WHO: Roots Rock Rebelle
WHAT: “This aint your grandma’s crochet.” –– Tosha Groves & Tandra Birkett
WHERE: Representing New York City
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Who knew crochet could look this sexy? A low dipped neckline, cut-out back and yarns that hug your curves make it one haute hand-made piece.
WHO: Vain Glory by Jehan Jackson
WHAT: Named after the designer’s mother’s small birthplace of Old Harbour Bay, a seaside community in St. Catherine Jamaica, the collection is an injection of vibrant digitally printed botanical and geological imagery, breathtaking beach scenery and rich foliage prints on contemporary and chic vintage influenced swimwear and resortwear silhouettes.
WHERE: “I identify with and am influenced by the cultural independent island of Jamaica where I was raised, as well as the international vivacity of my birthplace, New York City.” –– Jehan Jackson
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Jehan Jackson was one of the best collections at Caribbean Fashion Week, and this one look proves our point: A floor length chiffon gown, matching bikini and larger-than-life gold weave accessories. All get-aways should look this glam.
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: The drama one wouldn’t expect from a one-piece swimsuit is exactly why we love it. Long sleeves, trimmed with ruffles, and totally backless are all of the drama points that sneak up on you.
WHO: the cloth by designers Robert Young and Mark Eastman
WHAT “Liberation is truly possible if we heal from our various defeats.” –– Robert Young and Mark Eastman
WHERE: Representing Trinidad and Tobago
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Young and Eastman found a way to perfect a homely-chic look in this melange of quilting. The vibrant patterns, cinched waist and draped skirt makes it romantically bohemian, yet incredibly stylish.
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: If we could wear a tropical rainforest this is exactly how it would look. Young and Eastmans palm printed shirt and flared skirt is just another example of how they seamlessly blend a multitude of bold fabrics into one.
WHO: IsayU Son of My Loins collection by Kirsten Benjamin
WHAT: “Inspired by the birth of my first son.” –– Kirsten Benjamin
WHERE: Representing Trinidad and Tobago
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Kirsten Benjamin’s white top hit all of the right notes: shoulder cut-outs, sweet-heart neckline, and cropped, yet still clean enough not to compete with this pretty patterned skirt.
WHO: Then and Now collection by Meiling
WHAT: “Inspired by classic Meiling pieces which I have re-visited and paid very close attention to the details. The collection is meant to reinforce my design aesthetic and mantra that ‘less is more.'” –– Meiling
WHERE: Trinidad and Tobago
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Thank you Meiling for perfecting that borrowed-from-the-boyfriend oxford shirt look just for us. This style, with subtle design details, make it a bit more refined and flattering to the female form.
WHO: Everblazing for Fifa
WHAT “World cup, the collection is a fun mixture of sports and sexy wear.”
WHERE: Representing Serbia and Italy
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Goal! This collection, an ode to FIFA, did the unimaginable –– make women dressed in soccer-ball motifs look really cool. Yes, ball-covered boobs and and a bouncy short skirts (literally) can be sexy.
WHO: Alicia Mullings
WHAT: “Inspire to empower and to start conversations through positive imagery on fabric within fashion.” –– Alicia Mullings
WHERE: Representing London, United Kingdom
WHY WE LOVED THIS LOOK: Alicia Mullings gives new meaning to power pants with this afro-centric palazzo pant we adored! The hi-waist style was balanced by this cropped long-sleeved top which paired down the look perfectly.
