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Shop these Caribbean-owned fashion brands the next time your closet needs an upgrade
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In The Know is proud to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month. During this month, our team will highlight a wide range of Caribbean and Caribbean American-owned brands. We encourage you to support today and beyond.
You know those days when you feel like you just have absolutely nothing to wear? Sure, you’re probably standing in front of a closet full of clothes, but nothing is speaking to you. When that mood strikes, think Caribbean-owned fashion brands. From clothes and shoes to jewelry and handbags, designers of Caribbean descent are making major waves in the fashion industry. Below, you’ll find a bunch of bomb Caribbean-owned fashion brands and Caribbean American-owned fashion brands that definitely deserve a spot in your wardrobe.
Auvere
Founders: Gina Feldman Love and Stephen Feldman
About the Brand: Founded by husband-and-wife duo Gina Feldman Love and Stephen Feldman, Auvere is Caribbean-owned fashion brand inspired by the couple’s love for one another. This Caribbean American-owned jewelry brand specializes in gold; all of the pieces are crafted from either 22K or 24K gold. Whether you’re looking for wedding bands to treasure or statement pieces to wear on special occasions, Auvere has a little something special for everyone.
Bien Abyé
Founder: Dayanne Danier
About the Brand: Bien Abyé is a ready-to-wear Caribbean-owned brand that has both French and Creole influences, thanks to founder Dayanne Danier’s heritage. The brand primarily sells accessories that include headbands, face masks and even tabletop goods. Unique and stylish, bring home designs like the Green Garden Silk Headband or the Soleil Beaded Clutch. It’s worth noting that, as of May 2021, you can now buy Bien Abyé at Nordstrom.
Read more about Bien Abyé here.
Borisocks
About the Brand: If you want to add some whimsy to your life, be sure to check out Borisocks. As the brand name suggests, the “100% Puerto Rican company” sells fun, colorful socks, but that’s not all. Right now, you can also score a star-emblazoned hat and even stylish swim trunks.
Brandon Blackwood
Founder: Brandon Blackwood
About the Brand: Founded by Brooklyn-raised Jamaican and Chinese namesake Brandon Blackwood, this contemporary accessories label focuses on timeless silhouettes, quality detailing and accessibility. This Caribbean American-owned brand’s handbags and accessories retail from $70 to $8,500. Following the civil rights protests in honor of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement in the summer of 2020, Blackwood released a line of mini totes that read “End Systemic Racism” in silver embossed hardware, boosting the brand’s consciousness.
Read more about Brandon Blackwood here.
Fe Noel
Founder: Felisha Noel
About the Brand: Taking inspiration from her Grenadian culture, Felisha Noel’s fashion line is all about creating glamorous, sensual pieces that make women feel their best. The Brooklyn-based Caribbean-owned fashion brand is beloved for its bold looks that put color, pattern and volume front and center. Whether you’re dressing for the beach or brunch, you’re sure to turn heads in Fe Noel.
Isl Gyal
About the Brand: Isl Gyal is a small Caribbean-owned business that specializes in Afro-Caribbean-inspired jewelry. It’s not just about style — its jewelry helps women express their truest selves. Necklaces, rings, earrings and more feature designs inspired directly by the islands. Plus, it’s all gold-filled, dipped or plated and priced under $30.
Isleñas Shoes
Founder: Karla López Rivera
About the Brand: Launched in 2018, Isleñas is a footwear brand in Puerto Rico that creates beautifully colored, comfy espadrilles and sandals. Although each pair starts at $150, the company is committed to paying it forward through its partnership with Centro Sor Isolina Ferre, a non-profit focused on building education and healthcare.
Jae Jolly
Founder: Janel Jolly
About the Brand: With a tagline “for the Wanderlust-er who’s not afraid to stand out,” it should come as no surprise that Jae Jolly’s colorful creations are attention-grabbers. From bright, bold dresses in all shades of the rainbow to separates that will instantly amp up the wow factor of any outfit, shopping Jae Jolly is one easy way to take your closet from meh to magnificent.
Los Tejedores
Founders: Natalia Ortega Gámez and Ariel Toribio
About the Brand: Based in Santo Domingo, Los Tejedores is a must-stop shop for beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind weaving designs. From colorful hand-woven sun hats, like this Cana Visor Green Seaweed, to chic decor baskets for your living space, there is a range of styles to take home. Not to mention, the company uses natural materials and works exclusively with artisans from the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Love, YC
Founder: Jami “James Black” Spence
About the Brand: Launched by Jamaican-based fashion designer Jami “James Black” Spence, Love, YC is a Caribbean clothing brand that taps into the vibrant nature of the Caribbean, mixed with urban elements. Each piece is handmade in Kingston, Jamaica by local seamstresses and tailors. Go for the brand’s ribbed dress or kid-friendly African print shorts set.
Mateo New York
Founder: Matthew Harris
About the Brand: If your jewelry collection needs an update, look no further than Mateo New York, a Caribbean-owned jewelry brand. Founded by Matthew Harris in 2009, the line includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more, made from precious metals like 14K gold. Harris recently expanded into gorgeous handbags and luxury candles, proving there’s nothing he can’t do well.
Nichole Lynel
Founder: Nichole Lynel
About the Brand: If you’re looking for a top Caribbean American fashion brand, look no further than Nichole Lynel. Lynel went from having a successful modeling career to launching what would become a multimillion-dollar enterprise, all in under two years. Shop any of the brand’s festive dresses, or go for comfort in the Nice For What joggers.
Nina Rios
Founder: Nina Rios
About the Brand: Having studied metalsmithing at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Nina Rios went on to create her eponymous jewelry line that melds the warmth of her Caribbean heritage with the grit of living in New York City. All of her pieces are truly stunning, but the Druzy Signet rings are really out of this world.
Olette
Founder: Carolyn Compres-Diaz
About the Brand: Olette is a sustainable and ethical Caribbean fashion brand that creates clothing “inspired by you and made for you.” Founded by Dominican entrepreneur Carolyn Compres-Diaz, the brand launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of the brand’s designs are made with organic materials — even the buttons are made of recycled coconut! Choose from gorgeous designs like the sensual Historia Top or the sexy Siempre Verde Dress.
Savage x Fenty
Founder: Rihanna
About the Brand: Created by world-famous singer, designer and businesswoman Rihanna, Savage x Fenty sells bold lingerie for every body type. With an emphasis on inclusivity, Savage X sells everything from bras and panties to loungewear and robes. Add a little spice to your top drawer when you bring home the Mod Poppy Lace Bralette, Cloud Walker Thigh High Stockings or the Bombshell Broderie Lace Teddy from this Caribbean-owned fashion brand.
Theophilio
Founder: Edvin Thompson
About the Brand: Theophilio is a Brooklyn-based contemporary fashion brand by Edvin Thompson, a Jamaican American designer. The Caribbean-owned clothing brand has gained editorial recognition from outlets like I-D, Teen Vogue, Vogue and Essence. An homage to Thompson’s upbringing and culture, the Caribbean streetwear brand has fly options, including its Freedom Rasta Tank or its signature large single earring.
Trèfle
Founder: Kristin Frazer
About the Brand: Trèfle is one of the top Caribbean fashion brands and uses bold colors, patterns and fabrics inspired by the culture of the British Virgin Islands. The founder, Kristin Frazer, was born and raised in Tortola and first launched the brand in 2008, starting with women’s swimwear. Since then, she’s grown to create resort styles and swimwear for men and children and even expanded to home goods. Oh yeah, and you may have seen Trèfle worn by Beyoncé and Blue Ivy.
Tropical Vices
Founder: Greysh Collazo
About the Brand: Tropical Vices was founded by Greysh Collazo, a 23-year-old Puerto Rican entrepreneur. The brand sells affordable jewelry pieces, including bracelets, rings and necklaces, as well as jewelry organizers and hair accessories. Shop layering-friendly pieces like the Golden Initial Choker or the Zodiac Signs Necklace.
Winifred Taylor
Founder: Desiree D’Aguiar
About the Brand: Winifred Taylor is a Caribbean-owned fashion brand founded by Toronto-based designer Desiree D’Aguiar. The swimwear company’s moniker — Winifred Taylor — is named after the founder’s grandparents, combining her grandmother’s first name and her grandfather’s last name. The brand’s designs marry art and fashion and utilize sensual cuts, reversible designs and collaborative textile creations, resulting in one-of-a-kind swimwear that’s sure to stand out from the crowd. Choose from dozens of designs like this stunning tie-waist one-piece swimsuit or the eye-catching galaxy collection of bikinis.
Contributors: Madison Alcedo, Taylor Bell, Ari Bines, Ellie Conley, Moriba Cummings, Jeanine Edwards, Jamé Jackson, Brittany Nims, Julia Webb
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