9 Caribbean-American Designers You Should Know

Caribbean inspired fashions have been gracing the runway for years. Now, first Caribbean designers in the diaspora are staking their claim when it comes to emerging talent inspired by their rich heritage. Not only are there more local fashion shows in the Caribbean region, but diaspora designers are infusing their culture in the aesthetics of their brands.  For example, Haitan-Italian designer Stella Jean is a one of those mainstream designers who is making a bold statement on the runway, always brilliant with a touch of Haiti in every collection to grace the runway.

Here are a list of Caribbean-American designers you should know. (All designers have a current ready to wear line available as of 2016, available to order online, available in retail boutiques or made custom to order.)

 

Azede Jean-Pierre by Azede Jean-Pierre

The high end designer makes meticulously crafted pieces that celebrate a naturally-feminine, quirky, modern & sophisticated free-spirit. An alum of Savannah College of Art and Design and a New York City transplant, Azéde Jean-Pierre honed her skills early on apprenticing under Ralph Rucci and at Ohne Titel before pursuing the launch of her own label. Native to Pestel, Haiti and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Jean-Pierre is a refugee, a first generation American and the fourth of eight children. Azéde Jean-Pierre is Azéde Jean-Pierre’s  SS16 collection, which featured embroidered styles produced in Haiti.

I AM KRÉYOL by Joelle Jean-Fontaine

Created by Haitian-American designer Joelle Jean-Fontaine, which she runs with her mother and was inspired by her grandparents (her grandmother a seamstress and her grandfather a leather handbag maker in Haiti.) KRÉYOL’s ready-to-wear line recently teamed up with 19th Amendment to feature KREYOL items on their website and in Macys for their New York Fashion Week Fall 2016 trunk show.

Tabii Just by Tabitha St. Bernard

Tabii Just is a womenswear clothing label that encourages conscious consumerism while providing chic clothing. Locally produced in New York with a zero waste philosophy, Tabii Just‘s design aesthetic is a seamless marriage of Brooklyn edge and an easy-going Trinidadian vibe.

Musika  Frère – by Aleks Musika and Davidson Petit-Frère

Representing for Menswear is Musika  Frère. Launched in Fall 2013, Musika Frère has quickly become a leading force in luxury menswear. Designers and founders Aleks Musika and Davidson Petit-Frère bring a dynamic approach in men’s suiting by pairing classic Italian and English tailoring techniques with modern silhouettes.  The Haitian designers are putting a bold stamp on mens luxury wear “Designs for the modern, successful man who loves to make a bold statement in every room he enters.” Omari Hardwick, Kevin Hart, Lewis Hamilton are among the few celebrities that have worn their designs.

D. Auxilly by Dominique Auxilly

Known for her signature ruffles, Dominique Auxilly has been making custom cocktail and party dresses years, but has expanded to bridal and evening wear. This Jamaican-American designer has had clients like Adrienne Bailon, Nicki Minaj, Eve and more. With limited distribution in Dominique flourished with opening her own boutique and eCommerce shop, she continues to delivers custom with quality.

Prajje 1983 by Prajje Jr. Jean Baptiste

Haitian born, New York­ based fashion designer. Becoming a fashion designer was Prajje’s childhood dream after graduating from Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Prajje opened his own fashion company, Prajje 1983, in 2003. Specializing in glamorous evening dresses his designs are vibrant and flattering to the feminine silhouette.

Sammy B by Samatha Black

Samantha Black is a Jamaican-American designer featured as  on Lifetime’s Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars. Samantha has a great eye for bold textures and prints and makes edgy dresses, tops and pants that are fun and sassy for women.

D’Marsh by Glenroy March

House of D’Marsh had its genesis in Spring 2003 when designer Glenroy March launched his Spring collection during Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston. Now based in New York, the designer remains inspired by his Jamaican heritage while brining the influence to the masses creating ready to wear clothing for men and women, along with custom orders and even a cosmetic line of lotions and shower gels and bow tie accessories.

Nicole and Madeline

There’s nothing like custom pieces and Nicole and Madeline make it easy to order online. Specializing in custom and creative clothing for women, men, and children. Their custom design touch allow you to select the fabrics you want and are designed to your specific measurements all online. Wide belt skirts and dresses for women (included printed fabric and leather) , booties for babies, bow ties for kids and  shirt/pant/vests for men. All with a handmade touch. Beauty blogger Patrice Yursik recently wore a black leather skirt made by Nicole and Madeline while hosting during New York Fashion Week.