Caribbean Fashion and Creative Industries: A Potential Market
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Models walk the runway at the Precision Cut Tailoring show during NYFW Powered By DCSW Spring/Summer 2023 Collection at Chelsea Industrial on September 10, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for DCSW)
A Platform for Caribbean Creatives
For many creatives growing up on an island, dreaming of showcasing their work at one of the most extensive showings of fashion and beauty in the world is a far-fetched idea that’s difficult in an environment made up of doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, and the tradition goes on and on.
Breaking Barriers
As a child, I found myself going through my mother’s fashion magazines, watching the glossy pages, and wanting to create those images and content for the rest of my life. But as most young creatives, we live in a strong, academically conservative society, which produces some of the world’s most competitive academics. Still, sadly our creatives are not supported in the same manner.
My Journey to Self-Expression
My search to fulfill my creative expression has led me to Vancouver, where there is a ‘callaloo ‘of cultures that thrive on creativity, wellness, and high quality of life.
Caribbean Creative Talent
Like me, this year, a group of young creatives from Tobago, Monifa St Clair- House of Xarabii.
Succeeding at NY Fashion Week
Daniel Clarke – Florescent black, Andrew John Smith, Precision Tailoring, and Nedra Waldron- Nedra Fashions, who took the leap of faith and showcased their works at NY Fashion Week. The designers confirmed that the Caribbean can and is naturally positioned to produce world-class fashion designs beyond resort wear and sea island cotton.
Challenges Ahead
The question for the next generation of leaders would be, how do we create the right environment to encourage our creatives to penetrate the global US3 trillion creative industries? What infrastructure and governmental support are needed to fortify our entrepreneurial and investment programs to ensure we capitalize on an almost indestructible industry, constantly innovating and riding the waves of the macro-economic environment?
Create a Culture of Creativity
But beyond those structures, how do we create a culture that values, encourages, and promotes creative expression, allowing Caribbean creatives to chart a natural path of economic diversification?
Engaging the Global Market
We applaud our young people for thinking outside the box and looking beyond our borders, opening their doors to the global marketplace. How we engage, harness, and monetize this young Caribbean talent before they join the migrant flight or often wither away into oblivion will be the challenge of this new millennial progressive leadership.
Potential Market
The Caribbean Diaspora worldwide has been eager to engage with their homeland, which the islands have welcomed as we recognize that we can increase our global positioning by simply expanding our cultural borders and engaging our people.
Caribbean Creative Industries
Andrew Smith, Owner and Lead Designer at Precision Cut Tailoring, said, "You can access us online; we provide online and zoom consultations and ship anywhere, ‘Covid has changed the way fashion is done in the Caribbean; we have gone more virtual and have focused on digital in terms of our operations and sales, ‘Smith added."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Caribbean fashion and creative industries are emerging as a potential market that should not be overlooked. With the right infrastructure, support, and cultural values, we can ensure that our creatives thrive and contribute significantly to the global creative economy.
FAQs
Q: What is the potential market of Caribbean fashion and creative industries?
A: The global creative industries are valued at US3 trillion, and the Caribbean fashion industry has the potential to tap into this massive market.
Q: What infrastructure is needed to support Caribbean creatives?
A: Governments and corporations need to invest in infrastructure, such as online platforms, digital marketing, and virtual showrooms, to support Caribbean creatives.
Q: How can the Caribbean Diaspora engage with the islands?
A: The Caribbean Diaspora can engage with the islands by attending events like the Caribbean Diaspora Investment Forum and Tobago Day, participating in online consultations, and supporting Caribbean creatives through their purchasing power.