Caribbean Designers  Bring the Islands to Fashion Week

Caribbean fashion took center stage on the streets of New York during September’s fashion week as the Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC) brought four Caribbean-connected brands together for a Spring/Summer 2027 showcase in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.

Held on September 10 on Little West 12th Street, the outdoor presentation transformed the cobblestone street into a runway, with models showcasing designs as guests and passersby gathered along the route. The showcase formed part of the wider New York Fashion Week season and was presented in collaboration with the Meatpacking District.

The CFC presented 51 pieces from four brands: Rêve Jewellery, Kudos Designs by Gaynelder Grazette, FLUID COVENANT by Benji Vanderpump and THELOST TRIBE. The collections featured statement jewelry, bold colors, distinctive textures and silhouettes drawing on different aspects of Caribbean creativity and the diaspora.

CFC founder and CEO Xavier Walker, who is Jamaican and has roots in Manchester, said bringing several designers together on one runway allows each brand to retain its individual identity while benefiting from a shared platform. He said the collective’s goal extends beyond a single fashion show to creating greater visibility and professional opportunities for Caribbean designers and makers.

The collective’s leadership also reflects the Caribbean diaspora. Co-founder and chief financial officer Norka Vasquezis from the Dominican Republic, while co-founder and chief operating officer Stewella Daville was born in the United States and has Jamaican heritage. Their backgrounds have helped shape CFC’s focus on connecting Caribbean creativity with international fashion audiences.

Walker said consumers interested in incorporating Caribbean influence into their wardrobes can begin with pieces created by Caribbean designers and artisans, including jewelry, printed shirts, crochet work, and garments distinguished by texture. He suggested that such pieces can be combined with everyday staples to create looks that incorporate Caribbean elements without requiring an entirely new wardrobe.

The showcase also provided the participating designers with exposure to fashion editors, stylists, buyers, and potential collaborators. By taking the presentation outdoors, CFC also brought the work beyond a traditional invitation-only runway audience, allowing pedestrians in the Meatpacking District to encounter Caribbean fashion as they moved through the neighborhood.

CFC’s September presentation was part of the broader Spring/Summer 2027 New York fashion season, which ran from September 10 to 15 on the preliminary official CFDA calendar and featured 70 runway shows and designer presentations. The Caribbean Fashion Collective’s showcase added another platform for Caribbean designers seeking to establish a stronger presence in the international fashion industry.