Uiterloo. In 1966, Uiterloo’s son Henk
and his wife Judith adopted Doré
& Co. and renamed it Atelier Doré.
Caribbean Export and EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Services Sector
BENEFICIARY SUCCESSES USING THE EPA
PhotobyBrianLesly